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Wylx 3036 CU with visible busbar

Farmboy
In a group elsewhere, an OP queried the code(s) for a Wylex 3036 CU; the rewireables have been replaced by CBs. The boards busbar is visible through the small gap between the carriers (by design, not damage). 


A respondent stated C1 because it didn't comply with IP4X and the absence of lid that would have covered the fuse holders but now can't be used due to the depth of the CBs. They didn't mention that the arms of rewireables can be touched when inserting/removing them, or the size of the apertures for the holder arms in the carriers.


So what's your view about these units regarding code(s) and continued use?
  • 0
    IP4xx applies only to the horizontal surfaces, like the top, where something may fall in. The limit is a 1mm wire pushed with a 1n (~ 100 grams )force.

    So a  paper clp pushed in by the weigt of a tomato..

    The spec limit is IP2xx for the other sides, like the front, and that is a 12mm probe, so an 11.9 mm gap is the limit of OK.


    So assuming conventional mounting, so the breakers are at the front, can you get a finger in the gap ?

    Certainly a gap of a few mm above or below the breakers of a properly mounted box should not on its own condemn a unit. There may be other reasons of course.


    On a related note, especially when looking at trunking with holes in be aware of  IPXXD being permitted,

    Now that standard  does NOT stop parts of > 1mm dia. entering, just that they must not become live if they do.

    (a nasty implication is that Parts less than 1mm dia. may enter to any depth and become live....)


    Actually 16 and 25mm wide mini trunking without any lid fitted at all, and larger trunking with one inch gaps in it, will meet the non-requirement that is IPXXD, so long as the wires within are singly insulated, and you are not within 100mm of choc block or the back of a socket, that could liven a 1mm diameter probe.

    The test performed uses a round ended 1mm diameter probe to penetrate that must not become live, and a ball of 35mm diameter that must not enter.

    probe for IPXXD


    Personally I feel it is an utterly unsuitable test, and far too generous.

  • 0
    I was once told that the lid of later Wylex 3036's could have the flat front face punched out to accommodate MCBs. I have never tried this though.
  • 0
    wallywombat:

    I was once told that the lid of later Wylex 3036's could have the flat front face punched out to accommodate MCBs. I have never tried this though.


    Tis true. The cover (lid) has deliberately weakened slots (treches) so that we can carefully bash a screwdriver through the "trench" then file out the rough edges. The covers used to have a knurled screw head removable with fingers, but latterly a slotted screw was fitted so a screwdriver was needed to remove the cover. This then allowed the Wylex B range of miniature circuit breakers to be installed in place of the B.S. 3036 carriers. I still use a Wylex insulated 4 way consumer unit in my flat. Wylex 404 IVY I believe the part number is. They are very well made.

    Wylex Standard white plastic fuseboxes (flameport.com)


    Z.


  • 0
    Zoomup:
    wallywombat:

    I was once told that the lid of later Wylex 3036's could have the flat front face punched out to accommodate MCBs. I have never tried this though.


    Tis true. The cover (lid) has deliberately weakened slots (treches) so that we can carefully bash a screwdriver through the "trench" then file out the rough edges. The covers used to have a knurled screw head removable with fingers, but latterly a slotted screw was fitted so a screwdriver was needed to remove the cover. This then allowed the Wylex B range of miniature circuit breakers to be installed in place of the B.S. 3036 carriers. I still use a Wylex insulated 4 way consumer unit in my flat. Wylex 404 IVY I believe the part number is. They are very well made.

    Wylex Standard white plastic fuseboxes (flameport.com)


    Z.




    A picture of a cover with the centre removed.

    Wylex Fusebox Fuse Wire Old MCB carrier Guard 8 Way | eBay


    Z.


  • 0
    When did Wylex stop manufacturing their re-wirable fuse boards?
  • 0
    2009?

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