Thorfun Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 can a CU be housed externally if it is suitably rated or should it still be housed in an external cabinet? I ask because this IP65 rated unit from TLC direct (https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Consumer_Units_Index/Wiska_Consumer_Enclosures/index.html) states external building but doesn't seem to suggest that it can be installed outside. other IP55 rated CUs state suitable for damp/moist areas. ps. I will speak to my electrician but he's done for the day and I don't like to disturb him OOO and I do value the expertise of the many electricians and knowledgeable people on this forum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelvin Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 IP65 is suitable for outdoor use. Patio lights are often rated at IP65. Rain falls and is driven at relatively low pressures compared to powered jets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorfun Posted November 28, 2022 Author Share Posted November 28, 2022 34 minutes ago, Kelvin said: IP65 is suitable for outdoor use. Patio lights are often rated at IP65. Rain falls and is driven at relatively low pressures compared to powered jets. Yeah. That’s was my understanding as well but nowhere in the description does it say suitable for outside use and I was wondering if the regulations are different as it’s a consumer unit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProDave Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 That is not a "consumer unit" but just an empty box which could be filled with the components to make it a consumer unit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorfun Posted November 28, 2022 Author Share Posted November 28, 2022 9 minutes ago, ProDave said: That is not a "consumer unit" but just an empty box which could be filled with the components to make it a consumer unit. Ok but isn’t that just semantics? Or does the addition of the components change the external usage? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelvin Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 IP65 is IP65 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenki Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 (edited) Personally wouldn't use IP 55 rated as an external consumer unit. Not guaranteed to survive driven rain etc. It is not classed as waterproof. A bit like a fold away cagoule 😂 Edited November 28, 2022 by Jenki Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorfun Posted November 28, 2022 Author Share Posted November 28, 2022 4 minutes ago, Jenki said: Personally wouldn't use IP 55 rated as an external consumer unit. Not guaranteed to survive driven rain etc. It is not classed as waterproof. A bit like a fold away cagoule 😂 I presume you also mean IP65 as it’s the same liquid protection as IP55. I’m assuming also that the solid protection level of 6 to 5 is not an issue? Hager make outdoor units that are IP55 https://hager.com/uk/products/residential-distribution/consumer-units/insulated-consumer-units/outdoor-units i guess ultimately I really need my sparky to approve as he’ll be doing the work and signing it off! has anyone fitted a CU outdoors without issues? Would rather not have to buy a suitable IP rated enclosure to put a CU in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billt Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 I made what is in effect an external CU using one of these https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CMSB504015.html It needs a simple key to open so can't be fiddled with by any random person and it is mounted under an overhang so isn't subject to direct rainfall. I would be uncomfortable fitting something like that where it could be subject to direct wetting, probably irrationally. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteamyTea Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 Years since I looked into this, but what do ships use, they often have electrical stuff on the exposed decks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyscotland Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 (edited) As you say your spark will need to be comfortable but from my somewhat rusty memory of that aspect of the regs so long as the enclosure is properly rated (including sealed covers over the mcbs etc) there should be issue. If you ever look out the back of a tent at a festival/event/concert you will see an absolute forest of outdoor rated distribution boards, often on very substantial 3 phase circuits. They are usually one-piece rubber boxes with screw -tight lids. I think you would probably need a non-conductive unit as the earthing/bonding arrangements are usually different outdoors so a metal unit could be more complex in that regard depending on the details of location/circuit design/etc. Edited November 28, 2022 by andyscotland 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenki Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 1 hour ago, Thorfun said: I presume you also mean IP65 as it’s the same liquid protection as IP55. Yep. IP56 as a minimum As you point out IP55 and IP65 give the same level of water protection. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenki Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 46 minutes ago, SteamyTea said: Years since I looked into this, but what do ships use, they often have electrical stuff on the exposed decks. IP68 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyT Posted November 28, 2022 Share Posted November 28, 2022 Yes a normal consumer unit can be fitted inside an IP rated enclosure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorfun Posted November 29, 2022 Author Share Posted November 29, 2022 8 hours ago, TonyT said: Yes a normal consumer unit can be fitted inside an IP rated enclosure. That’s what I was hoping to avoid though if possible. The cost of an enclosure and a CU. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now