Once again our regs go a little over the top on this issue in Ireland.
Small 3 phase distribution panel would have:
Supply side fuses, (more modern installations will use interlinked breakers too) feeding through the meter and an isolating switch (usually a turn handle type)... then on to the distribution panel .. (sealed ot this point by the PoCo)
Bonding to earth etc is also done by the PoCo and sealed (same with 1phase domestic stuff).
3 X Neozed fuses
followed by an one out all out circuit breaker which must be lower rated than the fuses (which are there incase of everything failing or getting stuck)
and then each circuit has one out all out circuit breakers
Anything connected to a socket of any type up to 32Amps must also be RCD protected. (Same goes for any lighting circuits or 13amp sockets taking a single phase +N)
Some fixed equipment that would have problems with RCDs would be exempt but other than that the rule applies to everyting up to 400V.
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The Neozed fuses on our commercial/domestic distribution panels are supposed to be there primarily as a fire prevention measure. Basically if the panel ever caught fire they're not electromechanical and will blow even if there is severe melting going on...I know this sounds quite over the top, but it's the logic behind keeping fuses there.
[This message has been edited by djk (edited 08-16-2003).]
