TPN boards

[gselectrical]

Evening all.

I havn't done much 3 phase work since I started on my own a couple of years ago. When I was employed before that, it was all we did. So a bit more domestic work has been a welcome change. However I am not up to date on prices etc regarding 3 phase boards etc.

Anyway. I have a few TPN boards to upgrade at a residential premises I maintain. I have a 2x 6 way and an 3x 8 way boards to replace. I intend to install RCBO's for every circuit.

Can anybody recommend any decent boards. I have been looking at Hager and Crabtree mainly.

Also. They have specified that the DB be fire rated? Apparently this is what they have been told by the person who carries out the fire checks. I am unaware of any fire rated boards on the market, unless the board could be installed within a fire rated enclosure.

Anyway any help/advice much appreciated

Cheers

GS

 

[Sidewinder]

For me IF I can it's Merlin Gerin every time.

As far as fire rated never heard of it either, guy probably has no clue.

You need to get clarification as the FRA is a statute requirement, non compliance with the RRFSO is a criminal offence.

I would expect all DB's to be sufficiently "fire rated" to pass their CE marking?

 

[Manator]

I would concur with Sidewinder, all plastic distribution boards have to pass a glow wire test for conformity, metal distribution boards are to an extent fire resistant, in that metal does not burn. If you go into a more specialised field you can get bespoke units that are for an explosive area. I have seen metal clad boards lined with a fire proof lining, but would question the usefulness of this, other than to prevent any arcing to ignite flammable atmospheres outside the distribution board.

 

[Sidewinder]

Quite M,

Ex boards are another kettle of fish!

Smell too!

Can't see the FR assessor understanding the electrical bits TBH.

 

[Andy™]

merlin gerin are probably the best TP boards, but i usually use wylex (almost identical to crabtree)

as for fire rated, same as above. best speak to person who wants the fire rated and ask what they want

 

[wozz]

last one I did was Memshield 3, not as sturdy as the 2 but a little more room and still sturdy enough, will be cheaper than the Schneider as well.

 

[Andy™]

and dont knock the busbar covers on a MG board either. it takes a very long time to put all those switches back together to get the cover back on. and yes, thats from experience. took about an hour to fix the cover for 6 ways....

 

[batty]

If you are using RCBO's I would price up carefully they can range from around the

 

[steptoe]

merlin gerin for 3P every time for me if at all possible,

cant beat them.