15cm high consumer unit

[jumpjamesjump]

A client of mine wants a board change but it's in a really tight spot! The exising board in 25cm wide and 15cm tall with 5 circuits. So 5 rcbos + mains witch will suffice. Anyone know a brand that would fit?

18cm tall is probably the largest it can go

thanks v much

 

[telectrix]

suggest relocating to a close place a CU will fit.

 

[pc1966]

Replacing and old Wylex wired fuse box?

While you might expect MCB would not need any more space around them than the old BS3036 wired fuses that is not how most boxes seem to be dimensioned for. I suspect the only real option is what @telectrix suggests.

 

[Lister1987]

6 way garage RCBO board not do the trick? Could use 4 way but depends on what you're running circuitwise

 

[telectrix]

@ OP a pic would help of the whole area incuding meter if it's there.

 

[pc1966]

6 way garage RCBO board not do the trick? Could use 4 way but depends on what you're running circuitwise

Most garage units seem to be around the 25cm height range, alas!

 

[Lister1987]

Most garage units seem to be around the 25cm height range, alas!

Mount it sideways?

 

[pc1966]

Mount it sideways?

I have seen that with the old Wylex boards, but I have a feeling there is some regulation/guidance note stating the main isolation switch has to operate in an up/down direction (mentioned a couple of weeks ago on these forums).
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Consumer unit installed on it's side. | Page 3 | on ElectriciansForums

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@Julie. Also points out about the fire containment issue, as many covers are designed to close under gravity (which probably won't work sideways).

 

[Lister1987]

I have seen that with the old Wylex boards, but I have a feeling there is some regulation/guidance note stating the main isolation switch has to operate in an up/down direction (mentioned a couple of weeks ago on these forums).
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Consumer unit installed on it's side. | Page 3 | on ElectriciansForums

Find Consumer unit installed on it's side. Advice and Help. How-to Consumer unit installed on it's side. in the UK Electrical Forum advice boards on ElectriciansForums.net | Free Electrical Advice - Electricians Forums: Electricians' Talk Forums. Consumer unit installed on...

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@Julie. Also points out about the fire containment issue, as many covers are designed to close under gravity (which probably won't work sideways).

The gravity argument is a moot point, you just have to look at 3 phase boards with Thier sideways opening door to see that (it's not like they close under gravity (unless the door is wonky ?).

The best the regs can manage is to install to manufacturer specification but that's it, no reg other than that.

This of course does put interesting points to manufacturers, units should be designed to work on either plane with IP rating applicable on all sides, not just top.

 

[pc1966]

The gravity argument is a moot point, you just have to look at 3 phase boards with Thier sideways opening door to see that (it's not like they close under gravity (unless the door is wonky ?).

Yes, they they often have a catch to latch the door closed. Many domestic CU just flap down under gravity.

The best the regs can manage is to install to manufacturer specification but that's it, no reg other than that.

This of course does put interesting points to manufacturers, units should be designed to work on either plane with IP rating applicable on all sides, not just top.

I suspect this use-case is just not enough for them to care about

 

[Julie.]

Don't forget, there are different rules / regulations between domestic and commercial installations, for example the rule about fire resistance (currently only regarded as met with the use of metal enclosures for cu's) is domestic only, and does not apply to commercial or industrial properties (like part P in England), in addition domestic properties are regarded as having untrained personal operating the equipment, whilst in commercial and industrial, it is usually considered that the people operating or accessing the electrical systems are trained, so one might expect a trained person to close and lock the cover on the dist board, whilst additional measures must be considered for untrained people in their own homes accessing the cu.

 

[Zerax]

The gravity argument is a moot point, you just have to look at 3 phase boards with Thier sideways opening door to see that (it's not like they close under gravity (unless the door is wonky ?).

Just get a wet-pants to fit it... they seem good at fitting toilet seats that don't stay up on their own !

 

[davesparks]

The gravity argument is a moot point, you just have to look at 3 phase boards with Thier sideways opening door to see that (it's not like they close under gravity (unless the door is wonky ?).

A distribution board is not a consumer unit intended for us in a domestic installation.
You are confusing two different products.
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I have seen that with the old Wylex boards, but I have a feeling there is some regulation/guidance note stating the main isolation switch has to operate in an up/down direction (mentioned a couple of weeks ago on these forums).

Some main switches are horizontal by design, and some operate with a quarter turn rotary handle.