What do folk do when given a CU with switch on wrong side?

[HandySparks]

I can't remember doing it myself, but I can't see a problem with it, if done properly. Anyone have any technical reason for not reversing the order of a board?

 

[Ian1981]

I suppose if reconfigured then may not be covered by manufacturers warranty and can't be guaranteed by them as it's been messed with

 

[stevethesparks]

I can't remember doing it myself, but I can't see a problem with it, if done properly. Anyone have any technical reason for not reversing the order of a board?

If the main switch is situated at the opposite end, you will have to supply the LN terminals with the wrong polarity to allow the bus-bar to come off the correct side, of which might also make the L last to break first to make in some cases.

 

[Davisonp]

It's strange because I fit hager all the time and the main switch is always right hand side even the plastic dbs where or have I clearly missed the point and the db has been reconstructed the other way by someone?
Only db I've used which is opposite is mk sentry and Crabtree

Yes in the actual situation I came across this week (not the hypothetical one which I came up with which is the opposite) the tails come in on the left in a corner, and Hagar have switch on the right.

 

[Davisonp]

Why would you not be comfortable with that?

I would be fine with that if I have been provided with the recourses and time to do that by the boss, and of course if there is space to move the board.

 

[telectrix]

turn the bugger upside down. then say a builder did it.

 

[PEG]

turn the bugger upside down. then say a builder did it.

I have seen this (almost) many times,not upside down as such,but 90 degrees out...and one in a large Victorian vestibule,which was mounted on the ceiling,with all switches pointing at the floor

 

[Davisonp]

So use a CU which has the main switch on the right.

Messing around with the configuration is unnecessary and probably goes against manufacturers instructions.

I agree entirely, and I have never provided an incorrect CU for installation myself, but look at it from another prospective. If you had sourced the wrong CU and then told someone who works for you to adjust it and fit it and the work is covered by your company insurance, would they? or would they refuse?
There are some things I have been told to do as a sub contractor that I have refused as it causes danger or specifically goes against the regs, but there are things that I have been told to do under the responsibility of the parent company that I have done as instructed.

 

[HandySparks]

... which might also make the L last to break first to make in some cases.

It might. Anyone know if these double pole switches are actually constructed this way, ie with one pole making before the other?

 

[telectrix]

the only way i could get a 10 way split CU in the space available at home was to mount it sideways on. it's a plastic CU and it's been in there for 6 years without catching fire or nuisance tripping . a 3 phase board has all the breakers horizontal anyway.

 

[Wilko]

because the boards built in spirit level is showing it's been put up wonky?

That's what the finger is pointing at, isn't it ?
Oh wait, don't tell me ... I'll get it soon ...

 

[davesparks]

I agree entirely, and I have never provided an incorrect CU for installation myself, but look at it from another prospective. If you had sourced the wrong CU and then told someone who works for you to adjust it and fit it and the work is covered by your company insurance, would they? or would they refuse?
There are some things I have been told to do as a sub contractor that I have refused as it causes danger or specifically goes against the regs, but there are things that I have been told to do under the responsibility of the parent company that I have done as instructed.

If I had sourced the wrong CU then I would get it changed for the right one.

 

[tomspark93]

It wouldn't be so bad with the schneider easy 9 as that's arse over --- to start with..

 

[Davisonp]

If I had sourced the wrong CU then I would get it changed for the right one.

Not the point I was trying to make, would your lads do as you say or say no to you?

 

[davesparks]

Not the point I was trying to make, would your lads do as you say or say no to you?

I don't need have anyone working under me doing electrical work, but if I did and for some reason I was to ask them to do something which they feel is wrong then they would be able to talk to me about it.

 

[stevethesparks]

It might. Anyone know if these double pole switches are actually constructed this way, ie with one pole making before the other?

According to MK, their 100 Amp DP isolator, the neutral makes first and breaks last.

 

[Rpa07]

According to MK, their 100 Amp DP isolator, the neutral makes first and breaks last.

Being quite important in the scheme of things!

 

[Colin33]

Isn't this what the cut-out fuse is for? ;-) Perhaps could've done a neater job sticking the neutral in but at least there's an insulating cover over the busbar. If you were to dismantle an incomer switch I wonder what distance/insulation you'd find between L and N inside?

 

[stevethesparks]

Being quite important in the scheme of things!

Further, BG - L&N switch simultaneously.

 

[MrLights]

Does the polarity of the main isolator matter? Use the right side for Live!!!
Or am I missing something??