Large unsealed cable entry at rear of CU

[chloebear]

Just been on site carrying out some additional works in a Grade 2 listed building and noticed that the consumer unit (16way Hager board) has had a large part of the rear of the casing removed for cable entry from behind. The board is mounted direct onto the wall which is lath & plaster.

The question is - should this be sealed to avoid it being a fire risk???

are there any regs that cover this??

 

[Pete999]

Can anyone get access to the hole without the use of a tool or key?

 

[telectrix]

thinkhe's more concerned with fire risk, with the board being mounted on lath and plaster wall.

 

[chloebear]

Yes - it is the fire risk that I am most concerned about

 

[Octopus]

Please don't give the regs writers the idea we need to plug the rear of CU's

 

[bigdavs83]

Is there a difference between doing it that way and mounting it on a bit of plywood? The hager boards come with all the cutouts for you as you need them. As long as it is to ip2x then I can't see the issue

 

[Engineer54]

Hmmm, i take it you have never seen a Wylex CU that came with no back at all and had a wooden frame?? In fact i'd go as far as saying that those old Wylex CU's would stand up to a fire, far better than any of these modern plastic IP2X CU's.... lol!!

 

[Simlec]

Please don't give the regs writers the idea we need to plug the rear of CU's

Its been there from the beginning lol
There is a tick box on your EIC sheet.

Guidance notes 1

reg ref 527.2.4 & 527.2.1

5.8 Sealing and fire stoppingWhere a cable, conduit, trunking or busbar trunking system passes through a building wall or floor slab it is necessary to seal the hole around the cable, etc., to the standard of the original wall or slab to prevent the passage of moisture, condensation, vermin or insects, etc. The sealant must be suitable for the cable, etc. and the environment and should be flexible to allow some small movement of the cable, etc., relative to the building. Seals should be installed when necessary to maintain the building integrity during construction.