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EICR – CONSUMER UNIT IP PROTECTION

PG
EICR – CONSUMER UNIT IP PROTECTION
The C.U. in question is an old Wylex fuseboard that has, replacement, plug-in MCBs installed, complete with new carriers.
There is no covering lid. This was, presumably disposed of when the fuses were replaced.
The C.U is mounted near the corner of a wall such that the board can be seen end-on. The side view of the replacement MCB and carrier reveals a very narrow gap between carrier and base of the MCB such that the (live) MCB brass plug-in connections can be seen. The gap is about 15mm long and less than 1mm wide. Probably better than IP4X.
This is better than the specified IP2X minimum but could be deemed a danger because it would be unexpected rather than other applications with open electrical connections – like a lamp holder.
Forum Members comments would be appreciated


Regards
  • 0
    The issue is can the MCBs be removed without the use of a tool? If a cover is in place, presumably a screwdriver is required.
  • 0
    This arrangement has been in use since the time of Noah. It is perfectly good at keeping fingers out, but presumably does not confirm to current regs that require better IP protection. There is no immediate risk in my mind. I have installed and used such Wylex boards with no problems. But we have no control over inquisitive children and adult idiots prodding and poking.


    416.2.1 and 416.2.2.


    Edit. Add. I have this exact situation in my flat. The old bigger plug in Wylex M.C.B.s allowed no visible showing of the two fingers, as they pushed fully home. The newer smaller type Wylex M.C.B.s (ABB) do show some copper just as you say, at the base of the M.C.B. A cover (with the centre removed) will not allow the copper M.C.B. fingers to be seen or touched.


    Wylex consumer unit with cover. Cover centre is intact and has to be removed for M.C.B.s to fit through it leaving just an external "frame".

    Wylex consumer unit | eBay




    Z.
  • 0
    Chris Pearson:

    The issue is can the MCBs be removed without the use of a tool? If a cover is in place, presumably a screwdriver is required.


    I believe that the M.C.B.s can be removed with or without a cover frame, by just firmly gripping and pulling the M.C.B.s. No tool required.


    Z.


  • 0
    I have just removed a B16 ABB type M.C.B. and reinserted it and the bare copper is now not visible. I did the same with an ABB B6 M.C.B. and pushed it back very firmly and the copper is still showing. You could get a car spark plug feeler gauge in the gap, and touch the live fingers. Perhaps the fingers are a bit longer.


    Z.
  • 0
    Zoomup:

    You could get a car spark plug feeler gauge in the gap, and touch the live fingers.


    No, no, Zoomy, please don't. The forum would be a duller place without you. ?


  • 0
    This is better than the specified IP2X minimum but could be deemed a danger because it would be unexpected rather than other applications with open electrical connections – like a lamp holder.

    As you say it meets IP2X - so no non-conformity as far as I can see. Lampholders have to be treated differently as they usually can't even meet IP2X.

             - Andy.
  • 0
    Chris Pearson:

    The issue is can the MCBs be removed without the use of a tool? If a cover is in place, presumably a screwdriver is required.


    Thanks Chris. My issue was seen as more to do with enclosure IP rating but I can say that the old Wylex front cover is secured by screws but the original fuse carrier cover was kept in place by a thumb screw. ?BS5486?

    Needing a screw driver to access fuse replacement must have been seen a step too far?

    I've replaced the existing fuses with plug-in MCBs and discarded the fuse cover on a previous Job but the C.U. was only visible from the front and I didn't notice any exposure to live copper when viewed from the end as described above.

    Although the installation may be acceptable from the point of view of the Regs  (Thanks Andrew), I'm following up Zoom's short cut to examine use of a modified fuse cover to improve exposure to live parts. 


    Regards

     


  • 0
    PG:
    Chris Pearson:

    The issue is can the MCBs be removed without the use of a tool? If a cover is in place, presumably a screwdriver is required.


    Thanks Chris. My issue was seen as more to do with enclosure IP rating but I can say that the old Wylex front cover is secured by screws but the original fuse carrier cover was kept in place by a thumb screw.




    Yes, I did wonder whether the cover had one of those wee knurled knobs. My gut feeling is that these fuse boxes should be C2, but I find it difficult to dismiss C3.


    This argument begs the question, for how long do you say C3? For ever? Or do you at some stage say enough is enough and say C2? In engineering terms, if things have not changed, why change the assessment? Moreover, an inspector is not a policeman. However, should a tenant, or indeed anybody else come to grief, have you got a defence in negligence when (repeated) C3 has been ignored?


  • 0
    Well the EICR is one thing - recommend improvement,  this is not actually illegal, is correct.

    Maybe add a cover not saying that improvement is very strongly recommended in the next year or so, as you consider that  there is a significant residual safety risk with this older equipment, in this case, if you think there is.


    Personally I'd not worry that much - you could pull the wrong end of of an IEC lead out from the back of some equipment and be exposed to a similar non-risk.

    Mike.

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