moving a consumer unit

[harry55]

Hi
I want to move the consumer unit about 3 metres away from where it is Question 1. Can I connect to a terminal block of some sort to join the extra length of supply wire that would be needed ?
Question 2. How would I find out what size cable I need ?

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

Moving a consumer unit really isn't something to be thought of as a DIY project, its too easy to:-
do it wrong,
break the law,
have a very nasty accident.

might i suggest you get an electrician in to look at doing this for you

 

[harry55]

Moving a consumer unit really isn't something to be thought of as a DIY project, its too easy to:-
do it wrong,
break the law,
have a very nasty accident.

might i suggest you get an electrician in to look at doing this for you

Its not that hard there is an isolator switch fitted between the meter and consumer unit. I have rewired a house before some years ago and it was passed by the electricty board.

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

Fair enough,
once you have notified the council and paid their fees, you could use a suitable connector block.
The main incoming cable size could vary, depending on whats connected, but probably will want 25mm tails.

Have you checked the earthing and bonding are ok?

 

[flameport]

Its not that hard there is an isolator switch fitted between the meter and consumer unit.

So what? That just means you can switch off the power.

Moving a consumer unit is far more involved than that. As well as extending the supply tails, what about:
- if the tails are over a certain length, a switchfuse will be required next to the meter
- extending all of the other circuits which connect to the consumer unit
- replacing the main bonding (since joints in that almost certainly won't comply with BS7671)
- testing the circuits once the CU has been moved
- notification for part P (or the Scottish equivalent)
- if the job takes longer than you expected or something goes wrong, your entire house will be without electricity?

 

[RF Lighting]

And ensuring the supply , and all the circuits still comply with BS7671 after you have altered the characteristics of every single one.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Only if your name is Mark Coles

 

[RF Lighting]

Ok then, still comply with the edition of BS7671 to which they were wired.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I don't think that many people would be happy with the idea of chopping all the walls open, and lifting all the floors, to check that the cable routes are OK....

 

[RF Lighting]

You know what I mean. Checking things like Zs values are still within acceptable values.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Oh yes - that, ring-final continuity etc.

 

[harry55]

Fair enough,
once you have notified the council and paid their fees, you could use a suitable connector block.
The main incoming cable size could vary, depending on whats connected, but probably will want 25mm tails.

Have you checked the earthing and bonding are ok?

yeah the earthing is needing updating also had to remove a few spurs, not worried about running new cable if thats what has to be done.

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

just out of curiosity, how much does your local council charge for pre-notification ?
Was it difficult dealing with them?

 

[harry55]

just out of curiosity, how much does your local council charge for pre-notification ?
Was it difficult dealing with them?

I cant remember it was back in 1990 and I did it through the eletricity board infact it was arranged by my ex wife when we lived in surrey.

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

Sorry, i mean't currently, not back in 1990.