MK consumer unit SPD's

[bro8284]

Hi all,
I'll be wiring up two small new builds, the customer is supplying all the materials, they supplied MK consumer units, the problem is it doesn't seem MK are doing SPD's for their boards.
Any one know of a SPD that fits MK boards?

Thank you in advance

 

[Pete999]

Hi all,
I'll be wiring up two small new builds, the customer is supplying all the materials, they supplied MK consumer units, the problem is it doesn't seem MK are doing SPD's for their boards.
Any one know of a SPD that fits MK boards?

Thank you in advance

Do you actually need SPDs on your installs?

 

[Toneyz]

You don't have to fit them just because they are the new buzzword.
Read the regs and risk assessment. Speak to MK regarding their board.

 

[buzzlightyear]

not another king edward spud going in , read the regs .

 

[SparkieMarky]

Have a look at Reg 443.4 as there is an exception from fitting SPDs and from doing the risk assessment (that will always come out on the side of fitting them) for single dwelling units (flats, houses etc.) where the total value of the installation and equipment therein does not justify such protection.

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

MK boards are probably the worst ive used since 2015.

As said check it needs them, if so maybe a small 3 mod metal unit adjacent the DB.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Just out of interest, can anyone recall an instance where lightning has caused transient voltage to damage equipment in an installation?

 

[DPG]

Just out of interest, how many of you know of an instance where lightning has caused transient voltage to damage equipment in an installation?

Difficult to prove, but does happen. Happens more in countries which have a higher rate of electrical storms.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I was surprised to learn that the Southeast suffers more lightning storms than elsewhere in the UK.

 

[DPG]

There's a website that shows where lightning is currently occurring. It's quite interesting.

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

I was surprised to learn that the Southeast suffers more lightning storms than elsewhere in the UK.

Looked at the map in Bs7671 for about a hour out of intrest haha

 

[A032701]

unless you live in the middle of India and experience large amount of voltage surges then it isn't necessary to install spd's. especially for domestic property. if you do need one then put it in a seperate box near the cu and install a wylex one

 

[DPG]

unless you live in the middle of India and experience large amount of voltage surges then it isn't necessary to install spd's. especially for domestic property. if you do need one then put it in a seperate box near the cu and install a wylex one

Some sweeping statements there!

 

[richy3333]

The way I read the section of the Regs and after doing the calculations for my area they are required. Can’t see how to avoid it, unless anyone can point me to what I’m missing?

 

[Nigel]

My coffee machine is more expensive than an SPD so I fail to see how a single dwelling could not gave enough electronic equipment to warrant an SPD being fitted.

To answer the op - any SPD will do. You would need to install a Type 2.

 

[mydigitalhome]

Agree with Richey3333, SPD’s very handy not just about Lightning strikes worth installing nearly every time. Just wait till Arc protection becomes mandatory on all circuits other countries already doing it. Makes up for the cheap electrical items people like to purchase and the dodgy installations.

 

[John-]

Agree with Richey3333, SPD’s very handy not just about Lightning strikes worth installing nearly every time. Just wait till Arc protection becomes mandatory on all circuits other countries already doing it. Makes up for the cheap electrical items people like to purchase and the dodgy installations.

I guess Arc protection will go the way of RCDs and become an integral part of the MCB?

 

[JDC]

Hi all,
I'll be wiring up two small new builds, the customer is supplying all the materials, they supplied MK consumer units, the problem is it doesn't seem MK are doing SPD's for their boards.
Any one know of a SPD that fits MK boards?

Thank you in advance

Try the Phoenix Contact 2804429. It’s a type II two pole Approved by MK for use in their CU’s.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I guess Arc protection will go the way of RCDs and become an integral part of the MCB?

Seems to be combined RCBO and AFDD.

 

[Charlie_]

In theory an mcb already kind of has arc protection

 

[freddo]

In theory an mcb already kind of has arc protection

Yes but MCBs are not going to make billions of pounds profit for circuit protective device manufacturers.

I'm surprised they haven't recommended auto-reclosing RCDs in dual RCD boards to prevent 'vulnerable people' being left in the dark if an RCD trips. Think how much money they could make there...

 

[telectrix]

what's an SPD, a sexually passed disease?

 

[Toneyz]

Yes but MCBs are not going to make billions of pounds profit for circuit protective device manufacturers.

I'm surprised they haven't recommended auto-reclosing RCDs in dual RCD boards to prevent 'vulnerable people' being left in the dark if an RCD trips. Think how much money they could make there...

They are saving that for the next update or 19th.

 

[l4urence]

I need to agree that the domestic 'get out' for SPD fitting is fraught with danger (for us). We should fit them. I agree that we don't need to fit under the domestic [value] clause but NAPIT are advising that refusal (by the customer) is listed on the cert. If a surge does happen and the insurance company gets involved they will probably try to get out of paying due to this - or the customer will sue us for the damage because we didn't fit one. Just take care with advice / documentation if you or the customer chooses not to. I just fitted my first 18th Board with SPD and type A RCDs (RCBO's)- the SPD added only £60 to the cost and that included the mcb protection (Lewden).

 

[Markyd]

dont need one.......next please

 

[Markyd]

dont need one.......next please

 

[l4urence]

dont need one.......next please

Why? Explain your thinking. I’m always up for a bit of interpretation.

 

[Markyd]

not required in a single dwelling.....

 

[Markyd]

in fact not required anywhere......only a recommendation.......next

 

[SparkyChick]

I don't think this can be construed as just a recommendation:-

"Protection against transient overvoltages shall be provided where the consequence caused by overvoltage could:

(i) result in serious injury to, or loss of, human life, or
(ii) result in interruption of public services and/or damage to cultural heritage, or
(iii) result in interruption of commercial or industrial activity, or
(iv) affect a large number of co-located individuals.

For all other cases, a risk assessment according to Regulation 443.5 shall be performed in order to determine if protection against transient overvoltages is required. If the risk assessment is not performed, the electrical installation shall be provided with protection against transient overvoltages, except for single dwelling units where the total value of the installation and equipment therein does not justify such protection."

Given the cost of SPDs and the cost of the installation and connected equipment within a typical home these days, I think arguing it's not economically justified to fit one is pushing it a little.

 

[ErnieJ]

MK do sell an SPD, or at least did, there is some stock at CEF

 

[Lister1987]

Ypu can get third party ones; Surge Protection Devices Ltd are 1 such provider, am sure others exist too

 

[goasis]

It's not just about writing a risk assessment is it? You have to complete the equation and get a satisfactory answer >1000

 

[goasis]

There have been some significant changes to this in amm 2

 

[newfutile]

in amendment 2 the client can say they don’t want one, I’m not sure they have the technical expertise to decide these things !

 

[timhoward]

A Fusebox SPD kit is just £30 these days and if a customer can't be convinced to spend the £30 to protect a four figure sum's worth of equipment then I'm not sure I want them as a customer.
At least with amendment 2 it's as simple as "ok, sign here that SPD was advised and you are declining one".
And whether they do any good or not they do make the consumer unit look more exciting!