On Sep 16, 1:06*pm, Tim S wrote:
Jon coughed up some electrons that declared:

Hi,

Our consumer unit is on an external wall in the downstairs toilet
above the window and is very draughty, which makes the room cold in
the winter. I want to seal it up to prevent any draught's coming
through.

I was thinking of boxing it in draught sealing it (with a door for
access), but the missus' step-father suggested taking the front off
the CU and squirting some expanding foam in the void behind it to seal
it all up from there. It'd be much less hassle to do this.

Is this an ok thing to do? I've read that expanding foam can be
corrosive to cable insulation!? Not sure if it's an urban myth or not.

not even remotely sensible. You're filling an electrical item that
requires a little airflow to cool the cables, and often fuses, with an
insulator. Not just that, but its flammable. And not only that, but it
will prevent any future work in the CU short of scrapping it. And not
only that... but it expands with great force as it sets, likely
buggering the CU beyond saving.

If you have draughts, fix the hole in the wall or window, boxing the
CU in isnt a very good answer.


NT