consumer unit /renew back board

[colin pennington]

hi guys I need to replace the chipboard that my consumer unit is fixed to, is it safe to unscrew the plastic front cover and unscrew the consumer unit ,remove and re screw to a new ply back board (the unit is from wickes about 15 yrs old so it has the rcd things) I wont be touching the wires just replaceing the wood its fixed to ,I work in the construction industry but I'm only a groundworker ! but I do know a bit of basic stuff but any advice would be appreciated thanks colin

 

[Spoon]

Does the CU have an isolator between the meter and the CU so you can isolate the CU?
Can you post a pic of the existing CU and it's surroundings.

 

[Dave OCD]

I'd say you should be fine but whenever you have the cover off make sure the whole board is turned off, is there a separate main switch between the meter and board, if so it would make for a safer job for you.

 

[buzzlightyear]

hi guys I need to replace the chipboard that my consumer unit is fixed to, is it safe to unscrew the plastic front cover and unscrew the consumer unit ,remove and re screw to a new ply back board (the unit is from wickes about 15 yrs old so it has the rcd things) I wont be touching the wires just replaceing the wood its fixed to ,I work in the construction industry but I'm only a groundworker ! but I do know a bit of basic stuff but any advice would be appreciated thanks

put a pic on here of the whole board wood be nice!

 

[colin pennington]

thanks for the reply buzzlightyea as requested pic of the cu

 

[colin pennington]

Does the CU have an isolator between the meter and the CU so you can isolate the CU?
Can you post a pic of the existing CU and it's surroundings.

 

[colin pennington]

View attachment 39948

 

[colin pennington]

sorry guys not sure if I'm replying to you all but thanks no no isolation from supply

 

[buzzlightyear]

looking at the pic I think you might struggle to change the c/u back board .

 

[Spoon]

Is that double socket mounted on the board you want to replace?
How do you intend to keep the CU in relative position while replacing the board?
Are you happy with putting a screwdriver into a CU that will still be live?

 

[telectrix]

think you'll find that the cables all come through the weetabix board into rear enrtyto the CU. replacing the back board would entail completely stripping and rewiring the CU, so you might as well go for a more up to date CU. need an electrician for that. the dreaded member "spoon" is local to you.

 

[ferg]

I think you would struggle to change the board without removing the CU as it looks like the cabling is rear entry.

Edit ... beaten to it by others.... again

 

[buzzlightyear]

Edit ... beaten to it by others.... again

100 lines ,I will keep at the back.

 

[colin pennington]

hi the double socket is separate to the cu ,ive got an insulated screw driver ,my thoughts are cut a hole in a new piece of ply cut ply in half suspend cu from celling joist whislt i remove old one ,fix top section of ply to wall fit top screw s of cu to new ply ,slide bottom section of ply to wall fix cu to bottom ply ,does that sound possible or am i best getting a sparks from work to do a foriener?

 

[telectrix]

buzz, you've already been sent to the death star's garbage crusher. your next mission will be to scrub out the reactor core ( whilst at warp 10, of course ).

 

[buzzlightyear]

typical of the DNO, s88t board the meters on .

 

[telectrix]

hi the double socket is separate to the cu ,ive got an insulated screw driver ,my thoughts are cut a hole in a new piece of ply cut ply in half suspend cu from celling joist whislt i remove old one ,fix top section of ply to wall fit top screw s of cu to new ply ,slide bottom section of ply to wall fix cu to bottom ply ,does that sound possible or am i best getting a sparks from work to do a foriener?

if you cut the sections of ply out to accommodate all the cables. that would be a solution.

 

[ferg]

With all the jiggling about you would need to check and retighten all the terminations in the board.

Loose connections can cause fires.

 

[buzzlightyear]

if you cut the sections of ply out to accommodate all the cables. that would be a solution.

you need to cut the board horizontal in half .measure the top for the board to cables at the back .so when the two half's will nearly match .I would use MDF for back board
less woodworm in that!

 

[Dave OCD]

If you have a friendly Sparks at work to help you out you could work together and the job wouldn't take long, careful use of a multitool would remove the need to dis/reconnect the entire CU, while you're at it though ask about the benefits of upgrading to RCD protection.

 

[Dave OCD]

I'd use a nice piece of plywood, varnished.

 

[colin pennington]

the picture tells lies its not connected to the meter board i slipped up just had a smart meter fitted should of asked the installer to fit an isolator switch ,the cu has a gap of about 30mm from wall that's what made me think of splitting the ply to allow cables to pass through ,its just opening the cu and removing the screws ,it must be possible you guys do it i just dig holes with diggers and sometimes go through cables

 

[Spoon]

the dreaded member "spoon" is local to you.

Is this another one way relationship Tel??? I know you love me really... (It's the only heart emoji I can find)
I'm Industrial anyhow.

 

[buzzlightyear]

I'd use a nice piece of plywood, varnished

what about a couple of stripes to go with it .

 

[Dave OCD]

No need to go OTT Buzzbadspeller.

 

[buzzlightyear]

just dig holes with diggers

if f88k that up you might need one of those diggers for a hole for youself .

 

[Spoon]

if f88k that up you might need one of those digger for a hole for you self .

That's a bit OTT mate.. Worst thing that could happen is he loosens some connections and causes a fire.... then he doesn't need a hole as he will be cremated.... (Only joking OP)

 

[Dave OCD]

That's the way chaps, nice positive responses.

 

[colin pennington]

so you think i should leave it alone ,i understand what you are all saying it just seems so simple but i think i will take your advice lads ,i'll ask one of the sparks at site if he' do it for a crate of beer or two thanks for the advice and the laughs by the way how local is spoon to me? ;-)

 

[buzzlightyear]

That's the way chaps, nice positive responses

I never seen a c/u board being levitated in mid air !