Discuss An interesting exchange today with Contactum, IET & NAPIT in the Certification NICEIC, NAPIT, Stroma, BECSA Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net
There is still great confusion all around here and IET has yet 'to my knowledge' to give a definitive response to the questions posed to them about the confusion of this regulation 421.1.201
Here lies the problem - The consumer unit or similar switchgear has to comply to BS EN 61439-3 with basically is a set of test like an hot touch, self extinguishing etc...
As worded by the regs -
Within domestic (household) premises, consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies shall comply with BS EN 61439-3 AND SHALL;
(i) have their enclosure manufactured fromnon combustible material, OR
(ii) be enclosed in a cabinet or enclosure constructed of non-combustible material and complying with reg 132.12.
NOTE 1: Ferrous metal , e.g. steel, is deemed to be an example of a non-conbustible material
NOTE 2: (Just mentions implementation date jan 2016)
Now the problem here is the regulations states it has to comply to both the BS61439-3 and be non combustible if you do not house it as to point (ii) but there's no documented definitive definition of a non-combustaible material but they do give an example so this is not saying it has to be steel.
My next point is everything is conbustible given high enough temperatures and the conditions to burn so we need to know the exact requirements to be given a non combustible rating are.... all the manfacturers have to comply to is the BS 61439-3 and that allows them to meet the first part if the regulation but who is going to define the parameters of the word non combustible, yes steel is an example but as this is the only example they give we are stuck with the example as we have no other information to go on.
Try BS EN 60695-2-10,11&12 and BS EN 13943 for that definition DW.
It's quite clear I think
You're right, it's a joke
You're right, it's a joke
Until you drop it!just about to start up in production of CUs made entirely from glass.
1. glass is non-combustible.
2. end user will be able to see the poor terminations made by the Electrical Trainee's and avert a fire by calling in a competent electrician to fix it before a fire breaks out.
SORTED.
can't read that d!
Too small even on the laptop screen, don't have a desktop machine to make it bigger on at the moment!
Had a conversation at wholesalers today. They are stopping providing the old CU's. New wylex m/clad 10w HI £80 without breakers.
Wylex 40mm gland for tails £10, others available for £5. Some sort of sealed unit for rear incorporating glands £30....so we're talking something like £160 for a complete unit. Double the cost.
Looks like there's not going to be much choice. Short and curlies, eh? Ridiculous!!
are you sure www.youtube.com/watch?v=12OSBJwogFcUntil you drop it!
Reply to An interesting exchange today with Contactum, IET & NAPIT in the Certification NICEIC, NAPIT, Stroma, BECSA Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net
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