The holy grail of BS7671 amendment 3 plastic vs metal c/u's

[R G]

Looks like fire retardant and ABS materials will be o/k , but I assume the unit would have a label attached to state its conformity...

 

[Leesparkykent]

Looks like fire retardant and ABS materials will be o/k , but I assume the unit would have a label attached to state its conformity...

I hope so! metal consumer units on show in a domestic setting will look ---- lol

 

[R G]

I think the knock outs will be something to consider and you would have to use deeper trunking against the board like Mid 50 (2x2inch)...

 

[telectrix]

Looks like fire retardant and ABS materials will be o/k , but I assume the unit would have a label attached to state its conformity...

ARRRGH. another bloody sticker to be stuck on crooked. CUs will need to be twice the size, just to accomodate these bloody labels.

 

[Darkwood]

Do the stickers need to be flame retardant too... maybe they have a sticker on them to say so..Oh wait!

 

[D Skelton]

I haven't actually got a copy of the newly printed BYB in my hand so cannot actually comment on what it has to say, but the requirements regarding metal and/or non-combustible DBs have changed back and forth a million times!

'IF' the BYB says that DBs in a domestic need to comply with 61439-3 and it's requirement for non-combustible units to be 960 degree glow wire tested, then all is well, we will still be able to use plastic DBs as by January 2016, no reputable wholesaler will be selling plastic DBs that aren't 960 degree glow wire tested.

'IF' it doesn't, using one anyway is a very easily justified departure from the regulations. Just record it as such with a documented risk assessment and Robert's yer fathers brother. "I didn't use a metal DB because A. My customer asked me not to, and B. Because my risk assessment shows that having used the correct tools to ensure my connections are sound and tightened to the correct torque, there is just as much risk of this DB going up in flames as there is of a metal one FILLED with plastic components going up in flames"...

Simples.

Edit: Remember people, if the requirement is that we 'have' to use metal DBs in domestic installations, this will be the FIRST set of/amendment to UK electrical regulations that makes a distinction between requirements for domestic and non-domestic premises. Who do we have to thank for this? Yep, you guessed it, the scams! Their involvement with the IET has now ensured that their agenda is being enshrined in regulation! Unless we stick two fingers up to this nonsense it will only continue to get worse!

 

[Fin170]

"Sorry love but he's not a metal fuse box, gunna have to change it cos its againt law"

Money...money...money....

 

[TJ Anderson]

"Sorry love but he's not a metal fuse box, gunna have to change it cos its againt law"

Money...money...money....

Yep, That will definitely happen. It's a shambles. I can see it now, insulated Dual RCD boards being replaced.

 

[baldsparkies]

Its a cash cow all around, no matter how you look at it.
The comments regarding connections and proper workmanship are very valid.
If these are not provided throughout any domestic install then risk of fire can be generated any where within the property regardless of what bloody consumer unit you fit plastic of metal.

 

[Ib≤In≤Iz]

Just spent £170 on BS7671, OSG, GN1 & 3
:cry_smile: