RCD Board Safe With Blanking Plates

[ChloeRadshaw1]

I had this installed a few years ago 2018 bu a qualified electrican

I had to take a look and I saw that the blank plates had metal blanking plates - Is this normal because in the past I would have expected to have plastic covers

Having metal there makes me scared to touch that part - Should I be or is this the usual way it is done

 

[EFLImpudence]

Not a good idea. Get them changed to plastic ones.

 

[AndyPRK]

those are what the manufacture recommend.

No point changing them.
Turn the power off and put white insulation tape over them if you are worried!

 

[EFLImpudence]

Ah. Is it a metal CU? I did not think it was.

How are they connected to the body?

 

[AndyPRK]

they probably don't have a good connection! good point! (but we don't want every one to have an earth strap!) Some insulation on the surface would have been good
But as designed.


https://www.screwfix.com/p/wylex-twist-fit-cover-blank-plates-10-pack/5563j

 

[EFLImpudence]

I still don't think it a good idea.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Description says
Single-module metal blanking plates for covering spare outgoing ways in Wylex all-metal consumer units.

It is a metal board, so it’s correct. Blame/sue Wylex if it’s wrong.

 

[ChloeRadshaw1]

I dont know if I have plastic or metal !! Surely if they are suitable for metal they will be suitable in plastic - I could understand the other way round but not this way!

 

[RF Lighting]

They are used to try and help maintain the integrity of the CU enclosure in a fire.

It is normal to have them and they do not need replacing.

 

[AndyPRK]

It's a metal CU !

 

[Taylortwocities]

It's a metal CU !

Correct. I’ve edited my post accordingly.

 

[EFLImpudence]

It is normal to have them and they do not need replacing.

Are they earthed satisfactorily?

 

[Taylortwocities]

They’ll be as earthed as the front hinged cover appears to be.

 

[RF Lighting]

Are they earthed satisfactorily?

As I have no involvement with the research, design, development, testing or certification of them, you’d probably be better asking this question to Wylex.

Wylex Technical & Quotations
Tel: +44 (0) 1543 438320
Fax: +44 (0) 1543 438321
Email: [email protected]

 

[EFLImpudence]

They are used to try and help maintain the integrity of the CU enclosure in a fire.

They don't have to do that.

They are likely used because they are 'non-combustible' - the only requirement - although, of course, the MCBs are not.