Consumer Unit Blanks

[overskilled]

How many consumer units are fitted with non compliant blanks...potentially all British General CUs for starters according to this snippet from the ESC...unless they are "generally inaccessible" (wtf does that mean anyway??)

Q1.60
Do blanks fitted in a distribution board or consumer unit that can be removed without the use of a tool or key comply with the requirements of BS 7671 with regard to access to live parts?
If the distribution board or consumer unit is fitted with blanks that can be removed without the use of a tool or key resulting in live parts being made accessible to touch, at least one of the following requirements must be complied with (in addition to the manufacturer’s instructions):

• The lid over the blanks can be secured and opened only by use of a tool or key
• The distribution board or consumer unit is in a locked location accessible only by key held by a responsible person
• The distribution board or consumer unit is located in a generally inaccessible area (in which case compliance with other relevant requirements (such as accessibility for operation, maintenance and repair) needs to be confirmed)

If the distribution board or consumer unit is located in a generally accessible area and has a flap-type lid with no securing device, the blanks fitted must be of a type that can be removed only by opening the front cover, using a tool or key.


Regulation number(s)

• 134.1.1
• 416.2.3
• 416.2.4

 

[D Skelton]

That is why every single DB I fit has din rail mounted blanks!

Any of those crappy little clip on things get marked down on my EICRs as C2s!

 

[Plonker 3]

I agree, but if they are made and supplied by the manufacturer, then surely they supersede any regs?

 

[D Skelton]

I agree, but if they are made and supplied by the manufacturer, then surely they supersede any regs?

By that argument you could fit anything dangerous as long as the manufacturer says so. What if a switch manufacturer made a device where the toggle was directly connected to the line conductor? Would that be ok to fit? Lol

 

[High Tower]

Yea I tend to use Hager which has the superior blanks, if nothing else it's a damn sight easier to refit the cover

Dip is right, if they are supplied by the manufacturer then we are covered.

 

[Andy78]

I disagree that just because a manufacturer supplies something it is ok to use even if it contravenes regs. I follow manufacturers instructions if they require things that go beyond the regs, but never if they make a job non compliant.

 

[Plonker 3]

By that argument you could fit anything dangerous as long as the manufacturer says so. What if a switch manufacturer made a device where the toggle was directly connected to the line conductor? Would that be ok to fit? Lol

Not saying its right, it's just that I was always under the impression any manufacturers instructions or products negated any regs. Yes fitting something far safer is certainly a good thing.

 

[Engineer54]

I rarely take much notice of most manufactures recommendations, 9 out of 10 times they a referring to the country of origin rules or regulations!! lol!!

 

[Andy78]

Not saying its right, it's just that I was always under the impression any manufacturers instructions or products negated any regs. Yes fitting something far safer is certainly a good thing.

Hell to the No !

510.3 Every item of equipment shall be selected and erected so as to allow compliance with the regulations stated in this chapter and the relevant regulations in other parts of BS7671 and shall take account of manufacturers instructions.


It's up to you to select and erect appropriate equipment to allow compliance with the regs.

 

[Plonker 3]

But then

134.1.1 Electrical equipment shall be installed in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the equipment

Square D manufacturers blanks Buy Schneider Blanking Plate, LoadCentre KQII, Five Pole, A Board - SQODNBP

 

[Andy78]

But then



Square D manufacturers blanks Buy Schneider Blanking Plate, LoadCentre KQII, Five Pole, A Board - SQODNBP

Those blanks can be installed in a board with a lockable lid, nowt wrong with that. They can also be installed in a CU at chest height with a flappy lid and no lock. That would not be compliant.

Reg 510.3 tells you to select your equipment for suitability for use in its location using manufacturers instructions to help you do that.

Reg 134.1.1 tells to you follow instructions for equipment you have already selected and already deemed compliant with the regs.

There is nothing in the regs that says regs can be ignored due to others ideas, including manufacturers.

 

[Plonker 3]

I agree, just playing devils advocate, them blanks are the ones from square Ds own spec sheet. Doesnt mention anything about they may not meet the requirements of the BGB

 

[D Skelton]

Regs or no regs, manufacturers instructions or no manufacturers instructions, bring clip in blanks within a mile of one of my sites and you'll be looking for a new job! Lol

 

[Andy78]

Yeah I agree it should maybe made clearer in the description, but they are compliant/non compliant based on application.

 

[overskilled]

I bought some wylex DIN rail ones...and they will not fit into a BG CU...seems the BG busbar is thicker, though the wylex push in blanks fit without issue...

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Hager blanks are the danglies.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

That is why every single DB I fit has din rail mounted blanks!

Any of those crappy little clip on things get marked down on my EICRs as C2s!

and the NIC dont like them either Damian...

there...i knew i`d find something you both had in common:shades_smile:

 

[GLENNSPARK]

By that argument you could fit anything dangerous as long as the manufacturer says so. What if a switch manufacturer made a device where the toggle was directly connected to the line conductor? Would that be ok to fit? Lol

depends if the user represents a potential to it....:biggrinjester: