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 ?