RCBOs - OK to shorten the N tail?

[aesmith]

Hi,

Quick question. Is it OK to shorten the Neutral tails on RCBOs to keep the wiring neat? There are two reasons why I'm wondering, firstly I seem to remember reading somewhere that they shouldn't be shortened. The other reason is that they have a nice bootlace ferrule crimped on the end of the tail which would be a bit pointless if the lead's going to be cut down to length.

Same regarding the earth lead I suppose, which again is miles longer than needed although not so bulky so less of a problem.

Thanks in advance, Tony S

 

[bernardgreen]

Yes they can be shortened PROVIDED the end is fitted with the correct size of boot lace ferrule and then the correct tool is used to crimp the ferrule.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I do cut mine to length but crimp on a new bootlace ferrule. The neutral is usually a multi-strand tri-rated cable and its the only way to ensure all of the strands get terminated.

PS You'll invalidate the warranty if you chop it though...

 

[aesmith]

Thanks everyone. By the way I just nipped out and had another look in the panel. The first RCBO, installed by the sparky when the supply was connected, has had the N tail shortened and no ferrule fitted. The multicores are just all connected into the terminal. I'll crimp that one along with my additions.

Tony S