3rd Amendment EIC form question

[newtothis]

I have the opportunity to install a new consumer unit at my house,
Under supervison of an approved contractor. He will notify

7.0 CONSUMER UNIT(S) / DISTRIBUTION BOARD(S):
7.1 Adequacy of access and working space for items of electrical equipment including switchgear.

Does this mean a CU cannot be fitted in an existing cramped, awkward location ?
Eg The box on the EIC can't be ticked so non- compliant ??

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Pete999]

I have the opportunity to install a new consumer unit at my house,
Under supervison of an approved contractor. He will notify



Does this mean a CU cannot be fitted in an existing cramped, awkward location ?
Eg The box on the EIC can't be ticked so non- compliant ??

Thanks in advance for your input.

What is the reason for swapping the CU??

 

[newtothis]

Upstairs ring final + radial to office and all lighting inc bathroom not RCD protected.
I'd like the whole house RCD protected, with my office on an RCBO.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Reg 132.12 Electrical equipment shall be arranged so as to afford as may be necessary:

(i) sufficient space for the initial installation and later replacement of individual items of electrical equipment.

(ii) accessibility for operation, inspection, testing, fault detection, maintenance and repair.

 

[newtothis]

I've been able to do the full range of tests on it - it's one of those B&Q marbo 16ed CUs
It does involve lying down with your head in a cupboard under the stairs.

For cosmetic reasons I don't know were else it could go.
I have spare cash, and a good mate and offered his time so I thought it would be a good opportunity.

 

[newtothis]

I could drop it down below to the cellar, however that would mean leaving the house in the event of a trip.
The other thing is it's hard, or impossible to obtain Marbo MCBs or RCDs so if any failed I would be up the swanny anyway ?

 

[newtothis]

Reg 132.12 Electrical equipment shall be arranged so as to afford as may be necessary:

(i) sufficient space for the initial installation and later replacement of individual items of electrical equipment.

(ii) accessibility for operation, inspection, testing, fault detection, maintenance and repair.

Thanks mate.
Would you say when I install it, and test it. That in itself proves there was enough space; therefore it's compliant ?

 

[Leesparkykent]

Thanks mate.
Would you say when I install it, and test it. That in itself proves there was enough space; therefore it's compliant ?

Yeah I would. It doesn't sound ideal but you can only work with what you've got.

 

[Richard Burns]

Regulation 15 of the EAWR comes in to play here as well.
However you need to assess whether the space is adequate for the work required to be performed safely.
If it is OK then you can proceed, and in some ways if it has been done once then it can be done again, but do not expect to be able to use this argument in a court case!

On a practical note this is the best opportunity to move the consumer unit to a better location.
About chest height in the middle of a large open wall with lights all round and battery powered light as well would be the best idea!:bulb2::biggrin::jester: (optimist)
Think of the next person to come along and do some work, it is probably you!

 

[newtothis]

On a practical note this is the best opportunity to move the consumer unit to a better location.

Agreed, I will look into this, the spark who's going to supervise me, is saying the same thing.
I don't like the idea of having the exend all the circuit cables.

 

[Richard Burns]

Agreed, I will look into this, the spark who's going to supervise me, is saying the same thing.
I don't like the idea of having the exend all the circuit cables.

Then the questions is: Is there enough room to do the work to extend the cables!!!!
Never simple!

 

[newtothis]

Then the questions is: Is there enough room to do the work to extend the cables!!!!
Never simple!

My house has a 6ft void underneath the whole of the ground floor - it makes things handy. everything is visible/accessible.
I thought you were limited to 3 meters from the service head, though I can't remember were I heard that.
I Have a bit of research to do, if you happen to have any pointers on were I should start, that would be great.

 

[Leesparkykent]

My house has a 6ft void underneath the whole of the ground floor - it makes things handy. everything is visible/accessible.
I thought you were limited to 3 meters from the service head, though I can't remember were I heard that.
I Have a bit of research to do, if you happen to have any pointers on were I should start, that would be great.

You could install a switch fuse if the new position is of a bit of a distance from the cutout.

 

[newtothis]

You could install a switch fuse if the new position is of a bit of a distance from the cutout.

I measured it up it's 3 meters, to were I'd put it, but the wife thinks it should go above the front door which would add 2.5 mtrs and the addtional hassle of chasing up the wall. Still not happy about extending the circuit cables, is it common practise ?
I'm on the old style black and red wiring.

 

[Leesparkykent]

I measured it up it's 3 meters, to were I'd put it, but the wife thinks it should go above the front door which would add 2.5 mtrs and the addtional hassle of chasing up the wall. Still not happy about extending the circuit cables, is it common practise ?
I'm on the old style black and red wiring.

You could use something like this https://www.connexbox.com/dre-5-din-rail-enclosure.html