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18th edition consumer unit codes

IronFreely
This is the first time I’ve posted since the forum migrated so HELLO EVERYONE!

Ive fitted many dozens of metal units since the 3rd amendment and I’ve carried a handful of maybe 5 EICR’s on new boards and so far I’ve lucked out because they’ve all been either perfect or so bad they simply needed pulling off and starting again.


I have always ensured that my units are as sealed up as possible even from the rear knockouts, I tend to stick one of those intumescent pads over the rear knockouts before pulling the cables in or squeeze a bit of intumescent sealant in the gap back there, and if the manufacturer requires an additional Earth bond between cover and box obviously I use what’s provided.

 Recently I’ve inspected a unit which has a nice big knockout at the back straight into the wall cavity, it’s big enough to very nearly squeeze my hand into the dry wall cavity... It also has had the cross bond between the box and the cover deliberately cut off (I’m guessing they did this because it was done up with Nylock and was difficult to undo). I’m just wondering what EICR classification codes others would give for these conditions? Personally I feel they don’t meet “manufacturers instructions” nor meet requirements for sealing arrangements (527.2) and may go for a C3 or C2... 


What say you people of the forum?
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    I agree that it comes down to what the manufacturers instructions say.

    I have not seen any manufacturers specify a requirement to fill any gaps or unused knockouts with intumescent material so I would not give that a code, unless of course the hole also meant that the CU didn't comply with the requirement to have IP2X and IP4X on the top surface.

    Some manufacturers supply a earth bond between cover and box so this should be fitted. If it is absent, I would code it C3 if there is metal to metal contact between the cover fixing screws and box. If the cover was not reliably connected to the earthed box, probably a C2 but I haven't seen one like that.

    I much prefer boards that don't need an earth bond, like Hager. It's OK fitting a board with an earth bond, like Lewden, but a right pain when working on them afterwards having the cover hanging in the way.


    Dave
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  • 0
    I agree that it comes down to what the manufacturers instructions say.

    I have not seen any manufacturers specify a requirement to fill any gaps or unused knockouts with intumescent material so I would not give that a code, unless of course the hole also meant that the CU didn't comply with the requirement to have IP2X and IP4X on the top surface.

    Some manufacturers supply a earth bond between cover and box so this should be fitted. If it is absent, I would code it C3 if there is metal to metal contact between the cover fixing screws and box. If the cover was not reliably connected to the earthed box, probably a C2 but I haven't seen one like that.

    I much prefer boards that don't need an earth bond, like Hager. It's OK fitting a board with an earth bond, like Lewden, but a right pain when working on them afterwards having the cover hanging in the way.


    Dave
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