Arc resistance performance of Rigidur gypsum fibre boards

Requirements for house service connection boxes

When installing electrical distribution boards in buildings, various regulations and standards apply, primarily intended to ensure the safety and functionality of the installations. Below are some of the most important provisions:

1. DIN 18015: This standard relates to the minimum equipment, planning principles and cable routing in residential buildings. It defines how electrical installations in residential buildings must be planned and executed.

2. VDE regulations: The Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies (VDE) has developed numerous standards and safety regulations that apply to the planning, installation and inspection of electrical systems in residential, commercial and public buildings. These regulations cover, among other aspects, the selection and installation of cables, wiring systems, switching devices and protective measures.

Requirements and specifications

In order to arrange the house connection box, the cables and the box itself must be installed on an arc-resistant wall surface.
House connection boxes (HAK) must be installed in easily accessible locations to ensure that the fire department has unobstructed access in case of damage. Furthermore, the structural conditions necessary for the safe installation of the HAK must be provided. A suitable space or room must be made available for the house connection box, e.g. a house connection room.

Task:

Installation of a house connection box for an electrical installation in a residential building, mounted on an arc-resistant wall, in accordance with DIN and VDE regulations.

Solution:

The use of Rigidur H gypsum fiberboards in thicknesses of 12.5/15.0 or 18.0 mm as wall construction meets the requirements for arc resistance. With the best possible rating LV 1.1.1.1 according to DIN VDE 0303 T5, Rigidur gypsum fiberboards are perfectly suited to use as substrates for house connection boxes and distribution cabinets.

Photo: a look inside a typical house connection box: the installation on an arc-resistant wall surface is crucial.

Arc Resistance

Accredited testing institutes certify the arc resistance of Rigidur H gypsum fiberboards. For a substrate to be classified as arc-resistant, a low-voltage high-current arc test must be conducted by an accredited testing institute. The test procedure is defined in DIN VDE 0303 Part 5: Low-voltage high-current arc test.

Suitability of Rigidur H gypsum fiberboards by RIGIPS

Test results and evaluation of the behavior of Rigidur H gypsum fiberboards under the arc:

Easy installation

House connection boxes, distribution cabinets, media rails and cable ducts can be installed simply by screwing them onto Rigidur H gypsum fibreboard walls using coarse-thread screws. Complex dowelling, drilling or backing is not necessary.

Rigidur H gypsum fibreboards are ideal for timber frame construction and drywall as cladding and sheathing, serving as a statically stiffening, non-combustible, and soundproofing building product.