The Future of Fuse boards...?

[Dustydazzler]

Looks nice

 

[westward10]

The metal CU should be treated as a form of fire barrier/containment, that being the whole reason for having metal CUs in the first place.

Cutting a hole that size in a wooden partition and leaving it cannot be said to be the work of a decent electrician.

No metal consumer units are not fire barriers because if they were then you would spend a considerable amount of money on them plus their Achilles heel would be cable entries and the protective devices. Metal consumer units are used because the enclosure does not readily combust, no more. You are misinformed.

 

[mainline]

No metal consumer units are not fire barriers because if they were then you would spend a considerable amount of money on them plus their Achilles heel would be cable entries and the protective devices. Metal consumer units are used because the enclosure does not readily combust, no more. You are misinformed.

I said “They should be treated” I didn't say “They are fire barriers”.

Common sense would tell you that cable entries that are sealed are going to act as a barrier.

 

[westward10]

I said “They should be treated” I didn't say “They are fire barriers”.

Common sense would tell you that cable entries that are sealed are going to act as a barrier.

You are giving incorrect information because just by stating this you believe it is a fire barrier. Common sense and fact are not necessarily the same because the size of entry is irrelevant and requires no sealing if it does not breech a fire compartment.

 

[mainline]

You are giving incorrect information because just by stating this you believe it is a fire barrier. Common sense and fact are not necessarily the same because the size of entry is irrelevant and requires no sealing if it does not breech a fire compartment.

. What constitutes a ‘non-combustible enclosure’?

A non-combustible enclosure includes base, cover, door and any components e.g. hinges, covers, screws and catches, necessary to maintain fire containment. See diagram 1. Blanks and devices are contained within the non-combustible enclosure.

3 How is account taken of cable entries into a ‘non-combustible enclosure’ with respect to
containment of internal fire and escape of flames?.

Good workmanship and proper materials must be applied by the installer. The cable installation entry method shall, as far as is reasonably practicable, maintain the fire containment of the enclosure. Account shall be taken of the manufacturers instructions, if any.

 

[suffolkspark]

Regs aside its just good practice and workmanship to not leave a hole big enough in the back for a fkin ferret to get in

 

[westward10]

. What constitutes a ‘non-combustible enclosure’?

A non-combustible enclosure includes base, cover, door and any components e.g. hinges, covers, screws and catches, necessary to maintain fire containment. See diagram 1. Blanks and devices are contained within the non-combustible enclosure.

3 How is account taken of cable entries into a ‘non-combustible enclosure’ with respect to
containment of internal fire and escape of flames?.

Good workmanship and proper materials must be applied by the installer. The cable installation entry method shall, as far as is reasonably practicable, maintain the fire containment of the enclosure. Account shall be taken of the manufacturers instructions, if any.

It's purpose is not to contain a fire it is not a fire barrier. This is a common misconception.

 

[Dustydazzler]

A metal board ( board made from non-combustible material ) does not form part of a buildings fire barrier

 

[mainline]

It's purpose is not to contain a fire it is not a fire barrier. This is a common misconception.

It will be more of a fire barrier being metal than it would being made of wood, like that partition.

 

[nicebutdim]

Out of interest. Do those who object to holes in the back of a DB insist upon installation of an interconnected smoke detection system, prior to upgrade of any domestic board?

Surely early detection of all types of fire would be of much greater importance than the short term containment of one unlikely source of fire.

 

[westward10]

It will be more of a fire barrier being metal than it would being made of wood, like that partition.

But it isn't a fire barrier and is the partition a fire compartment boundary. Do you want a spade.

 

[Dave OCD]

At no time have I advocated a huge cable entry hole, and assumptions are being made constantly. The vast majority of CUs that I replace are spaced off on small battens to facilitate all cables entering through the rear knockout. So in fact there is no hole going into a cavity at all. But when some people are convinced they're right and no one else knows what they're talking about then it's probably a waste of time posting at all.

 

[Dave OCD]

Out of interest. Do those who object to holes in the back of a DB insist upon installation of an interconnected smoke detection system, prior to upgrade of any domestic board?

Surely early detection of all types of fire would be of much greater importance than the short term containment of one unlikely source of fire.

Regardless of the soundless/ strength of the argument I'm afraid some people argue just for the sake of it.

 

[nicebutdim]

At no time have I advocated a huge cable entry hole, and assumptions are being made constantly. The vast majority of CUs that I replace are spaced off on small battens to facilitate all cables entering through the rear knockout. So in fact there is no hole going into a cavity at all. But when some people are convinced they're right and no one else knows what they're talking about then it's probably a waste of time posting at all.

To my mind this is the ideal method of installation, where practicable. Neat and provides for future repair or addition, without major upheaval.

 

[mainline]

But it isn't a fire barrier and is the partition a fire compartment boundary. Do you want a spade.

The issue is about leaving a massive hole into a wooden partition.

If some are happy to leave an installation like that, then good on them.

 

[ipf]

The metal CU should be treated as a form of fire barrier/containment, that being the whole reason for having metal CUs in the first place.

Cutting a hole that size in a wooden partition and leaving it cannot be said to be the work of a decent electrician.

No. The reason was because many of todays highly qualified dipsticks were incapable of installing non metal CU's correctly, causing an increasing danger of domestic CU fires. (in the London area, at least)