Extending cables for a new board change

[TheCodboy]

Hi all, looking for some advice with regards to extending cables for a consumer unit change. The old board is a mess inside with cables being cut short etc. What's your go to method for extending. When I've only had to extend a couple I've used the Ideal inline splice connectors, but this is gonna need nearly all of them extending. Din rail connectors in an enclosure seems popular. Does anyone have any pics of their work doing this? Thanks in advance!

 

[Zerax]

Din rail connectors would be my go-to solution from how you describe your situation. Wago Topjobs have now replaced the older screw down type... but they both get slotted onto a din rail in a box.

 

[TheCodboy]

Din rail connectors would be my go-to solution from how you describe your situation. Wago Topjobs have now replaced the older screw down type... but they both get slotted onto a din rail in a box.

With regards to RFC would you put both legs into one connector or one per connector?

 

[timhoward]

With regards to RFC would you put both legs into one connector or one per connector?

To make it as easy as possible for a future tester trying to do R1+R2 I'd do two connectors, so they don't have to disturb the enclosure with the extensions.

 

[brianmoooore]

Note that green/yellow DIN rail connectors connect electrically to the DIN rail, so to avoid future testing problems, only use a green/yellow for one earth wire, and ordinary ones for the rest of the earths.

 

[TheCodboy]

Note that green/yellow DIN rail connectors connect electrically to the DIN rail, so to avoid future testing problems, only use a green/yellow for one earth wire, and ordinary ones for the rest of the earths.

So,just pick a circuit and use an green/yellow for that then just use a standard one for the rest yeah?

 

[telectrix]

here's one i did a few years ago:

 

[TheCodboy]

here's one i did a few years ago:

Looking good!

 

[Mikegh]

here's one i did a few years ago:

That's very impressive work


Do you have a technique or particular method for bending the cables and checking the radius of the bend

 

[WallaceP]

Maybe have a look at these guys.

Wiska WIB 4 Consumer Unit Relocation Kit

Wiska WIB 4 Consumer Unit Relocation Kit Key Features Material: Thermoplastic IP rating: IP65 Temp. range min: -25 °C Temp. range max: 85 °C Glow wire test: 650 °C Impact resistance: IK07 External dimensions L x W x H: 230 x 180 x 88mm Type: WIB 4 CUR Finish: RAL 7035 Product code: 818CUR...

www.expertelectrical.co.uk

Costs a wee bit more than making it up yourself but if you dont have all the connectors i might save buying them in bulk and not using them.

 

[WallaceP]

I done a junction box for this board to give me length of the cables and also so I could drill out the box without the knockout in the board causing problems

 

[Dustydazzler]

Are the lever at the bottom and push fit at the top , seems a bit odd ?

 

[WallaceP]

Are the lever at the bottom and push fit at the top , seems a bit odd ?

Yeah. Im not sure what that is about. Its a bit too pricey for me. I came across it while buying some glands for a job. I have never seen a premade product for such a job before

 

[telectrix]

That's very impressive work


Do you have a technique or particular method for bending the cables and checking the radius of the bend

eyes and fingers.

 

[Dustydazzler]

I have seen sparks use an off cut of an old wooden broom handle to get a perfect bend on cables , but that’s taking it too far imo

just bend the dang thing neatly into a U shape that’s it

 

[Mike Johnson]

Or bent around the handle of the VDU screwdriver you have in your hand.

 

[telectrix]