AMD 3/18th edition compliant generator changeover switch

Such a switch may well come under the category of hens teeth. I assume the generator is outside, so put the plastic switch there and adjust the tails etc. to suit.

I guess a changeover switch falls into 'any other switchgear' and would need to be fire resistant to be regs compliant! Any thoughts on this?

The reg doesn't say "any other switchgear", it says "similar switchgear" - as in similar to a consumer unit.


I think it's generally accepted that a simple switch isn't similar to a consumer unit. The definition of consumer units (and distribution boards, on which the definition of a CU is based) is all about distinct incoming and outgoing circuits - i.e. they must contain overcurrent protective devices to start new circuits - which your change-over switch I'm sure doesn't.


I believe the 'similar switchgear' phase is in the regulation to cover things like large 3-phase domestics that might have a 3-phase distribution board instead of a conventional consumer unit or small "switch fuse" (e.g. KMF) units.


That probably makes sense too, otherwise it would apply to any higher rated switch and we'd need metal clad cooker switches and shower isolators.


   - Andy.

I agree with Andy - to be a consumer unit there has to be at least one protective device (although the same is not necessarily the case for a distribution board).


(IMHO, a switch fuse is capable of being a consumer unit.)


As for enclosure material, what about all those isolators that the DNOs and meter operatives fit?

Brillaint, thank you all for that! It will certainly make finding one a lot easier! And thanks for the correction on the regs Andy, much appreciated.