Is this consumer unit up to code?

[perjubs]

Hi, Im not an electrician or anything of the likes, but this strikes me as dangerous, especially in todays health and safety crazed society.

In our home we have what can best be described as a cloak room between the front door and the living room, in this 1.5m squared room are coats and shoes, clearly it was designed for this function. Also in this room we have a consumer unit placed less the 30cm above a radiator and no more than 1.5m off of the ground. The plastic panel that covers the fuses is not secured and can simply be pulled down by anyone, including young children as it is so low. Behind the panel, in the middle of the consumer unit, there are three vacant spaces for fuses, where these spaces are one could easily touch the bus bar running though as there is no protection on it. Also on the otherside of the wall (outside the house) we have the electric meter and a visible hole in the wall that lets quite a draft and damp air into the house between the meter and consumer unit.

Is this installed to standard or is it a shoddy job? As I say I don't know much about this kind of thing and that's why I'm here asking for help, I have mentioned it to the estate agents but they say they checked out the house when we moved in and all was ok and so wont do anything about it until we have a qualified electrician check it out and send them a report, but I dont want to shell out for something like that and find out that there is nothing wrong at all.

If anyone wants to see a picture of it to get a better understanding they can have one but I cant post it here until Ive made a few more posts.

 

[telectrix]

if it's a modern CU with MCBs, then it is normal for the cover to be easily opened allowing access. however, from your post it looks like you have some blanks missing, and that, as you rightly point, out is dangerous. the best blanks are the ones that fit on the din rail and can't be pulled out by a child. the cost is minimal. in your situation i would call out a local spark, who can fit these for you ( insist on din rail ones before he comes) and he'll also set your mind at rest as regards your other concerns.

 

[Plonker 3]

Could you post a picture on instgrm and post the link on here.

 

[Fin170]

Bit close to the radiator but otherwise fine location wise, would need to dig deeper to judge the actual wiring quality etc. The vacant spaces should be filled to stop people putting their fingers in, normally this is done with blanks, spare MCBs or (best imo) solid rail mounted blanks.

As for the panel, it should be securely attached. If it's falling off or loose I'm willing to bet it's a MEM or Eaton brand?

A picture is worth a thousand words

 

[Paul.M]

"Also on the otherside of the wall (outside the house) we have the electric meter and a visible hole in the wall that lets quite a draft and damp air into the house between the meter and consumer unit."

Yep that needs sorting out. Agree with all of the above as well.

 

[telectrix]

perjubs, if you post your rough location, sure one of us is close to you, can come have a look.

 

[perjubs]

Could you post a picture on instgrm and post the link on here.

Alas no, that was my first thought but links are prohibited for new users until a few posts have been made, I will have a look round the site and see if there is anything I can post about and get a picture or a link of one uploaded when I can.

 

[shocking_eg]

just type out the HTTP instead
lol

 

[MDJ]

Join photobucket and img the link, simples

 

[telectrix]

just babble on like most of us old farts do. you'll soon have enough posts. :smilielol5:

 

[dim_bulb]

Just post jibarish a few times so we can get a clear picture
most people post jibarish anyway

 

[telectrix]

jibarish? is that hebrew?

 

[Paul.M]

Just sent the op my e-mail address so he can send it to me and I'll post it up.

 

[telectrix]

now , why didn't i think of that. DOH.

 

[Paul.M]

This has happened loads of times with new members seeking advice and cant post up pictures which would help us lot out.

If ten of us lot created a "spam e-mail account" (I've got one that I put on anything I think I will be blasted with adverts) and passed it to the new poster so we can put up their picture?

That is as much intelligence as you are going to get out of me tonight, just started on the shandy lol.