What do folk do when given a CU with switch on wrong side?

[Davisonp]

I came across this earlier this week doing an EICR and would value your opinions on this matter.

I have occasionally been given a CU to install only to arrive and find the switch is on the wrong side of the CU and it will not fit in the current configuration. I was taught to move the switch and RCD positions, switch live and neutral inputs and outputs on the main switch and RCD’s meaning the live feed out of switches and RCD’s is directly next to any MCB’s. (hope this makes sense)

Is that good practice? What do others do?


This is what I found earlier this week. Note the live and neutral into the RCD and consider the busbar feeding the MCB’s.

See photo

The installer got round the issue of the neutral output from the RCD’s being between the live output and the MCBs by taking the Busbar from the live output, cutting of the tab that would have gone into the neutral output and then onto the MCB’s. I consider this incredibly dangerous. If you consider the neutral stranded cables out of the RCD is now crushed by the busbar and plastic cover that will not seat fully because it is interfered with by the protruding neutral cable.

See second Photo

Both the live and neutral outputs of the RCD are only protected by the 100A service fuse. In the event of a fault causing heat, there could be a huge bang if the plastic separating the neutral from the busbar melts.

 

[Wilko]

because the boards built in spirit level is showing it's been put up wonky?

That's what the finger is pointing at, isn't it ?
Oh wait, don't tell me ... I'll get it soon ...

 

[davesparks]

I agree entirely, and I have never provided an incorrect CU for installation myself, but look at it from another prospective. If you had sourced the wrong CU and then told someone who works for you to adjust it and fit it and the work is covered by your company insurance, would they? or would they refuse?
There are some things I have been told to do as a sub contractor that I have refused as it causes danger or specifically goes against the regs, but there are things that I have been told to do under the responsibility of the parent company that I have done as instructed.

If I had sourced the wrong CU then I would get it changed for the right one.

 

[tomspark93]

It wouldn't be so bad with the schneider easy 9 as that's arse over --- to start with..

 

[Davisonp]

If I had sourced the wrong CU then I would get it changed for the right one.

Not the point I was trying to make, would your lads do as you say or say no to you?

 

[davesparks]

Not the point I was trying to make, would your lads do as you say or say no to you?

I don't need have anyone working under me doing electrical work, but if I did and for some reason I was to ask them to do something which they feel is wrong then they would be able to talk to me about it.

 

[stevethesparks]

It might. Anyone know if these double pole switches are actually constructed this way, ie with one pole making before the other?

According to MK, their 100 Amp DP isolator, the neutral makes first and breaks last.

 

[Rpa07]

According to MK, their 100 Amp DP isolator, the neutral makes first and breaks last.

Being quite important in the scheme of things!

 

[Colin33]

Isn't this what the cut-out fuse is for? ;-) Perhaps could've done a neater job sticking the neutral in but at least there's an insulating cover over the busbar. If you were to dismantle an incomer switch I wonder what distance/insulation you'd find between L and N inside?

 

[stevethesparks]

Being quite important in the scheme of things!

Further, BG - L&N switch simultaneously.

 

[MrLights]

Does the polarity of the main isolator matter? Use the right side for Live!!!
Or am I missing something??

 

[stevethesparks]

Does the polarity of the main isolator matter? Use the right side for Live!!!
Or am I missing something??

See posts 23 and 36