External metering enclosure

[Martin Kerr]

Folks
Could you suggest an fused isolator of choice, to install in a recessed external metering cubicle, in a domestic installation, this will be required to terminate a 25mm SWA
I am unsure of how much space I can utilise of the standard enclosure, not to encroach on the DNO cut-out and meter installation

 

[Charlie_]

In the same enclosure as the meter?
Is that allowed in your area?

 

[Martin Kerr]

Not quite sure, tried to ring ,but only got as far as the telephone gestapo, reading out the cubicle size required
info I already have

 

[Charlie_]

Well, unfortunately the gestapo don’t allow any equipment in their enclosures apart from their own..
You will need to install an extra enclosure for your kit or have the isolator internal near enough back to back with their meter

 

[Taylortwocities]

Ask @Risteard
He knows about all electrical crimes in your part of the United Kingdom.

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

In Norwich and Wales, i have been allowed to install a enclosure inside the meter cupboard. Once you get through to the right person and explain they have been happy. To give me the go ahead via email.

 

[telectrix]

seen loads of installs, done in 80's and 90's where isolators have been fitted in meter cabinets at new build stage. as long as there's room, bung one in.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I love the way DNO’s believe they can dictate what you can put into your property.

 

[GBDamo]

I love the way DNO’s believe they can dictate what you can put into your property.

If they want to own the enclosure charge them rent.

 

[davesparks]

If they want to own the enclosure charge them rent.

Good plan, until they say OK we'll just remove our equipment from your property.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Good plan, until they say OK we'll just remove our equipment from your property.

This all boils down to whether you are willing to stand your ground, and how far you are willing to take it.
The DNOs have no real grounds to refuse to allow an isolator or switchfuse in a meter cupboard.
In fact if you are willing to pay them, I bet they would be quite happy to install one for you.

 

[mattg4321]

I've installed loads. As long as you're sensible and leave room for them to fit their equipment I've never had a problem.

 

[mattg4321]

Tend to use the Wylex switchfuse. Have used the Lewden one in the past - its a bit cheaper. However I think its crap in comparison.

 

[freddo]

I have a din enclosure with main switch and 2 HRC fuseholders in mine, it fills the box nicely leaving no room for a smart meter.

 

[ipf]

Well, unfortunately the gestapo don’t allow any equipment in their enclosures apart from their own..
You will need to install an extra enclosure for your kit or have the isolator internal near enough back to back with their meter

You could get them to provide one...…..I wonder where they would put it?

 

[Martin Kerr]

Quick update folks
Called into DNO head office and was able to establish they would accept, an isolation device located tight against the right-hand side, but didn't confirm what space they would be willing to sacrifice, which brings me back to the original question
What switch fuse would be suitable to terminate a 3 core 25mm swa in a small footprint as the cubicle is only 400mm wide
And needs to house the DNO cut out and also

 

[freddo]

I used one of the crappy metal Lewden 100A switch fuses last time (not my choice!), fitted tight to the bottom right. The meter box was surface mounted with the armour cable sticking out the bottom, though there will be room for the cable to enter the top right of the swfuse if you need to. This left plenty of room for the cutout on the left and loads of room above for meter.

 

[Toneyz]

Usually, there is room top right but there is not a lot of room for bending radius for the SWA, therefore, the SWA would need to be made off and slack pushed back. I have not installed any of the new metal switch fuses but the Wylex one seems to look ok I always take into consideration room inside the switch fuse to make off and forming of the 25mm tails as they are sheathed.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Wylex switchfuse
Dimensions on the link

 

[freddo]

Those are nice switchfuses, except the terminal screws are too small for the terminals.

 

[Charlie_]

Instead of an isolator why not a dp MCB in an enclosure?

 

[Toneyz]

Those are nice switchfuses, except the terminal screws are too small for the terminals.

What do you mean they are too small for the terminals?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Instead of an isolator why not a dp MCB in an enclosure?

MCB not the best choice for this sort of application.
It’s very hard to get discrimination if the downstream device is also an MCB.
Fuse, all day long…

 

[Toneyz]

Instead of an isolator why not a dp MCB in an enclosure?

It gives bad discrimination ( selectivity for all you 18th's out there)

 

[DefyG]

Never had an issue with installing a SF in a metering enclosure as long as the equipment doesn't interfere with the cutout or meter.
If I remember correctly, the Lewden SF accepts upto 35sqmm! and is quite sturdy and relatively small.
The Wylex equivalent SF is often too big to fit in.

 

[freddo]

What do you mean they are too small for the terminals?

See this post here.

 

[freddo]

Those are nice switchfuses, except the terminal screws are too small for the terminals.

I just looked again, it really is pretty poor, small steel allen screws in a brass terminal. They should be large brass slotted screws in brass terminals. What garbage.

 

[Toneyz]

Thanks for posting that up Freddo I would have expected a lot better than that from Wylex.

 

[freddo]

Thanks for posting that up Freddo I would have expected a lot better than that from Wylex.

I'm guessing it's cost cutting from Electrium, the same as what sadly happened to Crabtree stuff.

 

[Charlie_]