Protection for >3m tails

[Andy78]

I'm inclined to agree, if 16mm2 cable CCC can be as high as 94A for reference method E, it is not that far short of the 100A. The trouble with having just three codes to choose from, with something marginal, I find it can be difficult to decide which code.

A different example I’ve come across a few times recently is small amounts of visible (exposed) live cable or terminals on the suppliers equipment, e.g. on the fuse carrier or meter tails, trying to decide if it should be a C1 rather than C2.

Accessible exposed live parts are always a C1, and in this case probably an emergency callout to the supplier/DNO.

 

[SJD]

Accessible exposed live parts are always a C1, and in this case probably an emergency callout to the supplier/DNO.

Yes, but I'm talking about quite small exposed parts, the question is whether they should be defined as accessible - comparing for example to an unenclosed choc block, a small one you can't touch the screws, make it large enough and perhaps you could.

 

[i=p/u]

Maybe only 60A on carrier .....

 

[Andy78]

Yes, but I'm talking about quite small exposed parts, the question is whether they should be defined as accessible - comparing for example to an unenclosed choc block, a small one you can't touch the screws, make it large enough and perhaps you could.

I would C1 compromised insulation on any live conductor, no matter how small, and a choc block of any size joining a live conductor not in an enclosure would get the same treatment.

 

[telectrix]

Yes, but I'm talking about quite small exposed parts, the question is whether they should be defined as accessible - comparing for example to an unenclosed choc block, a small one you can't touch the screws, make it large enough and perhaps you could.

child with paper clip in sticky paw can access anything < IP4X. so code C1 for any exposed conductor or terminal , no matter how small the access is,

 

[SJD]

So for example, if you have a meter tail with approx. 0.5mm or so of shiny copper visible at meter end e.g. because the insulation has been stripped back a little too far, I'm hearing this should be coded C1, and needs an emergency call out of the DNO (since I'm not allowed to open the meter myself to correct it)?

 

[Andy78]

Meters, henley blocks, and fuses are designed so that there is ample room to terminate and never leave any exposed copper. If there is any then it's a sloppy job and potentially dangerous.
It's up to you to assess whether it needs a call out or not. Exposed live parts would be worthy of a call out.

0.5mm might not let you get a finger onto it, but could a curious householder poking at the shiny stuff with a screwdriver to see what it is, get onto it ?

 

[Guest55]

connector blocks are IP XXB by virtue of construction.
youd be hard pushed to justify a C1 or even C2 if it was not in an enclosure but otherwise undamaged and correctly fitted.

just thought i'd throw that little spanner in ;-)

 

[Andy78]

connector blocks are IP XXB by virtue of construction.
youd be hard pushed to justify a C1 or even C2 if it was not in an enclosure but otherwise undamaged and correctly fitted.

just thought i'd throw that little spanner in ;-)

Ha ha, just for a change.
Ok I'll back up my choice by referring to the ESC EICR guidance which cites "terminations or connections without enclosure or barrier" as an example of a C1.
Also a connector block installed without enclosure would likely have exposed single insulation (C2) and inadequate cable restraint (C3).
In practice though I'd probably slap it inside a JB, and carry on. lol.