UK Ryefield Board

[QtecSolutions]

Hi, we are installing 3 x 3 phase sub mains from a Ryefield Board in a new warehouse, can I connect the SWA’s feeding the sub mains directly to the Ryefield Board, or do I need to install isolators, then connect to the Ryefield Board. There is a cut out, meter and isolator before the Ryefield Board.

 

[Pete999]

Hi, we are installing 3 x 3 phase sub mains from a Ryefield Board in a new warehouse, can I connect the SWA’s feeding the sub mains directly to the Ryefield Board, or do I need to install isolators, then connect to the Ryefield Board. There is a cut out, meter and isolator before the Ryefield Board.

What do the installation specs say

 

[ForkEnigma]

Hi, we are installing 3 x 3 phase sub mains from a Ryefield Board in a new warehouse, can I connect the SWA’s feeding the sub mains directly to the Ryefield Board, or do I need to install isolators, then connect to the Ryefield Board. There is a cut out, meter and isolator before the Ryefield Board.

You need to provide a lockable switch to isolate in-between the ryefield and said supplies.

 

[James]

I think you have just answered your own question.
if that's what the customer has ordered, then that's what they get?

 

[ForkEnigma]

I think you have just answered your own question.
if that's what the customer has ordered, then that's what they get?

Hmm, I thought BS7671 states otherwise
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Hmm, I thought BS7671 states otherwise

Customer not always right! Install at your peril

 

[QtecSolutions]

Hmm, I thought BS7671 states otherwise
[automerge]1594841032[/automerge]

Customer not always right! Install at your peril

Spoke to NIC-EIC technical today and they said to comply with regs an isolator was not required to comply with regs, I just want a second opinion.

 

[ForkEnigma]

Spoke to NIC-EIC technical today and they said to comply with regs an isolator was not required to comply with regs, I just want a second opinion.

Really! So your going to isolate from the ryefield panel, by pulling fuses!

 

[James]

The point in question is mute.
It makes no difference what the regs say.

If the customer has asked for an isolator, then put one in.
Job completed to spec.
Customers happy, no issue with the invoice.

There is no point in arguing with the customer about what they want or need in this instance.

 

[QtecSolutions]

The point in question is mute.
It makes no difference what the regs say.

If the customer has asked for an isolator, then put one in.
Job completed to spec.
Customers happy, no issue with the invoice.

There is no point in arguing with the customer about what they want or need in this instance.

The original question was do I need to install isolators, the customer has not asked for them, I want to know if I need to install isolators to comply with the regs.

 

[James]

The original question was do I need to install isolators, the customer has not asked for them, I want to know if I need to install isolators to comply with the regs.

Sorry, I saw forkenigmas post And thought it was you.
If there is a circuit breaker in the supply line, surely that can be switched off? That would be good enough for me.

 

[davesparks]

No you don't need an isolator immediately after the fuseboard, if you did then they wouldn't sell many of those fuseboards or they would have isolators built in.
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You need to provide a lockable switch to isolate in-between the ryefield and said supplies.

Why? Which regulation requires an isolator to be installed immediately after a distribution board?

Do you install isolators for every circuit next to a DB?

 

[ForkEnigma]

Really! So your going to isolate from the ryefield panel, by pulling fuses!

You

The point in question is mute.
It makes no difference what the regs say.

If the customer has asked for an isolator, then put one in.
Job completed to spec.
Customers happy, no issue with the invoice.




There is no point in arguing with the customer about what they want or need in this instance.

So your happy to issue a non compliance certificate then?

You would advise the customer of that right?
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Seems, some people just want to take the money.

Someone's moral compass is broken. ,,, lol

 

[James]

You


So your happy to issue a non compliance certificate then?

You would advise the customer of that right?
[automerge]1594878242[/automerge]
Seems, some people just want to take the money.

Someone's moral compass is broken. ,,, lol

Moral compass is intact and working correctly.
The obligation to provide a safe and complient installation must be followed, an isolator is likely to be fitted to the incoming cable on the new distribution board. (Often it is a big red switch)
If the customer asks for an isolator to be added to the supply at its point of origin than fit one, otherwise don’t.

Removing fuses is an accepted means of isolating a circuit.

Don’t tell me that it would be non compliant without backing it up with a reg number.

 

[davesparks]

You


So your happy to issue a non compliance certificate then?

What is the non-compliance?
Removing fuses is a very good way of isolating a circuit, it introduces a far bigger air gap than most isolators do.

 

[pc1966]

Removing a fuse is fine for isolation. It is not a way to disconnect under load!

Nobody (I hope) who is not a fully trained sparky is going to be pulling Ryefield board fuses, and if they do it would be after disconnecting the load(s) at the far end of the cable. If cautious (always a good policy here) they can use a clamp ammeter on the cable to check for no current first.

 

[7029 dave]

Removing a fuse is fine for isolation. It is not a way to disconnect under load!

Nobody (I hope) who is not a fully trained sparky is going to be pulling Ryefield board fuses, and if they do it would be after disconnecting the load(s) at the far end of the cable. If cautious (always a good policy here) they can use a clamp ammeter on the cable to check for no current first.

Agreed nobody I hope would pull 100amp/80amp fuses under load.

 

[pc1966]

Agreed nobody I hope would pull 100amp/80amp fuses under load.

No, that is going to end very badly for someone..

And I mean very badly. Several months ago I was reading some USA report on arc-flash statistics/incidents and it covered some poor (untrained) guy who tried to fit a 30A replacement fuse in a hotel and died from his injuries. I guess it was inserted on to a live fault, and might have triggered other arcs, but one way or another it is a sobering lesson. At least a MCB can be closed on to a fault with not too much risk.