Moving consumer unit

[MarkSmith]

Hi all,

My electricity meter and consumer unit (horrible old fuse box which is already over-populated with at least one fuse supplying two rings) are currently in a cupboard just off the kitchen (effectively the cupboard under the stairs). I want to open this cupboard out, and don't want the meter and consumer unit in the middle of my kitchen wall.

Therefore I would like it moved about 1m to one side, into what will then be a similar but smaller cupboard. (I'll change to a proper, bigger, post-world-war-II RCD consumer unit at the same time.)

I can see two main issues, both relating to cable length.

Firstly, what if the "big fat" cable from the electricity company is too short? Can it be extended, or do I have to dig up the drive and get a new one fitted? I think it might be OK as it happens, but just in case.

Secondly, most of the ring main cables ARE too short. One or two go in the "right" direction so can just be shortened, and one or two go to their first port-of-call via accessible routes so the first length of cable can be replaced, but most don't. They disappear into the plaster or into the wall and there's definitely not enough slack to move them 1m. I don't want junction boxes in the middle of the wall. Is there a clever trick for getting around this?

I don't plan to do any of this myself, by the way - just trying to scope out the job before I start to get quotes.

Thanks all!
-Mark

 

[Chri5]

I don't plan to do any of this myself, by the way - just trying to scope out the job before I start to get quotes.

Thanks all!
-Mark

OK Then..........

You can't touch the meter or supplying cable you will have to talk to your DNO / supplier and pay them- it's not a job for DIY or a sparks.

As part of that process a slim modern meter and head / cut out could be supplied.

Regarding the CU the choices are:-

Re-cable the short lengths to their 1st termination at rose, socket etc

Provide a multi termination enclosure as an intermediary point between the short cables and the CU's new location

Extend the short cables via crimping and heat shrink and then overall sheathing.

 

[Steve]

It will cost you mega money to move the meter and supply.

Set aside at least £500 for this. Money grabbing sods them DNO's

 

[MarkSmith]

Thanks for the replies! Crimping may be the only viable option from those three for extending the cables - but at least there IS an option and I don't have to rewire the whole house.

Yes, I thought it would be expensive but thanks for the warning. (I also have to get the gas meter moved in the same way.)

 

[vv2806]

Contact your DNO first about the proposed location of the meter. My DNO (Western Power Distribution) refused to put it under the stairs, so I had to dig the driveway and put it outside in a meter box. The service cables (the fat ones) can be extended, the quoted price for the connection only was 285 if I remember correctly, the total price about 500.

They worked live , it was really interesting to watch.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

My DNO (Western Power Distribution) refused to put it under the stairs.

[ironic]Mine is under the stairs, and my DNO want mega-bucks to move it somewhere else.[/ironic]

Not as much as the *$£&##@~ gas robbers want to move theirs though..

 

[MarkSmith]

Coming back to this... I need the meter (etc.) moved by the DNO, and the consumer unit changed and moved by an electrician.

Given that it's unlikely I'll be able to arrange for these things to happen on the same day, will the DNO be able to install longer (around 2m long) tails to the original consumer unit for the interim? I presume it has to be done that way round - move the meter first - or could the electrician move the consumer unit and add longer tails, and the DNO move the meter and shorten the tails?

Thanks!

 

[bongos]

The DNO are responsible for the cables up to the meter. From the meter to the CU they are your responsibility. The DNO might agree to extend the section after the meter but they might not (and they don't have to)!

 

[Taylortwocities]

Your electrician should be able to run a temporary length of tails from the new meter position to the existing fuseboard. Plus an earth cable.

 

[MarkSmith]

Your electrician should be able to run a temporary length of tails from the new meter position to the existing fuseboard. Plus an earth cable.

That won't work though... it would still require the electrician to come at the same time as as the meter is moved, which won't (or might not) happen (and then I'll be in the dark all night with a defrosted freezer).

Sounds like if the DNO will not extend the tails, then I'll need to get confirmation from the DNO that they will move the meter (but not do it), then get an electrician to move (&replace) the consumer unit, and THEN actually get the meter moved, then get the electrician back to shorten the tails again (if the DNO won't/don't do it).

Thanks for the advice!

 

[vv2806]

Mark, the DNO are very unlikely to come and do the work next day after you contact them. For my DNO it normally takes 4-8 weeks. Plus, the proposed location of the cutout/meter is not standard if you want them in the kitchen, not outside in a special meter box. A visit to your property by somebody from the DNO might be required and it would take time, too. With my DNO after you make agreement about the work and send them a cheque, you can book a date for the work later on (3 or 4 months). I would say - contact them now.

 

[MarkSmith]

Thanks for the tips. Had the DNO chap out today to have a look and he's happy with the new location (well, sort of... need to (re)move water pipe first, but that was going anyway, sooner or later). Didn't realise we were talking 3-4 months for an appointment though! Will definitely have to get that booked in time!

Thanks!