Extra consumer unit

[g12net500]

The main CU is isolated from the meter with the 100a breaker/switch so i dont have to remove the fuse. If i swicth the breaker off i am able to access the tails from the breaker to the consumer unit with no tingling sensations . So the main unit it isolatable from the meter without drastic action. The problem being is i dont want to mess with the existing unit, which is why i asked if i can split the 100a output to lead to the 2 seprate cus, but i cant fit both cus in the same cupboard, there is not enough room.

 

[plugwash]

hmm actually scratch that it seems they don't do secret key FCUs in logic plus (they do them in metalclad plus though.....)

 

[plugwash]

The main CU is isolated from the meter with the 100a breaker/switch so i dont have to remove the fuse. If i swicth the breaker off i am able to access the tails from the breaker to the consumer unit with no tingling sensations . So the main unit it isolatable from the meter without drastic action. The problem being is i dont want to mess with the existing unit, which is why i asked if i can split the 100a output to lead to the 2 seprate cus, but i cant fit both cus in the same cupboard, there is not enough room.

you can but try to keep the second CU close (generally accepted practice is no more than a couple of meters for tails only protected by the service fuse). to join the tails get yourself one of theese

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?cId=101863&ts=58382&id=14850

 

[g12net500]

LOL NO!!, no such fishy cannibis plants or a secret porn ring, it is PC's i use for work, the hardware is sensitive inside, my daughter has a knack of pressing power buttons and the like quickly in sucsession, i just want to isolate them all, as i had this box handy i thought it might do! Few things, a spur has to have less sockets on than the main ring it supplies right? secondly i dont think 13a would be enough for 3 computers, network switch, router, printer, monitor and a cooling fan system? so could i in theory use the new consumer unit instead of a 13a fcu? or am i talking through my backside? thanks for the input tho guys

 

[g12net500]

plugwash, i had been looking at those, but unfortunately the new cu cant be located any close than 4 metres

 

[plugwash]

got a photo? are you really sure you can't squeese a small CU in somewhere.

if a CU is two big how about a double pole MCB in a two module box? (tails go in one end of DP mcb cuircuit comes out the other, mcb provides isolation and overcurrent protection).

 

[Steve]

Few things, a spur has to have less sockets on than the main ring it supplies right?

no. If you make it a fused spur, you can have as many sockets as you desire, as i said. A normal unfused spur can only have ONE socket plate on it.

secondly i dont think 13a would be enough for 3 computers, network switch, router, printer, monitor and a cooling fan system

you never know. You could use 2 x 13A spurs - off different sockets on the ring main. This gives you 26A to play with - plenty for what you need.

Thing is, this is a hell of a lot easier than splitting the tails and running SWA and new consumer units . . .

 

[g12net500]

Sorry i dont have a digicamera, there is room for what you say but itd be rather a tight fit, would be awkward (and dangerous) to fit as the spare space is right below the meter where the tails enter, not my idea of a fun installation

 

[g12net500]

Could i use a higher rated fcu from a single socket point?

 

[Steve]

Could i use a higher rated fcu from a single socket point?

13A is maximum - they take plug fuses, only rated at 13A. Take one spur on to 4 double sockets, then the other spur to another 4 double sockets. Exactly the same as having 2 x 8-way sockets plugged into a socket.

 

[breezer]

i dont think 13a would be enough for 3 computers, network switch, router, printer, monitor and a cooling fan system?

bet you it is.

what was it all plugged into before?

 

[g12net500]

hmm so 4 sockets could be enough as i will be using either surge protected extensions or rcd sockets (or even both)

thanks for the heads up guys

So just as a side note use 13a rated fcu spur with upto 4 sockets , and you cant use a cu from a spur correct?

 

[breezer]

only 4 sockets?

I have got 2 surge protectors, (one with 4 sockets the other with 6) and two non surge protected 4 way sockets, and you are worried about 4 sockets?

I would not use an rcd in the same room, just in case the pc's trip it in the middle of somehing important.

there is nothing to stop yopu putting a consumers unit off a ring, the fact that you couldnt get any more current though, the hassle, the cost not to mention it only has an on / off switch

go with my suggestion, easier, less hassle, and i still say a lock on the door would be best, since it also stops icelollies, baby food etc getting everywhere.

Also try to teach your child not to push buttons, i know its easy for me to say that , but one day it could prove dangerous

 

[g12net500]

Like you said, button push stopping is easier said than done lol! She will understand soon but guess the adventurer in her is too much to control. Oh and the room in question doesnt have a door and that would pose me yet another problem which i am not going to go down!! I will do the switched spur route and use surged sockets, i was just seeing what my options were as i had a nice handy 2way cu sitting around. Had to ask, like i said daft question. I have only ever spur 1 socket from a ring before as i wasnt sure of the maximum number of sockets allowed once fused, so i kept things simple. Problem is the nearest socket to the ring is a fair few metres away, guess i should take up painting instead Thanks guys

 

[ChrisRogers]

please delete