Q & A of the Day - Consumer units can't be on their sides, can they?

Question: We are currently involved with a large housing client with regards to upgrading bathrooms and kitchens. We recently called to one of the client's properties and found this arrangement (please see attached photo).

As someone who has been involved electrically for many years, this is an electrical installation that myths are made of! The tenant has stated that he wants the new distribution board / consumer unit back in the same position.

Personally, I would say NO! But what do you think?

Answer: There is no restriction with regard to mounting a consumer unit on it's side, as seen in the product standard, but it is our opinion that this restricts access to the operation of the MCBs and visibility of circuit labelling.

It would be advisable to send to your query to either the the ECA or the NICEIC for their comments, as they are the best people for installation advice with regard to the Wiring Regulations and the latest Building Regulations. Both bodies can be accessed via Voltimum's technical resource.

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