Main isolation by local REC

[cliffed]

How come us electricians have to put in metal Db’s,they come along & put in a plastic isolater,for us to connect to.

 

[davesparks]

DNOs fit plastic isolators because they are normally fitted in meter boxes.
They don’t allow metal items in meter boxes because it increases the risk for DNO operatives working on the live supply if there is earthed metal in close proximity.

 

[Percyprod]

Never heard that, worked for dno for 50 years. How about the earth block, that's bare metal?

 

[buzzlightyear]

A fault occurs in the isolator, the case catches fire and someone is injured or dies as a result. How would you defend your decision to fit one given there appears to be no statement that it complies to any relevant standards (other than the fact the isolators comply with BS EN 60947-3)?

if that's the case will leave a fire extinguisher next to the c/u, and a bag of plasters .

 

[Midwest]

For information; when the 18th draft was available for public comment, I did leave a comment against 421.1.201, requesting clarification over the definition for 'similar switchgear assemblies'.

I'm sure that must of stopped the committee dead in their tracks, choking on their morning coffee & chocolate hobnobs. Power to the people.

Alternatively, they probably just thought, knob.

 

[Ian1981]

The DNO fit plastic isolators because they can...... end of

 

[Pete999]

Never heard that, worked for dno for 50 years. How about the earth block, that's bare metal?

Thick moment what's REC??

 

[SparkyChick]

Thick moment what's REC??

The standard isolator used by WPD is the Wylex REC2S. It's a Wylex 100A DP isolator switch to BS EN 60947-3 contained in a three part plastic case. The base and two top caps, one of which is smaller and has the capability of being sealed with the standard DNO wire seals.

They come in various flavours, but the REC2S is the common one in domestic.

 

[SparkyChick]

Déjà vu

View attachment 40810

I'm saying nothing!

Ooohh all right then, Sparkychick have you fitted that particular isolator before? I installed a similar one in a switch fuse format, and it was a bit of a pig to connect up. Think I'll be tempted to fit the Wylex metal one, if that's what's required.

I've got a couple of Wiska tail glands, so I'm going to cut a hole in the body that pretty much lines up with the holes in the glands. Guidance and strain relief in one go.

But thank you for the heads up. It is a concern as the enclosure is somewhat compact

 

[buzzlightyear]

They come in various flavours, but the REC2S is the common one in domestic.

you could spray it pink, and leave a label saying SPARKY CHICK been hear.

 

[Pete999]

The standard isolator used by WPD is the Wylex REC2S. It's a Wylex 100A DP isolator switch to BS EN 60947-3 contained in a three part plastic case. The base and two top caps, one of which is smaller and has the capability of being sealed with the standard DNO wire seals.

They come in various flavours, but the REC2S is the common one in domestic.

Thanks SC every day is a School day, cheers Teach

 

[Midwest]

I've got a couple of Wiska tail glands, so I'm going to cut a hole in the body that pretty much lines up with the holes in the glands. Guidance and strain relief in one go.

But thank you for the heads up. It is a concern as the enclosure is somewhat compact

Go for the GripLoc® Consumer Unit Tail Kit - Nylon - http://www.remora.net/catalogue/Glands/GripLoc-Consumer-Unit-Tail-Kits/Consumer-Unit-Tail-Kits/GripLoc-Consumer-Unit-Tail-Kit-Nylon, glands (nod to LSK) are smaller.

The one like similar to yours took me an age to connect up, bit like 10mm in single gang box. Get a refund and go for a Wylex, more sensible size.

 

[Wilko]

I may have the wrong end of this, but if CUs and similar switchgear assemblies are required to be BS EN 61439-3 approved, the fact that "something" is not approved to that standard cannot be used to claim exemption from non ferrous containment. In my humble Friday night red wine opinion .
This is not meant imply the REC2 is a CU or similar, or that it has to be in a metal box. But I am inclined towards metal boxes indoors.

 

[Midwest]

I'd click an agree Wilko, but I'd get chased off the lot by certain individuals. At the end of the day, its not down to us mere mortals to make that conclusion, but those in the Ivory Tower that kicked off all this nonsense

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I may have the wrong end of this, but if CUs and similar switchgear assemblies are required to be BS EN 61439-3 approved, the fact that "something" is not approved to that standard cannot be used to claim exemption from non ferrous containment. In my humble Friday night red wine opinion .
This is not meant imply the REC2 is a CU or similar, or that it has to be in a metal box. But I am inclined towards metal boxes indoors.

As far as I am aware, there is no requirement for non ferrous containment?

 

[Wilko]

I'm probably tooo tired Spin ! Can you help me with the correct words? (Have I used one non too many?)