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 28 replies
  • Subscribers 32 subscribers
  • Views 2332 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
You may also be interested in
This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

New build fuseboard

goldenboy1818
Hi guys a couple of small questions i wondered if you would be able to help me out with.


1 In a new build would anyone have a issue with a fuseboard being in a upstairs cupboard ? as long as its still 1350/1450mm off the ground ?


2 I know main tails are meant to be max 3meters, if this was pushed to say 3.8 / 4 meters is this a major issue ?


Thank you for anyone taking the time to help and reply
  • 0
    goldenboy1818:

    They have already fitted a isolator (not fused) and room in the white box is very tight now


    Doesn't help!


    The height of the CU isn't a hard and fast rule, but the idea is that an occupier in a wheelchair should be able to reach it.


  • 0
    I agree


    This board is going to be in a upstairs cupboard, but will be at the correct height
  • 0
    Chris Pearson:
    goldenboy1818:

    They have already fitted a isolator (not fused) and room in the white box is very tight now


    Doesn't help!


    The height of the CU isn't a hard and fast rule, but the idea is that an occupier in a wheelchair should be able to reach it.




    I would be very careful on consumer unit heights 

    https://www.labc.co.uk/news/dont-forget-building-regulations-part-m-change


    I also wouldn’t fit a switch fuse in the meter cabinet. Have you done the 1st fix? Could you possibly fit a flush consumer unit downstairs?


  • 0
    we can't fit the board downstairs, meter box backs onto a bathroom and no other suitable place on that floor, we need to go up the wall to the floor above
  • 0
    So basically your choices are over long tails or a switch fuse in a separate cabinet unless the DNO allow you to fit one in the meter cabinet. I personally won’t go the long meter tail route without a switch fuse. Can I ask how a new build ends up in such a mess?
  • 0
    They sited the meter box in a stupid position.


    The meter tails will only be about 800mm too long and not visible 


    Switch fuse and big swa cable seems so overkill for 800mm tails
  • 0
    So how are the tails going to be installed so that they are not visible?


    Andy B.
  • 0
    There is a void, where the tails can be run on the first floor, they would pass through a section of cavity and in the stud wall right at the back way over 50mm deep
  • 0
    The last consumer unit I saw in a first floor room is in the back of a wardrobe full of clothes in a bedroom and the CU has a plastic enclosure, which is definitely not recommended. Labels are available saying the cupboard containing the CU should not be used for storage and are often put on electrical equipment by meter operatives.


    Andy B.
  • 0
    goldenboy1818:

    . . . The meter tails will only be about 800mm too long and not visible  . . . 


    Which is 27% longer than the maximum length the DNO specify.  


    If you did the same in my employers area, you would not get either the meter or the cutout fuse until you complied. We specify 2.500m maximum length to make it clear this is a maximum value. We would also walk away if a customers switch fuse appeared in a meter box. If there really isn’t anywhere else for it, you need to get the builder to sink a second meter box next to the one provided for the DNO’s exclusive use, and put your switch fuse in there. 


    Regards,


    Alan. 


Community Rules & Guidelines