We live in a 1960's terrace. The electric supply is via a fuse box with old school rewireable fuses and the system is fine for our needs. There are no children or pets to consider in this scenario.
For plastering and decorating purposes, the door and attached frame was removed from the wall by unscrewing the four screws holding the frame in place. In essence the wires, fuses, etc. are now in a recess in the wall. The frame will go back into the space.
Do the regs state that the door must be metal? I was thinking that it would look so much better if the 'hole' could have a lightweight removable mirror/picture/painting over the 'hole' rather than the frame containing the door which sits about 2" proud of he wall when in place.
Safety is important but common sense also works and I would appreciate all qualified comments.
Many thanks, Paul
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
There is nothing in the regs that state what sort of 'space' a fusebox/consumer unit must reside in, only that the wires connecting to the fusebox are not accessible by gaps between the back/side of the box where fingers can be inserted. However, it must be accessible, so if you intend covering the opening with a decorative mirror or painting then it must be removable, which you have already stated is your intent.
The door you mention is not a major issue as this only covers the fuse carriers and as such with this removed are still unable to insert fingers into the area of live wires/terminals. The problem is the frame you mention, that is the part which prevents the insertion of fingers into live areas and this should require the use of tools to remove which is why it is fixed in place with screws. This cover also is fire resistant.
Kevin.
Kevin.
I had this problem on one of my annual assessment site visits, i had replaced a fuse board in an accessible location under some stairs in a like for like location, the assessor said that as the location had combustible materials such as coats hoover Etc, This should be mentioned to the customer that they be removed. When i questioned him as to why, he said that where there is a location with electrical equipment in the home there should be no risk of spread of fire due to combustible material in or around the location.
That being said it will be your risk and your responsibility should any thing happen.
Although you said you have no children, there could be should you move home. I always recommend clients that they should think of their responsibilities/duty of care/conscience should they move from the home. I think it sensible to cover it away from children but have it vented with holes either side to allow for air movement and use a fire proof boarding of a type similarly to fire graded plaster board or similar.
In all situations RCD protection would definitely always be recommended for additional safety in-particularly fire safety. This is best achieved with a new consumer unit.
Good luck
