Consumer unit as recommended by governing body

[dlt27]

Hi all, I phoned my governing body yesteday to ask the dreaded question about TT system with metal consumer unit. His reply was that a tails gland should be used with clamp for tails in board and a 100mA rcd as main switch to protect tails feeding 30mA rcd's. He also said a fire resistant material should be used in plastic trunking above board to stop fire escaping past holes where cables enter the board and setting the trunking on fire. I said I thought as long as ip ratings for horizontal and vertical edges were met there wasn't a requirement for the board to be fire rated. His reply was that anywhere air could get in or fire could escape from should be sealed else there is no point fitting a metal board.
We both finally agreed that I could fit a 100mA rcd in plastic enlosure before board as it woudn't be classed as switch gear (wylex also recommed this practice on there youtube video even though I disagree and think it should be classed as switchgear).
I understand eveything he said, but where do you stop with extra expense for materias, labour etc
I just wondered how far the rest of you go and what practices you would recommend in this situation. Thanks in advance.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Comparison here
Hager - Comparison Table of the Design Range

The design 30 also has a lockable lid clasp

I'm paying just under a ton (inc VAT) for a 5+5 design 10 with breakers[/QUOTE]

That's pretty good Andy, where's that from?

 

[Leesparkykent]

I'm paying similar money to Andy from believe it or not my local CEF. You can buy populated 5 and 5 AM3 Hager boards online for around £110 inc the dreaded.

 

[telectrix]

so, basically double the cost of an insulated CU.

 

[Leesparkykent]

so, basically double the cost of an insulated CU.

Yeah..

 

[Andy78]

Comparison here
Hager - Comparison Table of the Design Range

The design 30 also has a lockable lid clasp

I'm paying just under a ton (inc VAT) for a 5+5 design 10 with breakers[/QUOTE]

That's pretty good Andy, where's that from?

That's from a local independent. I believe that sentate/rexcell do some good deals though if you have one close.

 

[stevethesparks]

What's the general opinions here of the MK Sentry consumers units nowadays. They don't seem to get much mention lately, and did at one time have a bit of a reputation?

 

[Midwest]

What's the general opinions here of the MK Sentry consumers units nowadays. They don't seem to get much mention lately, and did at one time have a bit of a reputation?

The pyshical outside appearance is quite good IMO, so useful in a visible area, hallway etc. Inside there are a bit roomier. Everything else is the same as their previous incarnations, including twisting mcb's on din rails. Back knockouts could be a bit bigger. All in all, okay.

 

[Midwest]

What estalished guidance exactly are you talking about or what do you recommend? Thanks. The organisation is NAPIT.

You might wanna ring Napit back. One of their guys was one of the panellists on the Harrogate Elex vid, linked in post 10. Precise of all panellist was maintaining IP ratings (no requirement for intumescent sealant), External/stand alone RCD enclosure must be A3 compliant.

 

[gnselectricals]

That's from a local independent. I believe that sentate/rexcell do some good deals though if you have one close.

My local senate are doin a 10way loaded Rcbo ammd 3 for £120 all in I believe from a mate. Not a well known make tho [emoji51]

 

[NDG Elecs]

Just to add to the Hager prices, I picked up a 5+5 high integrity Design 10 with 8 MCBs today for £135.00 Inc VAT. Obviously the high integrity pushes it up a bit. That's from Eddys.

 

[Octopus]

Just to add to the Hager prices, I picked up a 5+5 high integrity Design 10 with 8 MCBs today for £135.00 Inc VAT. Obviously the high integrity pushes it up a bit. That's from Eddys.

I stopped fitting dual RCD boards a few years ago. Customers get offered hi integrity or rcbo only!

 

[NDG Elecs]

I stopped fitting dual RCD boards a few years ago. Customers get offered hi integrity or rcbo only!

I don't mind dual boards, find them OK for healthy installs. I lean towards the HI boards, as it's nice to have the option of a dedicated circuit or three. I sort of tend to fit all RCBO boards for smaller boards with, say, 4-5 ccts..