Mounting CU sideways - alternatives?

[rick]

Hi

I have a consumer unit change coming where the existing box is mounted sideways. As the client also wants some new circuits run in, I will need about 16 ways in the CU. The only way I will get this in (due to meter location etc.) is to mount the new box sideways as per the old one. But I think this will look a bit rough.

So I was thinking of two 8 way CUs one on top of the other, feeding each separately from a henley. Downside is that there would not be a single switch to isolate the entire installation... (although there is an DNO isolator after the meter which would do this).

Or does anyone know of a way of "linking" two boards together. Be interested to know if anyone has any ideas / been here before.

Cheers

 

[Guest123]

If there is a DNO isolator then you have your single point of isolation.

You can get stackable boards, MK do them. I dont know if they come that small though. Is your 16 way requirement including DP isolators and RCD's etc???

 

[Johno]

i understand your problem, not sure on what regs say, but i wouldn't mount a board sideways. I would either try and make room in the cupboard or, if not possible, move the board above or alter the cupboard to suit.

 

[Johno]

16 ways seems alot, is it a house?

 

[Sav]

Hi,
is there not a type of say MEM board, like we get on a 3phase whereby its stacked upright, that will fit into a domestic single phase ????

Just thinking outloud here boys, so ignore me if I am wrong,

Regards,
Sav

 

[Johno]

i have seen double decker boards in magazines etc, but i suppose you could get a 3 phase, change the main switch and short the busbars somehow, but this would still be pretty wide

 

[Sintra]

Proguard do a range of double and triple deckers usually used in Republic of Ireland.

2 Row Irish Board, Free Delivery UK and Ireland - Meteor Electrical

 

[rick]

Hi Guys

Thanks for your replies.

ELECSA tech reckon mounting sideways is OK regs. wise, but I just think it will look pants (I'm a bit fussy perhaps!)

Have checked out the MK stacking and will probably go with that. Another option I have found is a "Proteus" board but never heard of or used... so a bit wary.

And yes, it would be easy to adjust the cupboard but client doesn't like that plan!

Thanks for all help on this one.

 

[Johno]

I am fussy aswell, at the end of the day, you want to walk away from a good job. (unless you're working for a landlord who wants cheap and lets to scum) only joking, a bit

 

[scotsparky]

proteus is ok its CEF own brand i think its built by Hagar and just branded for CEF. I have used the "stackable " boards before and there ok can be a bit tight space wise with RCBOS but workable.

 

[rick]

Thanks useful to know the Proteus is made by Hagar, I'll go with that as it's a bit smaller than the MK.

 

[scotsparky]

i think it is not100% breakers are interchangable.