Rules and Guidelines
Want to participate in the discussions? Please read our Community Rules and Guidelines. Need some help? Visit Support and Answers.

  • State Not Answered
  • Replies 3 replies
  • Subscribers 31 subscribers
  • Views 782 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
You may also be interested in

Meter enclosures

Les Board

I am working on a block of flats with meter enclosures, serving each flat, on the communal landings (open to the elements).  The sub-mains and tails (same wire) appear to be single insulated, enclosed in trunking on the input and conduit on the output.  However the wires in cupboard also have only basic insulation (same wire).  As the cupboard is designed to be opened by the householder (standard triangular key) so they can read the meter.  The meter cupboard therefore appears to comply with Reg 412.2.2 but in practice will be readily accessible to unskilled people.  Would it comply with 526.5 and 521.10.1? Any ideas?

Parents
  • 0

    Good question. We've discussed this before and I don't think came to any definite conclusion - so it would be good to have another try.

    I quite agree the 'use of a key or tool' could mean almost anything - and a lot of possible interpretations do feel quite inappropriate.

    I would throw in that the part 2 definition of an Enclosure is "A part providing protection of equipment against certain external influences and in any direction providing basic protection"  (my emphasis) - the last bit isn't clear to me but I guess you could read it as if the box isn't providing basic protection then it's not classed as an enclosure - so if the bits inside the box (cutout, meter, basic insulation of cables) are providing the basic protection then the outer meter box isn't - so it's not an enclosure, so can't be regarded as such for 412.2.2. etc.

    The trouble with that approach is then we find that the likes a terminal strip in a plastic adaptable box would then fall outside of the definition too - which probably isn't what we want either.

       - Andy.

Reply
  • 0

    Good question. We've discussed this before and I don't think came to any definite conclusion - so it would be good to have another try.

    I quite agree the 'use of a key or tool' could mean almost anything - and a lot of possible interpretations do feel quite inappropriate.

    I would throw in that the part 2 definition of an Enclosure is "A part providing protection of equipment against certain external influences and in any direction providing basic protection"  (my emphasis) - the last bit isn't clear to me but I guess you could read it as if the box isn't providing basic protection then it's not classed as an enclosure - so if the bits inside the box (cutout, meter, basic insulation of cables) are providing the basic protection then the outer meter box isn't - so it's not an enclosure, so can't be regarded as such for 412.2.2. etc.

    The trouble with that approach is then we find that the likes a terminal strip in a plastic adaptable box would then fall outside of the definition too - which probably isn't what we want either.

       - Andy.

Children
No Data

Join us to get the best from IET EngX.

Joining EngX lets you personalise your experience so you stay up to date on the topics that interest you, plus you’ll be able to make connections who are looking to collaborate, exchange ideas and more.

Join us Not now

Community Rules & Guidelines