Consumer Units' stamp of approval from electricians
Industry professionals have until January 2016 to ensure they are complying with the new Consumer Unit regulations (421.1.201) included in Amendment 3 to the wiring regulations. Fortunately, with the introduction of its Design range of consumer units, Hager UK is making this straightforward - and now feedback from a sample of working electricians who have tried out the Design 30 in the field, confirms that.
The recently launched Design range comprises a selection of metal units that provide the high levels of safety and protection Amendment 3 demands. It offers three options, Design 10, Design 30 and Design 50, which provide flexibility and a solution for every application.
Designed for installers, reviewed by installers
In order to ensure that the Design range is as effective in the field as in the development process, Hager ran a social media competition on its Twitter channel to give UK electricians a chance to install and provide their honest feedback on the new boards. Hager asked each installer to respond to a series of questions about their experience using the board, and encouraged additional comments for potential improvements.
With a significant number of respondents – 82 per cent - saying that the new Hager unit is simple and straightforward to install, and a full 100 per cent saying that they were pleased with the final installation of the Design 30, the results make impressive reading.
Surprisingly, more than a third of the respondents proactively commented on the installation time taking no longer than the plastic model – a result that Hager is particularly pleased with given the general industry concern that Amendment 3 would increase installation time. Hager incorporated a number of features in order to minimise installation time, such as the design of square knockouts and a ‘locate and hold’ cover.
Respondents also praised the solid build of the unit, the inclusion of the tail clamp and cable protector plate, and the volume of space at the top of the board. Several stated that they would be using Hager units in preference to others, including some electricians who had favoured other brands until they tried the Design 30.
With the arrival of Amendment 3, the UK's electrical installers will be required to source and fit compliant units. However, finding units that were compliant, user-friendly, versatile and aesthetically pleasing seemed set to be a challenge – until now. Hager's Design range makes it easy for electricians to meet all of their customers' requirements, in full compliance with Amendment 3, without compromising installation or ease-of-use.
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