My Consumer Unit

[uksparks]

Hi,

I thought Id just share what Im doing with everyone.

At present I have a 16th Edition Hager board, its full, its got 18 circuits in it, and a couple doubled up.

I purchased a plastic one 12 months ago to take 20 ways, and was just looking at changing it next week for the plastic one and back dating it.

But having 20 RCBO's in it, its going to be a pain in the --- to get it done and neat and not crammed in...

So....

I am going to order a Hager Invicta 3 8 way board so I can get 24 single phase ways in it, also leaves me loads of space and will not bling on the wall in the garage.

It will also leave a lot of space so that I can fit a surge protector at a later day, just need to by a single phase conversion kit and an incomer but it will look a million times better on the wall and 10 times easier to terminate everything.

The only thing that ill have to do is lengthen a load of the circuits, not all, but a chunk of them, and also extend the 25mm meter tails, I have to admit, im not a big fan of extending tails as I don't like a joint in them, but it will be impossible for me to draw new tails in as they go up the cavity and across and its a non starter. I think if I just double heat wrap them and crimp them well it should be fine.

Anyway, the Invicta board, at least it complies with Amd3.

Ill post photos up when I do it.

Its costing me quite a bit as ill need 20 RCBO's and the board, and kit etc, £650 in total!!

 

[Darkwood]

I would consider a 4 tier board (3 tier slotted cover) where you use the normal 3 tiers as you suggest but use the 4th for din rail mount connectors (Ideal if all cables entry is at top or bottom), this way all circuits L/N/E will terminate into the top extension rail and then you wire to your mcb's etc. You can even wire up the board at home then only have the connector bank to terminate.

 

[davesparks]

Aren't invicta's the ones with a glass door?
Don't think that'll be up to amendment 3 spec!

 

[Andy78]

So... why are you changing your board ?

 

[uksparks]

Aren't invicta's the ones with a glass door?
Don't think that'll be up to amendment 3 spec!

Its metal underneath... surely that complies? The lid over the breakers doesn't need to be metal too does it?

I can't say as I had even thought about it.

 

[Andy78]

Its metal underneath... surely that complies? The lid over the breakers doesn't need to be metal too does it?

I can't say as I had even thought about it.

The glazed doors are not actually glass but polycarbonate if I recall correctly. I'm sure they do a unglazed door though, although I think it has plastic parts to it.

 

[uksparks]

Aren't invicta's the ones with a glass door?
Don't think that'll be up to amendment 3 spec!

125A Invicta 3 Type B Distribution Boards Invicta 3 Type B Distribution Boards

 

[Leesparkykent]

Yes it has to be a full envelope

 

[uksparks]

The glazed doors are not actually glass but polycarbonate if I recall correctly. I'm sure they do a unglazed door though, although I think it has plastic parts to it.

I know they are perspex doors, but wasn't sure if the lid / door needed to be metal too...

 

[uksparks]

Yes it has to be a full envelope

Damn it damn it damn it

 

[uksparks]

I think ill just buy one and fit it and back date it.

 

[davesparks]

I think ill just buy one and fit it and back date it.

Whatever you write on the paperwork it'll still be working outside of the current 7671

 

[Leesparkykent]

Have a look at wiring matters issue 55

 

[uksparks]

Whatever you write on the paperwork it'll still be working outside of the current 7671

Only the current Amd3, if it was done on 31st December then it would have been acceptable.

Unless I can get a solid door for it maybe thats the only other thing.

Ill take a look at

 

[uksparks]

Have a look at wiring matters issue 55

Consumer units - IET Electrical

 

[andyb]

You say that it's going in the garage, could you not just fit a plastic board (very cheap now for some reason) and then build a non combustible enclosure around it?

 

[uksparks]

So... why are you changing your board ?

The only reason i want to change it is because I want everything on RCBO's and its so full its ridiculous, we are also looking at having a big ish two storey extension and will probably run it on new circuits, so would like the extra space.

The Invicta boards are very nice, they look good and there is a lot of room in them which is why i want to use one.

 

[uksparks]

You say that it's going in the garage, could you not just fit a plastic board (very cheap now for some reason) and then build a non combustible enclosure around it?

I want the invicta board as I find it pleasing on the eye plus is will have a lot more space in it.

 

[uksparks]

Ive just looked and I can get one with a plain steel front.

 

[uksparks]

This is one, this must comply to AMD3, its a metal board with metal front and metal door, with metal hinges.

 

[telectrix]

bet you the schneider board is cheaper and you get hammer in RCBOs. lol. :54:

 

[not clever]

How about an MK board with compact rcbo's

 

[uksparks]

bet you the schneider board is cheaper and you get hammer in RCBOs. lol. :54:

I just prefer hager to be honest, I think they are good quality and look good.

 

[Clive P]

Hi,

I've got a nice shiny plastic one in my own place ( empty at the moment except for the MCB,s ). By the time I get around to installing it the 18th will have come and gone, that's the problem with a bad back have to take things a bit slower.

Regards.

 

[uksparks]

How about an MK board with compact rcbo's

View attachment 31110View attachment 31111

i swore I'd never fit MK again as I think the quality is just not there, I have to say they are very compact!

 

[not clever]

Only the enclosure is MK

 

[davesparks]

I just prefer hager to be honest, I think they are good quality and look good.

I developed a hatred of hager after a run of having to replace ones with burnt out neutrals towards the end of my apprenticeship.

 

[Geordie Spark]

I have a nice metal enclosure for sale that should solve all your AMD3 problems.

Handcrafted in Geordieland from recycled soup, beans & beer cans by Bread & Co. Tinsmiths & Chamberpot makers.

Very cheap to leccy forum members - only £249-99 and you can keep the change.

​

 

[telectrix]

does that price include a din rail and postage?

 

[telectrix]

my apologies, geordie, if i woke you up.

 

[Geordie Spark]

does that price include a din rail and postage?

DIN Rail?? Dunno about that but I've got a bit of brass curtain rail ye c'n have for an extra fiver.

Postage to Scouseland will be £44:99 which includes insurance in case some thieving Scouser nicks it while its encrout.

 

[Geordie Spark]

my apologies, geordie, if i woke you up.

You didn't but I feel a little nap could be in order soon.

 

[badwolf]

It's your house, it's under your supervision, I know it's not the point but notify it now with December 31st date, you can do what you like. everyone's a winner!

 

[telectrix]

but as long as the job was designed pre=amd3...........

 

[hightower]

but as long as the job was designed pre=amd3...........

I wonder how long this can run for though. I'm sure some will have a plastic board in the cupboard with intentions to install for the past year, but when they eventually get round to it in 10 years, technically it was designed prior so should conform.

 

[Geordie Spark]

but as long as the job was designed pre=amd3...........

Mine wasn't designed .......... it just sort of ... evolved. A bit like the Lambton Worm - it got fat 'n'graad 'n' it graad t' an aafull size .... a bit like The Lambton Worm ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcZcOoP_v2k >>>>>>>> The Mackem's "Blaydon Races" - sort of. :nonod::dizzy2:

 

[telectrix]

it got fat 'n'graad 'n' it graad t' an aafull size ....:dizzy2:


a bit like a geordie's heid! :mad2:

 

[Geordie Spark]

it got fat 'n'graad 'n' it graad t' an aafull size ....:dizzy2:


a bit like a geordie's heid! :mad2:

Yer Keeky ***** !! :90:

 

[Paul.M]

Moved to General section.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

What surprises me here is UKsparks has no idea of the actual requirements of Am3 domestic CU's.
How long has this been coming??

 

[uksparks]

What surprises me here is UKsparks has no idea of the actual requirements of Am3 domestic CU's.
How long has this been coming??

To say I have no idea is taking it a bit far, I just didn't realise the kid was meant to be metal too, is all very new to everyone and not looked in to it a great deal.

 

[malcolmsanford]

Hi,

I thought Id just share what Im doing with everyone.

At present I have a 16th Edition Hager board, its full, its got 18 circuits in it, and a couple doubled up.

I purchased a plastic one 12 months ago to take 20 ways, and was just looking at changing it next week for the plastic one and back dating it.

But having 20 RCBO's in it, its going to be a pain in the --- to get it done and neat and not crammed in...

So....

I am going to order a Hager Invicta 3 8 way board so I can get 24 single phase ways in it, also leaves me loads of space and will not bling on the wall in the garage.

It will also leave a lot of space so that I can fit a surge protector at a later day, just need to by a single phase conversion kit and an incomer but it will look a million times better on the wall and 10 times easier to terminate everything.

The only thing that ill have to do is lengthen a load of the circuits, not all, but a chunk of them, and also extend the 25mm meter tails, I have to admit, im not a big fan of extending tails as I don't like a joint in them, but it will be impossible for me to draw new tails in as they go up the cavity and across and its a non starter. I think if I just double heat wrap them and crimp them well it should be fine.

Anyway, the Invicta board, at least it complies with Amd3.

Ill post photos up when I do it.

Its costing me quite a bit as ill need 20 RCBO's and the board, and kit etc, £650 in total!!

How big is your house UK ................:wink_smile:

 

[DPG]

I was wondering that myself - 18 ways and some are doubled up!!! You living in a palace or something?? Daz

 

[Spoon]

maybe every socket and light has its own breaker....?

 

[malcolmsanford]

I have worked in factory units that don't have that many circuits...........an EICR on that would be commerical rates

 

[Andy78]

I wonder what he is charging himself for the board swap ? I wouldn't give myself any favours on a job like that even though I'm family.

 

[Spoon]

I wonder what he is charging himself for the board swap ?

If he doesn't pay then does he take himself to court or just beat himself up???

 

[Andy78]

If he doesn't pay then does he take himself to court or just beat himself up???

He could refuse to issue the cert until payment is received, but then I'm not sure he'd care that much as he knows he is going to falsify information anyway.

 

[uksparks]

Its a good sized 4 bed detached property, these are the circuits below. It is just very well split down thats all.

LEFT BANK OF RCBO'S
-------------------------
6 Security Alarm
6 Smoke Alarms
6 CCTV Power
6 Lighting Upstairs
16 Dedicated Circuit for Compressor
16 Immersion Heater
20 Solar Panels
32 Garage Ring Circuit (Double with 10 doubles)
32 Sockets
32 HOB

RIGHT BANK OF RCBO'S
--------------------------
6 Front Pillar Lights, side and rear
6 Lighting Upstairs FAR
6 Lighting Downstairs FAR
6 Lighting Kitchen & Utility
10 Garage Roller Shutters
32 Sockets
32 Sockets
32 Kitchen Appliances
32 Cooker

 

[telectrix]

looking at the above, it looks to me like an installation where a good install has taken precedence over cost. good on yer.