Additional CU

[topgazza]

I’m considering adding a 4 way CU next to my main one as it’s getting a little crowded and I want to separate the garage lights and sockets and external lights from the main CU. Partly because of the crowding but also just to separate them

I’m a retired ex electrician so doing the work is not an issue. But I need to split the tails into the new CU. Any recommendations as to currently available 100amp power supply to splitter connector blocks to use please ?

It used to be easy as they were mainly just two types of Henley blocks that were used back in the day (70s). MK and Wylex from memory

Everything is isolated by a double pole switch so all safe. I assume, in my situation, adding an additional CU is permitted ? But will need to be carried out by a certified electrician ?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Why not just replace your existing CU, with a new one, with more ways? Tidier, easier, and not expensive.

 

[ETAF]

plus if you do not have already , maybe use RCBO - i wish i had those , only had a trip twice , BUT takes out half the CU, although at the time the electrician fitted 2017-8ish ours i think he quote for the rcbo something like £75-£100 each or something like that

 

[EFLImpudence]

Replacement CUs are notifiable; additional ones are not.


Henley blocks still available and favoured.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

plus if you do not have already , maybe use RCBO - i wish i had those , only had a trip twice , BUT takes out half the CU, although at the time the electrician fitted 2017-8ish ours i think he quote for the rcbo something like £75-£100 each or something like that

For the ordinary user, I would certainly agree, because the might have difficulty getting someone in to diagnose the issue within a sensible time frame - but for those able to quickly, and easily self diagnose, it is much less of a problem.

A dual RCD CU, seems a fair compromise, if the circuits are organised, so there is always some power available locally in an area, should one RCD section trip.

 

[ebee]

Replacement CUs are notifiable; additional ones are not.


Henley blocks still available and favoured.

That’s a surprise to me . I assumed any CU is.
Anyway whichever solution you choose there are always ways and means of circumvention including pushing it a bit to famn right sculldughing and in reality the only way you have a real risk of getting done for it is if you do it dangerously or very dangerously.

PS - I didn’t say that!

 

[Murdochcat]

Could you post a photo of the existing CU ?

 

[plugwash]

Replacement CUs are notifiable; additional ones are not.

Additional CUs are not specifically called out as notifiable, but "new circuits" are.

Maybe there is some corner case where you could add an addtional CU without creating any "new circuits" but.............