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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> Location for Consumer Unit https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1330024096 Message started by bluecallum on Feb 23^rd, 2012, 7:08pm

Title: Location for Consumer Unit
Post by bluecallum on Feb 23^rd, 2012, 7:08pm

Hi hoping someone can help,just went to look at a house a friend has just purchased,and noticed his consumer unit low down right next to a radiator,i suggested that i dont think that is allowed due to heat can someone please let me know if it is allowed with the new regs,Thanks

Title: Re: Location for Consumer Unit
Post by The_Trician on Feb 23^rd, 2012, 10:02pm

Wiring regulations recommend that good workmanship & proper materials be used on all electrical work and manufacturer’s instructions are followed.

Correct Materials:
All materials should be suitable for their environment and expected loads. Cutting corners using wrong materials, can be false economy both of time and money.

All accessories and enclosures have designated cable entry points. Some require grommets, glands or cable clamps. Omitting these could cause damage to the cables, ingress of particles or water to an accessory, or strain on internal connections from cable movement. Always use appropriate strain relief methods and seals to protect the internal connections. Some accessories or enclosures require a cut-out to be made for cable entry, e.g. a plastic surface mounting box. Never leave unsealed openings in the top surface of any enclosure. If a hole is made too large by accident either replace the enclosure or use a suitable sealant to close the opening.

Never use indoor accessories outdoors. All accessories designed for installation outdoors will have an Ingress Protection ‘IP’ code associated with it. (This should be printed on the box/packaging), The code will read IP[first No][Second No] The second number denotes the level of water protection that the accessory has got where; (0=none, 1=vertical rain drops, 2=rain drops + tilted enclosure, 3=spraying, 4= splashing, 5= jets, 6=powerful jets, 7= temporary immersion, 8=continuous immersion) Outdoor equipment will usually be rated IPx4 or higher, (where x could be any number).

Environmental issues called external influences have implications upon what cables or accessories are suitable. Indoor problems include; Steam & humidity due to baths, showers, utility areas, cooking. Heat due to wiring in lofts or covered by loft insulation, proximity to heating appliances or heating pipe work. Outdoors problems include Wildlife plants & animals. Damp & rain. Variations of temperature cold & hot.