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Consumer Unit Blanking Plates

Former Community Member
Former Community Member

It is conceivable that a loose live conductor could come into contact with a metal blanking plate.  Some of the twist-on  types do not make electrical contact with the (earthed / powder-coated) case in which case they thus constitute exposed conductive parts.  This means that they should be individually earthed. But there is no means provided to do do this.  So the question is: does the use of metal CU blanking plates contravene the Wiring Regulations if fitted but not earthed?

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  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member

    Chris Pearson: 

    If a compact / miniature rcbo is used, the line and neutral are both quite close to the front panel At installation, human error in making live conductor connections could result in one of them touching (unpainted) Blanking plate when front cover is replaced. I realise that I am dealing with relatively low probabilities but the aim is to ensure fail safe.  For example, for the same reason, great care is taken to ensure that socket fronts and boxes are earthed.  I see no difference for consumer unit fronts.  The case itself is earthed / protected but unpainted blanking plates are exposed, conductive and unearthed.  I am questioning why some manufacturers supply uninsulated bare metal blanking plates.  I suggest that plates should either be made of non-conductive material or they should be designed in such a way to assure that they make full and reliable contact with the case (a simple screw would suffice).

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  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member

    Chris Pearson: 

    If a compact / miniature rcbo is used, the line and neutral are both quite close to the front panel At installation, human error in making live conductor connections could result in one of them touching (unpainted) Blanking plate when front cover is replaced. I realise that I am dealing with relatively low probabilities but the aim is to ensure fail safe.  For example, for the same reason, great care is taken to ensure that socket fronts and boxes are earthed.  I see no difference for consumer unit fronts.  The case itself is earthed / protected but unpainted blanking plates are exposed, conductive and unearthed.  I am questioning why some manufacturers supply uninsulated bare metal blanking plates.  I suggest that plates should either be made of non-conductive material or they should be designed in such a way to assure that they make full and reliable contact with the case (a simple screw would suffice).

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