Renewing consumer unit - no space

[Ohmless]

Hi.
An electrician isn't my day job but I qualified on one of those 'quickie' courses a couple of years ago, thus I am competent yet rusty on some aspects.
My conundrum is that a consumer unit needs upgrading. However, the CU is situated in a low cupboard on a narrow (right hand) wall, it just fits and awkward to get to.
A new (amendment) CU is obviously much larger, but would fit comfortably on the adjacent wall some 40cm away.
My question please, to the venerable, is: Would it be acceptable to replace the old CU with a junction box housing, and to run the various twin & earth cables from here to the new CU nearby?
Many thanks for (polite) replies!

 

[The Ghost]

Yep you can get a din rail box and wago connectors and make a nice neat safe job of it. But don't neglect tests before doing change.

 

[Madocks]

Define competent, are you with a scheme? How do you intend on signing the work off?

Yes, you can extend the circuits.

 

[Pete999]

Providing you used the correct enclosure/connectors, and the install was up to current standards, and the DNO was prepared to move the supply to the new proposed position, and if the cost of moving the DNOs equipment was cost prohibited, and you used the correct install method and equipment for the supply from the existing head to the new CU position, I see no reason why not.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Similar to this...(not my job BTW). I don't think the DNO equipment needs moving as it's only being moved 400mm and no distribution circuit. Looks like the OP is moving the position as a new amm3 style box won't fit in the existing space.

 

[ipf]

Similar to this...(not my job BTW). I don't think the DNO equipment needs moving as it's only being moved 400mm and no distribution circuit. Looks like the OP is moving the position as a new amm3 style box won't fit in the existing space.

View attachment 40012

Must have had some red tucked away...eh?

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

I think i need to get out more, as for some reason i always find a nice neat row of din rail connectors to extend cables in an enclosure exciting, it just looks so well organised and tidy if done well.

 

[Octopus]

What you are suggesting is an option, but I would avoid having to extend the tails in said enclosure .........

The last time I did something like this, I used a Henley block next to the old board for the tails and an external met next to the Henley...

 

[Squid]

Is it April already?

 

[Leesparkykent]

Must have had some red tucked away...eh?

pic I took off line. If I'm not mistaken I think it might even be one of engineer54's pics.

 

[KEV 1 N]

Just a note, if you do use din rail connections. Connect the CPCs in normal din rail connectors NOT the earth ones as shown, as this will effectively connect all the CPCs together across the Din rail and make testing difficult if disconnecting at the DB terminals

 

[Wilko]

Another thought is to go all rcbo in the new CU. This will get back 4 ways and it may fit in the existing location .

 

[ipf]

pic I took off line. If I'm not mistaken I think it might even be on of engineer54's pics.

Not heard anything about eng for ages. I'm not hopeful to tell you the truth.

 

[Ohmless]

Whow, thank you Vortigern for your swift reply and thank you all for your replies, love the photo Leesparky, helps a lot.
Yep, no need to move the DNO because, unlike the photo the new CU will be at the same horizontal level as the old one, (or 'head' as it will become,) but on the adjacent wall and so will become actually slightly closer to the DNO equipment. However, it does mean that I will need to run the extended cables externally between the units. (Just wish it was at head height and not under a low cupboard!)
Nice thought Wilko about using RCBOs I'll have a scratch of the head and get my tape measure out.
- and take a gander at the various types of din rail connectors.
Thank you all again.

 

[Spoon]

If you are going to get a new CU how about installing an isolator after the meter?

 

[Toneyz]

Post a couple of pictures we will be able to see first hand and recommend something.

 

[Leesparkykent]

@stillsy ..... Another one who likes to dish out negative ratings but hasn't posted a message in nearly 6 years of being a member

 

[snowhead]

@stillsy ..... Another one who likes to dish out negative ratings but hasn't posted a message in nearly 6 years of being a member

It's not even bad spelling it's just a missing E.
Letters go mising all the time.

 

[Toneyz]

It's not even bad spelling it's just a missing E.
Letters go mising all the time.

The ones from Bill never do!

 

[Midwest]

@stillsy ..... Another one who likes to dish out negative ratings but hasn't posted a message in nearly 6 years of being a member

Think he's un-disliked himself now?

Metal or plastic that din rail enclosure?