Main consumer unit in wooden outbuilding

[pncomms]

Looking for a bit of advice here. I am replacing the CU which is currently in a shower room. Now, don't gasp too hard, it's not as bad as it sounds. The shower is in a totally enclosed cubicle with a good extractor, and the room never gets steamy or has condensation. The existing CU is in a cupboard which is diagonally 1.6M from the outside of the cubicle, ie, outside zone 2. The door does not currently have a lock on but easily could, or some other means of securing it but allowing emergency access. There is no other location in the room or adjacent rooms to site it. However, on the other side of the wall is a wooden workshop (yeah OK a shed), that the house wall forms one wall of. It is a substantial, dry, permanent construction. I am thinking it might be better to put the CU in there? Any thoughts?? There is no excessive dust etc created in it by the way. Seems like a better idea to me. I am aware I will need to notify this.

 

[telectrix]

first, what's the earthing systerm, and have you done prelim. tests and checked bonding etc.?

 

[Marvo]

Why would you feel it needs relocating?

 

[Engineer54]

You really need to think about what you're saying here, as your thinking on this matter doesn't seem to be considering the down sides at all!!

Is this wooden shed going to outlast the CU?? Do you Really think it's going to be a good idea to locate a CU in an outdoor wooden shed, that would mean someone having to go outside maybe in the pouring rain or a snow storm in the event of a MCB/RCD tripping?? How weather/waterproof is this wooden shed going to remain over the years etc?

If the CU is causing no problems in it's present position, ...according to your own words, then WHY are you even thinking of moving it, especially to really dumb position as described here??

 

[pncomms]

OK, to answer the points raised, and i do wish people would refrain from making comments like "really dumb" which are not helpful or particularly relevant - anyway: Prelim checks have been done, and main earthing and bonding have also been done. I am replacing the CU for several reasons, it is too small, it is in the shower room (as described) and it is also damaged. I think if I was considering installing it in it's current location, then that would probably also attract comments like really dumb?? As I have indicated the outbuilding is substantial and probably will, yes, be there for many many years. It is used as a workshop and is/will be maintained, it is not a "potting shed" I can't see that going 5 yards outside to reset MCB's (how often does that happen???) is a massive problem, compared to having it in a shower room? Is this not as big a problem as I think then??

 

[pncomms]

oh its TNS bye the way

 

[shanky887614]

Surely it could be put above a door frame, much better than In a shed.

 

[pncomms]

if it goes above a door frame, other than looking crap, its going to involve a long run of meter tails, which is also not a great idea? Why is the shed, such a bad idea?? It's dry, secure and permanent. It's not a "shed" as would commonly be imagined, its a wooded outbuilding attached to the property.

 

[MDJ]

if it goes above a door frame, other than looking crap, its going to involve a long run of meter tails, which is also not a great idea? Why is the shed, such a bad idea?? It's dry, secure and permanent. It's not a "shed" as would commonly be imagined, its a wooded outbuilding attached to the property.

You have had some advice, you do not need to take any notice of it, if you want to stick it in the shed then stick it in the shed, FWIW I think if you could get a large plastic serel box and stick the new DB in it you would have ipx65 protection as well and it will be fine where it is, your call. something like this http://www.amazon.co.uk/weatherproo...289396&sr=8-4&keywords=weatherproof+enclosure

 

[Hawkmoon]

Looking for a bit of advice here. I am replacing the CU which is currently in a shower room. Now, don't gasp too hard, it's not as bad as it sounds. The shower is in a totally enclosed cubicle with a good extractor, and the room never gets steamy or has condensation. The existing CU is in a cupboard which is diagonally 1.6M from the outside of the cubicle, ie, outside zone 2. The door does not currently have a lock on but easily could, or some other means of securing it but allowing emergency access. There is no other location in the room or adjacent rooms to site it. However, on the other side of the wall is a wooden workshop (yeah OK a shed), that the house wall forms one wall of. It is a substantial, dry, permanent construction. I am thinking it might be better to put the CU in there? Any thoughts?? There is no excessive dust etc created in it by the way. Seems like a better idea to me. I am aware I will need to notify this.

I think it may be this that is giving the 'shed' impression

 

[Engineer54]

I can't see that going 5 yards outside to reset MCB's (how often does that happen???) is a massive problem,

Do it a few times when you're having problems with the RCD tripping on an obscure fault, and then come back and say that!! lol!!

You told us yourself that it wasn't as bad as it sounds. Wasn't affected by condensation, and was mounted in a cupboard with a door. So technically isn't in any Zones or even in the bathroom, it's mounted in a cupboard!! So why are you moving it outside of the house boundaries??

I'll refrain from stating something is dumb when it isn't, and as i see it at the moment this is a totally ''Dumb'' move''!!

 

[ipf]

OK, to answer the points raised, and i do wish people would refrain from making comments like "really dumb" which are not helpful or particularly relevant - anyway: Prelim checks have been done, and main earthing and bonding have also been done. I am replacing the CU for several reasons, it is too small, it is in the shower room (as described) and it is also damaged. I think if I was considering installing it in it's current location, then that would probably also attract comments like really dumb?? As I have indicated the outbuilding is substantial and probably will, yes, be there for many many years. It is used as a workshop and is/will be maintained, it is not a "potting shed" I can't see that going 5 yards outside to reset MCB's (how often does that happen???) is a massive problem, compared to having it in a shower room? Is this not as big a problem as I think then??

In someone's opinion, the position is really dumb...not you. Offended ?.
As for the CU, is it not enclosed within the shower room? It seems you've made your decision, already, to me.

 

[pncomms]

no, im not offended, i just think people who come on here for constructive advice should be afforded a bit of respect, thats all. I get the impression from the short length of time i have looked at this forum, that there are certain elements just waiting to level criticism at people who have, supposedly, less knowledge. What about is someone leaves the shower door open or the extractor fan stops working, possibly coupled with the door to the CU cupboard being left open accidentally? I am merely looking for the best position.

 

[MDJ]

no, im not offended, i just think people who come on here for constructive advice should be afforded a bit of respect, thats all. I get the impression from the short length of time i have looked at this forum, that there are certain elements just waiting to level criticism at people who have, supposedly, less knowledge. What about is someone leaves the shower door open or the extractor fan stops working, possibly coupled with the door to the CU cupboard being left open accidentally? I am merely looking for the best position.

I feel my advice was very good and helpful actually.

 

[silverfox1]

pncomms you could look at installing a weather tight unit like the one in link below.

12 Way Weathertight Enclosure - IP55

 

[pncomms]

pncomms you could look at installing a weather tight unit like the one in link below.

12 Way Weathertight Enclosure - IP55

Now that's what I call good advice, thanks silver seems like a cracking solution to me.

 

[MDJ]

Now that's what I call good advice, thanks silver seems like a cracking solution to me.

No different than mine really, anyhow you got your answer, off you trot then

 

[pncomms]

No different than mine really, anyhow you got your answer, off you trot then

Do you have to work at being condescending, or does it just come naturally?

 

[MDJ]

Do you have to work at being condescending, or does it just come naturally?

Look, you asked for some advice, and reading the thread again I feel you got some good advice, we all said it would be better to leave it where it was and I and silver fox even showed links to weatherproof enclosures, you still seem to be interested in moving it and I said to you if you want to move it then move it, it is however after all your call, you then start posting about E54 saying it was a dumb idea even though he was just being helpful and you got all upset over nothing, Just forget all about any comments and cheer up, you will enjoy it here eventually, we all get touchy at the start, don't let everything get on top of you fella. Welcome to the site by the way, welcome aboard.

 

[Hawkmoon]

Look, you asked for some advice, and reading the thread again I feel you got some good advice, we all said it would be better to leave it where it was and I and silver fox even showed links to weatherproof enclosures, you still seem to be interested in moving it and I said to you if you want to move it then move it, it is however after all your call, you then start posting about E54 saying it was a dumb idea even though he was just being helpful and you got all upset over nothing, Just forget all about any comments and cheer up, you will enjoy it here eventually, we all get touchy at the start, don't let everything get on top of you fella. Welcome to the site by the way, welcome aboard.

Agreed - OP you have to remember that on here the banter/terminology is similar to that you will experience on site (multitrades etc) - no point in taking offense.

MDJ - I guess the reason he preferred Silver's link was that your link was to Amazon - (enclosure probably from India and counterfeit!)

 

[MDJ]

Agreed - OP you have to remember that on here the banter/terminology is similar to that you will experience on site (multitrades etc) - no point in taking offense.

MDJ - I guess the reason he preferred Silver's link was that your link was to Amazon - (enclosure probably from India and counterfeit!)

And the fact silver is probably far better looking than me :love:

 

[Badged01]

Do you have to work at being condescending, or does it just come naturally?

If you think that was condescending wait til the old sweats come on later (after a full 16hr shift down mill) and start hammering away ....... but you do grow to enjoy the banter, eventually!

 

[pncomms]

And the fact silver is probably far better looking than me :love:

Right, yep OK point taken, I'll put my dummy back in and cheer up as advised. HOWEVER!! I have just come off the phone from one of the NICEIC advisors, and they reckon the best plan is put it in the wooden outbuilding, ooops, shed. The problem with the unit Silver recommended is that it won't take all the kit out of the high integrity CU I have previously obtained, it's literally 12 way's.
I havn't made up my mind, despite giving that impression, I am just not happy with the damn thing in the shower room but if you lot reckon it ok then it ok i guess!

 

[MDJ]

Right, yep OK point taken, I'll put my dummy back in and cheer up as advised. HOWEVER!! I have just come off the phone from one of the NICEIC advisors, and they reckon the best plan is put it in the wooden outbuilding, ooops, shed. The problem with the unit Silver recommended is that it won't take all the kit out of the high integrity CU I have previously obtained, it's literally 12 way's.
I havn't made up my mind, despite giving that impression, I am just not happy with the damn thing in the shower room but if you lot reckon it ok then it ok i guess!

Good man.

 

[Badged01]

..... I am just not happy with the damn thing in the shower room but if you lot reckon it ok then it ok i guess!

Advice received on forums can be quoted to any of the scheme providers to justify any work you carry-out and also used in a court of law as an appropriate defence.

......... said in jest of course!

 

[Silly Sausage]

Is this...
24 Way Weathertight Enclosure - IP55
big enough?!

 

[Badged01]

Now that is a beasty bit of kit .....

 

[pncomms]

If you think that was condescending wait til the old sweats come on later (after a full 16hr shift down mill) and start hammering away ....... but you do grow to enjoy the banter, eventually!

What do you mean people actually work as well as write on here? Very impressive.

 

[Engineer54]

I have just come off the phone from one of the NICEIC advisors, and they reckon the best plan is put it in the wooden outbuilding, ooops, shed.

If the NICEIC advisor really said that to you, then it only goes to show just what a shower they really are on that advice line!! So what was his reasoning behind that gem of advice then??

...Didn't catch his name by the way did you??? ...lol!!!

 

[Silly Sausage]

Just thought, where are the intake and meter?