AMD 3/18th edition compliant generator changeover switch

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 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.