Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it is?

[ntaylor48]

Hey all,

I am replacing my old metal Non-RCD protected consumer unit with a nice new consumer unit.

I live in a block of flats and I am in the bottom left of the flats.

I have done all the mounting and recessing that I had to do first.

And I now have it wired up and working but definately not safe and finished.

As I had to mount the consumer unit a bit higher and further right the incoming mains in too short to come into the unit with the SWA sheath all the way into the unit.

So I now want to know how I go about extending the incoming cable safely and so it passes all regulations.

Hopefully you can see from the photos what I mean. You can see the gland on it still from where it went straight into the consumer unit.

I need to extend it only about a metre but it needs to be done.

Also I don't know what size cable it is. Nothing writen on the sheath about size and I guess its 10 or 16mm but I don't know for sure. And its running next too the incomers for the flats above, same type of SWA cable. Main fuses are on the ground floor under the stairs. All have a 60 amp fuse protecting them.

And finally what size earth do I need to run from the steel armour?

Please ask any questions if you need more info.

Thanks so much.


















free uploader

 

[Marvo]

Re: Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it

Hmmm, there's a few issues with that installation. Are you an electrician or is this a DIY job?

 

[ntaylor48]

Re: Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it

Thanks for that super prompt reply.

I am an electrician but do mainly industrial instrumention electrical work. Haven't done any domestic for years.

I know that there is many problems with the install at the moment but the wife wanted to watch Mad Men so I got to finish this off when I get the place to myself for 40 minutes each day.

Every little help and suggestion you can make about the install will be greatly appreciated and listened to.

 

[Simonslimline]

Re: Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it

Absolute mess, best to call an electrician in TBH.

 

[ntaylor48]

Re: Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it

Ouch, but I completely understand the criticism looking at the state of it at the moment. Was a mess before I started though.

That 4mm T&E going in was like that when we bought the place. But they will also be rectified as well.

 

[londonlec]

Re: Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it

That writing on the label looks suspiciously like mine..!

 

[Octopus]

Re: Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it

This should be in the DIY section.

 

[ntaylor48]

Re: Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it

I am an fully qualified electrician but do industrial instrumentation work as a day job. I haven't done any domestic work for a couple of years now.

I completely agree that it looks like a state at the moment. Had to get the power back on so the wife could do some work on the computer and will be finishing off in the 40 minutes I get at home alone a day.

That 4mm Twin & Earth was enter the previous consumer unit even worse. 25mm cut out without even a rubber grommet protecting the cable.

So advice and suggestions would be appreciated and listened to.

 

[dan86]

Re: Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it

holy moly! like you said, its unsafe.why would you even leave a job like that then power it all up.
actually, why would you even attempt a job you clearly cannot do.
the mind boggles.

 

[worzol99]

Re: Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it

Interesting earth, whats your ze reading ?!!

 

[Marvo]

Re: Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it

Can you maybe upload a photo taken from a little further away so we can see the entire CU and surrounding cables?

Is this new installation live??????

 

[cdavies33]

Re: Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it

Those pics are brutal, I hope this isn't for your Part Peeeee assessment haha

 

[Dan23584]

Re: Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it

If someone is unable to extend a little bit of SWA then they shouldn't be changing a CU surely.

did you test it before you switched it all back on?

 

[micknew]

Re: Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it

I agree with Murdock, DIY section surely.

 

[shocking_eg]

Re: Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it

OP has goneeeeee

so so quiet ....

LOL

 

[micknew]

Re: Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it

If someone is unable to extend a little bit of SWA then they shouldn't be changing a CU surely.

did you test it before you switched it all back on?

That's why they come on here to find out how to do it.

 

[ntaylor48]

Re: Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it

Wow. Getting a nice 'ole hammering here.

Its not that I can't extend a piece of SWA, I was actually looking for suggestions on best practice.

And of course I tested it before I switched it on. I have a 9 month old in the house.

Anyways some suggestions on how to extend the incoming into the CU?

Will upload some more pictures of it tomorrow.

 

[Marvo]

Re: Extending Main Incoming SWA cable by about 1 metre.And how do I tell what size it

I'm kinda at a loss what to do with this thread or what advice to give. The installation clearly falls far short of the mark and is without a doubt unsafe as it is now. You're clearly not in your comfort zone doing this work so I'd have to say you should get some assistance from a professional electrician. I could suggest some pointers on what you can do with the cable but I'm not in good conscience to encourage you to continue with this installation.

I think in this case you've no option other than getting some professional assistance. If you like to request help from someone from the forum who's in your area you can make a new thread here.

I'm going to close this thread in the interest of safety.