Lengthening tails

[Estrella]

Hi Folks,
I fully expect to get flamed here, but I'll ask anyway

I need to run two new tails, longer obviously, to my new CU unit. Can someone tell me what the cable diameter/type is please so that I can order the correct stuff.

Pics :

Current setup

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• Estrella
• 8 Apr 2009
• 1

new cable run (in red)

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• Estrella
• 8 Apr 2009
• 1

CU Unit

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• Estrella
• 8 Apr 2009
• 2

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• Estrella
• 8 Apr 2009
• 1

Thanks in advance

 

[ColJack]

nope, nuh uh, not gonna... can't find my barge pole anyway..

nice job by the plasterer though, overboard a wall and plaster in the CU..

tails are usually 25mm² double insulated, one brown, one blue. earth is 16mm²

if that run is more than 3M, then you need to fit a switch fuse..

who on earth put the CU that far away from the mains anyway?

 

[bernardgreen]

Did the electrician who fitted the consumer unit know it was going to be directly above a cooker ?

Both means of isolating a over-heating cooker are directly above the cooker itself.

Not good.

Ah not so bad... there is a third way to isolate the whole lot, lights as well, on the meter board.

 

[Estrella]

nice job by the plasterer though, overboard a wall and plaster in the CU..

I was away when that work was done, and yes I wasn't best please when i returned

tails are usually 25mm² double insulated, one brown, one blue. earth is 16mm²

Very helpful, thanks

if that run is more than 3M, then you need to fit a switch fuse..

It's more than 3m now, and will get approx 1m longer when the tails are replaced. Can you link me / give details of an appropriate switch fuse please?

who on earth put the CU that far away from the mains anyway?

Along story, but the mains used to be on a wall directly opposite the CU, approx 1m away. Scottish Power came ot remove mains from the wall that I was about to remove and put it there. They refused to place it anywhere else. Wouldn't mind but it cost me £180

 

[Estrella]

Ah not so bad... there is a third way to isolate the whole lot, lights as well, on the meter board.

Yup, thats where I knock the power off when I am doing anything electrical.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Hi Folks,
I fully expect to get flamed here, but I'll ask anyway

Not flamed, really, but a few truths pointed out.

I need to run two new tails, longer obviously, to my new CU unit. Can someone tell me what the cable diameter/type is please so that I can order the correct stuff.

The mere fact that you have to ask that is absolute conclusive proof that you don't have the competence to replace the tails.

Can you link me / give details of an appropriate switch fuse please?

Ditto.

Plus the Zs value for all the circuits will have changed so they will all need re-testing and re-certifying.

And if your plan is to use an electrician, not DIY, then have her supply all the correct materials - she'll be the one who has to sign it off....

 

[securespark]

Ah not so bad... there is a third way to isolate the whole lot, lights as well, on the meter board.

Yup, thats where I knock the power off when I am doing anything electrical.

Hope you lock off like me, too?

 

[sparkyspike]

Rather than running the tails via the route in red, turn the isolator enclosure upside down (or replace it with a switchfuse) and run the new tails upwards and over the top of the meter. You may find you can then reuse the existing tails.

I agree with BAS - this is a job for an electrician.

 

[sm1thson]

Get a quote to get the CU moved to the meter, I know its £££'s but worth doing if you can, surely. And it looks like your getting works done so now would be the best time to do it (well before you plastered would be but dont let one mistake cause another, your plasterer will be able to patch it quickly enough)

 

[Spark123]

I need to run two new tails, longer obviously, to my new CU unit. Can someone tell me what the cable diameter/type is please so that I can order the correct stuff.

You gotta be joking me - that thing isn't new!
Look at the state of it:

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• Estrella
• 8 Apr 2009
• 2

Don't know what size RCD it is but you shouldn't just have one of them protecting the whole building - section 314 of the regs refers.

 

[ColJack]

never paid it much attention, but does that thing have cartridge fuses?

can't see any levers so it aint breakers..

 

[Spark123]

Yes, they are cartridge fuses.

 

[Estrella]

Thank you for all of your replies. I understand some of your concerns about my ability to do this.

To answer some other questions, the plastering was done over a year ago and the kitchen has been in this state ever since. Mainly due to lack of funds. To compound matters I am now out of work which is why getting a tradesman in isn't possible at the moment.

My question is this.

Given that the cable is single core paired back and fixed at both ends with screw clamps, how can I fook it up ? I am not trying to be antagonistic, just curious.

 

[Estrella]

I need to run two new tails, longer obviously, to my new CU unit. Can someone tell me what the cable diameter/type is please so that I can order the correct stuff.

You gotta be joking me - that thing isn't new!
Look at the state of it:

Untitled

• Estrella
• 8 Apr 2009
• 2

Don't know what size RCD it is but you shouldn't just have one of them protecting the whole building - section 314 of the regs refers.

Sorry, the 'new' bit was clearly a typo, and obviously it is not a new unit. Must have had a brain fart at the time of posting



EDIT:

Don't know what size RCD it is but you shouldn't just have one of them protecting the whole building - section 314 of the regs refers.

That, and what you see on the meter board, is all I have.

 

[Spark123]

Some of the things that spring to mind are reversing the tails, electrocute yourself, or not tighten a cable fully so it has a high resistance join.
Still I'd think twice about the location of the consumer unit - it probably one of the worst places to have it.