where can we use plastic consumer unit?

[nicwaznego]

hi to all

am just wondering with the latest regs, where possibly can we still fit split load plastic consumer unit? thanks for your time guys...

 

[kingeri]

You could fit them in a fire retardant cabinet!

 

[Octopus]

Or on a commercial site...... unless you are a cowboy and don't give a dam

 

[Spoon]

The regs state "within domestic (household)". What about a garage or shed? Are these classed as "household"?

 

[Octopus]

The regs state "within domestic (household)". What about a garage or shed? Are these classed as "household"?

Is that a detached or attached garage?

 

[Spoon]

Is that a detached or attached garage?

Yes.


This "Yes" answer is too short so I have to extend it............ but how........

 

[Octopus]

Yes.


This "Yes" answer is too short so I have to extend it............ but how........

hum...... I think you could argue plastic for an attached garage and a plastic for detached BUT I've been using metal in detached buildings long before AMD3 as its easier to terminate SWA into a metal clad box!

 

[Spoon]

Thanks Murdoch. I was curious about that.

There you go OP. There are still a couple of places you may be able to use them.

What are other people's opinions on using them in an ATTACHED garage or shed?

 

[Richard Burns]

GN4 says the non combustible requirement applies inside all domestic buildings including attached ones and those nearby.

 

[Spoon]

GN4 says the non combustible requirement applies inside all domestic buildings including attached ones and those nearby.

What is classed as "nearby"? 2 meters, 5 metes.... 500 meters could be classed as nearby compared to something far away like America. Its all relative....

 

[Octopus]

GN4 says the non combustible requirement applies inside all domestic buildings including attached ones and those nearby.

Such clarification should be in BS 7671 and not in a GN which few people have access to or buy!

 

[Simonslimline]

It is a ridiculous reg IMO, so an insulated cu is safe in commercial etc but unsafe in a domestic premises. It clearly points to where the shoddy work is mostly being done IMO. I wonder what changes will be unveiled when the 18th is upon us.

But hey ho, this has been done to death already on here.

 

[Octopus]

The problem with BS 7671 is its written by many people over a long period of time - so its a bit like the bible -a right mess and full of contradictions!

 

[charlie76]

It is a ridiculous reg IMO, so an insulated cu is safe in commercial etc but unsafe in a domestic premises. It clearly points to where the shoddy work is mostly being done IMO. I wonder what changes will be unveiled when the 18th is upon us.

But hey ho, this has been done to death already on here.

I think its because in a commercial building you will legally have a fire detection and alarm system which you may not have in a domestic property. In terms of distance of a detached building, it is due to the risk of transfer of a fire from one building to another. This is normally, in commercial buildings, subject to a risk assessment so I would not expect it to be specified in the regulations.

 

[Risteard]

I think its because in a commercial building you will legally have a fire detection and alarm system which you may not have in a domestic property.

A commercial property is also much more likely to have routine maintenance, and not be subject to DIY etc.