Crabtree Starbreaker – a range of consumer units for the 17th edition

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The 17th edition of the wiring regulations is now with us, and full implementation is less than six months away. That’s why Crabtree has issued a new guidance leaflet, detailing its newly extended range of consumer units and showing how each may be used to provide the discrete circuit protection insisted on by the new regulations.

In practice special provision has now to be made for any circuits, wired by traditional methods i.e. twin and earth cable concealed within a wall or partition at a depth of less than 50mm, unless it has some form of mechanical protection against damage by nails or screws etc. (metal conduit for example). All affected circuits must be given the additional protection referred to in the regs by using an RCD, with a sensitivity not exceeding 30mA. That’s where the latest range of consumer units from Crabtree will give all the flexibility to provide separate rcd protection for as many individual rings circuits or spurs needed.

Specific reference is made within the new standard to taking account of and reducing the possibilities of danger and inconvenience arising from the failure of a single circuit such as a lighting circuit. For example, the result of an RCD operating due to a fault with the shower should not create a low light hazard in the bathroom. So even if you need circuit division within an installation, (i.e. downstairs lights and upstairs sockets sharing one RCD, while upstairs lights and downstairs sockets share another) to avoid unnecessary loss of light or power following the operation of an RCD, there will be a Crabtree consumer unit that will meet that need.

In fact, Crabtree’s range of consumer units will provide many options to installers as they strive to meet the new regulations. Do remember though that British Standards and IEE regulations are subject to change and amendment, so this guide is not a substitute for the regulations, which should always be followed for all types of electrical installation design, and installation work.

For your free copy of the new 17th edition Starbreaker consumer unit guidance leaflet, please contact Electrium Sales on 01543 455000

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