Cutting Slots In In Metal Dist Boards

[Leesparkykent]

That appears to conflict with what is recorded within the IET document that my link takes you to (or at least my interpretation of it does).

The thing with it is that no where in BS7671 does it say that cable entries need to be sealed. 421.1.201 says that manufacturers instructions need to be taken in to account....so if the manufacturers instructions say they need to be sealed then you could seal them if you feel the need to. Wylex even do an extra which is an intumescent pad thats installed within the gravity flap door. Imo the manufacturers are taking an opportunity in making a profit on all the confusion that's been made by an ill thought out regulation.

 

[Pete999]

The thing with it is that no where in BS7671 does it say that cable entries need to be sealed. 421.1.201 says that manufacturers instructions need to be taken in to account....so if the manufacturers instructions say they need to be sealed then you could seal them if you feel the need to. Wylex even do an extra which is an intumescent pad thats installed within the gravity flap door. Imo the manufacturers are taking an opportunity in making a profit on all the confusion that's been made by an ill thought out regulation.

Well said that man

 

[Skimpy Wan]

Agreed. As I've said before, it looks like the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing (whilst someone is stealing your wallet)!

 

[Skimpy Wan]

I'm procrastinating that much from my paperwork that I've just found this video on YT that shows some of the ways to meet the IP rating requirements for consumer units.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOypkkgTEB0

 

[Pete999]

I'm procrastinating that much from my paperwork that I've just found this video on YT that shows some of the ways to meet the IP rating requirements for consumer units.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOypkkgTEB0

Nothing much changed there then, apart from more money for the CU makers

 

[Skimpy Wan]

No I agree.

I thought I would put the link up in case anybody wished to view it that may not currently do any of these already.

If nothing else after researching / reading this today I now won't have to look into more expensive fire rated CTS glands or sealant etc. More money for the ales!

 

[Leesparkykent]

Agreed. As I've said before, it looks like the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing (whilst someone is stealing your wallet)!

If you are part of a scam then my best advice would be to call them and see what they say on the matter as at the end of the day it might be a non conformance from their point of view when it comes to you annual assessment. I personally haven't been or told my lads to seal the cable entries as Long as the appropriate IP ratings are met. What makes me laugh about it is you could install a ryefield board that feeds multiple flats for example with a slot in the top with trunking butted up or paxolin sheet between with say 20 sets of tails passing through but then you have a few T&E's coming in to an amendment 3 consumer unit within one of the flats and the whole thing needs sealing with intumescent mastic from some peoples point of view lol.

 

[davesparks]

As per Consumer units - IET Electrical
it states

"The non-combustible enclosure or cabinet must provide a complete envelope (for example, base, cover, door and any components such as hinges, screws and catches) as necessary to maintain fire containment. All blanks, circuit-breakers and other devices must be contained within the non combustible enclosure or cabinet. Figure 5 shows an example."

Furthermore "Sealing of wiring entries:

It is important for the installer to seal all openings into the enclosure or cabinet for cables, conduits, trunking or ducting that remain after the installation of cables - see Figure 6. The intent of the sealing is to ensure that, as far as is reasonably practicable, any fire is contained within the enclosure or cabinet and the escape of flames to the surroundings of the cabinet or enclosure or into conduits trunking or ducting is minimised, as intended by Regulation 421.1.201.
Good workmanship and proper materials must be used, and account must be taken of the manufacturer’s relevant instructions, if any."

NB. Diagrams also confirming this are contained within the said document (images removed due to copyright etc). :book:

That is still not the regulations is it!

 

[foster]

That is still not the regulations is it!

the regulation is to stop people sticking thing inthe consumer unit ,l know mad , you can entry from the bottom or the back of the unit but not the top unless it in trunking or conduit paul

 

[davesparks]

the regulation is to stop people sticking thing inthe consumer unit ,l know mad , you can entry from the bottom or the back of the unit but not the top unless it in trunking or conduit paul

You can enter the top of a consumer unit without conduit or trunking. It is not to prevent people from sticking things into it, it is to maintain an IP rating such that an object of 1mm diameter cannot enter the unit and make contact with live parts. The other sides are required to maintain an IP rating such that a finger cannot make contact with live parts

 

[Geordie Spark]

Plasma Cutter

Very quick & very clean cuts. :sailor:
​

 

[foster]

Plasma Cutter

Very quick & very clean cuts. :sailor:
​

thanks for all the advice l stick with the jigsaw lads

 

[Geordie Spark]

thanks for all the advice l stick with the jigsaw lads

Seriously, I would rather use this -->> WORX WX681 Sonicrafter F50 Multi-Tool Oscillating Tool with 40 Accessories: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools -->>than a jigsaw

 

[telectrix]

Seriously, I would rather use this -->> WORX WX681 Sonicrafter F50 Multi-Tool Oscillating Tool with 40 Accessories: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools -->>than a jigsaw

fine if you've got all day and a good supply of blades.

 

[a-z electrics]

IMO I still think most of these fires are down to inexperienced installers, did we have fire to the extent we have now before the onset of short training courses? I'll leave that for you to decide, as I said this is my opinion and mine alone I have no proof that my statements are true, just a gut feeling, there it's been said.

I think it's a bit unfair to blame training courses..it's common sense. In my experience they are fine but inexperience, yes possibly.. There again if installers follow the instructions that come with the DBs then all terminals should be checked for tightness. You don't need a training course for that..I would also comment that the old fuseboxes, with TWO screws per terminal are much better in this respect, particularly as you can't see what's happening within the MCB clamps in most cases..