The Future of Fuse boards...?

[westward10]

Yes, you're correct if fire got into that partition it would be an issue.

A hole that was cut much bigger than was needed.

No it wouldn't be as there should be cavity barriers. The size of entry shouldn't be relevant as there will always be passage around the cables regardless of size.

 

[nicebutdim]

No it wouldn't be as there should be cavity barriers. The size of entry shouldn't be relevant as there will always be passage around the cables regardless of size.

I could be wrong, and will happily stand corrected, but doesn't BS7671 make reference to holes in a domestic DB solely with regard to finger access in front, bottom or sides and holes larger than 1mm on top, with no reference made about rear?

 

[westward10]

I could be wrong, and will happily stand corrected, but doesn't BS7671 make reference to holes in a domestic DB solely with regard to finger access in front, bottom or sides and holes larger than 1mm on top, with no reference made about rear?

No reference is made regarding the rear.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Perhaps every single fuse board sold should come with a Free tube of this just to make sure any gaps and holes are filled up after Install ?

AC95 Intumescent Fire & Acoustic Adhesive & Sealant 900ml | Toolstation

• +/- 5% flexibility • Fire rated - EN13666-4 • Acoustic rated - BS EN ISO 140/3 • Solvent free • Interior use only

www.toolstation.com

 

[Midwest]

I might be wrong, but when 421.1.201 first came out in the BYB, it was about removing the source of fuel for a fire, and nothing to do with containment of a fire.

Has this recently changed?

 

[mainline]

I might be wrong, but when 421.1.201 first came out in the BYB, it was about removing the source of fuel for a fire, and nothing to do with containment of a fire.

Has this recently changed?

The intent of Regulation 421.1.201 is considered to be, as far as is reasonably practicable, to contain any fire within the enclosure or cabinet and to minimise the escape of flames.


It is important for the installer to seal all openings into the enclosure or cabinet for cables, conduits, trunking or ducting that remain after the installation of cables - see Figure 6. The intent of the sealing is to ensure that, 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.

Good workmanship and proper materials must be used, and account must be taken of the manufacturer’s relevant instructions if any.

 

[brianmoooore]

Metal box, with restricted air inlet, opening into a vertical cavity is a definition of both the CU in the OP, and the wood burner beside me, that my wife has just lit.

 

[westward10]

The intent of Regulation 421.1.201 is considered to be, as far as is reasonably practicable, to contain any fire within the enclosure or cabinet and to minimise the escape of flames.


It is important for the installer to seal all openings into the enclosure or cabinet for cables, conduits, trunking or ducting that remain after the installation of cables - see Figure 6. The intent of the sealing is to ensure that, 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.

Good workmanship and proper materials must be used, and account must be taken of the manufacturer’s relevant instructions if any.

At no point does that Reguation infer to containing a fire.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Just for information not massively known is that Fire Proof Filing Cabinets are not fire proof if not locked, the expanding air in the event of a fire will open the drawers.

 

[mainline]

At no point does that Reguation infer to containing a fire.

https://electrical.------.org/media/1438/consumer-units.pdf