side ways consumer unit

[Lee321]

One of my boys had insisted to one of our clients, it is in their best interests, that the consumer unit is fitted sideways.The client was reminded of the little space available and after my boy gave him a firm look, the client agreed.

On the issue of whether the MCBs etc will still trip under a fault condition (mounted sideways), does seem a rather week argument. If they were that sensitive, one would be concerned, whichever way they were mounted.

The Godfather

its not even weak argument i can't think of a 3ph board that doesn't have mcb's horizontal

 

[steptoe]

its not even weak argument i can't think of a 3ph board that doesn't have mcb's horizontal

BUT,

you do realise this is where your competence comes in as to whether to fit a SP MCB in the 3ph board or to supply a separate single phase board for your single phase circuits.

3ph MCBs are designed slightly different, not least in their ability to withstand the 400v PFCs possible.

that is why I would deem 3Xsingle phase MCBs locked together to form a 3ph MCB totally illegal.(yes I have come across it.!.)

in all honesty tho, I can see no direct safety or operational issue related to sideways mounting.

if done in a professional manner as befits a proper spark.

 

[green-hornet]

I have come on board a little late in the discussion but would have to agree with Lostit, all 3 phase board mounted mcb's are horizontal and have no effect on tripping mechanisms(sue me for spelling).

I have made my own consumer units in the past for restricted access areas. 25mm tails fed to main switch with 16mm flyers to 2 or 3 , 4 or 6 way db's the type you would buy for garage or shower units.

Basicaly an adaptable box with a din rail fitted for the mcb's.

You have to remember especially on domestic work to think outside the box.

I personally do not like to install a cu sideways, it looks naff if thats a word, but there is no regulation against it.

 

[Lee321]

BUT,you do realise this is where your competence comes in as to whether to fit a SP MCB in the 3ph board or to supply a separate single phase board for your single phase circuits.

3ph MCBs are designed slightly different, not least in their ability to withstand the 400v PFCs possible.

that is why I would deem 3Xsingle phase MCBs locked together to form a 3ph MCB totally illegal.(yes I have come across it.!.)

in all honesty tho, I can see no direct safety or operational issue related to sideways mounting.

if done in a professional manner as befits a proper spark.

i'd have to say the majority of 3ph mcb's are just that steps.

characteristics of each being the very same as that of a 1ph mcb just locked together.

when is voltage ever a pfc?

 

[Lee321]

I have come on board a little late in the discussion but would have to agree with Lostit, all 3 phase board mounted mcb's are horizontal and have no effect on tripping mechanisms(sue me for spelling).I have made my own consumer units in the past for restricted access areas. 25mm tails fed to main switch with 16mm flyers to 2 or 3 , 4 or 6 way db's the type you would buy for garage or shower units.

Basicaly an adaptable box with a din rail fitted for the mcb's.

You have to remember especially on domestic work to think outside the box.

I personally do not like to install a cu sideways, it looks naff if thats a word, but there is no regulation against it.

naff works for me

i made some db's just how you describe but from polycarbonate enclosure for outside installation. i decided this route after seeing various enclosures either poorly made or damaged or rotten after some years made to give protection to an non ip rated general db, the job turned out very well.

 

[Andy™]

BUT,you do realise this is where your competence comes in as to whether to fit a SP MCB in the 3ph board or to supply a separate single phase board for your single phase circuits.

3ph MCBs are designed slightly different, not least in their ability to withstand the 400v PFCs possible.

that is why I would deem 3Xsingle phase MCBs locked together to form a 3ph MCB totally illegal.(yes I have come across it.!.)

in all honesty tho, I can see no direct safety or operational issue related to sideways mounting.

if done in a professional manner as befits a proper spark.

a 3 phase MCB is usually 3x single phase MCB's anyway, just internally linked by manufacturer. look on most SP MCB's and they have covers over trip part that all 3 would use if together.

 

[Lee321]

a 3 phase MCB is usually 3x single phase MCB's anyway, just internally linked by manufacturer. look on most SP MCB's and they have covers over trip part that all 3 would use if together.

Applaud Smiley

 

[a1]

I have made my own consumer units in the past for restricted access areas. 25mm tails fed to main switch with 16mm flyers to 2 or 3 , 4 or 6 way db's the type you would buy for garage or shower units.

Basicaly an adaptable box with a din rail fitted for the mcb's.

i made some db's just how you describe but from polycarbonate enclosure for outside installation.

Don't suppose you have / are able to obtain any pics of these said boards Gentlemen? to add you the "Your Pictures" forum? I would like to see them.

 

[Andy™]

Don't suppose you have / are able to obtain any pics of these said boards Gentlemen? to add you the "Your Pictures" forum? I would like to see them.

the think the black museum seems more appropriate?

 

[Lee321]

the think the black museum seems more appropriate?

they were tate gallery wothy i tell thee Guiness Drink

 

[steptoe]

i'd have to say the majority of 3ph mcb's are just that steps.characteristics of each being the very same as that of a 1ph mcb just locked together.

when is voltage ever a pfc?

sorry,#

I disagree, single ph MCBs are rated at 230/240v

3ph are rated at 400/415v

obtain a data sheet (from the manufacturer) that says otherwise and I shall be corrected.

I think andyc also commented the same,

I tend to think people that think 1ph and 3ph are the same have to somehow yet to work on 3ph in any real meaning of the difference.

 

[Lee321]

sorry,#I disagree, single ph MCBs are rated at 230/240v

3ph are rated at 400/415v

obtain a data sheet (from the manufacturer) that says otherwise and I shall be corrected.

I think andyc also commented the same,

I tend to think people that think 1ph and 3ph are the same have to somehow yet to work on 3ph in any real meaning of the difference.

ok the flaw in your argument is if you took the voltage rating of an mcb and applied it into your selection criteria then their would be in some instances NO suitable mcb for the application. where the nominal voltage at the installation is above 240v for 1ph or above 415v for 3ph.

as 1ph and 3ph mcb are rated at 240v and 415v respectively.

whilst technically you are correct do you really think there is any manufacturing or technical difference in its construction with regard to insulation resistance? as this is the only factor that could make any difference to its chosen voltage rating.

go steps

 

[Andy™]

I disagree, single ph MCBs are rated at 230/240v

Care to explain this?

 

[dan.]

well after talking through all the available options with the customer they decided to go for a side ways consumer unit. i took some pics for you all to cringe at

"dan awaits the wrath"

 

[dan.]

and some more.

not finished 100% still to tidy up some wires.

 

[Andy™]

It would appear that the meter fairy was there at the same time as you?

 

[dan.]

i turned my back for 2 mins........

 

[green-hornet]

I think you did the best you could given the restrictions.

 

[Badger]

I think you did the best you could given the restrictions.

but Volex :O:O:O:O:O:O:_| :_| :_| :_| :_| :_| :_| :_| :_| wylex or crabtree for me Applaud Smiley

 

[PeatBog]

I've used the MK stacking kits before. You only need to fit one Main switch. The kit contains all the cables to feed the lower DIN rail. Very much like a split load kit but with longer cables!!