Switch fuse - metal clad recommendations

O

Octopus

Need to do a switch fuse install and I was wondering which products people prefer ........

Needs to be metal as the sub main is going to be SWA

Thanks
 
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DP Switched

  • 100A Fused Switch (2pole)
  • 2 pole fused switch ideal for the protection and isolation of incoming supplies up to 100A.
  • Supplied complete with 63A, 80A & 100A fuses.
  • Knockouts 25mm /32mm top and bottom
  • Maximum cable capacity: 35mm
  • BS EN 60947-3
  • Dimensions (mm):
    250H x 135W x 87D (inc lid)


Lewden smaller in all dimensions and cheaper. From TLC. Have you checked what our sponsor carries?
 
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Rpa07 said:
Well you didn’t say you had restrictions! It’s not that small but is after all a switch and a fuse holder. I’ll keep looking - what dimensions do you have?
Click to expand...

Apologies - more haste, less speed.

The Lewdens one looks OK and I didn't know TLC sold them .......... last time round I used a Proteus unit - which didn't impress me much!
 
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Last edited:
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This could gone on like the Zdb Ze zebbydy thing.

But whom I'm I to say. You say tomatoes, I say tomatoes, but Wylex seem to be manufacturing these things with A3 in mind. Are you right or are they?
 
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I would say a switch fuse fed by tails from cut out is definitely a CU or similar.

More open for debate if it's downstream of the main CU.

I've used a couple of ERIS units recently I wasn't blown away by the build quality but inexpensive and up to the job.
 
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Murdoch said:
No debate - its not a fuseboard.

AFAIAA BS7671 17th Ed. AMD3 doesn't clarify this, and nor does the 18th Ed AFAIAA
Click to expand...
I would say it’s similar switchgear assemblies as it houses a double pole main switch and a fuse to protect a sub main distribution circuit.
The only thing it does Not House similar to that of a DB is an rcd tho if you changed the main switch for one if you say had a TT arrangement then they you have it.
Of course you can fit 2 way consumer units without needing an rcd so I see no difference.
They also comply with BS 61439-3

If only BS7671 could be more clear than saying ‘similar switchgear ‘ and possibly give examples then it would be a lot easier to comply with.
 
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Can’t we all just get along?
Let’s face it, at the end of the day no one is going to pull you up for it because no one can decide if it is or not!
The main point here is good workmanship, if your terminations are correctly stripped, inserted and tightened, waggled and retightened (cup of tea, biscuit and go back and tighten (just for @westward10))
then an insulated enclosure is good. We have to remember why we have AMD3 non ferrous in the first place - bad workmanship!
 
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Then of course add into the mix, where said switch fuse is installed. I've read arguments that installed in the outside meter cupboard, that is not 'within a domestic premise. I did ask my scheme, who suggested the designer of such install, would have to carry out a risk assessment.

When the 18th draft was up for comment, I asked for clarification on 'similar switchgear assemblies', as did a few others. :D

Perhaps the grown ups at the JPEL/64 might enlighten us, but don't hold your breath.
 
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Rpa07 said:
Can’t we all just get along?
Let’s face it, at the end of the day no one is going to pull you up for it because no one can decide if it is or not!
The main point here is good workmanship, if your terminations are correctly stripped, inserted and tightened, waggled and retightened (cup of tea, biscuit and go back and tighten (just for @westward10))
then an insulated enclosure is good. We have to remember why we have AMD3 non ferrous in the first place - bad workmanship!
Click to expand...

I'm all for following 'the letter of the law'. Makes life easier, just do what your told, and you can't go wrong or be told off for being naughty.
 
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The initial regulation was to combat the resulting fires associated with poor workmanship and the amount of consumer units catching fire.
So they said ‘right all consumer units in domestic installations need to be non combustible or be in a non combustible cabinet ‘ that will help contain or stop any fires spreading quickly.
Unfortunately it opens up a load of different scenarios and not very well explained compliance issues by adding 2 words within the regulation SIMILAR SWITCHGEAR ‘
 
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Ian1981 said:
The initial regulation was to combat the resulting fires associated with poor workmanship and the amount of consumer units catching fire.
So they said ‘right all consumer units in domestic installations need to be non combustible or be in a non combustible cabinet ‘ that will help contain or stop any fires spreading quickly.
Unfortunately it opens up a load of different scenarios and not very well explained compliance issues by adding 2 words within the regulation SIMILAR SWITCHGEAR ‘
Click to expand...

As someone corrected me a while back, its actually 'similar switchgear assemblies' referred to in 421.1.201. :)
 
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Midwest said:
I fitted the Wylex one the other day.

The terminations use Allen keys. The through link earth connections , accept up to 16mm, but have no continuity with the internal earth bar (10mm max I think). So bit tricky. I added an extra earth block.
Click to expand...

I've fitted quite a few of the Wylex units in meter boxes. Takes a bit of planning to make them fit, but fit they do. Far better than the Lewden ones imo only.

I don't bother with the earth connection next to the L&N terminals. Don't really know why its there?? I use the 3 way earth block screwed to the back of the unit. This definitely accepts 16mm2 (not 10mm2 as you thought) as I've done this quite a few times.
 
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A switch fuse installed in domestic scenario should definatly be of metal type. If a switch fuse is not similar switchgear to a consumer unit i dont know what is. Though i may not agree with it i always install metal clad switch fuses on my submains no excuse.
I usually fit lewden or build my own enclousure/main switch/fuse holder set up..
 
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wirepuller said:
Proteus....top quality, built like a tank.;)
Click to expand...
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Murdoch said:
I think that BS 7671 should be proof read by the Plain English Society - lord only knows what they would make of it!
Click to expand...

The English used in bs7671 is pretty plain and generally very clear if you take the time to read and understand exactly what is written. The problem of ‘grey areas’ or ‘interpretation’ is usually down to people mis-reading or seeing what they think is there rather than what actually is.
 
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Thing is this is precisely why I think the plain English Society so need to review it .

If the Muppets at the IET wanted to say fuseboards and switch fuses they could have stated those items.

But they didn't.

Confusion will continue until it's stated in simple words ....... In the big book, and not hidden away in some guidance notes.
 
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