I.S. 10101:2020+A1:2024 and Distribution Box

Prez2

New build one off build. Had hoped to put the distribution box inside a wall hung kitchen cupboard. Electrician said it’s a blanket no to doing this as it’s against regulations.

I don’t have access to the I.S. 10101:2020+A1:2024 but located a CPD training powerpoint that indicated the new amendments removed this restriction and a box could go into a cupboard but I can’t access the conditions under which this is permitted.

Curious if anyone may have access to the amendments and might be able to offer a steer?

Box is 63cm high and 40cm wide. Cupboard internally will be 80cm high and ~100cm wide. No top section on cupboard for heat to dissipate. Unit will be a little over 140cm off the ground. Box door will be able to open to over 100 degrees.

meercat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058400108/i-s-10101-2020-a1-2024-and-distribution-box

530.6.2.3 A distribution board shall be located where it is readily accessible

530.6.2.4 A distribution board shall not be installed in the following locations:

• where it may be covered by garments or similar articles
• 
  
  

Prez2

Ah cheers for that. Is that everything in the amended guideline?

Only ask in case text for that second bullet point didn’t show.

If that’s it then it suggests it’s OK to place inside cupboard that is exclusively for the distribution box.

Prez2

Just found this by using the text from your bullet points:

https://safeelectric.ie/contractors/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/March-Newsletter-2020.pdf

Page 8 does further confirm the restriction of not placing distribution boards in a cupboard were removed, as long as not covered by garments etc.

meercat

if you are thinking of putting it in a kitchen press then I’d say it’s not readily accessible

There’s also nothing to prevent it from being covered with garments or anything flammable

There has to be a better location

there’s some nice flush distribution boards

Have a chat with your rec

Prez2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123255304#Comment_123255304

It’s a wall hung press exclusively for the distribution box. Will be no selves, nothing inside except the distribution board. I do take your point on being readily accessible, that’s why we putting nothing inside.

meercat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123264843#Comment_123264843

I agree with your rec here

SC024

I'd have thought you could build a press around it but not fix the CU to the press if that makes sense, as long as heights etc are maintained

Prez2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123265043#Comment_123265043

That’s effectively what’s being done. DB is fixed to block wall and kitchen unit build around it.