Rewirable fuseboard

[ncoups]

Are rewireable fuseboards unacceptable in a rented property? what would they be on the scale of 1-4 in a periodic? how about the push button MCBs?

 

[holmslaw]

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[ricicle]

There would be no code as long as the circuit disconnection times can be met and the correct factors are applied to the cables, including the 0.725 mentioned by Holmslaw above.
It might still be noted down as a matter of convienience really.

 

[ricicle]

And the fuses should be innaccessible to unskilled people.

According to what regulation?

 

[holmslaw]

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[ricicle]

533.1.1.2

That reg. doesn't say anything about placing the F/B out of the reach of unskilled persons.

 

[ericmark]

533.1.1.2

That reg. doesn't say anything about placing the F/B out of the reach of unskilled persons.

533.1.1.2 Fuses having fuse-links likely to be removed or replaced by persons other than instructed persons or skilled persons shall be of a type which complies with the safety requirements of BS 88 etc

Some who is not instructed or skilled is an ordinary person who is unskilled!

OK maybe Holmslaw did not quote the regs but he was close enough.

(ii) be of a type such that there is no possibility of inadvertent replacement by a fuse link having the intended rated current but a higher fusing factor than that intended.

Is the real point how do you expect an ordinary person to know how to measure the fuse wire and select right size?

 

[holmslaw]

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[ericmark]

Are rewireable fuseboards unacceptable in a rented property? what would they be on the scale of 1-4 in a periodic? how about the push button MCBs?

You can use rewireable fuses but the box would need locking and it would be a right pain for the land lord to get someone to go change a fuse every time it blows.

The other point is if it has been left unlocked the only way to ensure the correct fuse wire is fitted is to measure with a micrometer or change for wire of known size which is also a pain.

Since most rewireable fuse boxes do not lend themselves to being locked in most cases one can't really rent a property with rewireable fuses.

The problem is if a tenant changed the fuse and anything went wrong which gets the H&S executive involved one would need to prove one had taken all reasonable steps to prevent the tenant from changing the fuse himself. This would be had to prove unless locked off.
Having been involved with other health and safety problems putting up a notice will not be good enough and it would require both a written instruction and a written reply to prove the tenant had understood what had been said. That's why at the end of a health and safety talk one normally has to fill in a questionnaire often left what it can be completed while the talk takes place so it can be proved the people understood. Had a right problem in one job where we had to make out a Welsh version.

As you can see although it does not say you can't use rewireable fuses it may as well as you can't ask the baby sitter etc to sign the paperwork so becomes impossible in real terms.

 

[londonboy]

Assuming its an old wylex board.. what about the screw that holds the cover over the row of fuses. Does that count as making it inaccessable? I'm just thinking about the bath panel thing (requiring use of a tool) along those lines?

 

[Steve]

Assuming its an old wylex board.. what about the screw that holds the cover over the row of fuses. Does that count as making it inaccessable? I'm just thinking about the bath panel thing (requiring use of a tool) along those lines?

No. Because you're expected to have to remove this cover to replace a fuse. Its part of the task of changing the fuse.

Only thing that can be done IMO is to provide enough fusewire for one fuse, of each type, then place a notice on the fuseboard along the lines of "once the provided fusewire is used up, contact landlord for free replacement"

 

[ericmark]

I also considered that screw. With a bath panel it is assumed that when the panel is removed people will not be using bath at same time.

But one knows people will remove the fuse cover and replace fuses, one of course also knows that people will snip the seals on incoming supply and try to steal electric.

So lets assume some one changed the fuse and the house burn down some one died and you are the judge presiding over the case.

So when asked what did you do to ensure the fuses were only changed by skilled or instructed person.

Answer it had a screw stopping from being removed.

Would you normally expect the house holder to remove the screw in a fuse board to replace fuses.

Here we run into a problem as when I was at school we were taught how to change fuse wires so it would not be good enough.

So next is did you affix a notice. Lets say you answer yes. Could all the people in the house read?

It is not cut and dried and the court may let you get away with it. On the other hand they may well proportion blame.

However you also have a problem as it does not fail either. So what to do! Normally we look hard and find other reasons why the board should be changed. Wood back on fuse board or too high a Zs. And if not we cross our fingers and hope the owner does not know the regulations like we do.

Can't really see a problem with Code 4, on other hand not a code 1 as to Code 2 as it has been more than one issue of BS7671 where normal persons should not change rewireable fuses I would say Code 2 can be used. And I would call it fire risk.

It's not cut and dried and you have to decide. If owner occupied I would not be too worried, but rented who will be there next. Yes I know PIR on change but I would not even crack on there is any way it could be allowed and I would just say it's failed and only if tattled give any ways it could be made to pass.

And sorry you can't provide fuse wire that would drop you right in it. Would need to be if fuse blows phone this number day or night.

 

[Click-Sure]

Wood back on fuse board or too high a Zs.

Shhh, don't tell anyone about that ericmark...