IP Ratings for FCU's

[richy3333]

Hi.
I've searched for this on the forum but with no success.

Is it correct that unless specifically stated a FCU has no IP rating, or does it? Looking at App1 of the BGB I know they have to comply with BS1363-4 but cannot find any reference to an IP rating?

I've just done a EICR in a property with multiple bathrooms. Many contain a heated towel rail and macerator, which are fused with an FCU. Some of these FCU's are in Zone 2 of the bathroom so they should be to IPX4 or 5. Could I have peoples views?

Thanks

 

[malcolmsanford]

Did the FCU have switches???

Reg 701.512.3 in the BRB ( I still use this until 2012) notes switched accessories can not be installed in zone 2. so if they are unswitched then no code.

If they are switched then risk assess the situation, if you feel they are pretty much out of harms way ie at high level. or behind the rails then perhaps a 4, but if they are in direct risk of splashes then perhaps a 2.

 

[JUD]

Did the FCU have switches???

Reg 701.512.3 in the BRB ( I still use this until 2012) notes switched accessories can not be installed in zone 2. so if they are unswitched then no code.

If they are switched then risk assess the situation, if you feel they are pretty much out of harms way ie at high level. or behind the rails then perhaps a 4, but if they are in direct risk of splashes then perhaps a 2.

I agree with malcolm. Only the electrical equipment needs to IP rated in Zone 2. If the FCU is unswitched then it's fine.

 

[richy3333]

Cheers Malcolm, as ever great advice. Most of the FCU's are unswitched, but are in direct risk of water - immediately infront of the shower and at a level that isn't ideal. Several of the towel rails are on unswitched FCU and the customer wants to be able to switch the equipment rather than them being permanently 'on', so it looks as though there might be some remedials to do

 

[malcolmsanford]

Richy I would be trying to persuade the client that fitting switch spurs in a bathroom, regardless of zones is not the way forward.

OK with RCD protection, and main equipotential bonding in place the chances are that they would be perfectly safe, but as it goes against the Regs, if anything did happen your name is on the work, I think I would be advising the client, if you want to change them for switch FCU you best get another sparks in.

 

[richy3333]

Cheers Malcolm.
They understand that the units shouldn't be switched and want timer controls for the heated towel rails. They understand that these will be fitted outside the bathroom - in the bedroom (6 ensuite) as the bathrooms are not big enough for them to be safely located within there.

The EICR picked up the lack of RCD protection and also bonding, so there should be a fair bit of work from this job

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Standard BS1363 accessories are rated IP44.

 

[MarkieSparkie]

Standard BS1363 accessories are rated IP44.

Do you have evidence for this spin? I think they are only rated IP2x, but don't have my copy of BS 1363 to hand.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Standard socket-outlets are IP2X, as are dimmer switches and S/FCUs with cable entry holes, except when plugs and cables are in place, when they become IP4X.
I'm not certain of the minimum IP requirements for BS1363, it may be only IP2X, except that the top horizontal surface would have to be IP4X in order to comply with BS7671.
I believe that most manufacturer's have technical data sheets which will indicate the IP rating of their accessories, I know MK do.

 

[MarkieSparkie]

Standard socket-outlets are IP2X, as are dimmer switches and S/FCUs with cable entry holes, except when plugs and cables are in place, when they become IP4X.
I'm not certain of the minimum IP requirements for BS1363, it may be only IP2X, except that the top horizontal surface would have to be IP4X in order to comply with BS7671.
I believe that most manufacturer's have technical data sheets which will indicate the IP rating of their accessories, I know MK do.

Cheers matey.

 

[ian.settle1]

Cheers Malcolm.
They understand that the units shouldn't be switched and want timer controls for the heated towel rails. They understand that these will be fitted outside the bathroom - in the bedroom (6 ensuite) as the bathrooms are not big enough for them to be safely located within there.

The EICR picked up the lack of RCD protection and also bonding, so there should be a fair bit of work from this job

Thought EICR only come into effect in January 2012 when the Amendment No1 comes into effect?

 

[Deleted member 26818]

There's no real start date for the amendment, only a requirement that installations be designed to the amendment as from the first of January 2012.

 

[richy3333]

There's nothing to say you can't start working to the new Regs yet is there? Isn't it better to be ahead of the game?