Consumer unit upgrade

[Welsh_sparky_21]

Just wondering what everyone’s thoughts are with this, quite a regular poster on here now. Changing a consumer unit this weekend, the cables coming in through the ceiling. My plan was to box it out In a wee wooden frame with the cables coming in from behind, but my concerns with that are if there was ever a leak or something and the water coming in from above and pouring into the back of the consumer unit. My other thoughts were running a 4 inch mini trunking along the top and bringing the cables in the top of the consumer unit, fixing the unit straight onto the brick. What’s your thoughts on it, any advice welcome

 

[littlespark]

If there’s a water leak, then it would pour in however it was mounted.

either way would be fine, but straight to the wall might look neater.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Do they still make IP rated consumer unit ?

 

[Welsh_sparky_21]

Do they still make IP rated consumer unit ?

Tongue firmly in cheek lol!!

 

[Welsh_sparky_21]

If there’s a water leak, then it would pour in however it was mounted.

either way would be fine, but straight to the wall might look neater.

True but even more so if there’s 2 big holes in the back of the unit lol!

 

[telectrix]

True but even more so if there’s 2 big holes in the back of the unit lol!

just knock out one of the KOs in the bottom as a drain hole.

 

[Dustydazzler]

And don’t forget loads of plumbers silicone all round the lid and any gaps

 

[littlespark]

I wouldn’t overthink the leak issue unless there is actually a leak and the wall is running with water.

Any normal domestic situation has no need for an IP rated CU, whereas many garage type CUs are IP rated.

 

[UNG]

What if there was a gas leak!!! what if ....... what if ........ is it likely to happen, will it ever happen
Why over think something that may never happen

 

[Welsh_sparky_21]

just knock out one of the KOs in the bottom as a drain hole.

Hahahaha!!!

 

[snowhead]

I shouldn't worry about the water, the first drips might cause arcing and a fire, the remaining deluge will put out the fire, including the wooden boxing that the new C.U was mounted on.

 

[Welsh_sparky_21]

Ask a silly question get silly answers I see lol!!

 

[littlespark]

You’ll get used to it.

the trick is to wade through the BS posts and find one that actually helps.

 

[telectrix]

my preference is to fit 4 bits of 20mm plastic conduit, about 1/2"long, around the fixing screws. that gives clearance behind for rear entry, cheaper than wood, and saves a tree.

 

[Welsh_sparky_21]

my preference is to fit 4 bits of 20mm plastic conduit, about 1/2"long, around the fixing screws. that gives clearance behind for rear entry, cheaper than wood, and saves a tree.

What about just using 4 inch screws? Only screwing them in half way just so you’ve got the gap to get the cables in behind?

 

[littlespark]

my preference is to fit 4 bits of 20mm plastic conduit, about 1/2"long, around the fixing screws. that gives clearance behind for rear entry, cheaper than wood, and saves a tree.

You haven’t got the hang of this saving the planet thing yet, tel.... wood is better, if it comes from managed forestry.... plastic is the problem.

 

[timhoward]

What about just using 4 inch screws? Only screwing them in half way just so you’ve got the gap to get the cables in behind?

Spacers of some description needed.
You don’t want the CU loose and you don’t want to clamp cables behind it using the CU.

 

[telectrix]

You haven’t got the hang of this saving the planet thing yet, tel.... wood is better, if it comes from managed forestry.... plastic is the problem.

i get it. it's the real reason behindmetal CUs? well, it's a start.innit?

 

[Welsh_sparky_21]

Right sensible answers only now lol! Fit it straight onto the brick or frame it out? Only changed about 4 consumer units in my very small electrical career, like to know how the more experienced approach things

 

[telectrix]

What about just using 4 inch screws? Only screwing them in half way just so you’ve got the gap to get the cables in behind?

4" screws???? leave those monsters to builders with their universal screwdrivers: