Consumer Unit Earthing acceptable or not?

[steve1811uk]

The picture shows the earthing of my consumer unit. There are 7 strands of bare wire approx 1 mm diameter each. I guess this is not an acceptable earthing method. How can I upgrade that? Do I just use 16mm squared green/yellow? Do I just bolt the new earth lead to that springy strip (where the individual wires are now). Or do I need to clamp it around the incoming metal sheath? All help appreciated. Steve.

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s304/steve1811uk/Electrics/Consumerunitearthing.jpg

 

[ryanjuk87]

That's certainly quite dodgy. I'd recommend phoning your electrical supplier to see about them upgrading this for you.

 

[RF Lighting]

It looks to me like it may be an uninsulated 10.0mm²

It is not desperately unsafe, but it might be a good idea to replace it with 16.0mm² earth wire.

To properly terminate it to the existing earth terminal you should use a copper tube lug crimped onto the end of the cable, and connect it using the existing bolt.
Looking at your picture you will probably need a CT16-10 lug.


Do not fit an earth clamp onto the sheath of the incomming cable. If you do there is a risk of crushing the cable, and the subsequent danger of it exploding.



(To fit the lug to the cable you will need a pair of heavy duty crimpers, which most electrical wholesalers will hire for around £5 a day, but if you just have one lug to do there and then they may let you borrow them for free )

 

[steve1811uk]

Thanks for the brilliant help you've just given me. Please have a look at my other two recent posts to see if you can help there too. Steve.