Amendment 3 2-module enclosure or 100A DP isolator.

[Selfmade]

I have a situation where I have fitted an RCD incomer consumer unit alongside another existing RCD incomer unit to provide RCD protection for remaining circuits. I didn't fit an isolator for the two units so to turn off all power to the building you have to turn off both RCDs. I know there was a thread on here a few weeks ago about whether or not this is compliant and somone (I forget who, sorry!) posted a link to a NAPIT document that advised that this is compliant as the consumer units with their associated circuits can be regarded as separate installations. Anyway the customer now wants me to refit the old main switch from the previous MEM 3 unit I replaced (impractical and bad idea for so many reasons) in order to provide a single point of isolation (to paraphrase!). I'd like to offer to fit a new isolator (I even have a few nocking around), but I can't find an amendment 3 2-module enclosure for sale anywhere, or indeed an amendment 3 100A DP isolator - they all seem to be plastic. Anyone know of any?

 

[Jay Sparks]

I have a situation where I have fitted an RCD incomer consumer unit alongside another existing RCD incomer unit to provide RCD protection for remaining circuits. I didn't fit an isolator for the two units so to turn off all power to the building you have to turn off both RCDs. I know there was a thread on here a few weeks ago about whether or not this is compliant and somone (I forget who, sorry!) posted a link to a NAPIT document that advised that this is compliant as the consumer units with their associated circuits can be regarded as separate installations. Anyway the customer now wants me to refit the old main switch from the previous MEM 3 unit I replaced (impractical and bad idea for so many reasons) in order to provide a single point of isolation (to paraphrase!). I'd like to offer to fit a new isolator (I even have a few nocking around), but I can't find an amendment 3 2-module enclosure for sale anywhere, or indeed an amendment 3 100A DP isolator - they all seem to be plastic. Anyone know of any?

Try this.

HAGER 100 AMP MAIN ISOLATOR DOUBLE POLE + METAL ENCLOSURE (MS) | eBay - http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/HAGER-100-AMP-MAIN-ISOLATOR-DOUBLE-POLE-METAL-ENCLOSURE-MS-/112086514879

 

[Selfmade]

Try this.

HAGER 100 AMP MAIN ISOLATOR DOUBLE POLE + METAL ENCLOSURE (MS) | eBay - http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/HAGER-100-AMP-MAIN-ISOLATOR-DOUBLE-POLE-METAL-ENCLOSURE-MS-/112086514879

Thanks! That's the best I've seen so far, though I note it doesn't have a (metal) door so still not strictly Amd. 3.

 

[Leyland30]

You want a metal enclosure with din rail and door - will this work?
British General 5-Module 3-Way Populated Garage Consumer Unit - http://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/british-general-5-module-3-way-populated-garage-consumer-unit/1926g

 

[westward10]

Try the Wylex DSF100M which also incorporates a 100A fuse. They also do an 80A version DSF80M.

 

[Richard Burns]

If your wholesaler has an account they may be able to get an AMD3 compliant 2 module enclosure from Europa components who sell the MEC2M, it has 1 x 20mm knock out top and bottom, 145mm high, 80mm wide, 85mm total depth. Picture in this post.

 

[Leesparkykent]

I got the part number from Wylex NSPE 7500. Can't find much info on it when googling it. Got sent a pic from my wholesaler. Apparently the newer version is about two inch longer so more room at the bottom of the isolator.

 

[Ian1981]

Wylex switch fuse

 

[Selfmade]

Awesome suggestions thanks! I'll look into all these and price it up for the customer ASAP.

Sam

 

[Selfmade]

Quoted for one of these Europa Components MEC4T 4 Module Metal Enclosure with lid (tails) IP40 - https://www.electricalcounter.co.uk/products/Consumer+Units/Europa+Circuit+Protection/Enclosures/4+Module+Metal+Enclosure+with+lid+%28tails%29+IP40/3142604240 in the end, though not sure if he'll go for it. Amazing how cost adds up with enclosure, switch and tails!

Thanks again folks!

 

[Sooby2]

I recently got an isolator fitted by my DNO in my house - they supplied a Wylex unit in a plastic enclosure and this was less than a month ago. So have they breached the regs?

This is it -

 

[Leesparkykent]

I recently got an isolator fitted by my DNO in my house - they supplied a Wylex unit in a plastic enclosure and this was less than a month ago. So have they breached the regs?

This is it -

View attachment 37033

no they don't work to bs7671 plus there is argument that a double pole switch doesn't fall foul of 421.1.201. I would seek clarify from your CPS on this though.

 

[Wilko]

no they don't work to bs7671 plus there is argument that a double pole switch doesn't fall foul of 421.1.201. I would seek clarify from your CPS on this though.

FWIW - In general conversation with Assessor - plastic may be ok in a meter box that is in/on an external wall facing out, but it's not ok if used inside. This implied (to me) Assessor considered it to be affected by the full metal jacket reg.

 

[Sooby2]

Well mine is definitely inside, under the stairs. But you kind of assume the DNO would know what they are doing?

 

[Selfmade]

Probably depends who's fitting it - one rule for us and another for them!

 

[Selfmade]

He went for it! Got the enclosure. Now just need to check if any of the isolators I have will fit in it.

 

[Richard Burns]

Any din rail mounted isolator will fit a standard DIN rail they are all designed to align at the same height, the problem comes when you want the terminals to align with a busbar, since you have tails to fit there should be no problem.
Since you have the four module enclosure you could even fuse it down with a fuse carrier as well! (Though I do not see any point in doing that)

 

[Selfmade]

Any din rail mounted isolator will fit a standard DIN rail they are all designed to align at the same height, the problem comes when you want the terminals to align with a busbar, since you have tails to fit there should be no problem.

Thought as much but wanted to be sure . Thanks for confirming!

Since you have the four module enclosure you could even fuse it down with a fuse carrier as well! (Though I do not see any point in doing that)

Yes no need - smallest tails present are 16mm2 and the cutout is 60A. I would have bought a two module but they just have 20mm knockouts - no good for tails!

 

[Richard Burns]

Yes no need - smallest tails present are 16mm2 and the cutout is 60A. I would have bought a two module but they just have 20mm knockouts - no good for tails!

You can cut bigger holes but the space is tight for forming the tails in a two module enclosure even with a 32mm gland.