Extending all circuits for CU move

[kingeri]

I need to extend 17 circuits by about a meter for a CU move. Taking account of ring finals, going from memory there'll be about 20 cables to extend. Was thinking about using an enclosure and DIN rail, with the Line DIN rail connectors. Any advice on doing this? Is this the best way to do it? If so, which actual DIN rail enclosure would you recommend?

 

[kingeri]

I will definitely use a DIN rail, been looking on TLC etc. trying to find a suitable and large enough box to take it. Any pointers?

 

[graeme210375]

Try the wagobox website, they do some.

 

[telectrix]

an adaptable box with din rail. you can fit your own piece of rail. the line push-in din rail connectors are not something i've used as yet, but i've used the wago ones which are similar. use the gn/y ones for cpc,s as these have extra bits the earth to the din rail.

 

[kingeri]

Thanks Tel. Thankfully the job's not til the new year, so got time to source all the bits as cheap as possible!

 

[LineProducts]

Din enclosures tend to be expensive. Best option tends to be on ebay (just add your own rail) e.g:



Himel Metal Pressed Steel Electrical Enclosure Junction Box IP55 Control Panel | eBay

can be recessed or surface mounted. If you have a particular type in mind let me know... I have spent a lot of time looking into this to find a reasonably priced option!

 

[Fin170]

If you're lucky some of the cables will be long enough to just move across and drop in

Failing that, a few labelled up surface patress full of MF joints

 

[HandySparks]

use the gn/y ones for cpc,s as these have extra bits the earth to the din rail.

When I did this, I deliberately didn't use the earth terminals that make electrical connectio to the DIN rail. If you're trying to test final circuits from the DB, then having all your CPCs connected together would not be helpful. eg, testing ring continuity of the CPC will give you a figure of almost zero.

 

[SYKRAPS]

I need to extend 17 circuits by about a meter for a CU move. Taking account of ring finals, going from memory there'll be about 20 cables to extend. Was thinking about using an enclosure and DIN rail, with the Line DIN rail connectors. Any advice on doing this? Is this the best way to do it? If so, which actual DIN rail enclosure would you recommend?

Why does it need moving kingeri? It can't be for appearance as you are talking of putting an enclosure in its original position.

 

[Benjamiin]

Get yourself some tape, color coded red black yellow blue and green/ yellow and get twisting

 

[CSP2012]

What wholesalers have wago/line products on the shelf? I have a similar job myself coming up

 

[kingeri]

Why does it need moving kingeri? It can't be for appearance as you are talking of putting an enclosure in its original position.

It's a council job, CUs x2 are virtually level with the ceiling, council inspector has insisted the CU is lowered so occupants (elderly) can reset MCBs. Looks like I'll have around 100 of these to do in the new year, Might get a bit tedious. Funny thing is they really could do with rewiring but council has spent a ton of cash replastering/redecorating/fitting central heating but apparently didn't give the electrics a second thought.

 

[Des 56]

It's a council job, CUs x2 are virtually level with the ceiling, council inspector has insisted the CU is lowered so occupants (elderly) can reset MCBs. Looks like I'll have around 100 of these to do in the new year, Might get a bit tedious. Funny thing is they really could do with rewiring but council has spent a ton of cash replastering/redecorating/fitting central heating but apparently didn't give the electrics a second thought.

The council could save money by leaving the consumer unit lid down and showing them a new use for their walking sticks

 

[DieselShunter]

What wholesalers have wago/line products on the shelf? I have a similar job myself coming up

TLC and CEF both stock WAGO stuff

 

[CSP2012]

TLC and CEF both stock WAGO stuff[/QUOTE]

Thanks

 

[telectrix]

What wholesalers have wago/line products on the shelf? I have a similar job myself coming up

order from line products and the gear will be delivered within 48 hours.

 

[richy3333]

order from line products and the gear will be delivered within 48 hours.

That reminds me Tel', I've been meaning to thank Line. I received an order from them 'next day'. Nothing unusual for most of you guys in England, but when your up in Scottie-land you normally get treated like a 3rd class citizen!

So official 'Thanks' to LIne for the order

 

[imago]

You can also use bare CU cases for a reasonable price. I've done two this way but used a matching case to the new CU that was being fitted so that it looked neat. I'm guessing cost will be the main factor on this job though, so you can find a supplier of cases at very reasonable prices like this for example MK Sentry Insulated 12 Way Consumer Unit K5686s #L74 | eBay

Drill two neat holes in the cover to screw it closed and it's as secure as an adaptable box. Added benefits are that you can label the connections as you would the circuits, and you can use the earth bar.

 

[kingeri]

You can also use bare CU cases for a reasonable price. I've done two this way but used a matching case to the new CU that was being fitted so that it looked neat. I'm guessing cost will be the main factor on this job though, so you can find a supplier of cases at very reasonable prices like this for example MK Sentry Insulated 12 Way Consumer Unit K5686s #L74 | eBay

Drill two neat holes in the cover to screw it closed and it's as secure as an adaptable box. Added benefits are that you can label the connections as you would the circuits, and you can use the earth bar.

Hmm that's interesting. But I wouldn't want someone thinking they needed to get into it and trying to prise it open with a crowbar..

 

[imago]

Hmm that's interesting. But I wouldn't want someone thinking they needed to get into it and trying to prise it open with a crowbar..

Along with the usual (warning 230v, wiring in two colours, risk of death, risk of society collapsing etc etc) I put a sticker on the front describing what it is "This Junction box contains connections, and should only be opened by suitably qualified persons. The Consumer Unit is located xxxxxxxxxx" With that and the two clearly visible screw heads I feel it's adequately protected/described. More so than an adaptable box in some respects.