What Filler for Consumer units etc

[luka B]

Hi Everyone ,
Just wondering what fillers people use to fill consumer unit cable entry points .. to seal up .

 

[Michaelwgroves]

Guidance note 4 3.8.1 advices "The intent of regulation 421.1.201 is, as far as is reasonable practicable, to contain any fire within the non-combustible enclosure...."
"The installer must seal all openings into the non-combustible enclosure...."
So what ever you use, it must be fire retardant in my eyes.

 

[Andy78]

When I put cables into a new metal consumer unit, do I have to use intumescent glands to enforce the fire protection of the consumer unit?

No, the metal consumer unit is designed to encase a fire within it and restrict the likelihood that a fire may spread. Manufactures’ have carried out exhaustive tests on this issue and have found that the cable entry does not have to continue the fire rating of the consumer unit, for it to be effective. The only requirement is to keep IPXXD or IP4X on the horizontal surfaces (Reg 416.2.1) and IPXXB or IP2X on all other surfaces (Reg 416.2.2). Intumescent glands and sealants may be used to ensure the IP ratings are maintained, but they are not a requirement and existing methods of ensuring IP are acceptable.

Consumer units: a brief overview - https://electrical.------.org/wiring-matters/issues/59/consumer-units-a-brief-overview/

 

[Wilko]

Theresa May's Brexit proposals.

They're a fire hazard by themselves

 

[Michaelwgroves]

When I put cables into a new metal consumer unit, do I have to use intumescent glands to enforce the fire protection of the consumer unit?

No, the metal consumer unit is designed to encase a fire within it and restrict the likelihood that a fire may spread. Manufactures’ have carried out exhaustive tests on this issue and have found that the cable entry does not have to continue the fire rating of the consumer unit, for it to be effective. The only requirement is to keep IPXXD or IP4X on the horizontal surfaces (Reg 416.2.1) and IPXXB or IP2X on all other surfaces (Reg 416.2.2). Intumescent glands and sealants may be used to ensure the IP ratings are maintained, but they are not a requirement and existing methods of ensuring IP are acceptable.

Consumer units: a brief overview - https://electrical.------.org/wiring-matters/issues/59/consumer-units-a-brief-overview/

Good find, I'm not sure if this is compliments Guidance Note 4, or contradicts. Both are written by IET. Albeit different authors and neither are dated!

The complete text from Guidance note 4 17th Edition A3 is;
"The installer must seal all openings into the non-combustible enclosure or cabinet for cables, conduits, trunking or ducting that remain after the installation of cables. Good workmanship and proper materials must be used and account must be taken of the manufacturer's relevant instructions, if any."

What is proper materials? I would argue flame retardant. But above is not conclusive.

I believe Wylex advise intumescent glands are required, but I'm not aware of any other manufacturers notes.

Does anyone have 18th Edition Guidance Note 4 to see if there has been an update?

 

[Midwest]

Good find, I'm not sure if this is compliments Guidance Note 4, or contradicts. Both are written by IET. Albeit different authors and neither are dated!

The complete text from Guidance note 4 17th Edition A3 is;
"The installer must seal all openings into the non-combustible enclosure or cabinet for cables, conduits, trunking or ducting that remain after the installation of cables. Good workmanship and proper materials must be used and account must be taken of the manufacturer's relevant instructions, if any."

What is proper materials? I would argue flame retardant. But above is not conclusive.

I believe Wylex advise intumescent glands are required, but I'm not aware of any other manufacturers notes.

Does anyone have 18th Edition Guidance Note 4 to see if there has been an update?

You could have a look at this vid, old by now (sounds crap at the start);

Fire protection: panel discussion 1 at the ELEX show in Harrogate - https://electrical.------.org/wiring-matters/issues/56/fire-protection-panel-discussion-1-at-the-elex-show-in-harrogate/

So as Andy said, just maintain the relevant IP rating, …….at the moment. You never know what laughs the IET might come up with next.

 

[Michaelwgroves]

Great video, thank for sharing