Tails into metal switch fuse

[Gazthesparky]

I've got a job where I'm running a Swa sub main to a 17th edition board. I've got to put a switchfuse by the meter and I'm intending to run tails from the meter into it.

Previously I've put a male bush and locknut in the bottom and run the tails into that but I'm after other ideas that give strain relief.

I've seen the wiska tails stuffing gland but it's expensive at about 20 quid a pop

Any other ideas ? Suggestions

Cheers

 

[Knobhead]

I’d keep the steel plate and slot it, brass stuffing glands with brass locknuts. If creepy crawly things are going to be a problem, fill the slot with epoxy.

OK it’s a bit bigger than we’re talking about here

 

[Engineer54]

As i say, Why arse around with paxolin inserts or slotting the knockouts when a suitably sized Male/Female bush will do the job...

 

[HappyHippyDad]

These make 40mm stuffers and also have changeable inserts depending on tails, flat twin, etc

Now show me where you would buy the M40 insert (takes x2 25mm and x1 16mm) - struggling to find it!

 

[Guest77]

Buy they do provide the correct IP rating.

Well it has been the method for 60+years and works well, just because some numpty in a suit who works for the NICEIC suggests it isn't right doesn't mean it is wrong.

 

[davesparks]

Buy they do provide the correct IP rating.

What is the correct IP rating, and doesn't a bush and locknut achieve it?

 

[Midwest]

What is the correct IP rating, and doesn't a bush and locknut achieve it?

I was suggesting that putting 2 x 25mm tails & 1 x 16mm earth together through one stuffing gland, you would not be able to achieve IP4X, but as the OP was suggesting entering via the bottom (excuse my french), then he wouldn't need too. IMO I think I best practise too, bottom or top that is

 

[Silly Sausage]

SWA from switch to board (and maybe a cleat or two).
End of problem!

 

[Engineer54]

SWA from switch to board (and maybe a cleat or two).
End of problem!

I think were talking about the tails from meter/MET to switchfuse, not from switchfuse to board....

 

[Gazthesparky]

Right thanks all for your replies

I have installed the metal switch fuse and 25mm Swa heading to the consumer unit

In the end I installed the SWA into the bottom of the switch fuse and then used a 32mm stuffing gland in the top for the tails I didn't have enough room in the bottom to put a bush and locknut.

I will post a picture for all to see when I'm next back at site.

My next question is regarding the consumer unit.
I'm installing a metal clad unit and terminating the Swa straite into it.

Using metal clad for 2 reasons
1 so I can terminate strait into it
2 to comply with the new amendment I know it's early

But my question is what do people think is the best way to get my cables into the board?

I usually install a meter board and mount the plastic consumer unit on that and come rear entry into the board.

So do I do that with this metal one ? And use grommet strip in the back of the board (I know the amendment says the enclosure needs to be fire retardant) but it seems silly mounting it onto a wooden board

Or do I bite the bullet and mount the board on the wall and put plastic 2x2 trunking along the top and grommet strip and come in the top of the board


Any suggestions, ideas gratefully received

 

[Plonker 3]

If you use 2x2 plastic trunking, make the slot in the top of the DB bigger than the one in the trunking then you wouldnt need to use grommit strip.

 

[gnselectricals]

Depends which db your fitting, Wylex make a backplate which fixes to wall then db is bolted onto, enough space behind for trunking drops etc around £20 I think so I'm too tight to try one lol

 

[Midwest]

Depends which db your fitting, Wylex make a backplate which fixes to wall then db is bolted onto, enough space behind for trunking drops etc around £20 I think so I'm too tight to try one lol

Haven't seen one of those can you post a link. This whole reg' hasn't been thought through, down to us to sort out the finer detail. The CU has to be made of non-combustible materials, so when the 'inside' catches fire, it kinda contains it, that's my understanding. So mounting metal board on wooden mounting plate should be okay, but I know what you mean though Gaz. Would be no different to installing a small CU in a wooden shed. Hager CU are designed to accept trunking vertically, with grommet strip around the knockouts, if you feel so inclined. Which manufacturer of metal CU are you using?

 

[Leesparkykent]

Haven't seen one of those can you post a link. This whole reg' hasn't been thought through, down to us to sort out the finer detail. The CU has to be made of non-combustible materials, so when the 'inside' catches fire, it kinda contains it, that's my understanding. So mounting metal board on wooden mounting plate should be okay, but I know what you mean though Gaz. Would be no different to installing a small CU in a wooden shed. Hager CU are designed to accept trunking vertically, with grommet strip around the knockouts, if you feel so inclined. Which manufacturer of metal CU are you using?

Good article to read

Consumer units - IET Electrical

 

[Midwest]

Think I've seen that article before. Not quite sure about Regulation 421.1.201 covers sealing of cable entries into CU's or enclosures (as stated in that article). Manufacturers have made no attempt to do that, and certainly plastic trunking won't and personally, I don't see why it should be the installers responsibility to ensure ' as far as is reasonably practicable, any fire is contained within the enclosure or cabinet and the escape of flames to the surroundings of the cabinet or enclosure or into conduits trunking or ducting is minimised, as intended by Regulation 421.1.201.'. Just my opinion.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Think I've seen that article before. Not quite sure about Regulation 421.1.201 covers sealing of cable entries into CU's or enclosures (as stated in that article). Manufacturers have made no attempt to do that, and certainly plastic trunking won't and personally, I don't see why it should be the installers responsibility to ensure ' as far as is reasonably practicable, any fire is contained within the enclosure or cabinet and the escape of flames to the surroundings of the cabinet or enclosure or into conduits trunking or ducting is minimised, as intended by Regulation 421.1.201.'. Just my opinion.

I know what you mean, but it has come from the IET.