Rewirable fuses and the old wylex boards

[SPARTYKUS]

I suppose the best compromise Ive seen is the fuse cover back removed so at least with plug in MCB's it can still be fitted, thus covering these exposed parts.

 

[SPARTYKUS]

My first house had two 8 way Wylex boards that I fitted (they were the best on the market at the time). When the MCB’s became available I fitted them. Both boards had a separate 500mA RCCB.

We had to work with what was on the market at the time. I will say that in over 20+ years I never had a fuse blow or MCB trip due a fault. Just to add to the confusion there were two sub boards fed from the main boards.
The one in my dark room was a Telemecanique board with a 10mA RCD.
Again not many houses could boast a 110V ring main and 100V DC radials.

You're just showing off now aren't you!!

I bet your garden is a spectacular scene of green and magenta Halide lights, all remote controlled of course from the lounge ....... :lips2:

 

[Plonker 3]

absolutely bizarre,, AS an Electrician If your fitting Blanks to a board where they just pop out then you are leaving a potential risk. FIT one that doesnt just pop out.. It would be your arse on the line when something happens..

But the one that usually pop out are the ones that come with the brand new shiny DB anyway so are provided by the manufacturer, which surely covers me should any fall out?

 

[ackbarthestar]

(copy from a previous post i made)

Dont know If people have looked closely at the Wylex type of rewirble fuse boards? Without the screw on cover over the fuses there is exposed live parts on show under and on top of the fuse carrier... about 2- 3mm
If the fuse cover is missing (not the carrier but the 4/6 way cover) and the fuses can be seen, this goes against reg 416.2.2
If the cover is there and can be undone without a tool then again I think this goes against the same reg..

look at the top of this board,,

Redirect Notice​

​

Looking at section 416 it describes basic protection as being a minimum of IP2X or IPXXB, which to my understanding is the equivalent diameter of a small finger (12mm). So the front surface (vertical) of a Wylex board without its fuse cover would still comply. The top surface is another matter where the restrictions in diameter are more appropriate and that being IP4X or IPXXD.

Here's some pics I found whilst on the net
What code would you put on this one?



or what about this !

 

[IQ Electrical]

Looking at section 416 it describes basic protection as being a minimum of IP2X or IPXXB, which to my understanding is the equivalent diameter of a small finger (12mm). So the front surface (vertical) of a Wylex board without its fuse cover would still comply. The top surface is another matter where the restrictions in diameter are more appropriate and that being IP4X or IPXXD.

Here's some pics I found whilst on the net
What code would you put on this one?

View attachment 9932

or what about this !

View attachment 9933

Precisely, that was the point that I made earlier, the IP requirement would still be satisfied.

As usual, as the competent person, you have to assess all risks before allocating a defect code or recommendation-a nursery would have entirely different risks for the same scenario in a factory, mounting heights also make a difference.

I never enter a defect code for 'old fuses' or 'old consumer unit' as in most cases there is not a defect to report.

I always encourage clients to upgrade from an old Wylex, not because it's dangerous but because fault and overload protection is much more precise and I don't deem many home owners/tenants competent to choose and install the correctly rated fuse wire.

 

[Edd]

I give up

 

[Edd]

I give up!

 

[IQ Electrical]

Im sure people are missing my point..

you come across this board Redirect Notice
high up in a garage, not so bad.
you come across this board under the stairs at low level! in my eyes this goes against regs
if the screw on cover was there no problem at all totally fine no code needed..

I under stand reg 416.2.1 but after that it says

416.2.2 A horizontal top surface of a barrier or enclosure which is READILY ACCESSIBLE shall provide a degree of protection of at least IPXXD or IP4X (less than 1mm)

This cant just be ignored can it?

The words 'horizontal top surface' are the subject of that text, it doesn't matter what comes after that, you are not describing a 'horizontal top surface' are you?

 

[Edd]

Given up!

 

[ackbarthestar]

Too me the red white and blue fuse carriers with the holes in as shown in the picture are horizontal top surface?? again if im making a mistake here please point me in the right direction

lol..... Only if you mount the board on the floor !

I can't see how you have misinterpreted 416 when it clearly states the basic level of protection is IP2X :confused5: :45:

besides that, I think sticking a CCU under the stairs is just asking for trouble.


Wylex boards are more likely to suffer from loose carrier screws than the numpty effect, even my mother was able to change a fuse wire
and... its the yellow ones to watch out for since they carry a continual 12- 16A load.


Now I've looked at the picture you posted, that wouldn't comply even if the fuse carrier wasn't damaged since it is missing the front protective lid. The Fuse has probably been wrenched out with a screwdriver, as some of these fuses and carriers can be quite stiff for a little old lady to pull.


If the property is going to be let as suggested by the poster on that forum then I would suggest a new board, if not just change the fuse carrier and replace the protective lid

 

[wildgoose]

On a lighter note: Some of these old Wylex consumer units may have to be saved indefinately

They provide a fantastic conservation area for all manner of insects - rare spiders & moths in particular!!

Not a fan myself of this old & often worn out design.

 

[baldsparkies]

Most electricians purchase there boards at wholesalers who provide mcb's as part of the deal. Not being a ducks rear end, we always fit those mcb's in place. ie 8 way board gets 8 mcb's. This is a far better option to fitting plastic blanks, which I have never liked. (Unless they are the full shrouded type which fit onto the busbar and not just clip to the front cover) This keeps the board nice, squared up on the mcb's and tidy.
That way, on the modern boards the problem described doesnt exist. plus your customer appreciates the extra mcb's being there for any required expansion at a later date.
Everyone is happy.

If any electrician can honestly and with hand on heart say that he feels the older wylex rewirable fuse board, would be there prefered option, and item of choice in there own home.
Rather than a modern board with mcb's Rcd's and or rcbo's. Then so be it.
But that certainly would not be the case on my watch.
I don't care what others say or do. I feel the newer boards offer a superior level of protection, is an improvement in safety for a number of valid reasons. Not least there ability to provide shock protection, and also far more acceptable PFC let through, which in turn provides closer protection from thermal effects.
Some people say good old rewirable wylex boards. Some say good riddance. I am the latter.

 

[hermetic]

Without a doubt mcb's are better, but I have installed hundreds of Wylex and Tamlex cu's (the CEF equivalent) and had very few if any problems. I have retrofitted many with plug in mcb's as well and no probs there either. Anything will fail if run under constant overload, and looking at some of the modern equipment I install today, with thin brass and copper terminals with single screw connections, and threads with so much slop in them that they virtually strip if you try to tighten them properly, I am actually amazed that this stuff is caqpable of carrying even its rated current.

 

[Edd]

I give up!

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Just run it past me once more Edd!