Metal consumer

[Farmelectrics]

Ok just installed one of these new contactum consumers metal type ok must admit decent board question it has knock out at top and bottom for stuffing glands etc and also rear knock outs now the old board was a rewirable Wylex type so cables had to come into new consumer from rear knock out question do you have to seal around the cables as the consumer is mounted on timber

 

[spadge47]

The minimum required is the ip2x and ip4x holes, however i would use fire-rated sealant as you must 'reasonably seal' to prevent fire from escaping.

I would just for good practice especially as its on the wooden board.

 

[Farmelectrics]

Yes that's what I was thinking will have to pick some up and call back ant particular type

 

[spadge47]

Intumiscent sealant - the 4 hour stuff. Thats plenty of time. Evostick, siroflex do a tube too.. Even wickes!

 

[Leesparkykent]

There is no specific reg for sealing the entry's but was reading IET wiring matters on amendment 3 and it says it is important for the installer to seal all openings into the enclosure or cabinet for cables, conduits, trunking or ducting that remain after the installation of cables. The intent of the sealing is to ensure that, as far as is reasonably practicable, any fire is contained within the enclosure or cabinet and the escape of flames to the surroundings of the cabinet or enclosure or into conduits trunking or ducting is minimised, as intended by Regulation 421.1.201. Good workmanship and proper materials must be used, and account must be taken of the manufacturer’s relevant instructions, if any.

Consumer units - IET Electrical

If I did choose to seal the holes I would probably use pyro mate.

Pyro Mate Silicone

 

[Midwest]

I've seen that document before on similar threads. It uses terms, like good workmanship and 'contain.....escape of flames.......as intended by regulation 421.1.201', which actually makes no mention of sealing cable entries. I'm no expert on what product is suitable to do such a job (intumescent), its compatibility with pvc cables. I've only installed Wylex 3rd A, and they have no recommendations on the subject. Are we in danger of taking this thing too far? How would we then, in the case of the mcb's, rcd's etc (which are still made of plastic), use 'good workmanship' to seal these gaps, when a fire takes hold in a 3rd amendment CU? If the lid of a 3rd amendment CU is not air tight, why should 'we', be responsible for sealing cable entries. Surely, this is the manufactures responsibility, in their design not ours?

 

[davesparks]

Sealing the holes when the cu is mounted on wood won't help much. Fire will pass through the thin sheet steel as if it wasn't there. Being non combustible is not the same thing as being fire proof.

 

[Leesparkykent]

I've seen that document before on similar threads. It uses terms, like good workmanship and 'contain.....escape of flames.......as intended by regulation 421.1.201', which actually makes no mention of sealing cable entries. I'm no expert on what product is suitable to do such a job (intumescent), its compatibility with pvc cables. I've only installed Wylex 3rd A, and they have no recommendations on the subject. Are we in danger of taking this thing too far? How would we then, in the case of the mcb's, rcd's etc (which are still made of plastic), use 'good workmanship' to seal these gaps, when a fire takes hold in a 3rd amendment CU? If the lid of a 3rd amendment CU is not air tight, why should 'we', be responsible for sealing cable entries. Surely, this is the manufactures responsibility, in their design not ours?

Agreed, we probably won't find out until people start having their scam assessments after jan 2016. If people start getting tugged for not sealing......

 

[Farmelectrics]

yes lee it shall be intersting to see im sure they will pull you having read that iet document

 

[PEG]

...Better get some tick-sheets printed,for different cable types entering DB,and their compatibility with differing intumescent sealants...

...I'm guessing,that will prove as useful,as this forums "spell-check",on the word "intumescent"...Oxford 1 - Yankees 0 :49:

 

[Farmelectrics]

weres the forumns spell checker peg lol think i could use that

 

[amlu]

it wont burn but will glow red-hot and ignite things around it.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Ok just installed one of these new contactum consumers metal type ok must admit decent board question it has knock out at top and bottom for stuffing glands etc and also rear knock outs now the old board was a rewirable Wylex type so cables had to come into new consumer from rear knock out question do you have to seal around the cables as the consumer is mounted on timber

This doesn't become dangerous until January 1st 2016, so still safe to fit as normal for the present.

 

[Midwest]

Just got the latest Guidance note 1, Selection & Erection. Looked up 421.1.201 in the hope it might provide some practicable advise on the subject. Just repeats pretty much is what said in BS7671. Does say however, Guidance note 4 gives further information about the requirements. Me smells a rat Fawlty, they want me to buy another book! Anyone got the latest GN 4?

 

[Risteard]

Just got the latest Guidance note 1, Selection & Erection. Looked up 421.1.201 in the hope it might provide some practicable advise on the subject. Just repeats pretty much is what said in BS7671. Does say however, Guidance note 4 gives further information about the requirements. Me smells a rat Fawlty, they want me to buy another book! Anyone got the latest GN 4?

I have all of the Guidance Notes.

However I don't have them on me at present, so you might have to wait a couple of days unless someone else has it handy!