eicr form

[martinxxxxxx]

I was thinking the same thing.
But I believe that the mix and match is a fairly recent interpertation of the regs.
Whereas the use of a key or tool to access live parts is covered by 3 regulations

 

[martinxxxxxx]

OK here it is, for all you doubters


Home > Industry Guidance > Industry guidance on the Wiring Regulations > 1. New or rewired domestic and similar installations
Q1.59

Do blanks fitted in a distribution board or consumer unit that can be removed without the use of a tool or key comply with the requirements of BS 7671 with regard to access to live parts?

If the distribution board or consumer unit is fitted with blanks that can be removed without the use of a tool or key resulting in live parts being made accessible to touch, at least one of the following requirements must be complied with (in addition to the manufacturer’s instructions):

The lid over the blanks can be secured and opened only by use of a tool or key
The distribution board or consumer unit is in a locked location accessible only by key held by a responsible person
The distribution board or consumer unit is located in a generally inaccessible area (in which case compliance with other relevant requirements (such as accessibility for operation, maintenance and repair) needs to be confirmed)

If the distribution board or consumer unit is located in a generally accessible area and has a flap-type lid with no securing device, the blanks fitted must be of a type that can be removed only by opening the front cover, using a tool or key.

Regulation number(s)

134.1.1
416.2.3
416.2.4

 

[17thman]

thankyou for the informative and interesting link. i for one will ensure, from now on that spareways in consumer units, within reach of children will be populated by either din rail mounted blanks or a spare mcb. I don't mind changing my ways, as it were. Elecsa have never pulled me up on this in 10 years

 

[SimonH2]

I've never considered that the snap in blanks are normally removable without a tool - though I guess that probably depends on the individual design.

But if some are as easy to remove as some suggest, then surely the answer is to take it up with <who ?> because they are unsuitable for general use ?

 

[martinxxxxxx]

When I came across this I thought Bollx how many sites will I have to go back to.

But let the past be the past and be better in the future