No space for new CU.

[OldskoolUpNorth]

Afternoon all,

Just got back from inspecting a domestic that is having a new CU installed.

Thing is, the DNO in all their wisdom have been out and fitted a posh new isolator as requested, FOR FREE, and put it in the only space big enough for a 17th board.

Now to the question,

Can a CU be mounted vertically?? i.e. On it's side. it's the only way it'll go in, and I don't think the guy will go for RCBOs and a smaller board just wi the cost of em.

Anybody ever fitted a CU vertical? or is it a big no-no.

Thanks as always.

 

[sparks1973]

yes....as long as the IP rating is not compromised and its mounted securely...then why not?....

 

[sparks1973]

any labeling would of course have to be readable by the client/user......

 

[drew35]

I think I would just move the isolator. Anybody who looks at a CSU on its side, whether its right or wrong, is going to criticize it!

 

[1shortcircuit]

I think I would just move the isolator

Read more: http://www.electriciansforums.net/e...orum/61075-no-space-new-cu.html#ixzz21eDo47wN
​

Absolutely :thumbsup

 

[OldskoolUpNorth]

I think I would just move the isolator. Anybody who looks at a CSU on its side, whether its right or wrong, is going to criticize it!

It would be a lot easier drew but I don't cut DNO applied seals, I know people do but thats up to them.

Otherwise I'd just of removed the main cut out in the first place.

 

[sparks1973]

I think I would just move the isolator. Anybody who looks at a CSU on its side, whether its right or wrong, is going to criticize it!

so is it still compliant to have it on its side?...yes or no Drew?...

 

[telectrix]

it's compliant. think of a 3 phase boars, all the protective devices are mounted horizontally.

 

[sparks1973]

exactly Tel...

 

[DPG]

Unless the instructions for the CU state anything regarding positioning? Daz

 

[Merl]

It's acceptable to mount a consumer unit vertically as long as the main switch & circuit breaker 'on/off' positions are easily identifiable and circuit identification corresponds to the relevant OCPD.

According to Elecsa technical.

 

[kingeri]

As mentioned, the main things are IP rating, function and identification. I would never do it, but I can't see a reason not to, as long as the above is ok.

 

[Darkwood]

Wont all the electric fall out if its on the side? :thinking2:

The other option is to fit a 2 tier board in again its a space issue.

 

[trev]

It should just settle on what becomes the bottom of the CU mate but the bus bar will suck it up to the MCBs. Caplliary action you know

 

[sparks1973]

It's acceptable to mount a consumer unit vertically as long as the main switch & circuit breaker 'on/off' positions are easily identifiable and circuit identification corresponds to the relevant OCPD.

According to Elecsa technical.

exactly..as #3...

 

[Merl]

exactly..as #3...

Good to see that we're singing from the same hymn sheet and not giving conflicting information out.

 

[richy3333]

Good to see that we're singing from the same hymn sheet and not giving conflicting information out.

Not me, I'm not religious and therefore don't sing hymns or hers

 

[Guest55]

Cant you just rotate the entire meter cupboard through 90 degrees ?
Seems perfectly obvious to me.
;-)

 

[DPG]

Hymns are sexist - we should sing 'hers'. Daz

 

[Guest55]

Absolutely :thumbsup

Thanks for providing a link back to this thread 1sc , just what we need , a never-ending loop lol.

 

[telectrix]

don't matter anyway, coz as soon as you post a pic. on here, it will be turned sideways anyway

 

[Merl]

Hymns are sexist - we should sing 'hers'. Daz

Song sheet --------- song sheet, we'll call it a song sheet, eh?

We can all sing songs! Mind what I've seen on telly............ I'm not so sure!!

 

[trev]

A very good musician once told me wife (who couldn't carry a tune in a bucket) everyone can sing, just some can sing better than others

 

[sparks1973]

don't matter anyway, coz as soon as you post a pic. on here, it will be turned sideways anyway

so if its a BS3036 board....all the nails will drop out....

 

[1shortcircuit]

Thanks for providing a link back to this thread 1sc , just what we need , a never-ending loop lol.

Thanks for pointing that out although 1) not sure why the forum keeps doing that when I add "speech" tags 2) not sure that it was really worthy of a post. Having said that some like to see those post totals add up eh lmao

xxxx

 

[mickys86]

I once got heavily criticised on here when I was a new member, I asked why a cu would not be able to go its side. I got told by a member ( cannot remember who) that an mcb works on gravity. If an mcb is turned on its side then the gravitational pull isn't where it should be and it will affect te trip times.

I then proceeded to say it complete and utter ********
And then got told I didn't have a clue what I was talking about, look into how mcb's are made and come back when ya learnt somat.......

 

[DNS1]

I once got heavily criticised on here when I was a new member, I asked why a cu would not be able to go its side. I got told by a member ( cannot remember who) that an mcb works on gravity. If an mcb is turned on its side then the gravitational pull isn't where it should be and it will affect te trip times.

I then proceeded to say it complete and utter ********
And then got told I didn't have a clue what I was talking about, look into how mcb's are made and come back when ya learnt somat.......

I was always told to mount a CU the correct way up because of the A) IP rating and B) the fact that, if mounted at right angles, it contravenes the manufacturers instructions (not great if anything goes wrong, whether if your fault or not!)

With regards MCBs operating due to gravity, that sounds like rubbish to me... Seen many a board which is DESIGNED for the breakers to be in sideways!

 

[tigerpaul]

Breakers do not work on gravity! That is a load of old pony!
If they did, then Mr Spoons cu in his house on Button Moon wouldn't work.

 

[Thomas123]

I guess you can, but it isn't worth the hassle, you'll be called back within the week to change it. After the clients know it all neighbour has said "oh that's wrong" " oh that's really dangerous "

I'd either move the isolator, or say to the client it's got to the a smaller board with rcbo's

 

[1shortcircuit]

I guess you can, but it isn't worth the hassle, you'll be called back within the week to change it. After the clients know it all neighbour has said "oh that's wrong" " oh that's really dangerous "

I'd either move the isolator, or say to the client it's got to the a smaller board with rcbo's

So long as the client is made aware of what work will be carried out before installation commences and reasons can be supported with the manufacturers instructions/any other literature proving it complies then I'm sure they will be happy and have no reason to be concerned. Sell it to them by showing them the comparison quote of the RCBO's and let them make the decision. :thumbsup

 

[OldskoolUpNorth]

thanks for all the info guys,

Sure you want to know,

It's done,
It's on it's side,
It looks ok,
But...
Won't be doing it again...

And all for the sake of a 17th board with 6 circuits.....!

RCBOs all the way from now on.

 

[Octopus]

thanks for all the info guys,

Sure you want to know,

It's done,
It's on it's side,
It looks ok,
But...
Won't be doing it again...

And all for the sake of a 17th board with 6 circuits.....!

RCBOs all the way from now on.

Do you have a photo you can post?

 

[telectrix]

guarantee it he posts a pic, thr forum will rotate it 90deg. anyway.

 

[Guitarist]

Just read this and was about to suggest a nice small board with full RCBO (just fitted one) but see that you have already completed the work.