Originally posted by: paulskyrme
The crux of the matter is the CU's are fundamentally safe.
The issue is due to poor and inadequate terminations.
The LFB got this through on the basis of damage limitation in the event that the thing is not installed correctly.
So there is no C1, it is a C3, unless we can identify who the dangerous installers are.
Some comments on Paul's points.
The crux of the matter is the CU's are fundamentally safe.
What do you base this on? I don't disagree, but what evidence is there to support this view. Plastic units have been around for some time now so it would be interesting to know when these apparent failures that have resulted in a 'significant number of fires' (I have no data to back this statement) started to be noticed.
Do the failures coincide with any other activity in the area of the CCU - I think others have mentioned smart meter installations - any data?
The issue is due to poor and inadequate terminations.
Evidence

- this might well be true but we need to be sure before making changes to regulations.
If it is true why is it happening - have 'electricians' developed weak wrist syndrome or is the construction of the termination to blame?
The LFB got this through on the basis of damage limitation in the event that the thing is not installed correctly.
It would appear that in doing so they have binned the long standing ignitability characteristic P test in favour of an, as yet, undefined 'non-combustible' enclosure.
The requirement appears to be for an enclosure that will contain fire - if this is the case - for how long? Non-metallic building materials are available that can resist fire for two hours or more.
Additional comments:
1) The proposed regulation 421.1.201 has a 200 series number meaning that it is UK only - why: are the electricians in all other member states that use the CENELEC based regulations equipped with super wrists; or is it that their kit is better; or is it that they don't mind the odd fire
2) Why is this limited to consumer units - most connections are capable of producing fire under the right conditions. So metal socket outlets and light switches then

.
3) Perhaps we need a 'class action' lawsuit against the CCU manufacturers claiming that their products are not 'fit for purpose' - if nothing else it might galvanize them into producing a better argument for or against this change.
Edit spelling
Regards
Geoff Blackwell
Edited: 08 November 2014
at 09:28 am
by GeoffBlackwell