Consumer unit installed on it's side.

[dtec dave]

Hi All..thoughts on this please, is it acceptable or failed 'as not installed to manufactures instructions'?

Thanks in advance

 

[shaun1]

Do manufacturers instructions definitely prohibit this? Only issue that springs to mind is different heat distribution and cooling, but plenty of 3 phase DBs are designed to run in that configuration. As far as I know the MCBs/RCDs will operate in any orientation, would be interested to see any documentation which either confirms or denies this.

Is it securely mounted? Are all the entry points correctly sealed (as the top edge is the CUs side etc)

 

[Lucien Nunes]

Agree that the MCBs are OK this way as they are in a 3-phase DB, but I think having the main switch in any orientation other than down=off is unacceptable as it could hinder isolation in an emergency. I believe the BS defines this but cannot offer a specific reference at the mo. Consider a fire crew working in the dark / smoke...

 

[Markyd]

If not installed to manufacturers instruction then its a fail

 

[Baddegg]

I’d ring GED and ask em if you not happy ?

 

[dtec dave]

I’d ring GED and ask em if you not happy ?

I have just rang CED and they say there's nothing on the manufacturers instructions which says you can't install them vertically, but it doesn't say you can either.

 

[JBW175]

Well, I’ve never seen one installed on that orientation before.?

 

[static zap]

Also seen

... plenty of 3 phase DBs are designed to run in that configuration. As far as I know the MCBs/RCDs will operate in any orientation,

But the master switch is usually along the bottom
and conforms to "Normally expected"
UP-On
Down Off ... ( gravity assisted )

I'm with @Lucien Nunes " fire crew " comment.

It has been made less safe.

 

[telectrix]

ours at home is mounted like that as the alternative was to move the head,meter,and isolator (£££££££££) or knock down a brick supporting wall. it's been like that since i installed it 8 years ago. it's BG and it's plastic. the house has nor burnt down. the dogs have not run off. in fact...nothing to laugh at at all.

 

[shaun1]

Also seen

But the master switch is usually along the bottom
and conforms to "Normally expected"
UP-On
Down Off ... ( gravity assisted )

I'm with @Lucien Nunes " fire crew " comment.

It has been made less safe.

I hadn't though about the main switch. Good point. There is another small DB above, is this fed from the sideways one or split tails?
If there isnt an overal isolator, perhaps one should be installed to give a single point of isolation? That would then be the correct orientation, would that be enough to avoid confusion with the second switch in the DB still in place on its side?

 

[buzzlightyear]

If not installed to manufacturers instruction then its a fail

you point it out where it says that , maybe torque setting and nowt else .

 

[Markyd]

We

you point it out where it says that , maybe torque setting and nowt else .

Well if it doesn't say fit it how you like....but the op said it didnt comply with manufacturers instructions......maybe you should read the post properly

 

[buzzlightyear]

Do manufacturers instructions definitely prohibit this? Only issue that springs to mind is different heat distribution and cooling

it makes no difference either on its side or the correct way ,the current will flow
to the consumer unit ,unless you cover the unit with a insulation.

 

[Markyd]

Readers should be aware that the notes relative to 536.4.203 state that if the assembly deviates from the original manufacturers' instructions, then the person introducing that deviation becomes the manufacturer. So if you have an installation that requires non-standard arrangements, talk to the manufacturer about how to provide this in a compliant manner. Using unapproved parts will invalidate manufacturer guarantees and may result in an unsafe installation.

 

[ipf]

I think I'd be a bit more worried about that earth clip on the incoming cable.…?

Looks like it's a bit snug to the floor, too.