What's the best thing to use to seal wires into a new consumer unit to meet new regs?

Most regulations are not retroactive and will not apply to an already complete system.

What date was the system installed? (It may apply for this matter even from 1 July 2015 in some cases)

 

You do not need to fire seal the entry holes. The cable entries should be done as you would previously have done it with other CUs.

The top surface must be IP4X
The bottom and sides must be IP2X
This has been a requirement for many years.

There is no requirement to fire stop the holes, as confirmed by the NICEIC.

 

The OP is asking how to seal the holes as per the incoming regulations found here:

http://electrical.theiet.org/wiring-matters/55/consumer-units/index.cfm

 

Yes, but there is no requirement for the holes. Just to use a consumer unit manufactured from a non-combustable material. As far as the holes in the CU go, you would "seal" them as you would previously done before this regulation was introduced.

 

Correct, 421.2.201 does not require the holes to be sealed - so not a regulation. But comments on the link worth reading. It would be hard to justify not sealing the holes at least to some degree (no pun intended).

 

I'm just going by what the NICEIC have stated. They have made it clear it is as it was before, IP4x on top, IP2x elsewhere. They have said there is no need to fire stop the holes.

 

And I'm only going by the IET website

 

It would be nice if just once they just made it clear in the regs the actual intent and what achieves compliance rather than vague information leaving everyone to speculate on what is required!

 

What they are saying is, the purpose if a fire proof CU is to prevent fire spreading so if there are holes they should be filled up - also to prevent spreading, but that part is not regulation.

I agree that this does not make the matter clear.

 

As usual, a total illogical knee jerk reaction by "the people in charge"...with no definitive practical guidance on important details....to help the mugs paying their salaries.
Any thoughts on using silicone such as Victas...300 degrees C .or ...1250 C rating ?
RS

 

There is no need to seal the cable entries, end of!

 

I know there is no 'legal' requirement, but if a homeowner chooses to do so to protect themselves of a fire spreading from within a fire proof CU with holes in it, then how would they? I think that may rephase the OP's question better?!

 

Maybe they didn't make it regulation because they couldn't find a product for it

 

I think a splodge of decorators caulking is as good as anything.

 

I would at least go for a fire retardant silicone, but in any event if the thing is flipin' air tight there won't be a fire to start with!

 

Also if the screws are tightened sufficiently there won't be a fire either CPM!

 

And that the mcb's aint due for some kind of product recall.