Distribution boards location

[Remmym]

Hi, I have never come across this before but is it OK to put a DB on the ceiling. We have had some cabins in and the db's are all on the ceiling. I have said this is wrong but my supervisor insists it is OK. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Dartlec]

i agree with you, ref: post 10
just wondered if you could help me back it up with something easy to quote!

Maybe:

132.12
Accessibility of electrical equipment Electrical equipment shall be arranged to provide:
(i) sufficient space for the initial installation and later replacement of individual items of electrical equipment
(ii) accessibility for operation, inspection, testing, fault detection, maintenance and repair

Though as usual thats open to interpretation.

If it is domestic:

421.1.201 Within domestic (household) premises, consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies shall comply with BS EN 61439-3 and shall:
(i) have their enclosure manufactured from non-combustible material, or
(ii) be enclosed in a cabinet or enclosure constructed of non-combustible material and complying with Regulation 132.12

Which would suggest that the lid being closed isn't necessary for part (i) - though perhaps there is something in 61439-3 re lids?

I'd bet that the manufacturers of the consumer unit themselves don't specify that it can be installed as it is, if only because they didn't expect anyone to do so.

 

[Electro-tech]

Regulations do not apply to commercial buildings, Document M may not apply either otherwise it would be 1.2metres high max.

 

[westward10]

I wouldn't worry about it, can I access it yes.

 

[nicebutdim]

When you state that the DB covers hang down, do you mean that they (obviously) open downwards or that they have no means of being retained in the closed position?

I'd be amazed if the latter was the case. We've worked on a number of modular cabins with this sort of arrangement and I'm yet to see one with a DB lid swinging freely.

 

[swaRRR]

On most sites i've been on with newer pre-fab cabins the boards are all in the ceilings, especially when they are on a commando socket.

 

[UNG]

Regulations do not apply to commercial buildings, Document M may not apply either otherwise it would be 1.2metres high max.

Which regulations don't apply to commercial buildings

 

[Electro-tech]

Which regulations don't apply to commercial buildings

Quote from Consumer Unit regulations 2022
The particular consumer unit regulation relating to this in the 18th edition is 421.1.201

It should be noted that this regulation does not apply to commercial installations, where plastic consumer units can still be installed.

Not only that, but in domestic outbuildings, for example sheds & garages, you can still install plastic consumer units assuming that the outbuilding is not joined to the main building.

 

[James]

There are some regs that only apply to certain types of building, non combustible consumer units is of course one of them.

but to say regulations do not apply to Comercial buildings is simply wrong,
some Comercial buildings have far more regulations that apply to them than domestic.

 

[Electro-tech]

There are some regs that only apply to certain types of building, non combustible consumer units is of course one of them.

but to say regulations do not apply to Comercial buildings is simply wrong,
some Comercial buildings have far more regulations that apply to them than domestic.

I agree just goes to show don’t believe all that you read , it is all down to interpretation & do you want to sleep at night.

 

[UNG]

Quote from Consumer Unit regulations 2022
The particular consumer unit regulation relating to this in the 18th edition is 421.1.201

It should be noted that this regulation does not apply to commercial installations, where plastic consumer units can still be installed.

Not only that, but in domestic outbuildings, for example sheds & garages, you can still install plastic consumer units assuming that the outbuilding is not joined to the main building.

Consumer units installed in domestic premises have to be non combustable there is no absolute requirement that they MUST be metal and the reg you quote says exactly that and only uses metal as an example

 

[Electro-tech]

Consumer units installed in domestic premises have to be non combustable there is no absolute requirement that they MUST be metal and the reg you quote says exactly that and only uses metal as an example

Agreed . 421.1.201. Ferrous metal is deemed to be one example of a non-combustible material that meets the intent of the regulation.

 

[loz2754]

Regulations do not apply to commercial buildings, Document M may not apply either otherwise it would be 1.2metres high max.

Might want to have a read of the Approved Document M:
In particular pages 44, 45.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/990362/Approved_Document_M_vol_2.pdf

 

[littlespark]

Slight subject tangent. Non-combustible vs metal vs plastic consumer units. Been covered before.

As for consumer units fitted to ceiling… may be ok as per regulation, but the lid shouldn’t hang down.
I’m thinking faulty circuit breaker… user looking up to reset and the thing blows in a shower of sparks.

Might let any water drain out though.

 

[buzzlightyear]

You can order those from the ceiling types from the batcatalogue they come has standed black so you can't see them in the dark.

 

[telectrix]

i agree with you, ref: post 10
just wondered if you could help me back it up with something easy to quote!

the electric will all fall out.