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

This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

Plastic consumer units/enclosures etc

I have a job where a small former outside toilet is being converted into a hobby pottery complete with water supply and small kiln.

I propose to fit a small plastic consumer unit with the appropriate IP rating for protection against ingress of water.

This will be a home brew job with a generic enclosure and a RCD main switch and mcbs from my spares stock.

I have seen many metal enclosures rusting quietly away in detached garages/w/shops/outbuildings and thought they would be better served by using plastic.


I think there is still a case to be made for fitting plastic consumer unit enclosures in outbuildings in order to prevent deteriation caused by external influences. Moist atmosphere, unheated spaces and the like.


Any other like-minded souls out there?

Comments welcome.
Parents
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Is aluminium close enough?


    I am not convinced on the BG unit.

    It is doubtful it is pure aluminium.

    It is apparently die-cast, and one of the alloying materials added to aluminium for die-casting is magnesium.

    Building regulations do not allow the use of magnesium.

    There is no specification in the building regulations information for a percentage of magnesium, it's a blanket ban.

    So, how much is in the BG CU, if any, nobody knows.


    I'd have no qualms in using a plastic CU personally if it was the right part for the job.

Reply
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Is aluminium close enough?


    I am not convinced on the BG unit.

    It is doubtful it is pure aluminium.

    It is apparently die-cast, and one of the alloying materials added to aluminium for die-casting is magnesium.

    Building regulations do not allow the use of magnesium.

    There is no specification in the building regulations information for a percentage of magnesium, it's a blanket ban.

    So, how much is in the BG CU, if any, nobody knows.


    I'd have no qualms in using a plastic CU personally if it was the right part for the job.

Children
No Data