If they specify that it's non-combustible to the standard specified by BS7671, no problem. Now which standard does BS7671 reference
They also don't specify a standard for steel ones either.
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Discuss AFDD in 18th 2nd Amendment in the Electrical Wiring, Theories and Regulations area at ElectriciansForums.net
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They also don't specify a standard for steel ones either.
They only deem it to be an example of a non-combustible material, they don't say “steel complies”.
The practical effect of the wording is that they say exactly that. Is there any other interpretation of "You must use X, ferrous metal is deemed to be X" other than "using ferrous metal complies with the requirement to use X" ? Since steel is a ferrous metal, then using it is deemed to comply because the note says it does - there is no scope for doubt since ferrous metal is by definition one based on iron, and steel is an alloy composed mainly of iron.
Though I suppose you could go down the rabbit hole of pointing out that they don't define what ferrous metal is ...
Though I suppose you could go down the rabbit hole of pointing out that they don't define what ferrous metal is ...
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I would say yes as long as it's deemed to be non-combustible, but that’s listed as a garage consumer unit.
According to Luceco Technical Team,
This board is fully compliant with all of the manufacturing requirements in the 18th edition of the wiring regulations.
According to Luceco Technical Team,
This board is fully compliant with all of the manufacturing requirements in the 18th edition of the wiring regulations.
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Realistically all of the metals used for electrical work are going to be acceptable, steel is cheapest and easy to work with. Aluminium is easier to mould in to odd shapes and has some theoretical advantages (e.g. higher strength to weight ratio, non-magnetic, higher conductivity) but cost is likely to go against it. Same for copper and brass, but knobs on the price tag.
There are some metals that would not be acceptable, most obvious is magnesium alloys as they will burn spectacularly in air if heated to even normal temperatures. Less obvious are alloys with large amounts of beryllium in them as they result in toxic dust if worked, as well as being expensive.
There are some metals that would not be acceptable, most obvious is magnesium alloys as they will burn spectacularly in air if heated to even normal temperatures. Less obvious are alloys with large amounts of beryllium in them as they result in toxic dust if worked, as well as being expensive.
D
davesparks
I checked the specs on them and it actually says its cast steel.
Trying to get my head round this. Chlorine trifluoride? Crikey, i don't want to meet that any time soon! However, that and an oxygen lance are unlikely bedfellows for a domestic CU. I'm presuming that what the regs are intending, though not saying, is that the material used should be non-combustible "in the normally envisaged environment in which it is installed"...I'm simply thinking that, eg in a normal house, you are unlikely to encounter a situation where conditions can exist which would cause a normally non-combustible material to go on fire, and the purpose of the enclosure is to contain any fire that may occur within the enclosure, or prevent any fire externally from gaining access to the interior of the enclosure. I can see that steel is probably the easiest and cheapest solution for many reasons. Would carbon fibre be an option as i believe it has a very high temperature melting point and doesn't actually combust? It would look really "cool" too!
You checked the wrong one.
Put 1926g in.
https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/briti...d=337165#product_additional_details_container
Yes, I think we all assume that. But in terms of signing a certificate to say "this installation complies with BS7671 ed foo amd bar" then I don't think "we all assume" is sufficient. I'd agree that an oxygen lance or ClF3 is highly unlikely to be involved, but I'm sure some interesting cases have come up in the past - hence the adage that nothing is foolproof as fools are so inventive.
All they (the committee behind BS7671) had to do was reference an existing standard, or simply state "when heated to X˚C in a normal atmosphere" if they didn't want to use an existing standard. Had they done that then there'd be an objective test allowing the use of any material that met the specific requirements. I.e. it would be really easy - "does the material meet the laid down objective test ?", if yes then it can be used.
Wouldn't that be BS EN 61439-3.
The BG data sheet says steel:
Screwfix info says for the 1926g
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Brand | British General |
| Cable Entry Points | Top, Bottom, Side & Rear |
| Construction Material (Electrical) | Aluminium |
| Consumer Unit Type | Garage |
| CSU Populated/Unpopulated | Populated |
| Current Rating | 40 A |
| Fixings Supplied | Fixings Not Supplied |
| Integrity | Non High Integrity |
| IP Rating | IP65 |
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Indeed, they don't match.
is that for the 1926g
angles??? angels??
Id take the manufacturers data sheets over Screwfix's description any time.
Yes, looks like screw fix messed up, i'll shop at tool station from now on
I looked a bit more and indeed you're right, not that i would use BG anyway as the last time i used one 3 of the mcbs were faulty.
You don't believe all that the Screwfix website says do you
D
davesparks
I have fitted one of those BG units and I could have sworn it was a cast ally/lightweight alloy from the weight and the way it drilled.
N
nicebutdim
Just did a bit of digging as I know there have been changes to these boards over the years, but can not find anything which confirms if aluminium was ever used for the enclosure. I know they used to be (probably still are) cast, rather than pressed, which might account for the odd feel it had when drilling.
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Yet another thread that appears to be arguing for the sake of arguing.
Closing.
Welcome @Geraldine you may be better off starting a new thread with more detail as Edd is no longer a forum member.
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