18th Edition - How has it changed what boards you buy?

[Electrical2go]

We're interested in what changes you've made to become 18th edition compliant.

We want to ensure we're stocking what you need most at Electrical2Go.

So Overload and Surge Protection...

Are you buying fully populated 18th Edition boards? Or buying cheaper boards and adapting?

Cheers,

Electrical2Go HQ

 

[happysteve]

I offer clients the option of SPD or no SPD, since the 18th Edition came into force. I like to buy a main switch board (for RCBOs) with SPD already fitted by the manufacturer - saves me time connecting it up, and even the manufacturers aren't clear on how to fit their own SPDs... for example, I couldn't make sense of the Hager instructions, as they seemed to be contradictory. I phoned technical support: "Yeah, the instructions are wrong, here's how to do it...". If a board with factory-fitted SPD costs me less than £100 (incl VAT) more than the equivalent plain main switch board, then I'm happy. Usually fit Hager or Wylex.

 

[happysteve]

The main change (with the 18th), though, hasn't been boards... it's been metal clips. I'd really, really welcome some competetively-priced alternatives to Linian (which are ace, just dear), the Schneider T&E clips that Screwfix sell, buckle clips (from Saren), the D-Line bend-over jobbies etc.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

The main change (with the 18th), though, hasn't been boards... it's been metal clips. I'd really, really welcome some competetively-priced alternatives to Linian (which are ace, just dear), the Schneider T&E clips that Screwfix sell, buckle clips (from Saren), the D-Line bend-over jobbies etc.

I'm a bit embarrassed to say I haven't properly looked into this change Steve. Could you (or anyone) give me the reg so I can have a read? Is it just in relation to cable that's clipped onto the surface?

 

[Risteard]

I'm a bit embarrassed to say I haven't properly looked into this change Steve. Could you (or anyone) give me the reg so I can have a read? Is it just in relation to cable that's clipped onto the surface?

I presume he's referring to premature collapse of wiring systems. In a sense the Regulation isn't new, although previously only escape routes were covered by this. However, escape routes weren't actually defined so many places could arguably have been escape routes.

 

[happysteve]

Yes, what he said ^

So previously, imagine clipping SWA in a garage, or round the outside of a house, I would have used plastic cleats for the majority of the length, complemented by all-round band above doors. Now you need to do that everywhere. All-round band doesn't look that great.* Be nice to have a metal cleat that I could use everywhere, that looks alright, that didn't cost the earth.

See also: clipping T&E in attics

* Some have suggested over-sizing the cleat and putting all-round band inside it. Bit faffy, though!

Edit: in terms of a Reg number: 521.10.202

 

[telectrix]

Where's Tel with his stash?

running a bit low on my stock of wylex populated with 3036's, need to find a cheap alternative

 

[Wilko]

Hi - this year I’ve been offering SPD to domestics and two have actually paid to have them fitted. I’m usually doing an upgrade and normally they want / need something similar in size to the existing fuse unit. So it’s likely all RCBO, even more now there’s 2 more ways for the SPD.

 

[Electrical2go]

Chris, you show me where you can get a fully loaded Hager board including SPD, RCD's and MCB's for £150 and I'll eat every hat in my house!!?

We sell the Hager VML910CUSPD for £150 ex VAT, as well as the VML910CUSPDRK Search results for: 'VML910CUSPD' - https://www.electrical2go.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=VML910CUSPD

 

[Electrical2go]

Consumer unit world...

Type A RCDs as well, 100 Amp

Hager VML910CUSPD 10 Way High Integrity Consumer Unit with Surge Protection - https://www.consumerunitworld.co.uk/hager-vml910cuspd-populated-10-way-high-integrity-consumer-unit--surge-protection-3605-p.asp

We sell the Hager VML910CUSPD for £150 ex VAT, as well as the VML910CUSPDRK Search results for: 'VML910CUSPD' - https://www.electrical2go.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=VML910CUSPD .... oh... with an extra 5% off if you use your Electrician Forum discount code. If you don't have our 5% code, message us and we'll send it to you.