Magnets on a metal clad distribution board

[Alex Brodie]

What is everyones opinion about fridge magnets being used on a consumer unit? I understand edi-currents and that it’s not recommended, but is there solid reasoning why?
Just for some context, I work for a large housing association in the West Midlands UK completing the electrical safety inspection (EICR’s) for our rental properties.
Recently we have come across a few new build properties with their 18th edition consumer units at waist height in the hallway
Most of these properties have the fridge/freezers incorporated into the cabinets and the boilers enclosed in a cupboard.
This means that the board is the only metal face in the property.
I have come across this a few times so far and we obviously discourage it, but just wanted some clarification.
And to know whether anyone else has come across this.

 

[westward10]

If you are discouraging it what is your reason.

 

[Avo Mk8]

Wow. where did that one come from?
I would have thought what remains of the magnetic field from even the strongest neodymium fridge magnet stuck on the outside of a CU, would be so weak inside the CU (in the vicinity of RCBO's etc) that it couldn't be a problem.
Is this actually a 'thing'?

 

[James]

I am failing to see a problem, unless of course the manufacturers instructions prohibit small magnets near the circuit breakers?

 

[freddo]

Better tell Schneider with their custom magnetic covers for the easy 9 consumer units!

 

[DPG]

A small magnet is going to have bugger all effect. Don't mention it to NAPIT though or they'll add it to the code breaker book as a C2!

 

[Alex Brodie]

Wow. where did that one come from?
I would have thought what remains of the magnetic field from even the strongest neodymium fridge magnet stuck on the outside of a CU, would be so weak inside the CU (in the vicinity of RCBO's etc) that it couldn't be a problem.
Is this actually a 'thing'?

That’s kind of why I’m asking ?

 

[MJPD29]

C1 without a doubt this is probably what caused covid

 

[westward10]

That’s kind of why I’m asking ?

If your are carrying out EICRs I have absolutely no idea why you are asking this.

 

[Alex Brodie]

If your are carrying out EICRs I have absolutely no idea why you are asking this.

The reason I’m asking this is because personally I have no problem with it, I have spoken to to colleagues and they have said that it could cause issues, our managers also don’t condone this for some reason but no one has ever given me a straight and solid answer as to why.
I know some boards use magnets to help the cover stay up and I’ve never been too bothered myself, my fuse board for reference ?

 

[Davey251086]

? i love the old eddy current arguement on any domestic property consumer unit. Like youre going to get eddy currents on any domestic installation. I do code according under BS7671 for tails and main earth running through the same entry point but realistically its sooi neligible that there is virtally no chance of it occuring with so little current running through the installation.

I wouldnt worry if it was a huge instrail magnet in a lab or a 11000kv installation then something could happen but not here dude.

 

[westward10]

The reason I’m asking this is because personally I have no problem with it, I have spoken to to colleagues and they have said that it could cause issues, our managers also don’t condone this for some reason but no one has ever given me a straight and solid answer as to why.
I know some boards use magnets to help the cover stay up and I’ve never been too bothered myself, my fuse board for reference ?

What valid reason do they give.

 

[James]

A fixed magnet can’t create eddy currents.
therefore anyone who uses it as an argument against allowing magnets to be attached to a consumer unit should be swiftly shot , removed from the conversation.

 

[Alex Brodie]

What valid reason do they give.

They don’t, they just state that it could affect the MCB/RCBO and increase the chances of edi-currents
That’s why I posted this, something reminded me today so I thought I would see other peoples thoughts on the matter.
It’s obvious from everyone’s responses it’s a load of rubbish.

 

[James]

They don’t, they just state that it could affect the MCB/RCBO and increase the chances of edi-currents
That’s why I posted this, something reminded me today so I thought I would see other peoples thoughts on the matter.
It’s obvious from everyone’s responses it’s a load of rubbish.

A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing!!

 

[westward10]

They don’t, they just state that it could affect the MCB/RCBO and increase the chances of edi-currents
That’s why I posted this, something reminded me today so I thought I would see other peoples thoughts on the matter.
It’s obvious from everyone’s responses it’s a load of rubbish.

Walk with your head high @James hits the nail on the head.

 

[littlespark]

They probably stopped using the fridge door as the magnets were turning the milk sour…


Ask your colleagues where in the BBB it mentions magnets on a CU.

 

[pc1966]

I see no real problem.

I have heard in the past of issues with them on PC cases next to the HDD or close to CRT monitor, but they are far more sensitive to any sort of disturbance, though for most jobs now it is SSD & LCD and so no longer an issue.

I guess fundamentally I don't like to see folk putting stuff on equipment so access is restricted, or kids encouraged to play with it, but realistically that is not something that is a real problem unless it is liquids (especially flammable) stored on top.

 

[freddo]

unless it is liquids (especially flammable) stored on top.

I hope people aren't storing their panic bought petrol on top of their CUs!

 

[telectrix]

I hope people aren't storing their panic bought petrol on top of their CUs!

but what about the panic buying of fridge magnets after the media will tell that the fridge magnets halve your leccy bills when stuck on the CU?