Should the consumer unit be changed ???

[sidekick]

I have a customer who is caretaker of a sports and social centre.
It has a three phase 24 way consumer unit but all old rewireable fuses.
Is there any regulation which means they have to upgrade to a new 17th edition consumer unit.
They seem to think they have to have it changed by the end of the year but cannot recall where the advice came from.

 

[IQ Electrical]

The only way to be certain is by way of a periodic inspection which should be carried out at 5-yearly intervals anyway, assuming no swimming pool installation is present.

Someone will have stuck their head into the DB cupboard and uttered the immortal 'fuses are illegal' line or some other such rubbish!

Do a periodic, checking disconnection times and specific RCD requirements, especially to special locations such as shower rooms etc.

 

[PC Electrics]

Also very carefully check cable ratings. Don't forget the 0.725 derating factor for use with 3036s. For example 1.5mm t&e rating 19A x0.725 = 13.7A = doesn't comply on a 15A 3036!

Similarly watch for 2.5 t&e with 1.0mm cpc. Any rings on 30A 3036s do not comply (they do with 1361 or 60898s though).

If the place is wired in imperial cable, make sure you assess the cable sizes and ratings accurately. PM me for my 'guide' if you need it.

As IQ says look for any circuits that specifically need RCDs, eg sockets in public areas or used by cleaners or DJs. This in itself doesn't force a DB change, you could add 'off board' RCDs in seperate enclosures wiring the circuit through or fit RCD SSOs.

Could you change the fuse carriers to plug in MCBs and still close the DB door? could solve any compliance issues easily and cheaply.

Check all fuse carriers for the correct size fuse wire!!

And, of course, look for any signs of damage or burning.

If they've been advised to change to 17th board, get them to check it wasn't an insurance requirement. Or maybe they've had an H&S inspection of some sort (maybe relating to their bar licence).

 

[telectrix]

a very informative post , PC.

 

[PC Electrics]

Thanks Tel.

I've even managed to work out how to attach my imperial cable guide using the edit function!
Every day's a school day!

 

[gamblor6]

Also very carefully check cable ratings. Don't forget the 0.725 derating factor for use with 3036s. For example 1.5mm t&e rating 19A x0.725 = 13.7A = doesn't comply on a 15A 3036!

Similarly watch for 2.5 t&e with 1.0mm cpc. Any rings on 30A 3036s do not comply (they do with 1361 or 60898s though).

If the place is wired in imperial cable, make sure you assess the cable sizes and ratings accurately. PM me for my 'guide' if you need it.

As IQ says look for any circuits that specifically need RCDs, eg sockets in public areas or used by cleaners or DJs. This in itself doesn't force a DB change, you could add 'off board' RCDs in seperate enclosures wiring the circuit through or fit RCD SSOs.

Could you change the fuse carriers to plug in MCBs and still close the DB door? could solve any compliance issues easily and cheaply.

Check all fuse carriers for the correct size fuse wire!!

And, of course, look for any signs of damage or burning.

If they've been advised to change to 17th board, get them to check it wasn't an insurance requirement. Or maybe they've had an H&S inspection of some sort (maybe relating to their bar licence).

the 2.5 with 1.0 cpc doesnt always comply with a 60898. more often than not the cpc is too small. be aware of your zs here.

 

[PC Electrics]

I was specifically refering to compliance with the adiabatic for minimum cpc sizes. Compliance with max Zs's (governed by the length of the circuit) was taken as read (IQ having already raised this issue and I didn't wish to repeat it).

 

[topquark]

Thanks, I've grabed a copy!

 

[gamblor6]

yes but compliance with the adiabatic will involve the zs, no where near the max for the circuit and the earth is too small if its 1mm. the max zs only confirms disconnection times,
thats all i was saying!

 

[tony mc]

Thanks for the attachement PC .

 

[Bradzz]

I would also like to add does the fuse carriers contain asbestos? could this be the reason for the change over.