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EICR – CONSUMER UNIT IP PROTECTION

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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
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  • 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

     


Reply
  • 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

     


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