Metal enclosure for DP Isolator

[Electric Magic]

Hi

Due to the location of the meter on an upcoming job I am installing a new consumer unit in a space where there will be a full height kitchen cupboard and am exploring ways to run the meter tails up (from about 1m directly beneath in the bottom of the cupboard) to the CU (ideally the client would like usable shelves in between so am not going with visible singles as they might get damaged). SWA seems to be the least intrusive option space wise and wouldn't interfere with the cupboard at all as I could run it in a chase. I was thinking of fitting a DP isolator next to the meter but I've not fitted one with a metal enclosure before (which will be necessary if I'm terminating SWA in it of course) - any suggestions for a DP isolator with a metal enclosure?

Also, as an aside, does anyone know whether DP isolators are being counted as "similar switchgear assemblies" regarding 421.1.201? Perhaps not if the regulation and BYB of switchgear can be taken literally (given that an assembly is a group) but wondered what others thought/have heard.

Thanks

 

[gnselectricals]

I was told that they're not required to be metal clad in the wholesaler

 

[Octopus]

Naughty me installed a plastic one today, with a plastic CU!

 

[bigspark17]

If im picturing this correct.. The dno cutout is in a tall kitchen cupboard and cu is 1m approx higher.? Y the hell would you wire this in swa??? Tails all the way and straight into meter or dno cutout if provided.. If shelves are installed trunking over tails and cut grove in back of shelve.!! Swa seems very strange approach to me

 

[amlu]

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CGFS100.html

 

[HandySparks]

Hi

Due to the location of the meter on an upcoming job I am installing a new consumer unit in a space where there will be a full height kitchen cupboard and am exploring ways to run the meter tails up (from about 1m directly beneath in the bottom of the cupboard) to the CU (ideally the client would like usable shelves in between so am not going with visible singles as they might get damaged). SWA seems to be the least intrusive option space wise and wouldn't interfere with the cupboard at all as I could run it in a chase. I was thinking of fitting a DP isolator next to the meter...

Why not keep the job simple and cheap? Run ordinary insulated and sheathed tails up the wall in mini trunking. No additional switchgear required. No risk of damage to the cables. The kitchen fitter will just have to cut a notch in the back edge of the shelves to clear the trunking. Unless the unit has a recessed back, in which case there's no extra woodwork required.


Edit:I see that bigspark is of the same opinion.

 

[davesparks]

Does the unit not have a service void?

 

[7029 dave]

Does the unit not have a service void?

Yes I have got down some units, not for this situation, but to run some lighting cables.

 

[Electric Magic]

Does the unit not have a service void?

They haven't decided which kitchen manufacturer they want to use yet so don't know if the service void will be of sufficient depth (e.g. cable + 50mm or more).

 

[Electric Magic]

If im picturing this correct.. The dno cutout is in a tall kitchen cupboard and cu is 1m approx higher.? Y the hell would you wire this in swa??? Tails all the way and straight into meter or dno cutout if provided.. If shelves are installed trunking over tails and cut grove in back of shelve.!! Swa seems very strange approach to me

Customer would prefer to avoid interfering with the cabinet itself if possible (except where meter and CU are) so am just trying to plan ahead, but I'll make the final decision about how to run the tails after they confirm what kitchen they are having installed.

 

[HandySparks]

They haven't decided which kitchen manufacturer they want to use yet so don't know if the service void will be of sufficient depth (e.g. cable + 50mm or more).

I wouldn't say that the 50mm rule applied here. The cable's not being buried. Why would anyone drive a screw through the back of a cupboard 50mm beyond the rear face?

 

[colshaws]

Most Kitchens have a 60-70mm service void,unless its Ikea crap which have none . So anything other than Ikea and no need to bury the cable.

 

[Dave OCD]

I'd definitely just hide normal tails in the void behind the cupboard backboard - in fact I'd try to bring all the CU cabling in from the back, no problem achieving required IP ratings at all then.

 

[bigspark17]

Well if the customer would rather fork out £100+ in materials and lots more hours fitting swa and metal clad isolator than notch one or two shelves then more fool them! Your complicating what is an extremely straight forwad job

 

[kyle12111994]

Why would you use SWA for the tails? Trunking?

 

[Octopus]

Why would you use SWA for the tails? Trunking?

If they need to be buried and you want to avoid having RCD's in series.

 

[kyle12111994]

If they need to be buried and you want to avoid having RCD's in series.

Yes but that is not applicable in this scenario

 

[Electric Magic]

Yes but that is not applicable in this scenario

I guess it depends upon how "partition" as used in 522.6.202 is defined (and then of course how deep the service void is). I generally err on the side of caution, and I'd call the back of a cabinet a partition if there is a gap at the back between it and the wall, but if you can conclusively show me otherwise I'll happily change my mind (like others have said it may save me some time and save the client some money - though I think £100+ is an exaggeration).