Crabtree launch Amendment 3 consumer units
Amendment 3 to BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations (published January 2015).
Amendment 3 to BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations (published January 2015) requires that consumer units (and similar switchgear assemblies) for use in domestic household premises shall have their enclosures manufactured from non combustible material (regulation 421.1.201) this UK regulation gives an example of non combustible material as ferrous metal. To meet the requirements of this new regulation Crabtree have launched a comprehensive range of consumer units in all metal non combustible enclosures. To download the Starbreaker AM3 consumer unit catalogue, and discover the products that you need to use to comply with this important new safety standard,
For more information about how this particular regulation came about and how & where it applies read on..
Statistics maintained by London Fire Brigade show a significant increase in the number of domestic household fires involving consumer units as the source of ignition. Fires in plastic consumer units have mainly been the result of poorly installed connections. An added consideration was the location of consumer units, often situated on escape routes, and surrounded by other combustible materials. Consequently LFB took the initiative to work with relevant organisations & the electrical industry to change the material from which consumer units are made to a non combustible material. The intent of regulation 421.1.201 is considered to be, as far as reasonably practicable to contain any fire within the enclosure and to minimise flames from escaping.
The new regulation applies to domestic household premises and that includes the main building its land and all integral attached or detached outbuildings.
The new regulation applies to similar switchgear assemblies for use within domestic household premises too, not just consumer units. Similar switchgear is switchgear that is used for the same fundamental application e.g. a garage consumer unit.
Installers of consumer units (and similar switchgear) within domestic household premises (including all outbuildings) are required to apply good workmanship and proper materials and ensure that the cable entry method, so far as is reasonably practicable, maintains the fire containment of the enclosure.
Click below to watch the Amendment 3 Video or contact Crabtree Technical for further information
To download the Starbreaker AM3 consumer unit catalogue, and discover the products that you need to use and to comply with this important new safety standard, click below
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