Consumer unit query

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So therefore, an FCU does not create a circuit.
We have discussed this ad infinitum. As the definition in the regs is written, an FCU does create a circuit, but that makes no sense. If that were the case, then adding an FCU (and things supplied by it) to an existing circuit would be notifiable, but even before the extensive relaxations (in England) in 2013, adding an FCU (and things supplied from it) to an existing circuit was one of the very few things that was explicitly not notifiable. It would make no sense for it to be their intention that the extensive 2013 relaxation of notification rules would have the reverse (of 'relaxation') effect in the case of FCUs!

Kind Regards, John
 
We have discussed this ad infinitum. As the definition in the regs is written, an FCU does create a circuit, but that makes no sense. If that were the case, then adding an FCU (and things supplied by it) to an existing circuit would be notifiable, but even before the extensive relaxations (in England) in 2013, add an FCU (and things supplied from it) to an existing circuit was one of the very few things that was explicitly not notifiable. It would make no sense for it to be their intention that the extensive 2013 relaxation of notification rules would have the reverse (of 'relaxation') effect in the case of FCUs!

Kind Regards, John
Totally right.
 
The way I view it is that because the FCU is not notifiable, it's not a circuit.

It is only a method of connecting an appliance. The fuse just replaces the one you would find in a plug.

There's no confusion around a triple socket.
 
The way I view it is that because the FCU is not notifiable, it's not a circuit.
You're making the mistake of applying comment sense. If one takes literally BS7671's definition of 'a circuit', then adding an FCU does create a ('new') circuit, and hence would be notifiable (in England, but not Wales).

However we know (hope!) that this was not the intention of those who revised the notification rules (in England), then one has to assume that those ('legislators') were not using the BS7671 definition of a#a circuit' - which, to be fair to them, they were not obliged to use (or think of).

Can anyone remember whether the Building Regs themselves (which is what ratification rules relate to) define 'a circyuit'?
It is only a method of connecting an appliance. The fuse just replaces the one you would find in a plug.
... but plugs are not part of the fixed installation, hence outwith the scope of BS7671.
There's no confusion around a triple socket.
If and one installs a triple socket (with it's fuse/OPD) one has not supplied anything through that OPD = tht only happens if/when someone plugs something in (then yet another fuse :) ).

However, as implied above, should we not be asking why everyone seems to be assuming (always dangerous!) that those who wrote the current (in England) notification rules were thinking/working to the BS7671 definition of ' a circuit' ??

Kind Regards, Joh
 
Fused connection unit

A device associated with the fixed wiring of an installation by which appliances may be connected and having provision for a replaceable cartridge fuse link

Source 18th edition AMD 2 - definitions
 
Fused connection unit .... A device associated with the fixed wiring of an installation by which appliances may be connected and having provision for a replaceable cartridge fuse link .... Source 18th edition AMD 2 - definitions
Indeed - and from the same document ...
Overcurrent protective device (OCPD). Device provided to interrupt an electric circuit in case the conductor
current in the electric circuit exceeds a predetermined value for a specified duration.
In what way are you suggesting that the "replaceable cartridge fuse link" in an FCU does not satisfy that definition of an OCPD?
 
Fused connection unit

A device associated with the fixed wiring of an installation by which appliances may be connected and having provision for a replaceable cartridge fuse link

Source 18th edition AMD 2 - definitions
If that is the entire definition, that could be taken to be that a Fused Connection Unit is expressly used to connect an appliance to the fixed wiring and therefore not for installation within fixed wiring. In other words not suitable as the source for a fixed spur.
 
You're making the mistake of applying comment sense. If one takes literally BS7671's definition of 'a circuit', then adding an FCU does create a ('new') circuit, and hence would be notifiable (in England, but not Wales).

Not sure I agree with that . Wales use the 2010 version of Part P
 

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