Consumer Unit Blanking Plates

Qbit: 
 

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).

Having looked for a Niglon B.S. reference for its metal consumer units I only found references to the protective devices inside and nothing for the complete assembly.

I wouldn't have time to individually earth each metal blanking plate. 

I don't think that R.C.B.O. final cables will be able to touch the metal blanking plates normally hidden in the bowls of the enclosure.

If you are that worried then just over-sleeve the final conductors, and check for terminal tightness. Give the conductors a final gentle tug to confirm correct termination and terminal grip.

Has there ever been a report of a live metal blanking plate causing shock or injury?

Z.

Qbit: 
 

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).

Having looked for a Niglon B.S. reference for its metal consumer units I only found references to the protective devices inside and nothing for the complete assembly.

I wouldn't have time to individually earth each metal blanking plate. 

I don't think that R.C.B.O. final cables will be able to touch the metal blanking plates normally hidden in the bowls of the enclosure.

If you are that worried then just over-sleeve the final conductors, and check for terminal tightness. Give the conductors a final gentle tug to confirm correct termination and terminal grip.

Has there ever been a report of a live metal blanking plate causing shock or injury?

Z.