Installing new consumer unit. Cables too short.

**Dave0098** · 18-05-2009

im installing a new consumer unit, it maybe that the new consumer unit wont fit in the same gap as the old 1, if i mount the consumer unit in another position, can i junction box the cables and extend them to the consumer unit?

Dave

**msodaitis** · 18-05-2009

i think the best way would be to buy a consumer unit which is similar to the old one a fits easy, and to use junction boxes i think that just rough

**Mac** · 18-05-2009

Can you not use some PVC trunking and thru crimp the cables to where you want to reposition the new CU

**Dave0098** · 18-05-2009

well i dnt really think junction boxes look rough, well they wudnt look rough if i did them anyway. the old consumer unit is in a cupboard above a door with all the electric meter and other things, so if i could find a 17th edition consumer unit which will fit in the gap i will. but yeah trunking with through crimps or junction boxes is it ok?

**Mac** · 18-05-2009

Originally Posted by Dave0098

well i dnt really think junction boxes look rough, well they wudnt look rough if i did them anyway. the old consumer unit is in a cupboard above a door with all the electric meter and other things, so if i could find a 17th edition consumer unit which will fit in the gap i will. but yeah trunking with through crimps or junction boxes is it ok?

Fine mate and it would look a lot neater than junction boxes.If you do a neat job,they could recommend you to friends and you'll have more work rolling in.Only a thought

**acat** · 18-05-2009

Crimping better than junction boxes anytime

Chris

**Thunderpants** · 18-05-2009

So through crimps are an acceptable choice in this situation. Do the crimps need to be protected or enclosed in anything? I suppose a butt splice crimp is ok as well.

TP

**Jason.S** · 18-05-2009

Through crimping with the usual crimps is fine.

However, the crimps should be in some sort of enclosure, eg adaptable box or trunking, to reinstate the insulation.

I think in this case junction boxes would also be fine, however, i would try to avoid them if poss, purely for looks.

**claire_r** · 18-05-2009

thanks dave, was about to ask the same question myself

what do you all think of adaptable boxes with din rail and din rail connectors? know they are pricey but is it a better connection than using through crimps? I have trouble with stranded 6mm cables as they dont fit in the yellow through crimps and a jb outside the box looks messy. The only advantage I can see is they are neater connections and they are accesible.

**Jason.S** · 18-05-2009

6mm T&E does fit yellow crimps although it is tight and you need to make sure you have a clean end to the cable.

However, the old imperial 6mm doesnt fit very well, if at all, so if its a reasonably old install that you are upgrading the CU on, then its something to watch out for.