The Future of Fuse boards...?

[westward10]

My point was that a cored extractor, combined with trickle vent, provides an ideal means of fanning a fire.

How many fires start in DBs each year and how many start in kitchens?

I also note that no one arguing against rear knockouts has adressed my point about whether or not they insist on homes having interlinked smoke/fire detection as a prerequisite to board changes.

It is a good point about extraction fans, how do we fire seal the hole made for them because if they breech a fire compartment you have problems. We fit fire rated down lights but ignore the extractor which has made an even bigger hole in the ceiling if that is where it is fitted.

 

[brianmoooore]

whether or not they insist on homes having interlinked smoke/fire detection as a prerequisite to board changes.

I insist on interlinked mains power smoke alarms, with battery back up, on any domestic property I've done extensive work on, whether the customer asks for or even wants them. If they refuse, then they find another sparky.

 

[brianmoooore]

It is a good point about extraction fans, how do we fire seal the hole made for them because if they breech a fire compartment you have problems. We fit fire rated down lights but ignore the extractor which has made an even bigger hole in the ceiling if that is where it is fitted.

Most ceiling extractors are in shower and bath rooms, which aren't exactly hotspots of domestic fires, but if you do breach a fire compartment with fan ducting, then it should be fitted with an intumescent fire sleeve.

 

[mainline]

Metal consumer units are suggested as they do not readily promote the spread of fire, they will not contain it so in my opinion the IET are misrepresenting the intention of the Regulation. Cable entries do not require fire stopping unless the rear entry breeches a fire compartment and this is possible if the reverse side of the cavity wall is also breeched for example by an accessory cavity back box.

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.

Sealing of wiring entries
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. See Figure 6.
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




Your opinion obviously differs from the IET who are involved in actually writing the regs to which you quote.

 

[Dave OCD]

I insist on interlinked mains power smoke alarms, with battery back up, on any domestic property I've done extensive work on, whether the customer asks for or even wants them. If they refuse, then they find another sparky.

Are you worried your work is going to catch fire Brian ?

 

[westward10]

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.

Sealing of wiring entries
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. See Figure 6.
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




Your opinion obviously differs from the IET who are involved in actually writing the regs to which you quote.

Can you quote where in that Regulation it cites any of this.

 

[mainline]

Can you quote where in that Regulation it cites any of this.

Again, it's the IET

 

[westward10]

Again, it's the IET

No tell me where in that Regulation you are getting that all from.

 

[nicebutdim]

Are you worried your work is going to catch fire Brian ?

I get people's concerns, but this debate is theoretical (having been sparked by images from a studio set). It seems as though everyone involved is seeing something different in their mind's eye.

 

[mainline]

No tell me where in that Regulation you are getting that all from.

From a publication by the IET.