Extending storage heater cable

[Blunda]

Hello

I am moving my storage heater from one end of the room to another. What is the safest way for me to extend the cable? I have a porcelain terminal block but after doing a bit of research I am unsure that this is suitable.

Thanks

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Why are you unsure?

What current is it rated for?

Also, remember these:

1) Screwed joints (like terminal blocks) should remain accessible for inspection.

2) Terminal blocks should not be left unenclosed.

3) Any concealed cables should only be run in the recognised Zones:

• http://www.voltimum.co.uk/files/gb/attachments/niu/l/attachments/c5-43.pdf
• http://web.archive.org/web/20061110111450/http://www.niceic.org.uk/downloads/concealedcables.pdf
• IEE article

4) Concealed cables should be RCD protected: IEE Article on 17th Edition requirements for concealed cables.

 

[Blunda]

Its a 30 amp porcelain terminal block

The reason I am unsure about it is because like you say it must be enclosed but this is just a terminal block with no enclosure

Also, I am running the cable behind a skirting board, what is the best way to keep the joint accessible?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

The reason I am unsure about it is because like you say it must be enclosed but this is just a terminal block with no enclosure

You can get separate enclosures -

but whether they are large enough to take 30A ceramic blocks I doubt.

Also, I am running the cable behind a skirting board,

Don't do that.

what is the best way to keep the joint accessible?

Are you extending the fixed cabling to the outlet point for the heater, or leaving that where it is and extending the flex?

If the former, leave the back box in place with the connector block inside and a blanking plate on it.

If the latter why not just replace the flex with a longer piece?

 

[Blunda]

Why should i not run it behind the skirting?

 

[BS3036]

3) Any concealed cables should only be run in the recognised Zones:

• http://www.voltimum.co.uk/files/gb/attachments/niu/l/attachments/c5-43.pdf
• http://web.archive.org/web/20061110111450/http://www.niceic.org.uk/downloads/concealedcables.pdf
• IEE article

4) Concealed cables should be RCD protected: IEE Article on 17th Edition requirements for concealed cables.

You could replace your skirting with skirting trunking, I suppose. Or stick a big label on the skirting at intervals saying 'Warning - Concealed High Voltage Cable', or something like that.

Yes folks, I know it's really Low Voltage.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You could replace your skirting with skirting trunking, I suppose.

Only works if you have accessories in it, surely?

Or stick a big label on the skirting at intervals saying 'Warning - Concealed High Voltage Cable', or something like that.

Or cover it with this:

Seriously though - there is no exemption created by warning notices..

 

[BS3036]

You could replace your skirting with skirting trunking, I suppose.

Only works if you have accessories in it, surely?

I don't see that at all. Surface trunking doesn't have to be in a safe zone. You only have to tap skirting trunking with your knuckles to know what it is to know what it is. Also (I ask with trepidation ) - why else is it available for sale? If you can't use it.

Seriously though - there is no exemption created by warning notices..

Still dubious - what about "This 'skirting board' is, in fact, surface trunking".

Incidentally, I wonder from your statement, whether you know the kind of skirting trunking I was talking about. It doesn't have room for accessories, as it just looks like skirting board (until you touch it).

The one at the back - 110mm high.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Err um - yes, you're right.

For some reason I was thinking of the stuff that looks just like normal skirting board but has a couple of grooves on the back for cables....