3ph board

[-sparky-pl-]

Hi guys, i was thinking if it will be OK to install 3x 10 way metal consumer units with 4 pole main switch instead 1 x 26 way 3Ph. Im trying to save some customer money, that will be similar to domestic installation, with some spotlights and sockets, smoke detectors, 1ph climate control. Rcd required on most circuits.

Thank you!

 

[Spudnik]

Hi Sparky PL.

I cant see this being a problem if its single phase, however, i think you will need to make sure that ALL labeling is in order and a very detailed circuit schedule is permanently fixed close by.

Have you priced a 3ph DB?

Wylex have some very reasonably priced ones and also Contactum.

Of course, the only factor with a DB is that you will need to install RCBO's which will bump the cost a fair bit.

 

[-sparky-pl-]

yep, £300 3ph DB + 18 x RCBO... almost £700 .. option with 3 x 10 way db, 4 x rcd, 1 x RCBO £250.
That is saving...i hope..

and this is three phases incoming supply

 

[Spudnik]

Ah yes, that is a saving!!!

As i said, in that case, i think you should make sure you label the CU's correctly with phase identification on each one with a circuit schedule.

 

[Guest123]

Hey there.

The only issue I can forsee with going down the 3 x single phase board route is, making sure that all your loading is balanced accross the 3 phases i.e you dont put all heating loads on L1 and then just lighting on L2 with power on L3.

It's a problem when you have a 3 phase supply and only single phase loads and I know the DNO's dont like to see a big imbalance on their 3P supplies. Also make sure that the supply neutral is large enough as he always ends up with a lot of juice in him.

Once you've powered up then just bung a clampmeter on everything and they should be relatively the same, in an ideal world.

Cheers.

 

[desertbootz]

When you install 3P how careful do you have to be about having different phases serving equipment within touch distance?

 

[Spudnik]

Im not overly sure, but i think you are not to have S/O on different phases within reach of each other and i also believe they should be labeled 415 as well.

Lenny probably knows more about this...

 

[ian.settle1]

Problem I can see is the is no scope for 3phase equipment by using single boards.

 

[-sparky-pl-]

Thank u guys, there will be no 3Ph equipment used, just plenty of rings and lights!
I will do as u jasons suggested, and will label boxes properly.
http://www.electriciansforums.net/../members/jasons6930.html