The IET is carrying out some important updates between 17-30 April and all of our websites will be view only. For more information, read this Announcement

Rules and Guidelines
Want to participate in the discussions? Please read our Community Rules and Guidelines. Need some help? Visit Support and Answers.

  • State Not Answered
  • Locked Locked
  • Replies 27 replies
  • Subscribers 31 subscribers
  • Views 2423 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
You may also be interested in
This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

Older boards and availability/compatibility of devices

psychicwarrior
I know, I know, its been a subject of many threads over the years...but I am bringing it up again.  More a moan I think over the inflexibility (perhaps with good reason I accept sometimes) at times.


Old Volex board - not even split load...all MCB.   In good order, all aspects look lovely.   Ideally, time for a board change....well if you think so ;-)


Now then,  some minor works (circuit extension) would dictate  the requirement for RCD protection.   Solutions, shift the circuit to small outboard BS61008 enclosure; new board...or source and fit RCBO, which seems perfect and is the most cost-effective and simplest...other than...it seems that using another manufacturer RCBO is seriously frowned on... by Volex at least (and I am sure others).   Well I've known this for a while, but never faced a situation where doing so would be the most feasible option.


Is it really that bad to fit another brand device into an old board...what really are the *real* safety risks if the thing is secure and fits.  I cant really think of any other than fluff - assuming its same rating etc and sits nice.


I've heard the phrase type tested and I take it that means that everything in a consumer unit was tested to perform to standards etc when it was made up.  Then putting in a different RCBO means that is now 'broken' as such.


My question and I am just trying to understand the technical and regulatory issues here:  is it not possible at all, to issue a MEIWC to current Regs as a result of putting in a different branded RCBO (I cannot re-do the type testing etc of course!) and where might/is that prohibition backed up in the 'frustrating' Regs Book please ?




Parents
  • 0

    reading your post I'm taking it that you would say it is not correct to issue an MEIWC...would that be a fair assessment  ?



    By the letter of the regs, yes. Not only is there the general 'manufacturer's instructions to be taken into consideration', there's the explicit requirement of 536.4.203 - which would put you in the position of having to 'verify' that the new overall assembly complied with BS EN 61439 - if you're not able to do that, you're stuck.


    Unless of course you want to go down the line of personally confirming that the arrangement 'provides at least the degree of safety as that afforded by compliance with the regulations' - but I suspect you'd be even less comfortable with that.


      - Andy.
Reply
  • 0

    reading your post I'm taking it that you would say it is not correct to issue an MEIWC...would that be a fair assessment  ?



    By the letter of the regs, yes. Not only is there the general 'manufacturer's instructions to be taken into consideration', there's the explicit requirement of 536.4.203 - which would put you in the position of having to 'verify' that the new overall assembly complied with BS EN 61439 - if you're not able to do that, you're stuck.


    Unless of course you want to go down the line of personally confirming that the arrangement 'provides at least the degree of safety as that afforded by compliance with the regulations' - but I suspect you'd be even less comfortable with that.


      - Andy.
Children
No Data

Join us to get the best from IET EngX.

Joining EngX lets you personalise your experience so you stay up to date on the topics that interest you, plus you’ll be able to make connections who are looking to collaborate, exchange ideas and more.

Join us Not now

Community Rules & Guidelines