metal consumer unit hinges

aligarjon:

Hi Guys.  In 2016 when we started fitting metal consumer units i am pretty sure i read that the lid covering the circuit breakers  hinge should be hinged at the top so that it doesn't get left down and potentially compromise the fire rating.   I did an EICR this morning on what was a new build dwelling in 2016 that has a metal CU with the hinge at the bottom.  The BG CU is still sold at a well known DIY store as i have just looked.    Was the hinge requirement dropped.   All i can find is 421-1-201 which mentions it's construction but no mention of the hinge position.


Cheers.


Gary

Hi Gary, typically top mounted hinged metal consumer unit flapped lids have a latching position where they can be left open to allow the user to safely perform essential safety checks such as RCD tests etc without having to use one hand to hold the earthed metal lid.....

and potentially compromise the fire rating. 

There are no fire rating requirements for CUs; they merely have to be constructed of non-combustible material or enclosed in similar.

Weirdbeard:

Some vintage forum gold on this subject:

https://www2.theiet.org/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=205&threadid=59402&enterthread=y

Edited to add, it looks like the old forum is being deconstructed, there are now only 4 topics listed with more than 100 posts :(