Good, we know what you are working on - but what is the question or discussion point ?

I'd be a bit uneasy about the risk of the door being left open to the electrics in the bathroom but without seeing it, commenting based on what may be the wrong mental picture.

best regards Mike.

I would like a 2 hour fire rated hatch to access the distribution board so the student can re-set a RCBO if one trips out of hours.

So all the RCBOs would be accessible from a common area accessible to a number of students? Sounds like a recipe for student pranks to me... (turning off someone else's supply at awkward moments...).

I would like a 2 hour fire rated hatch to access the distribution board so the student can re-set a RCBO if one trips out of hours. This hatch would be in an area containing a shower but outside any zones. The maintenance would be carried out by access from the corridor full size door.  

So would the student's access be from a different angle from normal maintenance - e.g. at 90-degrees - and at some depth into the wall? Sounds like it might be difficult to identify the appropriate device/labels or indeed reach for a person of limited ability (thinking part M/BS 8300).

   - Andy.

How could you guarantee that the 2 hour fire rating of the hatch between the riser and the shower room would be maintained at all times? A student might leave the hatch open for ventilation, hiding their stash of whatever, talking to their neighbours without going outside etc

Would the riser's fire rating be compromised by having a number of fire risk CUs installed? And wouldn't they be better sited where they already are, within a compartment?

Unless there is an exceptionally good reason to do otherwise I would keep the consumer unit in the original location, securely locked if tampering is a concern. Extra hatches and doors that maintain fire resistance add costs and complexity. In an area containing a shower adds more complexity.

Not very keen on allowing students to reset RCDs, but if this facility is required, then some form of custom lockable cover will be required that gives access to the RCD but not to other parts. IF students are considered able to reset RCDs, then why prohibit them from resetting OCPDs ?

Will the site not have any night time security or reception personel who can hold the keys and reset MCBs or RCDs after basic training.

Beware engineering students in particular ! 

I am failing to see the problem you are trying to resolve, only the problems you are creating.

Tony Scannelli said:

The student will then have no access to this. I would like a 2 hour fire rated hatch to access the distribution board so the student can re-set a RCBO if one trips out of hours.

Access or no access?

I'm with you on this one Chip!