If a new consumer unit has to be fitted,what are the next steps if there is not enough spare on the original cables,to make a satisfactory job? 90% of original cables will not reach.Is it feasable to fit an additional large j/b then extend down yo consumer unit?any help.thanks.
new consumer unit
- Thread starter feragreset
- Start date
We will assume that you are aware of the regulations regarding this work?
Firstly you must carry out a full test and inspection of the existing installation
Repair/replace/uipgrade anything that does not meet wiring regulations
Upgrade meter tails, main earth conductors, check equipotential bonding etc.
Now you are nearly ready to change over the consumer unit.
To extend exitsing cables could use a large box with appropriate terminal blocks or (better) use a din-rail assembly. Whatever you do it must be accessible for inspection so dont think of burying the joints and plastering over.
Why not site to CU where the cable are?
OK so then you have to carry out the swap, do all of the testing, with your calibrated test equipment, fill out the certificate and notify the local authority (you have to do this as you will have notified them that you are going to do the work - they will probably send someone round to inspect what you are doing.
Thats all there is to it.
Firstly you must carry out a full test and inspection of the existing installation
Repair/replace/uipgrade anything that does not meet wiring regulations
Upgrade meter tails, main earth conductors, check equipotential bonding etc.
Now you are nearly ready to change over the consumer unit.
To extend exitsing cables could use a large box with appropriate terminal blocks or (better) use a din-rail assembly. Whatever you do it must be accessible for inspection so dont think of burying the joints and plastering over.
Why not site to CU where the cable are?
OK so then you have to carry out the swap, do all of the testing, with your calibrated test equipment, fill out the certificate and notify the local authority (you have to do this as you will have notified them that you are going to do the work - they will probably send someone round to inspect what you are doing.
Thats all there is to it.
thanks for the info!When you mention accessible does this mean it has to be on show,or minimum effort to get to it.Im talking as regards large j/b.
ac·ces·si·ble [ak-ses-uh-buhl]
–adjective
easy to approach, reach, enter, speak with, or use.
–adjective
easy to approach, reach, enter, speak with, or use.
Which regulations?
BGI, but "must"?
I don't think so.
Earthing & bonding yes, but the meter tails aren't yours to replace.
The purpose of my post was to highlight that changing a consumer unit was not a simple matter of plonking a new one in having firstly got a big terminal box to resolve his short wire issue.
I kind of hoped that he would have then done some research and come back with his response like
"Maybe I should get someone in then."
But now we are into minutiae and more time than i want to invest
But, if I must, I'll back off a little on one or two of these and await further disagreements and fiddly points from others.
here goes............
_________________
BGI, but "must"?
The scheme I am registered with says I MUST carry out a full Periodic Inspection before changing a consumer unit.
Its a very sensible thing to do as that way you dont disconnect averything and then find there is a wiring show-stopper
_____________________
Any code 1 absolutely
Any code 2 advisedly
3 should be investigated
Wouldnt bother with 4s
______________________________
I agree ! But there may be an isolator to run new meter tails to
My breath is bated.
I kind of hoped that he would have then done some research and come back with his response like
"Maybe I should get someone in then."
But now we are into minutiae and more time than i want to invest
But, if I must, I'll back off a little on one or two of these and await further disagreements and fiddly points from others.
here goes............
Building regulations Part P
_________________
BGI, but "must"?
The scheme I am registered with says I MUST carry out a full Periodic Inspection before changing a consumer unit.
Its a very sensible thing to do as that way you dont disconnect averything and then find there is a wiring show-stopper
_____________________
Any code 1 absolutely
Any code 2 advisedly
3 should be investigated
Wouldnt bother with 4s
______________________________
Earthing & bonding yes, but the meter tails aren't yours to replace.[/quote]
I agree ! But there may be an isolator to run new meter tails to
My breath is bated.
thanks for the replies.Im not just going to bodge the consumer unit in without making prior checks and tests.It was a simple question,i have recieved 3 different suggestions from part p registered electricians.I respect the experience on this forum,but not to be belittled by it.Maybe i read to much into the replies,but not to see you try and score points of each other.
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