ambient operating temperature of consumer unit

[Midwest]

I will be installing an A3 consumer unit for a customer in a hallway, and they are thinking of relocating a radiator directly below it. Assuming the maximum temperature of the rad is never likely to exceed 30'c, an MK technical tell me the operating temperature of their mcb/rcd is -5 - 40'c, I can't see it being an issue. Wouldn't have considered it before with plastic CU's, but was wondering if metal CU's would make a difference, my physics is not good?

 

[Richard Burns]

I would expect the radiator, if a standard gas / electric boiler, would exceed 30°C however the ambient temperature of a consumer unit above it should not exceed 40°C.
With a metal enclosure there would be better conductance of heat into the interior and the DIN rail and earth bar, but overall the system will reach thermal equilibrium at a very similar state to a plastic CU.
The installation of a diverter plate below the CU would go some way to preventing a build up of heat in the CU, if you feel it necessary.

 

[Dave OCD]

If the CU is at high level I wouldn't expect the ambient temperature to reach 30c, even if it did I can't see any problem as long as cables and OCPDs are correctly rated.

 

[telectrix]

it will be OK as it's metal, non-combustible, it can survive being in the exhaust of the starship enterprise for 30 minutes to comply with fire regs. however, it will be radioactive for 30 million years, so wear a dust mask when disposing of it in an eco-friendly way (i.e.chuck it in the nearest dustbin).

 

[Midwest]

I would expect the radiator, if a standard gas / electric boiler, would exceed 30°C however the ambient temperature of a consumer unit above it should not exceed 40°C.

The installation of a diverter plate below the CU would go some way to preventing a build up of heat in the CU, if you feel it necessary.

Sorry meant ambient temperature above the rad unlikely to exceed 30'c. Thought about a shelf. But worrying needlessly I think, if we get a good summer this year, the ambient temperature could reach at least 30'.

 

[telectrix]

metal CU.....what could possibly go wrong? (apart from a "live" casing due to some dipstick mis-wiring the earths. tails shorting out, rust, oops. forgot it's amd3 compliant, must be OK.)

 

[Marvo]

I'd guess they rate the ambient temperature at 40C because you'd need to apply derating factors to the tripping curves of the circuit breakers if that's exceeded. The actual materials inside a CU should be able to withstand way over 40C without damage.

 

[telectrix]

I'd guess they rate the ambient temperature at 40C because you'd need to apply derating factors to the tripping curves of the circuit breakers if that's exceeded. The actual materials inside a CU should be able to withstand way over 40C without damage.

of course they will. amd3 ensures that they'll withstand 600 deg.C.,,being steel or concrete. :45:

 

[Midwest]

metal CU.....what could possibly go wrong? (apart from a "live" casing due to some dipstick mis-wiring the earths. tails shorting out, rust, oops. forgot it's amd3 compliant, must be OK.)

Dipstick, I resemble that remark.

 

[GEOFF S]

I will be installing an A3 consumer unit for a customer in a hallway, and they are thinking of relocating a radiator directly below it. Assuming the maximum temperature of the rad is never likely to exceed 30'c, an MK technical tell me the operating temperature of their mcb/rcd is -5 - 40'c, I can't see it being an issue. Wouldn't have considered it before with plastic CU's, but was wondering if metal CU's would make a difference, my physics is not good?

Whats sort of Rad would that be, a very large one:confused5:


Cheers

 

[NDG Elecs]

If it's in an OAPs house then the 'altisphere' above the door frames can easily reach in excess of 80°C! Or that's what it sometimes feels like when you are changing over a fiddly light fitting in the middle of winter, especially in old Victorian 10ft high ceiling houses. In those circumstances I always strip down to my string vest. So, yes Mid, a shelf may be needed! Seriously though I wouldn't worry mate. Cannot see it being an issue in any typical house and in a hallway.

 

[telectrix]

but if the metal CU is below 70 deg. C., how the hell are the customers supposed to dry/warm their coats on it?

 

[NDG Elecs]

but if the metal CU is below 70 deg. C., how the hell are the customers supposed to dry/warm their coats on it?

Panel heaters man!!

 

[Midwest]

Whats sort of Rad would that be, a very large one:confused5:


Cheers

I meant ambient temperature above the rad, post 5.

 

[Midwest]

(reply to GayOwl) Yep I got my nickers in a string vest about it, I've stopped worrying now, concentrating on something else now!