Extension of meter tails and the rules regarding this

[Razzmond]

Hello all,

I have just been reading another post regarding a method of extending meter tails in a certain situation and just want to expand my knowledge on the subject.

If extending meter tails, I believe some kind of overcurrent protection/isolation method is require if longer then 3 meters? If this is the case what sort of items would you use to provide this protection and isolation?

If, for example, a customer wanted their CU moved into a seperate room, how would you guys do this?

Would it be ran under floorboards and dropped in from above or would it be chased in (that sounds like a ridiculous idea but just throwing it out there) or is there a different method the regs say you should use?


Sorry for the multiple questions and thanks in advance for your answers

 

[amlu]

metal wylex switchfuse, armored 16/25mm to where is needed, another metal box to terminate it.
i would rather have it on outside wall than chased in.
there will be a big bang and sparks flying if some numpty drills/nails it when buried in the wall.

 

[Razzmond]

Good point. Chasing it in did seem absurd but I've heard of worse!

Under floorboards then?

 

[Leesparkykent]

Good point. Chasing it in did seem absurd but I've heard of worse!

Under floorboards then?

What under floor boards?

 

[Razzmond]

If the meter is on one side of the house and you need to move the CU to the other side how would you run the tails?

 

[Leesparkykent]

If the meter is on one side of the house and you need to move the CU to the other side how would you run the tails?

You obviously wouldn't run tails would you. The most obvious way would be a switch fuse and swa but this could be different depending on the installation method.

 

[amlu]

why moving it in the first place? if the reason is some fancy designer crap and people with too much money to burn then i wont run any tails and just walk away from it.

 

[Razzmond]

Just a hypothetical question. Ive been on jobs in the past where a customer wanted the CU moved higher/into a pantry. Never went back on that job as I went to work with a sparks who needed a hand but another post reminded me.

And I didn't know not to run tails. Hence why I'm asking. :dunce2:

If I don't ask I wont know. Cheers gents!

 

[Leesparkykent]

Just a hypothetical question. Ive been on jobs in the past where a customer wanted the CU moved higher/into a pantry. Never went back on that job as I went to work with a sparks who needed a hand but another post reminded me.

And I didn't know not to run tails. Hence why I'm asking. :dunce2:

If I don't ask I wont know. Cheers gents!

If it's just moving a DB slightly higher then you would more than likely still use tails depending on length/installation method. I thought your hypothetical question in your OP was on about moving a DB from one side of the house to the other.

 

[Darkwood]

Most customers when hit with the cost of relocating existing consumer units usually see the light and change their mind, however for the many circumstances where CU is remote to the meter point then the most practical way which also negates the need to have a RCD upfront covering a full installation is SWA from a Metalclad Switch Fuse ... this allows a standard twin rcd board to be fitted as normal. Many variables may mean other methods are more suited but you need to avoid an 1 RCD covering everything where possible.

 

[shanky887614]

What under floor boards?

and let some plumber cut into it with a saw?

people dont ever set the depth stop properly and it would be a pain in the arse to pull the swa and all the circuits through to extend them.

 

[Razzmond]

If it's just moving a DB slightly higher then you would more than likely still use tails depending on length/installation method. I thought your hypothetical question in your OP was on about moving a DB from one side of the house to the other.

The question was just an 'in theory' question about moving the CU to the other side of the house leaving the meter where it is.