Consumer unit in bathroom?

[securespark]

It's usually with reference to the space under the bath.

 

[JohnW2]

It's usually with reference to the space under the bath.

Indeed. As I said, I don't think the phrase appears anywhere in relation to the actual issue we are discussing.

If the cupboard were 'sealed' (to prevent humidity, water splash etc. problems) and if the door could only be opened with a ('real') tool (not just a key, and certainly not a key which sat in the lock!), I would personally be much more inclined to feel that the arrangement would not only be 'reasonable' (even if not ideal) but quite probably also regs-compliant, in at least one sense, but ......

However, in another sense I would not be happy with a CU which could only be accessed by means of a ('real') tool, and rather think that would not be regs-compliant - so maybe, overall, there is no satisfactory (or regs-compliant) way to do it??

Kind Regards, John

 

[crappy]

@JohnW2 -

If a normal triangular panel key was used for something like this (let's forget I said lockable?) reduce the problem? I have many of them so if I need to get in there then it's fine. SWMBO does not go near the CU - she calls me

Assuming that would be considered two restrictive I would use one of the push-and-pop latches like such. While that would still allow anyone one in it makes it less appealing to use? Perhaps I'm stretching here...)

 

[JohnW2]

If a normal triangular panel key was used for something like this (let's forget I said lockable?) reduce the problem? I have many of them so if I need to get in there then it's fine.

As I've implied, a lot really depends upon whether one is interested in common sense and/or regulations (and various interpretations thereof) and/or satisfying a BCO.

As regards the 'locking', ultimately one "can't really win" - since making it 'as impossible as one can' for the cupboard to be open whilst someone is using the bathroom is not particularly compatible with having the CU 'easily and immediately accessible in case of an emergency'. What would satisfy a particular BCO, I can't tell you - but, that aside, I think it would probably be largely down to you to make a 'common sense' judgement/decision.

Kind Regards, John

 

[EFLImpudence]

However, as I said, a similar argument could be applied to Zone 1 (or even Zone 0), and I really don't think that it is intended that 'electrics in a cupboard' would be acceptable in such a Zone, do you?

Not in a wall cupboard but in an airing cupboard - but that could then be more than the 600mm. whether it had a door or not - still steamy, though.

As always, your guess is as good as mine as regards what was their 'intention'. I would personally say that a key left in a lock was not withing the spirit of 'only accessible by means of a tool'. However, does that phrase actually arise anywhere in relation to what we're talking about, anyway?

Only with regard to under the bath where zone 1 actually becomes outside the zones if only accessible by a tool.

 

[JohnW2]

Not in a wall cupboard but in an airing cupboard - but that could then be more than the 600mm. whether it had a door or not - still steamy, though.

I think I must be misunderstanding you, since I would definitely struggle to think of how one could have an airing cupboard in Zone 1 or Zone 0! Could you perhaps clarify?

Kind Regards, John

 

[EFLImpudence]

Well, no but it could be right next to the bath end - just as near but just bigger.

The OP's isn't going to be in zone 1, is it?

 

[JohnW2]

Well, no but it could be right next to the bath end - just as near but just bigger. The OP's isn't going to be in zone 1, is it?

No, he's not, but you were replying to my comment (which you quoted) ...

However, as I said, a similar argument could be applied to Zone 1 (or even Zone 0), and I really don't think that it is intended that 'electrics in a cupboard' would be acceptable in such a Zone, do you?

... to which you replied (quoting my comment above) with a comment about airing cupboards - hence my confusion!

Kind Regards, John

 

[bernardgreen]

Could you leave the cutout in the bathroom in a locked cupboard ( the DNO might accept that ) and have the consumer unit on the other side of the wall with suitable tails going through the wall.

It has been said a few times that the consuner units safety devices need to be readily accessable for those ( hopefully rare ) occasions when it is necessary to turn power OFF due to a dangerous electrical situation somewhere in the house.

Saving a few pounds now could be very expensive in the long term.

 

[EFLImpudence]

No, he's not, but you were replying to my comment (which you quoted) ...

... to which you replied (quoting my comment above) with a comment about airing cupboards - hence my confusion!

Ok, fair enough but you said:

However, as I said, a similar argument could be applied to Zone 1 (or even Zone 0), and I really don't think that it is intended that 'electrics in a cupboard' would be acceptable in such a Zone, do you?

which to me implies that similar rules may apply.

 

[JohnW2]

Ok, fair enough but you said: ... which to me implies that similar rules may apply.

Well, that's really what I was implying - that it if one is going to argue that electrical equipment which would not be acceptable within Zone 2 is OK within a 'locked' cupboard which is at least partially within Zone 2, then (given that the regs say nothing about cupboards in any Zone), one could (common sense aside) presumably equally argue that the same applied to Zone 1 or even Zone 0.

Kind Regards, John