new metal clad consumer

[Farmelectrics]

question first of all has anyone installed these yet, the other question is if you have back entry into your board is it ok to seal around cables with fire resistant foam.

 

[Geordie Spark]

Consumer - metal clad:​

 

[Andy78]

I don't think I'd get very prompt payment if I sealed up my consumers' back entries with fire sealant.

 

[telectrix]

but then he could not shyte on you!

 

[HandySparks]

... the other question is if you have back entry into your board is it ok to seal around cables with fire resistant foam.

I wouldn't use foam around cables; it's a good thermal insulator which will significantly affect their current carrying capacity. Intumescent mastic would be my preferred option if required.

 

[Leesparkykent]

This is what you want, Pyro Mate.

 

[Farmelectrics]

thanks guys ha ha well be using flameproof glands next. im going to replace my own consumer to a metal clad one when they arrive on the shelfs at the wholesalers but done a board change yesterday which had all cables coming from back entry hence my question. my own consumer has top entry so stuffing glands sounds good for me or do they need to be (EX) lol

 

[Leesparkykent]

thanks guys ha ha well be using flameproof glands next. im going to replace my own consumer to a metal clad one when they arrive on the shelfs at the wholesalers but done a board change yesterday which had all cables coming from back entry hence my question. my own consumer has top entry so stuffing glands sounds good for me or do they need to be (EX) lol

Stuffers or a length of trunking covering the top and slot the top of the DB or trunking bushed on to the top of the DB

 

[davesparks]

thanks guys ha ha well be using flameproof glands next. im going to replace my own consumer to a metal clad one when they arrive on the shelfs at the wholesalers but done a board change yesterday which had all cables coming from back entry hence my question. my own consumer has top entry so stuffing glands sounds good for me or do they need to be (EX) lol

Metal consumer units are already on sale, and have been for many many years, longer than plastic ones have!

Why on earth do you want to put fire sealant on it? There's nothing in the byb to require it.

 

[Farmelectrics]

well if your consumer is mounted on timber and many are dave, if your cables are entrering back entry kind of defeats the non combustable method to me

 

[Knobhead]

well if your consumer is mounted on timber and many are dave, if your cables are entrering back entry kind of defeats the non combustable method to me

 

[davesparks]

well if your consumer is mounted on timber and many are dave, if your cables are entrering back entry kind of defeats the non combustable method to me

What do you mean by 'the non combustible method'??

The regulation requires that the enclosure be manufactured from a non combustible material, nothing more.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Its not in the book but it has been noted that Good workmanship and proper materials must be applied by the installer. The cable installation entry method shall, as far as is reasonably practicable, maintain the fire containment of the enclosure. Account shall be taken of the manufacturers instructions, if any.

IMO if one of these boards are mounted on a plaster board wall with the cables entering rear entry I don't see no harm in sealing the hole with a bit of pyro mate or the like "as far as reasonably practical" to maintain the fire containment of the enclosure.

 

[davesparks]

Its not in the book but it has been noted that Good workmanship and proper materials must be applied by the installer. The cable installation entry method shall, as far as is reasonably practicable, maintain the fire containment of the enclosure. Account shall be taken of the manufacturers instructions, if any.

IMO if one of these boards are mounted on a plaster board wall with the cables entering rear entry I don't see no harm in sealing the hole with a bit of pyro mate or the like "as far as reasonably practical" to maintain the fire containment of the enclosure.

But the enclosure has no fire-containment rating. It is made from a non-combustible material, this is not the same as being capable of containing a fire.

 

[Geordie Spark]

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[TD="class: subheading, width: 90%"][h=1]FLUE JOINTING COMPOUND[/h]

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[TD="width: 200, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="class: maintext"]A non-setting, weather resistant, non-flammable, stiff putty material which allows small movements without breaking the seal. Recommended where pipes and flues emerge through concrete, stone or brickwork; and for both external and internal flue pipe joints. FJC can also be used for sealing service pipes and conduits of all types through fire-rated walls. May be used for sealing the gap between a gas pipe and the sleeve through which it passes. Must not be used either where the pipe will be hotter than 250°C (482°F), or directly onto heating appliances. Manufactured in the UK by a BS EN ISO 9001:2008 registered company.[TABLE="width: 500"]
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[TD="width: 50"]Part No.[/TD]
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[TD] [/TD]
[TD]9464[/TD]
[TD="colspan: 2"]1/2 kilo tub FJC[/TD]
[TD="width: 85, align: center"]£3.26[/TD]
[TD="width: 20%"] [/TD]
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[TD]9465[/TD]
[TD="colspan: 2"]1 kilo tub FJC[/TD]
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[Deleted member 9648]

As far as I'm concerned as long as top entries are not used then it will meet the requirements.No glands or sealant required as long as the top of the DB remains solid.

 

[shanky887614]

As far as I'm concerned as long as top entries are not used then it will meet the requirements.No glands or sealant required as long as the top of the DB remains solid.

which reg? the one i was looking at said not readily combustable.

everything is combustable at a high enough temperature

 

[Deleted member 9648]

which reg? the one i was looking at said not readily combustable.

everything is combustable at a high enough temperature

No reg,just common sense. Heat rises so it makes sense not to use top entries to contain a fire. I do think many are over complicating this,I cant see any point in flame proof glands and fireproof sealant as long as cable entries are chosen and used appropriately. If we are not careful this thing will become another 'kitchen sink bonding' myth laden 'your fuse box is illegal missus' money spinner for years to come.

 

[Silly Sausage]

If we are not careful this thing will become another 'kitchen sink bonding' myth laden 'your fuse box is illegal missus' money spinner for years to come.

It's already started.
The gun slingers are buying up cheap metal CUs at the speed of light and are fidgeting in the blocks waiting for New Years Day, 2016! :smilielol5:

 

[Leesparkykent]

But the enclosure has no fire-containment rating. It is made from a non-combustible material, this is not the same as being capable of containing a fire.

The intent of Regulation 421.1.201 is considered to be, as far as is reasonably practicable, to contain any fire within the enclosure or cabinet and to minimise the escape of flames.

The non-combustible enclosure or cabinet must provide a complete envelope (e.g. base, cover, door and any components such as hinges, screws and catches) as necessary to maintain fire containment. All blanks, circuit-breakers and other devices must be contained within the non-combustible enclosure or cabinet.

It is important for the installer to seal all openings into the enclosure or cabinet for cables, conduits, trunking or ducting that remain after the installation of cables.
The intent of the sealing is that, as far as is reasonably practicable, any fire is contained within the enclosure or cabinet and the escape of flames to the surroundings of the cabinet or enclosure or into conduits trunking or ducting is minimised, as intended by Regulation 421.1.201.
Good workmanship and proper materials must be used, and account must be taken of the manufacturer’s relevant instructions, if any.