Wylex Fuse Covers

[securespark]

However, I don't personally really think that the absence of the cover is a major issue.

Without it, however the manufacturers type test approval is void... theres a test described in BSEN60439 (and its forerunner, BS5486) Where the consumer unit is covered by cheesecloth, subjected to a short, and there must be no signs of burning evident on the cheesecloth afterwards. Its not likely to pass with the cover missing. I've seen labels stuck above the fuses bear witness to the fact that hot particles do just ejected out when the fuse operates without the cover in place.

The company I worked for considered the consumer unit to breach IP ratings without the cover fitted.

Look what exposed conductive parts are visible with the cover off.

 

[JohnW2]

I think the fact that coats are hung nearby is an issue. I really hadn't seen it from that viewpoint.

Personal opinions obviously vary, and I've offered mine, but I cannot criticise a desire for ultra-caution.

Kind Regards, John

 

[ban-all-sheds]

A photo showing a CU and 2 old Wylex fuse boxes

If you've got any plans to amalgamate the lot into 1 CU in the near future I'd not bother about a cover for the fuses.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wylex-fus...UK_BOI_CircuitBreakers_RL&hash=item2a4319c560

At least £18 for that pile of tat?

Es avin a larf.

Looks like the sort of stuff you'd find in a skip outside a house being refurbished.

 

[securespark]

IP4X on top edge of enclosures. That's 1mm. So those holes allowing access to the circuit terminals behind the fuse shields need covering.

The fuse cover is ideal for this.

 

[JohnW2]

Look what exposed conductive parts are visible with the cover off.

Which exposed-c-ps can you see? (and, if you can only see them, but not touch them, I'm not sure they can count as exposed-c-ps, anyway, do they?).

Kind Regards, John

 

[boydcage]

John,
Your opinion is valued if we lived too cautiously we'd never go out of the house - maybe never get out of bed in fact.
I know there are other things I can worry about so I'll not get too stressed on this one.
Very best wishes,
John

 

[JohnW2]

John, Your opinion is valued if we lived too cautiously we'd never go out of the house - maybe never get out of bed in fact. I know there are other things I can worry about so I'll not get too stressed on this one.

Indeed - and even 'getting out of bed' is not necessarily 'safe'. IIRC there are more deaths in the UK due to getting (or falling) out of bed than result from electricity!

Kind Regards, John

 

[boydcage]

Looks like I sparked a bit of interest! Sorry I couldn't resist (actually that's an even worse pun!).

 

[securespark]

Look what exposed conductive parts are visible with the cover off.

Which exposed-c-ps can you see? (and, if you can only see them, but not touch them, I'm not sure they can count as exposed-c-ps, anyway, do they?).

Kind Regards, John

I will try and find a picture. You can see them with the fuse cover off, but more importantly, without that cover, they are not IP protected to 4X, so are a potential shock risk.

EDIT: PICCY HERE:

This is a good example. Being the MC version, there is a bigger gap round the fuses and the neutral bar is accessible with the 1mm wire used in the IP test.

There is a fuse shield missing, an obvious hazard. But there is also access to live parts with the fuse shields in place (and the fuse cover missing) and also access to the BS88 30A fuse cap.



Acknowledgements to www.electrical-contractor.net forum for the picture.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Indeed - and even 'getting out of bed' is not necessarily 'safe'.

Staying in it is definitely not - that level of sedentariness will do you no good at all.

 

[securespark]

C'mon...who says you gotta stay sedentary in bed?

Bit of jiggy raise the heart rate good, son!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Being the MC version, there is a bigger gap round the fuses

The OPs are not MC.

There is a fuse shield missing, an obvious hazard.

The OP's do not appear to have any shields missing.

But there is also access to live parts with the fuse shields in place (and the fuse cover missing) and also access to the BS88 30A fuse cap.

The OP doesn't have any BS88 carriers in his.

This is a good example.

Apparently not.

the neutral bar is accessible with the 1mm wire used in the IP test.

I used to have a TV where live (at HV) parts could be accessed by poking a 1mm wire through many of the ventilation holes. I expect you did too - certainly your parents would have done.

By avoiding doing that poking I avoided contact with those parts.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

C'mon...who says you gotta stay sedentary in bed?

Bit of jiggy raise the heart rate good, son!

Poor Mrs Secure must be feeling a bit ragged if you can do it vigorously for an hour a day.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Looks like I sparked a bit of interest! Sorry I couldn't resist (actually that's an even worse pun!).

It's shocking.