I specified the construction of a large electric vehicle charging assessment rig for a training provider. I am generally happy with the finished product. All of the distribution equipment was by Hager other than a 2-way TPN distribution board that was manufactured by Proteus (Hager apparently don’t make that size). The Proteus board was a big disappointment, so much so that I have asked for it to be removed and replaced. The CPDs are not secured in any way other than their connection on to the rather flimsy looking busbar. It means that when cables are connected to them the devices tend to twist, so much so that it was almost impossible to get the enclosure lid on. Bad show altogether! If there is a Declaration of Conformity, whatever it is supposed to be conforming with ain’t much good!
Though not a regular to CEF, I do routinely install Proteus for domestic CU install, they're the best by a mile (spacious & lightweight), with the mini Rcbos.
I've worked on and installed a lot of Proteus without problem, so I'm surprised to hear your disappointment. I haven't suffered the difficulties you describe, but I feel your frustration.
The Dorman Smith DBs (3ph) aren't the best, the middle Busbar cover is too loosely fit, the orientation of the mcbs onto the Busbar has also been reversed, meaning additional OCPDs are at odds with the rest, and it can be particularly difficult to demount an mcb. They too are difficult to fit the front cover owing to the way mcbs fit in.
As for Hager, I was a fan years ago, but the domestic CUs are too small, and following the fiasco of their 'off-standard' RCD characteristics (which they have now reverted from), I just can't see past that unforgiveable design.
MEM are too dear.
A lot of Schneider being specified now, although they are too tight for space especially the stacked single phase ones. And the Schneider section boards are a bit hairy to work on with the exposed Busbars.
That said, what an improvement from BS 88 Section Boards of the early 90s.
