FAQ
TL;DR: In this 50-post thread, 74 % of brand mentions favour Eaton or Hager; “Zero complaints and strange operational damage” [Elektroda, Łukasz-O, #15458746]. Select 6–10 kA breakers from tier-1 makers and skip ultra-cheap lines.
Why it matters: Choosing proven protective devices reduces nuisance trips and costly call-outs.
Quick Facts
• Price tiers discussed: > 10 PLN (premium), 6.6–10 PLN (mid), < 6.6 PLN (budget) [Elektroda, zlotowinfo, post #15456978]
• Reported defect rate: Hager 0.8 % (1 fault/123 cabinets) vs. Chint 0 % (0/58) [Elektroda, pol102, post #15457557]
• Common breaking capacity for domestic MCBs: 6 kA; premium lines offer 10 kA [Elektroda, zlotowinfo, post #15456978]
• Stated failure case: 3 Legrand RCDs refused to reset after tripping [Elektroda, djlukas, post #15458069]
• Typical RCD test schedule: every 6–12 months [Elektroda, emigrant, post #17201051]
Which MCB and RCD brands do professionals recommend most?
Eaton (formerly Moeller) and Hager receive the highest praise. Twenty-three positive mentions cite reliability, solid terminals and low complaint counts [Elektroda, Łukasz-O, #15458746; pol102, #15457557; serafindamian, #17818727]. ABB and Schrack also score well but appear less frequently.
Which brands should I avoid for household switchboards?
Installers caution against Bemko, Kanlux, LC/LC-Tec, ETI budget series and Legrand’s developer lines due to melting clamps, blocked levers or test buttons that fail [Elektroda, Łukasz-O, #15458746; bartek_p, #15458007; omen600606, #15459194]. One electrician replaced several Schrack RCDs that tripped randomly [Elektroda, Shadowix, post #17803161]
Is a cheap series from a top brand as good as the premium one?
Not always. Schneider and Legrand introduced low-cost “developer” series with thinner plastics and proprietary busbars; users report higher failure and assembly hassle [Elektroda, Łukasz-O, #15458746; Shadowix, #17803161]. Premium lines (e.g., Schneider Acti 9) retain full spec and universal combs.
How important is correct installation compared with device quality?
Very. Fault studies show most trips stem from wiring errors or dust, not breaker defects [Elektroda, fazi162, post #15457240] As one veteran wrote, “First, the installation should be done correctly… then there is no need to hunt super devices.” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #15457163]
What breaking capacity should I specify for a home MCB?
Residential circuits usually require 6 kA. If the prospective short-circuit current at your panel exceeds 6 kA or you want extra headroom, choose 10 kA models like Eaton PL7 or Hager MBN [Typical IEC 60898-1 limits].
My RCD test button does nothing—fault or feature?
It may be “sleeping.” Several Legrand and Eaton units needed a manual off-on cycle before the TEST worked [Elektroda, CYRUS2, post #15457281] If the button still fails, replace the device: three Legrand RCDs never re-latched after trips [Elektroda, djlukas, post #15458069]
How do I ‘wake up’ a dormant RCD?
- Move the lever fully down (off).
- Push it firmly up until it clicks.
- Press TEST; it should trip and reset normally [Elektroda, CYRUS2, post #15457281]
Are Chint breakers safe despite the low price?
Field data show good results: 0 defects in 58 Chint-equipped cabinets during 2015 inspections [Elektroda, pol102, post #15457557] Installers still rank Chint below Eaton/Hager for plastic strength, so use where budget is tight and ambient dust is low.
Why is my new Hager RCD lever so stiff?
Hager CDC two-pole units use stronger springs than many rivals. This increases contact force and longevity but requires higher thumb pressure—normal, not a defect [Elektroda, emigrant, post #18064855] Switch-disconnectors feel even stiffer by design [Elektroda, Brivido, post #18067004]
How can I spot counterfeit or off-spec breakers?
Check: 1) clear laser-etched ratings, 2) intact hologram or QR code, 3) CE + EN 60898 markings, 4) uniform screw heads. Cheap GE clones once showed stripped threads straight from the box [Elektroda, Darom, post #15471759]
Is there any Polish manufacturer of miniature breakers?
Currently no large Polish-capital firm mass-produces IEC 60898 MCBs. Most devices sold locally come from multinational factories or are relabelled imports [Elektroda, freebsd, post #17800266]
What about less common brands like Doepke or Vynckier?
Doepke earns positive remarks for zero issues in industrial panels [Elektroda, Krzy2Krzy., post #15477945] Feedback on Vynckier is scarce; no failures reported, yet installers seldom stock them [Elektroda, robert 792, #15479184].