C1 electrical defect-Blanks Missing From a Fuse Board

On the face of it, as a defect,  blanks missing from fuse board, appears as a fairly innocuous fault, however due to the nature of the defect and the fact that direct contact with live parts could be possible, the inspecting engineer would afford the defect a C1 Fail Code*.

C1 electrical defect-Blanks Missing From a Fuse Board – Many reports would have this defect recorded as it is very commonplace. When a new fuse board is installed, often the unit is specified for future extra capacity. Therefore the board would have extra ‘space’ for additional circuits. To avoid the unnecessary expense of fitting Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB’s) blanking pieces would be fitted instead. Unfortunately over time these ‘blanks’ get lost or broken and lead to the unwanted C1 defect being reported on within the EICR.

Rectification of this defect is usually quite simple with most electrical wholesalers selling either original blank plates or universal items that would fit most boards. As part of any maintenance it is recommended that a competent person replaces these items as and when they are noticed.

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Information for Reference
*C1 Fail Code- Danger Present. Risk of injury. Immediate remedial action required.
EICR- Electrical Installation Condition Report.

Regulations
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989-Reg 4(2) “The need for maintenance to be done to ensure safety”
IET Wiring Regulations BS7671:2008 (Amd 3 2015) Reg 416.2.1 Live parts within enclosures providing a degree of protection at least to IP2X (12.5mm dia finger)