Old Wylex DBs no lids.

[Andy C]

I have been doing some work for a hedgehog charity so funds have been tight.
I have remedied a number of non conformity items as they want an EICR for the landlord.

I am happy with the general condition of the circuits and readings are all within range. A number of C3s have been given, with one being lack of cable support in ceiling areas.

The shop has two Wylex boards one metalclad and one plastic. Neither has a lid for where the original rewirable fuses were as these have been replaced with MCBs of various types. I intend to replace the fuse carriers that have open pin connections to closed ones. Doing this, will it be sufficient to pass as there will still be no lid/cover on either board.

The boards are in a cupboard that is secure and only authorised staff have access to.

I have considered sourcing new lids but they would still need the cover cutting out so the MCBs would fit.

The final option is replacement DBs but I want to avoid the cost if I can.

Thanks for any replies.

 

[buzzlightyear]

the op could make one up with a shoe box and gaffer tape ,you would need a size 12 shoes size .

 

[Rpa07]

the op could make one up with a shoe box and gaffer tape ,you would need a size 12 shoes size .

No one will ever say that you don’t have class, Buzz!

 

[Flanders]

Can you touch any live parts with these fuse cover missing, I used to think the same but the gap is very small around the edge it has to be IP2x and I don't think you can get your finger in to touch the live bus bar. Yes I agree you could touch the live pins when removing fuses , but that is the case with a lot of old boards that are still in service in factory's throughout the land , May be a label saying " warning turn off main switch before removing fuses" may be the answer

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Can you touch any live parts with these fuse cover missing, I used to think the same but the gap is very small around the edge it has to be IP2x and I don't think you can get your finger in to touch the live bus bar. Yes I agree you could touch the live pins when removing fuses , but that is the case with a lot of old boards that are still in service in factory's throughout the land , May be a label saying " warning turn off main switch before removing fuses" may be the answer

All you need to do is tilt a fuse and live parts on the fuse itself are finger accessible, there is a warning on these boards to switch off before handling fuses, not good enough to comply with current requirements IMO. Many of these boards are in understairs cupboards with covers missing easily reached by curious kids. It surprises me there are not more electrocutions.

 

[Flanders]

Yes times have changed and we are now more aware of dangers these days so it may be a good idea to advise people of the dangers and what can be done to improve things .
In a domestic environment yes it would be a good idea to recomend replacing such a CU to make it safer, especially has you say if children can easily access it , but in a commercial environment it would be easier to police for example method statements, stating employees are not permited to touch any electrical equipment , I have been to places that don't let employee's change light bulbs or go up steps ladders.Now I know people may ignore these rules but you can't protect people from their own stupidity

 

[rolyberkin]

Cheapest solution here (discounting the fact that the fuse board should probably be replaced) would be to fit a hasp and padlock to the cupboard or am I missing something?

 

[Andy C]

Thanks for all the replies guys, a lot of suggestions for me to consider.

 

[ukiri]

Have to agree with rolyberkin, fit a lock on the cupboard door

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Andy. Call Barlows BES in Malpas, they will have something for you guarenteed. Expensive wholesaler but they will stock them.

Wholesale | Barlows - https://www.barlows-electrical.com/services/wholesale/