Full Rewire Consumer Unit Height

[richy3333]

I'd be encouraging for it to be relocated outwit the cupboard under the stairs. Nice, potential fire risk and potentially if the stairs catch fire a hindrance to exiting the property. At least adjacent to the stairs it will be passed and thus seen more frequently. Use a flush fit unit and it doesn't have to be ugly.

 

[pc1966]

Is it difficult, and what would it entail to extend the wires and move it next to the front door around 3 metres away?

The "meter tails", the cables from your supply meter (presumably fixed under the stairs) to the CU, are a special case since they don't normally have any switching or protection under your control. The DNO cut-out fuse is not supposed to protect your stuff as such - it is to protect their network. If the length is under 3m and it is protected against any realistic risk of damage then they are simply connected up (usually they are under 1m and direct from meter to CU).

However, if you want to route them further away and/or they are seen at risk form damage you need to put in a fused switch at the meter and then you can run them as long as you want (subject to voltage drop limits, etc). Typically to provide protection as well as high current capacity they would be done using something like 16mm or 25mm 3 core steel wire armour cable which can be routed around stuff, go through walls, etc.

Down side of that is it is quite thick and difficult to bend, so you can't put a sharp angle in it, you are looking at around 20-25mm diameter cable and minimum bend radius of around 20cm
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If the SWA route is not feasible due to bend radius then you can put normal tails style of cables (double sheathed single core wires) in metal trunking for protection, that would allow tighter bends but is a bit more work to install.

 

[Strima]

he wants to put my boiler beside the stairs

You mention boiler, is this an electrician or a plumber that does electrics?

 

[danny30]

Oh, sorry. Meant consumer unit. Will change that now
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He has now said he can put it on the wall in the downstairs toilet. Does that sound okay?

 

[pc1966]

He has now said he can put it on the wall in the downstairs toilet. Does that sound okay?

Obvious issue is it has to be safely away from any risk of water getting in. If it is just a toilet and handbasin and you are a reasonable distance away from either that it would be OK.

However, it would mean you could not realistically ever convert that room to have a shower without having some sort of water-resistant cover over the lot. Not sure if that is a factor in any long-term plans?

 

[danny30]

No, it's a very small toilet with a sink. No chance of a shower

 

[Strima]

All this should have been discussed and agreed before starting work. Although domestic circuits are simple the installation should still be designed correctly including the layout of distribution equipment, cable routes and accessory locations before the first hammer is swung in anger.

 

[goasis]

Which reg no are we thinking of when saying above 1200 in a new builds ?
I know 132.12 and 513.1 but was struggling to find the definitive answer wen I was rushing recently! Cheers

 

[danny30]

So we have agreed to move it to the wall near the front door. I am not particularly happy with having to use joints to extend cables on a new rewire but I am trying to sort this out as best as possible.

Are joints problematic and is it something to worry about in the future? My wife keeps saying is saying going to be substandard wiring so I am just trying to clarify?

 

[pc1966]

It is not ideal, but with a late change of plan it is probably the best compromise on cost/time as long as the joints are properly done then it is fine.

The whole joining section needs to be suitably enclosed for physical protection, ideally in a metal box with suitable glands so it has the same fire protection as a metal CU would have.

Also ideally you would want maintenance-free spring loaded style of connectors (e.g. Wago) which are many electrician's first choice anyway, or proper DIN rail mounted screw terminals (they look neat and are widely used in control panels, etc, but they have to remain accessible for testing/inspection).