IP rating of consumer unit

[APE37]

Hi guys,
got to do some work in a domestic property, and existing consumer unit has large hole where tails enter at bottom of cu, and therefore IP rating not met, Was going to use intumescent mastic, but it is a large hole, so feel expanding foam may be more useful. Just a bit unsure if it can be used as thought foam may damage tails.
just wandering if anyone has used foam and can they recommend a type or even another method, as only really used intumescent mastic but don't think it is suitable due to the size of the gap around the tails.
thanks
APE

 

[davesparks]

Get a suitable sized blind grommet and cut a hole in the middle of it to accommodate the tails and a slit to one edge to allow you to fit it round the tails.
Don't fill holes in a CU with foam, intumescent mastic or any other sticky gooey mess you can lay your hands on.

 

[APE37]

Hi there,
thanks for the quick response. Unfortunately it is a large square hole and so would still push a grommet in.
tried to provide a pic to get an idea. Because of the size and shape of hole I thought foam/mastic would be OK, but now thinking not.

 

[davesparks]

That picture doesn't reveal much about the situation. Is that the lid or the base of the unit? Would filling the hole prevent the lid from being removed?

 

[pcam1984]

What size CU is it that can possibly require expanding foam!!

 

[APE37]

It is the lid of the unit cut to accommodate tails to enter the cu. it is a wylex 10w split load (1rcd) unit. I would think that putting foam in would cause problems in removing the lid, when thinking about it, but thought if it was used it can be removed to take the lid off and put new in when finished.

 

[davesparks]

It is the lid of the unit cut to accommodate tails to enter the cu. it is a wylex 10w split load (1rcd) unit. I would think that putting foam in would cause problems in removing the lid, when thinking about it, but thought if it was used it can be removed to take the lid off and put new in when finished.

Yes it could be replaced every time the lid is removed, but then the next person might have the sense not to put a thermally insulating material around the tails!

Is the hole big enough to get a finger in there and make contact with a live part?

 

[APE37]

Hi there DS,
i managed to get my finger in, and touch the load side of the main switch, obviously with power off. I know what you mean about using foam affecting the tails ccc just not sure what else to use as it is a funny size for anything I can think of. It is a bit of a funny set up as it is a skeleton type cu with the lid cut to fit in a meter box all sides are ok except where the tails enter in the bottom.

 

[davesparks]

So it's in a mantel cabinet then? An enclosure which is only accessible through the use of a key.

If you feel it needs it then get a bi of plastic and cut and shape it so that it can be fixed to the lid, or the backboard, in such a way that the hole is covered when the lid is fitted but doesn't prevent the lid being removed.
Or get a replacement lid for the board and fit it properly.

What are you doing at this property anyway?

 

[Pete999]

Hi guys,
got to do some work in a domestic property, and existing consumer unit has large hole where tails enter at bottom of cu, and therefore IP rating not met, Was going to use intumescent mastic, but it is a large hole, so feel expanding foam may be more useful. Just a bit unsure if it can be used as thought foam may damage tails.
just wandering if anyone has used foam and can they recommend a type or even another method, as only really used intumescent mastic but don't think it is suitable due to the size of the gap around the tails.
thanks
APE

Have you any idea where and what IP ratings are on horizontal and perpendicular faces of enclosures IP4X and IP2X ring some bells, might be worth having a look in 7671 or OSG

 

[sparky928]

disconnected the meter tails from the consumer unit, put the correct size trunking underneath the consumer unit and go through the trunking to the consumer unit

 

[APE37]

Hi DS,
it is in a meter cabinet, but it don't need a key to open. It has a push button that opens the door, so any one can have access. I am adding sockets and lights. I realise the ip ratings are IP4X on horizontal top surface and IP2X elsewhere, but as the door can be opened by anyone (should have mentioned that in earlier post) I thought that the hole in the cover would need attention.
Thanks for advice will go down the fit plastic route. APE

 

[APE37]

Hi sparky 928,
this was the first idea I had, but unfortunately if I done that, I don't think I will get the cover in/out of the meter box as the cover is already bigger than the opening of the meter box and you have to position the lid a certain way and then bend it to get it out of the meter box and did not want to cut any more out of the cover due to the cover is flimsy now as the electrician who fitted it originally has cut top and side lips of the cover and just left the front and bottom parts, as the cables come in the top of the meter box and the front of the lid covers the whole top half of the cupboard and then under is the meter and service head, which adds a bit more to getting the lid in and out, but it can be done. Hope I have explained ok but a bit difficult to explain( should have took some pics), will try to fit extra plastic to hole, cheers. APE