Consumer unit cover problems

[The young spark]

hello there
I’ve Recently worked in a domestic dwelling and had to take the cover of the board off. When reinstating the cover of the board I was struggling to get the cover on properly. When I eventually did i could only screw one side of the board properly. The left screw was not catching so I left the board as it was under the cupboard. I’m now having second thoughts thinking I should have done something to catch the left side of the board. Will this be alright or shall I go back and try and fix the board ? Just with it being in such an awkward place I thought one screw was alright at the time. Any help or pointers would be appreciated.

 

[Rpa07]

Sounds like most BG boards! was it BG? little trick i have used is use a heat gun on back of it, it heats the metal and lets it 'relax' , then wearing gloves put it on, as it cools it sort of locks in place and then screw on, could also try some slightly longer bolts/screws depending on type of board. its not uncommon at all, I regularly get it, once had one that was so distorted it wouldnt go on for love or money. had to drill out the bolt holes on the CU and used longer bolts, made 2 knockouts on side to hold the nuts then used closed grommets to fill holes. thing looked like it had been run over it was so bent and twisted

With BG boards it almost makes you not want to remove the neutral when working on a circuit so not to trip the RCD! I’d rather take the risk of having to reset the time on all the electronic clocks than remove a BG cover!

 

[The young spark]

Thanks for the help and advice everyone, went back to the property with a nice bright light and got a good look it was just catching on the main switch, when inspecting the consumer unit cover I seen marks where the previous sparks had problems getting the cover on also. Just finely filed and it slotted on nicely.

 

[westward10]

Top man, different day with calmer waters and problem resolved.

 

[sinewove]

Just done a bg 10 way today and noticed the cover went on easier when I fit an mcb on the unprotected way as a spacer between the main switch and the rh rcd.Could be changed for an rcbo if ever needed.
Regards,S

 

[JK-Electrical]

One reason (there are several) I prefer Hager consumer units is that the cover eases into position every time with no hassle whatsoever.

 

[Midwest]

One reason (there are several) I prefer Hager consumer units is that the cover eases into position every time with no hassle whatsoever.

You wanna come to my house. Friggin cover needs a big bash every time I have to put it back on

 

[JK-Electrical]

You wanna come to my house. Friggin cover needs a big bash every time I have to put it back on

I'm surprised to be hearing this, Midwest. I've never experienced any issues while fitting the cover on any of the Hager amendment 3 units.

 

[telectrix]

You wanna come to my house. Friggin cover needs a big bash every time I have to put it back on

serves you right for cramming 11 breakers in a 10 way board. .

 

[Midwest]

I'm surprised to be hearing this, Midwest. I've never experienced any issues while fitting the cover on any of the Hager amendment 3 units.

No more surprised than me.

 

[Wilko]

No more surprised than me.

New build- plumber probably sat on it doing the pipework

 

[Midwest]

New build- plumber probably sat on it doing the pipework

Wasn't helped by the sparks not terminating the tails that well, but defino' difficult to get on.

 

[weevilward]

Sounds like most BG boards! was it BG? little trick i have used is use a heat gun on back of it, it heats the metal and lets it 'relax' , then wearing gloves put it on, as it cools it sort of locks in place and then screw on, could also try some slightly longer bolts/screws depending on type of board. its not uncommon at all, I regularly get it, once had one that was so distorted it wouldnt go on for love or money. had to drill out the bolt holes on the CU and used longer bolts, made 2 knockouts on side to hold the nuts then used closed grommets to fill holes. thing looked like it had been run over it was so bent and twisted

Gavin - top marks for heat gun problem solving, but if BG boards are made that badly, why on earth are you still fitting them??!? A few quid more gets a nice board like Hager that all clicks together lovely (with straight breakers too, not leaning over like MK!)

OP - normally gentle persuasion with a hammer will get it on straight.

 

[freddo]

You wanna come to my house. Friggin cover needs a big bash every time I have to put it back on

I just left the cover off of mine. Less plastic to burn if it catches fire.