This is proof of how knee jerk reaction and misinformation abounds in this trade.
Quote from the IET Wiring Matters:
Regulation 421.1.200 has been introduced and will require
switch gear assemblies, including consumer units, to have their enclosure manufactured from
non-combustible, or not readily combustible, material, or to
be enclosed in a cabinet or enclosure that is constructed of non-combustible, or not readily combustible, material.
This new Regulation is being introduced to help to protect against fire that can result from the overheating of connections within consumer units. Overheating can arise from loose connections and connections that have not been made correctly, for example, the connection of a cable over the insulation.
Now most of this debate refers consistently to metal fuseboards yet there is no specific mention to metal in the reg, it is merely one material that could be used. AND, it allows enclosures to be built AROUND a fuse board made from non-combustible material. None of these measures are suggesting the enclosures are fire proof!!!!
So, we have a lengthy debate, already discussing misinformation, and little mention, if any, of the full options to comply with the reg. I see this time and time again and it has been going on for years. Every time there is a PROPOSAL fora change in a reg misinformation gets thrashed around until the reg is totally mis-quoted and the true requirement is lost.
There is no mention of metal fuseboards being the sole means of non-combustible materials that will be used. Already there is adamant inference by many that a code C3 at least will be valid post Jan 2016 for all non-compliant situations. All the discussion is focused directly on the cabinet of the fuse board itself when there are clear alternatives. People are not even considering that a small space, such as an airing cupboard or a purpose built cupboard containing a fuse board can be constructed of non-combustible materials, yet the reg is written, plain as daylight for all to see, and already few have even read it before its even implemented. This is classic of the industry. Maybe 2% of the installers and designers read it and 98% rely on 'talk' amongst the ranks and forum threads to decide what they should do. I have read the reg and already see 90% of this debate is flawed as it is considering solely ONE option, that of a fuse board made with non-combustible materials, not just metal, any non-combustible or not readily combustible material. Switch assemblies are also mentioned in the reg, who has even mentioned that? There is even mention of not readily combustible material so fire-proof material is not even mentioned!
Its tragic isn't it.

So much hot air and debate that is already misquoted.
Allow me to throw in a solution. If there is a desire to make pre-Jan 2016 CU's compliant with 421.1.200 build a plasterboard box around it or plasterboard lined cabinet. One of MANY possible solutions. You won't need a C3 as there are simple ways of complying WITHOUT CHANGING THE FKN BOARD!
Edited: 17 December 2014
at 12:02 AM
by phantom9