IPXXD Consumer Units

[andyelectric]

I recently changed my consumer unit at home. Since my old wylex rewireable had all cables entering through the top I came through the top of the new unit via knockouts. I then proceeded to fanny around making the top IP4X. I used trunking, but reading up I notice others have various ingenious methods.

Next time, I'll come in through the back via battening or chasing wires. But I was thinking surely the cu manufacturers would not be supplying boxes that have non compliant knockouts. So, noting that in the regs a minimum of IPXXD would ensure compliance I opened up my unit and started measuring.

As the neutral and earth bars are shielded from the knockout, and the tops of the din mounted components far enogh down inside the box the consumer unit would indeed be IPXXD without worrying about tidying up the knockouts.(only just)

Are consumer units generally IPXXD without further work, and is it necessary to upgrade the ones that are to IP4X via what can be pretty makeshift arrangements.

 

[davesparks]

The knockouts are perfectly compliant from the manufacturers point of view as they are all closed when they supply them.
It's only when the installer opens them that the box loses the IP rating.

It is the duty of the installer as a qualified and competant person to know what they are doing and comply with the regulations.

It all depends on the wiring system in use as to what you have to do to maintain the IP rating. Obviously trunking would be coupled on to the box or gland plates made etc, conduit fits straight in to the knockouts as does any cable which requires a gland.

It's only really bundles of T&E that you have to do something about.

 

[Octopus]

A couple of bits of wood and mount the CU slightly off the wall then use the knockouts in the back??

The fun will really start as of the 1st Jan 2016 when metal Cus come in and we have to have all those special connectors etc!!

 

[davesparks]

Special connectors?

I've always used metal CUs since I was an apprentice so I don't suppose I'll notice much difference.

 

[Octopus]

Special connectors?

I've always used metal CUs since I was an apprentice so I don't suppose I'll notice much difference.

Having brain fade - fire proof glands for all the cable entry points. A cheap CU change is going well out of the window!

 

[davesparks]

I haven't heard the fireproof glands one before!
Only that the CU has to be non combustible, not that we have to turn it in to some sort of fireproof compartment all on its own!

 

[shanky887614]

nah forget fire proof glands, fire mastic is all you need to seal rear entry.

its a house not a mile underground

 

[andyelectric]

Davespark. I am indeed talking about twin and earth entering a domestic cu, and I am happy with what you have stated.

But what I'm trying to ascertain, is that if you are compliant to the regs with the minimum of IPXXD there would by the regs be no imperative to go any further. Trunking is a way of keeping it neat, but looking through the forum it would seem people are sloshing silicon sealant and glanding compound etc into the gaps when perhaps their is no need. Talking about the plastic cu's with square knockouts.

 

[Octopus]

I haven't heard the fireproof glands one before!
Only that the CU has to be non combustible, not that we have to turn it in to some sort of fireproof compartment all on its own!

Unless its the NICEIC making up the rules to suit themselves but this IS what Tony Cable said at Sandown Park Elex!!

 

[andyelectric]

A couple of bits of wood and mount the CU slightly off the wall then use the knockouts in the back??

The fun will really start as of the 1st Jan 2016 when metal Cus come in and we have to have all those special connectors etc!!

That is what I will do next time Murdoch.

 

[Pete999]

A couple of bits of wood and mount the CU slightly off the wall then use the knockouts in the back??

The fun will really start as of the 1st Jan 2016 when metal Cus come in and we have to have all those special connectors etc!!

Do you mean 2015 not 2016?

 

[shanky887614]

Do you mean 2015 not 2016?

nope the ccu change isnt till 2016 6months after the amendment comes into affect

 

[davesparks]

No, some of the changes don't come in until 2016

 

[Octopus]

Do you mean 2015 not 2016?

Nope, BEMA has allowed the metal CU rules to slip to the 1st Jan 2015

Anyway, the 3rd amendment doesn't come into force until 1st Jul '15!

 

[Pete999]

nope the ccu change isnt till 2016 6months after the amendment comes into affect

Right thanks for that