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Does the din rail housing for a double pole DC MCB for battery storage count as "consumer units and similar switchgear"?

Akbar Ramzan

Regulation 421.1.201 says that within domestic (household) premises, consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies shall comply with BS EN 61439-3 and shall be manufactured or enclosed in a non-combustible material.
Many installers are using plastic enclosures however to house a double pole MCB which acts as a means of isolation as well as overload and short circuit protection. This seems wrong, especially when dealing with a DC source with high energy withstand requirements. They are using this in escape routes within the house. It doesn't help that many batteries come with an MCB hidden under a plastic cover but I don't think that is within the scope of BS7671. Also many wholesalers are selling plastic enclosures alongside the MCB and many example installation pictures of inverters have a plastic enclosure for the MCB.

Does the MCB enclosure for a battery count as "consumer units and similar switchgear"?

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  • 0

    Your question does not have a clear-cut answer, because it depends on how you define and classify the MCB enclosure and its function in the electrical installation. I think this is a matter of professional judgement and risk assessment that should take into account various factors.

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    Your question does not have a clear-cut answer, because it depends on how you define and classify the MCB enclosure and its function in the electrical installation. I think this is a matter of professional judgement and risk assessment that should take into account various factors.

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