B or C curve for 16A supply to R Tech 161 AC/DC Inverter TIG?

[RWD3M]

Hi all,

Just a quickie, Do I need a B or C curve MCB for the 16A outlet for my recently purchased R Tech 161 AC/DC Inverter TIG?

Cheers,

 

[Robotstar5]

What you really need to ask is whether your installation will still meet the earth fault disconnection times if you fit a C curve breaker, a local sparky can advise.

 

[RWD3M]

What you really need to ask is whether your installation will still meet the earth fault disconnection times if you fit a C curve breaker, a local sparky can advise.

Thanks, it does. I had this checked when I fitted the C curve for the ramp (might have been you that suggested it then). Just want to be sure whether I need the C for the TIG.

 

[Pete.]

For an inverter I'd say a b would do the job but if a C is available I'd fit that.

 

[Memmeddu]

We mainly use C curve on everything over here in Italy.
B curve is for more delicate electronics generally.
But the truth is that when the MCB is tripped what's connected and caused it to trip is already f@#*ed up
What an MCB is really supposed to do is save you and the wirings from short circuit.
When it trips it did for two reasons, short circuit or overload.
Overload is related to the wirings
Short circuit is related to the fault.
It somehow manages to avoid further damages but if your Tig welder has a short even a D curve will trip instantly
The only difference is the tolerance for inrush current from what we say hungry consumer.
There's no short but a pretty high starting current like for example an air compressor or a buzz box.
But again honestly speaking it will make no difference if there's a short it will trip but the short circuit is already occurred and so the damage

 

[brightspark]

wouldnt be fitting a d type they only trip when the current rating exceeds 10 to 20 times the rated current of the breaker, so a 16 amp d type mcb trips at about 320 amp most gear with a high starting current only need a c type max