Published: 31 March 2015
Category: Q&A
John asks this question, which concerns an EICR on an electrical distribution board and its unusual mounting arrangement. It has been answered by SELECT (Theme – Regulations and Legislation):
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Question: We’ve been asked to carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) on a small shop and have noted that the distribution board serving the facility is mounted within a small store, but on the floor with the protective devices facing upwards.
The board is mounted on a backboard, has a proprietary cover and the store is such that people cannot walk into it - so there is little risk of people kicking it by mistake.
Having looked through the regulations, we can see no reason why this method of installation is unacceptable - can you please give us your thoughts?
Answer: It may be appropriate to consider Regulation 134.1.1, which requires that electrical equipment shall be installed in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the equipment.
Also, we think that a further investigation might be an appropriate observation Code on the EICR for this situation, i.e. someone should check that the manufacturer is OK with this method of installation and that it does not affect the correct operation of the equipment.
We also highlight Regulation 512.2, which requires the design of an installation to take account of any external influences likely on the equipment, e.g. because of the environment it is installed in (examples include ingress of water, and the likelihood of flooding/spilt water), and we also think that impact might be a consideration.
Compliance with the Building Regulations may also be another consideration and we think that in Building Regulations there is specific guidance on a suitable mounting height for such equipment.
There is also a similar question to this on Electrical Safety First’s website on the orientation of a consumer unit - see http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/electrical-professionals - then go to Question 1.39.
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