Consumer Unit Change - Back Entry

Piratepete · Oct 13, 2016

Hi Guys
No doubt this has been asked before, and the answer is already out there somewhere but I'm tired and the job is tomorrow so please bear with me.

Existing CU is back entry, spaced off the wall by an inch on a couple of vertical battens in a tight wooden cupboard. I'm intending the same mounting and cable entry arrangement

Back entry requirement is IP2XC which allows a gap of about 12mm od at each gland. It occurs to me that having gaps like this doesn't help if you're trying to keep an internal fire contained.

Is there any requirement to fill any gap between the cables and the edge of the quite large entry holes?

Cheers

Pete

HandySparks · Oct 13, 2016

westward10 said:
Each to their own, the only time I could maybe understand battens was if the surface was uneven. Different people different standards.

I'd say different methods rather than different standards. I don't use this method every time, only when it makes sense in the circumstances. I think it still complies with the regs.

Would the inside of your trunking be inaccessible without the use of a tool?

Taylortwocities · Oct 14, 2016

If you are at all bothered about the fire-proofing of the gap (I wouldnt be) then get yourself a tube of this, and fill the gap.

http://www.rockwool.co.uk/products/acoustic-intumescent-sealant/

westward10 · Oct 14, 2016

HandySparks said:
I'd say different methods rather than different standards. I don't use this method every time, only when it makes sense in the circumstances. I think it still complies with the regs.

Would the inside of your trunking be inaccessible without the use of a tool?

You think it "still" complies with Regs? Consult manufacturers installation methods and if this method is approved, fine go for it.

Octopus · Oct 14, 2016

westward10 said:
You think it "still" complies with Regs? Consult manufacturers installation methods and if this method is approved, fine go for it.

Hum ... which regs DO YOU believe are not complying.

Last time I reviewed this there were no restrictions for the rear of the CU.......... if my memory serves me correctly.

More to the point, better a rear access than a poor top, side or down........that you can stick things through AND for many existing, altered installations there is no choice, whereas nice new shiny installations can be done differently.

Midwest · Oct 14, 2016

Think a manufacturer would hastily issuing labels saying do not use our rear knockouts, as means of entry.
However, wish other manufacturers produced a CU pattress like Wylex. Bit more professional looking, but I would still use batterns etc as means of installation.

Harwoodandy · Oct 17, 2016

rolyberkin said:
If in a cupboard and not worried about aesthetics I would get rid of the battens and go straight into the top of the unit with stuffing glands, if worried about what it looks like then contain all in square conduit butted to top of board. Personally I don't like battens with holes down the back. If the wall/plasterboard was shot/wonky or holes too big I would back with a ply mounting board.
Oh and the answer to your actual question is no!

Square conduit? plastic or steel?