[Question] Location of DB in old house

[iDon]

We've recently sold an old house.
When we purchased the house 25 years ago it had a FUSE BOX in the kitchen, near ceiling height.
Subsequently rewired into a DB (with Earth leakage etc), but still 2.3m above floor level.

Electrician issued a CoC after all relevant tests, BUT the new owner is challenging the legality of the DB, due to "health & safety reasons".
New owner insists that the DB should be re-located down to a "safe height".

Any firm regulations in this regard?

[Sparks]

Regulations give minimum height only as far as I recall offhand. Being that you are in Cape Town though, I must ask: Is the DB above the stove? I have refused to certify that on a number of occasions.

[ACEsterhuizen]

6.6.1.6

Any point of a distribution board that has to be reached during
normal operation shall not exceed a height of 2,2 m above floor (or walking)
level.

However, the board may be mounted higher if it can be disconnected
from the supply by a switch-disconnector that is less than 2,2 m above floor
level. (See also 5.2.8(b)).

Unless a residential distribution board is housed in
an enclosure and direct access cannot be obtained by an infant, no part of
an indoor distribution board shall be less than 1,2 m above the floor level
and no part of an outdoor distribution board shall be less than 0,2 m
above the ground level.

Is it 2.3 m from ANY POINT THAT HAS TO BE REACHED OF THE DB to ground walking level?

If it is outside the 2.2m then install a "switch disconnector". If it is lower than 1.2m then put it in an "enclosure" that cannot be accessed by an infant..

The "Switch Disconnector" does have to be in the same room. It can feed from the meter DB.

3.36
enclosure
part that provides protection of equipment against certain external
influences and, in any direction, protection against direct contact.

3.79.2
switch-disconnector
switch that, in the open position, satisfies the isolating requirements
specified for a disconnector
NOTE A switch-disconnector was known as an "on-load isolator".

5.2.8 Positioning and accessibility of electrical equipment

b) it is readily accessible for installation, replacement, operation, testing,
inspection, maintenance and repair (see 6.6.1.9 and 6.9.4 for the
main switch). All parts of the installation shall be accessible without
the need to enter any adjoining premises (for example, in an
apartment building) * NOTE Common areas (such as passages and entrance halls) are not regarded as
adjoining areas.

[AndyD]

CBI (I think it was CBI) used to have a kit that you could attach to the main breaker, it was like a hanging rod that clipped onto the levers that allowed it to be operated easily if the DB was mounted high.

[iDon]

Hi Sparks,
Thanks for the quick response.
The DB is NOT above the stove, or any electrical equipment.
(We moved the stove isolator so that it was no longer above the stove prior to the issuance of the CoC)

The DB is installed ABOVE a cupboard, on the wall, open to view, just below ceiling height.
Directly BELOW the DB is the Prepayment meter (with a two pole isolator integral to the meter), inside a cupboard.
The meter is 1.7m above ground level and easily visible / accessible once the cupboard door is opened.
Thanks,
Don

[iDon]

Thanks An Dee Dee!

Sounds quite cool, Andy Dee.
I'll look it up and see what is "currently" available!

[iDon]

Monster big thanks to AC

Wow, AC.
Thanks for such a detailed and comprehensive response.
Most useful.

It would seem that, because the prepayment meter - complete with two pole isolator - is in the same room as the DB (directly below the DB and at a height of 1.7m), the installation can be considered Compliant.

Most kind, all round.

[AndyD]

Sounds quite cool, Andy Dee.
I'll look it up and see what is "currently" available!

I think this is the modern day version, never used one so maybe check with their sales department.