Time to voice OUR opinion

[Octopus]

So its now less than 1 year to metal CU's and fire retardent cable entries.....

So is this a good idea or not?

I think its a ill thought out requirement and needs to be reconsidered...

So please vote in my poll!

 

[ImpededLoop]

I'd imagine that if it does go metal only, the consumer unit manufacturers will start selling units for domestic use with an alternative to standard 20/25mm circular holes.

Either that or some form of decorative trunking that bolts onto their units to accept T+E without looking like a bit of 2x2 galv.

 

[davesparks]

To be honest I can't really see this bothering me, as an apprentice we only ever used metal boards (unless plastic was necessary for TT) and I have carried on the same since then.

 

[ImpededLoop]

To be honest I can't really see this bothering me, as an apprentice we only ever used metal boards (unless plastic was necessary for TT) and I have carried on the same since then.

I've got to agree that in most cases it's not going to make a huge difference. I've not lost any sleep over this one yet!

 

[Octopus]

TBH if the metal CU's do become the norm at the very least the MK units won't be so flimsy!!

 

[TJ Anderson]

It is going to be a negative though. They cost more and are not as adaptable as insulated. On new installs it is no drama but on replacements it is going to be a pain in some situations.

 

[TJ Anderson]

TBH if the metal CU's do become the norm at the very least the MK units won't be so flimsy!!

That's true, MK Sentry Insulated are crap. The Cadbury's Heroes Tub we had over Christmas is of far sturdier construction!

 

[davesparks]

It is going to be a negative though. They cost more and are not as adaptable as insulated. On new installs it is no drama but on replacements it is going to be a pain in some situations.

I've never yet had a problem installing a metal CU as a replacement. What sort of issues are you expecting?

 

[TJ Anderson]

I've never yet had a problem installing a metal CU as a replacement. What sort of issues are you expecting?

Cable entry, metal clad is more restrictive. Have generally always used insulated on domestic and find this new requirement irritating when there is nothing wrong with what we have.

 

[Octopus]

I've never yet had a problem installing a metal CU as a replacement. What sort of issues are you expecting?

According to Tony Cable at Sandown, all entry and exit points will need to be fire retardant!

 

[VoltzElectrical]

According to Tony Cable at Sandown, all entry and exit points will need to be fire retarded!

Like Tony Cable!

 

[davesparks]

Cable entry, metal clad is more restrictive. Have generally always used insulated on domestic and find this new requirement irritating when there is nothing wrong with what we have.

Both plastic and metal have four sides and a back which you can make cable entries wherever you need them. All you need is a drill and holesaw plus nibblers/tin snips occasionally.

Personally I find plastic boards to be flimsy and rarely as spacious inside as metal.

 

[davesparks]

According to Tony Cable at Sandown, all entry and exit points will need to be fire retardant!

A tube of pyromate sealant should fix that.

 

[Octopus]

A tube of pyromate sealant should fix that.

What a great suggestion. Have a house point!

 

[davesparks]

What a great suggestion. Have a house point!

It seemed obvious to me, but unless we are going to use fire resistant cable then I can't see the point!

 

[baldsparkies]

Are there any actual respected, genuine, reliable, non bull**** statistics to support any claims that plastic clad consumer units are the primary source of domestic house fires ??????