Gazing through the blades of the horizontally mounted fan of an air source heat pump ( and thus in effect open to the elements) I could see the internal wiring passing from the various components into the rear of the 'control box' This wiring passes through open type grommets into the box with no attempt at sealing the entries or routing the cables 'rain loop' style. Further the box itself has open holes to its rear & various protruding internal fixings showing.
Is this the norm for these things?
Are the suppliers/importers responsible for attributing proper IP ratings for this type of equipment or is their response 'we haven't had any problems' sufficient reassurance to proceed with connection?
Any comments would be welcome. I would like to post a pic of the above but being an old duffer with only part of his head unsubmerged in the sand of IT I cant!

What IP rating are they claiming?

- Andy.

Andy no IP rating stated just 'for outdoor use only' I think it is American origin but supplied in uk

A/C units dont have an overall IP rating as such although various components might be listed as such, you need to start with standards like BS EN 14825 and a host of others to determine if it is suitable, but 'for outdoor use' should be sufficient, just think of it as the same as a unit stuck on the side of a tower block or on the roof subject to all weather conditions, I would not worry about it as they generate plenty of heat and you have big hairdryer so I doubt any drips would collect on a drip loop anyway.

regards

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"Take nothing but a picture,
leave nothing but footprints!"
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"Oh! The drama of it all."
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"You can throw all the philosophy you like at the problem, but at the end of the day it's just basic electrical theory!"
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Although I'd hope that a ASHP would be absorbing more heat than it generates

It's difficult without seeing the unit, but it doesn't necessarily sound too bad - things don't have to be hermetically sealed to be weather proof - shielding live parts from rain, making sure any condensation can drain away freely and decent creepage/clearance distances around live parts could provide an adequate (and perhaps more reliable) solution.

- Andy.

LoL -

OMS

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Failure is always an option

It's not that I want to see it sealed like an old Buxted Certified as you suggest it is sometimes over sealing that traps moisture / condensation
but my concern is that the said wiring entries and back of control box are completely exposed to the skies unless the fan blows away the rain. also as it is a pool heater it wont be on at all times helping it dry out!

What's inside the "control box"? Is it just bare terminals in a plain box, or might there be some internal barriers/deflectors?
- Andy.

If it has a CE mark, none of this is your problem......

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David
CEng etc, don't ask, its a result not a question!

Not sure this is 100% the case for "domestic" equipment, as the "retailer" has responsibilities if they know the intended use.

Regardless, if you are installing equipment, BS7671 requires the Designer & Installer to ensure the selected equipment is suitable for the environment. Consider an outdoor light fitting for use in an exposed coastal area: selected IP rating and materials are important here: CE mark won't help you select a safe and suitable product for exposed coastal locations.


If it's a workplace, then I'm afraid even the H&S@W etc. Act 1974 itself puts responsibilities on everyone in the supply chain, never mind CDM Regulations, where "Designer's Duties" can also be quoted: all electrical installation work is "construction work" and Designer's Duties apply whether or not the project is "notifiable". Designer's Duties extend to ensuring equipment/installations for workplaces are safe to operate, use, maintain and decommission . . . .

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Eur Ing Graham Kenyon CEng MIET