Consumer Units and IP

[securespark]

What gaps (if any) are allowable on the rear of a consumer unit that is accessible?

 

[JohnW2]

What gaps (if any) are allowable on the rear of a consumer unit that is accessible?

I would be interested to know how the back of a CU can be 'accessible'!

However, the answer is surely IP2X or IPXXB, isn't it? 416.2.1 requires that for any enclosure protecting live parts, and since the only relevant qualification is that the top surface must be !P4X or IPXXD, the implication must surely be that IP2X/IPXXB applies to all other surfaces (including the back, if accessible).

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnD]

I would be interested to know how the back of a CU can be 'accessible'!

occasionally you see a building site supply that has been assembled on an angle-iron or studwork frame, sticking out of the ground, for example before the walls have been built. It can be done indoors if the intention is to build partition walls later.

Though this would be a bad move if it does not have good weather protection. An easy fix is to use a meter box or street cabinet with the equipment inside it.

 

[securespark]

Just that I have seen a video where an AMD 3 board was fitted spaced off the wall. All cable entries top and bottom were made with stuffing glands but the rear cable entries were made through a large rectangular hole that was left unsealed.

 

[JohnD]

how far was it spaced off the wall? Surely that's quite common if it is just an inch or so, enough to lead the cables in? The Insulated boxes used to be made with knock-outs on the back.

 

[EFLImpudence]

If it was spaced off the wall, why did it have entries in the top and bottom?

 

[Adam_151]

What about the top surface of flurescent fittings when suspended off jack chains?

 

[JohnW2]

occasionally you see a building site supply that has been assembled on an angle-iron or studwork frame, sticking out of the ground, for example before the walls have been built. It can be done indoors if the intention is to build partition walls later.

Fair enough - I was thinking of 'permanent' installations.

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

What about the top surface of flurescent fittings when suspended off jack chains?

I can't think of any 'qualifying' reg which alters the fact that that would be the top surface of an enclosure, hence IP4X/IPXXD. Although I don't think that 416.2 mentions the issue specifically, common sense suggests that 'accessibility' is also a relevant consideration.

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

Just that I have seen a video where an AMD 3 board was fitted spaced off the wall. All cable entries top and bottom were made with stuffing glands but the rear cable entries were made through a large rectangular hole that was left unsealed.

If it was 'a large rectangular hole', it clearly would not provide any significant ingress protection at all, let alone IP2X!

Kind Regards, John

 

[securespark]

If it was spaced off the wall, why did it have entries in the top and bottom?

One for tails and one for a cable that would not reach via back-entry.

If it was 'a large rectangular hole', it clearly would not provide any significant ingress protection at all, let alone IP2X!

My point!