Main isolation by local REC

[Midwest]

I've got a couple of Wiska tail glands, so I'm going to cut a hole in the body that pretty much lines up with the holes in the glands. Guidance and strain relief in one go.

But thank you for the heads up. It is a concern as the enclosure is somewhat compact

Go for the GripLoc® Consumer Unit Tail Kit - Nylon - http://www.remora.net/catalogue/Glands/GripLoc-Consumer-Unit-Tail-Kits/Consumer-Unit-Tail-Kits/GripLoc-Consumer-Unit-Tail-Kit-Nylon, glands (nod to LSK) are smaller.

The one like similar to yours took me an age to connect up, bit like 10mm in single gang box. Get a refund and go for a Wylex, more sensible size.

 

[Wilko]

I may have the wrong end of this, but if CUs and similar switchgear assemblies are required to be BS EN 61439-3 approved, the fact that "something" is not approved to that standard cannot be used to claim exemption from non ferrous containment. In my humble Friday night red wine opinion .
This is not meant imply the REC2 is a CU or similar, or that it has to be in a metal box. But I am inclined towards metal boxes indoors.

 

[Midwest]

I'd click an agree Wilko, but I'd get chased off the lot by certain individuals. At the end of the day, its not down to us mere mortals to make that conclusion, but those in the Ivory Tower that kicked off all this nonsense

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I may have the wrong end of this, but if CUs and similar switchgear assemblies are required to be BS EN 61439-3 approved, the fact that "something" is not approved to that standard cannot be used to claim exemption from non ferrous containment. In my humble Friday night red wine opinion .
This is not meant imply the REC2 is a CU or similar, or that it has to be in a metal box. But I am inclined towards metal boxes indoors.

As far as I am aware, there is no requirement for non ferrous containment?

 

[Wilko]

I'm probably tooo tired Spin ! Can you help me with the correct words? (Have I used one non too many?)

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I think you meant non-combustible enclosure.

 

[Wilko]

I think you meant non-combustible enclosure.

That's the one

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Problem with this requirement, is the ambiguity.
What are “similar switchgear assemblies”?

 

[davesparks]

DNOs fit plastic isolators because they are normally fitted in meter boxes.
They don’t allow metal items in meter boxes because it increases the risk for DNO operatives working on the live supply if there is earthed metal in close proximity.

Thick moment what's REC??

Regional Electricity Company

 

[Percyprod]

Rec = regional electricity company, same as dno?

 

[Wilko]

Problem with this requirement, is the ambiguity.
What are “similar switchgear assemblies”?

Agree. If a manufacturer had obtained BS EN 61439-3 approval for their product then I guess they (at least) thought it was a similar assembly.

 

[Risteard]

Problem with this requirement, is the ambiguity.
What are “similar switchgear assemblies”?

My understanding is that it is intended to encompass TPN DBs when used in a domestic setting. Why they didn't just state "distribution boards" instead of "consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies" is a mystery though.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

From what I gather, all the old group of standards (BS EN 60439-1 to 4) that related to low voltage switchgear, have been changed to BS EN 61439-1 to 4.
BS EN 61439-1 covers type-tested assemblies or Consumer Units.
BS EN 61439-2 covers partially type-tested assemblies. (Whatever one of those is?)
BS EN 61439-3 covers type tested assemblies intended to be used by unskilled or ordinary persons.
New name DBO (Distribution Boards intended for use by Ordinary persons). i.e. a TP&N DB used in a domestic setting (as long as it has been type tested).

 

[SparkyChick]

Regional Electricity Company

Rec = regional electricity company, same as dno?

Never heard that before, so as @Pete999 said... everyday is a school day... thanks chaps

 

[Deleted member 26818]

We had RECs for about 10 years, from when the CEGB was privatised to when they allowed anyone to sell you electricity.
The RECS would distribute and supply electricity, now the DNOs distribute and others (such as British Gas, Sainsbury’s, Zog, etc.) supply.

 

[Pete999]

Never heard that before, so as @Pete999 said... everyday is a school day... thanks chaps

And Sparkychick sorry SC

 

[HandySparks]

I typically flatten the tails with pliers, tighten them, wiggle, retighten and then periodically check them as I work on the board.

I find that deliberately untwisting the strands helps a lot to get the termination snug. The strands can then move freely as the terminal is tightened, so reducing the possibility of strands moving later.

ESF investigation on termination of meter tails:

Tightness of Meter Tails - https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/electrical-professionals/product-safety-unit/tightness-of-meter-tails/

 

[Octopus]

ESF investigation on termination of meter tails:

Tightness of Meter Tails - https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/electrical-professionals/product-safety-unit/tightness-of-meter-tails/

That's all well and good but they seem to have missed the point about checking to see if said isolators in fuseboards are not fit for purpose......

Those old wylex units with 2 screws on the incoming tails never seem to self ignite!