CU verticle

[geffg]

hi, does anyone know of any reason why a new fuseboard cant be mounted on its side? the cupboard is too narrow to fit the proper way. i cant think of any just want to know what other people think. the old board was is only 6way and now need 10 way dual board. or does any one do a verticle board. thanks

 

[BOROROBBO]

good question. i know a bloke who fitted a DB vertical in a cupboard before. very strange sight to behold seeing a crabtree starbreaker board the wrong way round but nothing ever became of it i.e. the boss never said anything.

not much help i know. but what about using 2 6 way boards one above the other?

 

[Superspark23]

I once got told mounting consumer vertically can cause issues within the mechanical operations of RCD's and RCBO's. But with the quarterly test you should do on them. This shouldnt be an issue.

But why dont you get 2 6 way consumer units with an RCD main switch, this will give you the segregation required for the 17th regs.

 

[DurhamSparky]

fitting sideways is ok...!!

and as for fitting 2x RCD boxes you will need to fit an isolator as RCD main switch should not be th sole means of isolation..!

 

[DurhamSparky]

I once got told mounting consumer vertically can cause issues within the mechanical operations of RCD's and RCBO's. But with the quarterly test you should do on them. This shouldnt be an issue..

another myth...! what about 3 phase DB's they normally on there side...!!

 

[AWD]

Yes they can!

 

[Silly Sausage]

Some examples....

 

[Electricalserv]

Only thing I'd say is identification of Mcb's should be horizontal. I.e labels for rings radials, lighting etc. Trivial but you must make sure other sparks, customer can identify each circuit

 

[fire]

it is advisable to install a domestic board horizantally since when the breaker trips, gravity also helps it trip quicker

 

[Rikki Barrett]

Relevant testing would ensure tripping times are met, gravity isnt essential. I have seen other sparks fit CU on its side. I dont like it myself.

 

[Hawk81]

it is advisable to install a domestic board horizantally since when the breaker trips, gravity also helps it trip quicker

I really hope this is a joke

 

[BOROROBBO]

I really hope this is a joke

never heard anything like it!

 

[DurhamSparky]

it is advisable to install a domestic board horizantally since when the breaker trips, gravity also helps it trip quicker

that must be the most stupidest statement ever...!

 

[ezzzekiel]

apart from looking rubbish and being harder to identify which mcb operates which circuit for little old ladies etc i would say it is bad practice and should be avoided.

you wouldnt go out and buy a picture then hang it sideways just so it fits a particular wall would you - you would get something that would fit the wall.

 

[Hawk81]

Saying its bad practice is a bit harsh. Its not the way anyone would want to do it. It is all well and good saying get something to fit the wall but that is not always possible. So if all else fails it is ok to do it.

 

[mickys86]

it is advisable to install a domestic board horizantally since when the breaker trips, gravity also helps it trip quicker

Gravity? Is that why we'll never live on the moon

LMFAO

 

[Knobhead]

"it is advisable to install a domestic board horizantally since when the breaker trips, gravity also helps it trip quicker"

When you close a breaker have you noticed the resistance of the handle, that’s the springs being compressed. Springs work faster than gravity. Just have a look on Google for miniature circuit breakers and find out how they work before making a fool of yourself again.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_breaker

 

[High Tower]

Doesn't the voltage all run out if you mount it on it's side,

the only possible departure I can think of is if it was labeled in the normal manner, having to turn your head through 90deg to read the circuit schedule. In my opinion as long as it was labeled up "ladder fashion" then I don't see why not

 

[johnboy6083]

i dont see any problem whatsoever with mounting it on its side, as long as its labelled so that it can be read from below.
It wouldnt be my frist choice, but i would do it if needed.

 

[rocker]

All the electric will run out of the top of the breakers. If you want electric all down the bloody wall that's your look-out.

 

[mickys86]

"it is advisable to install a domestic board horizantally since when the breaker trips, gravity also helps it trip quicker"

When you close a breaker have you noticed the resistance of the handle, that’s the springs being compressed. Springs work faster than gravity. Just have a look on Google for miniature circuit breakers and find out how they work before making a fool of yourself again.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_breaker

How is making a joke about living on the moon making a fool of myself? And if gravity is such a big issue, why are 3phase breakers mounted on their side??

 

[mickys86]

All the electric will run out of the top of the breakers. If you want electric all down the bloody wall that's your look-out.

Would it need to be redecorated or could I wipe it off with a damp cloth??

 

[truckster]

Would it need to be redecorated or could I wipe it off with a damp cloth??

You might need some Flash!

 

[ezzzekiel]

Saying its bad practice is a bit harsh.

maybe it is but i would certainly not mount a domestic cu the wrong way round, maybe personnal opinion but if it wont fit then relocate it or find something that does.

 

[rocker]

Flash lol!

For my tuppence ha'pennys worth, it looks rough as a badger's, but I'd rather a wonky-mounted 17th board than a plumb 3036.

 

[Des 56]

The problem with the suggestion is the Main isolator is side ways on

This would obviously even out the gravitational effect of the operation of that switch , making it difficult for persons with restricted sideways muscle force to operate
That must contravene the equal opportunities legislation or some other politically correct rules for stopping prejudice against "up and down" isolator restricted folk

Cant be done then, sorry

 

[danzor]

All the electric will run out of the top of the breakers. If you want electric all down the bloody wall that's your look-out.

Exactly the same as mounting a horse shoe upside down, I like your thinking.

 

[Jonesy83]

there will be loads of currents pouring on to the floor aswell

 

[Des 56]

For the non believers

File:ElectricalPanel.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Hawk81]

maybe it is but i would certainly not mount a domestic cu the wrong way round, maybe personnal opinion but if it wont fit then relocate it or find something that does.

And what if it is not possible to reocate and there is no board that will fit?

 

[telectrix]

all boards should be mounted upside down. reasons. 1. the switches would all be DOWN for ON, the same as all other switches in the house. 2. There would be less nuisance tripping because gravity would help the RCDs to stay energised. 3. I can read upside down. 4. I am an individualist.

 

[ian.settle1]

it is advisable to install a domestic board horizantally since when the breaker trips, gravity also helps it trip quicker

And who did you get told that by?

As said 3 phase DBs have their MCB/RCBOs mounted horizontally.

 

[Knobhead]

How is making a joke about living on the moon making a fool of myself? And if gravity is such a big issue, why are 3phase breakers mounted on their side??

I didn’t use the “Quote” but added it within 10 minuets, not the two hours that you took to take umbrage.


Re-read my post and the times and you’ll see I wasn’t referring to you!

 

[ezzzekiel]

And what if it is not possible to reocate and there is no board that will fit?

there is always somewhere to relocate even if its the opposite end of the house the only difference is cost which is the customers choice-
if you are quite happy to fit a board sideways, upside sown or inside out then that is your choice, im saying I wouldnt fit it any way other than what it was designed to be fitted.