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.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

I always code these boards if the fuse cover is missing as live parts are accessible to fingers without the use of a tool by partially withdrawing a device or tilting it, try it if you don't believe me. In a domestic where the board is within reach this would be a code 1, in the situation you describe a code 2. I expect others will disagree but ultimately without the cover in place live parts ARE easily accessible. And yes Spin, I know the apparent original function of the cover was to contain molten copper from fuses, but these days access to live parts is more of a danger IMO.
Suitable warning signs/ labelling and access only to competent persons may justify a code 3.

 

[buzzlightyear]

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.

the amount of time I go to customers property's is is always the lids missing or not marked up .

 

[MJPD29]

I'm afraid charity or not if there is no cover and you have to cut the new cover I would be reccomending a board change, it'll still be your name on the cert if on some off chance someone sticks their hand in, and cutting lids is out of the question for me

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Maybe there is some confusion over cutting the lid. The fuse cover on the old wylex boards is designed so that the centre part can be removed/knocked out in order to fit the plug in type mcb's, you are still left with a frame which prevents access to live parts,

 

[Andy78]

Maybe there is some confusion over cutting the lid. The fuse cover on the old wylex boards is designed so that the centre part can be removed/knocked out in order to fit the plug in type mcb's, you are still left with a frame which prevents access to live parts,

Only if the lid is the type with a slotted screw and not the thumbscrew type I suppose ?

 

[Dave OCD]

You could soon change that, rethread the hole with a M3.5 tap and use an accessory plate screw.

 

[Andy C]

Some great replies thanks guys. Sadly the lids have long since gone and sourcing replacements is proving difficult.

 

[PEG]

I have to admit to eating hotchwitchi,so,i wish i could help out....if only to salve my conscience

 

[sparkdog]

I have closed the gap using cuttings of adhesive trunking , in similar situations.

 

[telectrix]

Some great replies thanks guys. Sadly the lids have long since gone and sourcing replacements is proving difficult.

ihave a 6 way cream wylex lid spare.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

ihave a 6 way cream wylex lid spare.

Indeed, always worth saving them if you do a board change

 

[Deleted member 72666]

An golden opportunity for a 'tin basher' to knock a few out me thinks.

 

[richy3333]

What size boards are these? Any photos and I can take a look in my scrap bin.

Just replaced a whole load of these for the very same reason - accessible live parts

 

[Rpa07]

I changed one of the Wylex 3036 the other day, it had a very good condition lid with the thumbscrew - I took that baby home and put it onto my 3036!
That reminds me, I must get a competent electrician around to change that!
Bussmans holiday and all that!