Consumer unit change and tails

[APE37]

Hi guys. Just a quick question. If changing a board only and tails are in wall burried or in a cavity, am I required to change them if they are existing? Or can I note it on cert that they was existing? In my eyes they need changing as if in wall rcd protection is needed and if in cavity there is problems with cavity wall insulation. Just looking at changing a board for assessment and the cables are back entry including tails and don’t want to get caught out.
Cheers

 

[telectrix]

depends if the tails are <50mm buried. if coming straight out of wall, RCD not required.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Can you not pull them out with a draw wire attached

Then pull in some new ones

 

[remedial]

what if you open up the wall a bit so the tails are visible and no longer buried. then it complies right?

 

[westward10]

If they are of adequate csa leave them. As it stands they are existing, pull in new ones and you will have the additional protection scenario.

 

[Ian1981]

Only your work needs to comply to the regulations so you have not installed the existing tails only the new CU.
A note on the comments section regarding the tails is all that’s required on the EIC

 

[HappyHippyDad]

When changing a CU you only need to put new tails in if the existing are undersized (or of course damaged).
What size are they? If they are 25mm then they are fine. If they are 16mm they are probably fine but possible not (depending on max demand of installation, Ze and fuse size of the cutout).

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Only your work needs to comply to the regulations so you have not installed the existing tails only the new CU.
A note on the comments section regarding the tails is all that’s required on the EIC

I thought that you had to put new tails in if the existing ones where not of adequate size (when changing a CU)? The same could be said of Main bonding. We are supposed to make sure the Main bonding is in place and of an adequate size before changing the CU. I wouldn't feel happy just making a note in the comments saying 'tails not sufficient to take max demand therefore fire risk'.

 

[Toneyz]

Only your work needs to comply to the regulations so you have not installed the existing tails only the new CU.
A note on the comments section regarding the tails is all that’s required on the EIC

You took the words right out of my mouth Ian.

 

[Ian1981]

I thought that you had to put new tails in if the existing ones where not of adequate size (when changing a CU)? The same could be said of Main bonding. We are supposed to make sure the Main bonding is in place and of an adequate size before changing the CU. I wouldn't feel happy just making a note in the comments saying 'tails not sufficient to take max demand therefore fire risk'.

I think it’s pretty obvious that I meant if the tails are adequate then they can be left.
If regulation 132.16 can’t be complied with then the CU change does not proceed

 

[APE37]

Hi guys, just to get back to you. Rang technical help line for niceic and they said as long as fit for size of fuse, double insulated and existing they can be left. Not ideal, but if customer won't budge to have them rerouted, then note on cert.