Mains Extension

[kallen100]

Just fitted a new Consumer unit on a TN-C-S arrangement to replace very old fuse board, all went very smooth except for terminating the mains PE to the CU, it needs to be about 10cm longer as I don’t want to over stretch the cable. My question is; can I use a terminal block to extend the PE? If so what type of terminal block do I use? I need everything to be within Regs so when I call the Sparkie to test and certify to Part P, I won’t have to pay him to make any changes.
Just to add; the above install is in a property I’m refurbishing and is isolated at the meter. I don’t want anyone worrying that the CU is live without earth to the meter
Thanks in advance of any help.

 

[telectrix]

i assume you mean the main earth . why not just buy a pisce long enough and replace it?

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Replace the cable, or extend it using a permanant joint.

 

[Octopus]

I'd replace it, won't cost too much and IMO will be the best approach.

 

[kallen100]

Ok I will just replace it then, can I use any 16mm2 single
core earth conductor? And I assume there is a duct of some sort running from
the earth block in the meter cabinet to the CU and I just feed it through?
Thanks for your help so far guys

 

[telectrix]

how far away is the meter cabinet ? can you use the existing cable as a pull through? if it's too difficult a job, there's nothing wrong with a permanent joint as long as it's a good joint.

 

[kallen100]

Hi Telectrix, the meter is on the otherside of the wall, so should only be about 2 - 3m. when you refer to a permanent joint, do you meant crimped or can i use a chock block? although i think i will replace the cable. one last thing, do i use just STD 16mm earth?

thanks again.

 

[telectrix]

get some 16mm sigle green/yellow from local wholesalers. you can buy it by the yard ( sorry meter ) . you'll probably fint that the tails are just run through the cavity, but it may be a bitch to pull through. if you are joining, use a proper crimp, NOT choc block. 1 other point. is the existing earth cable 16mm. if not, then you'll have to replace it.

 

[kallen100]

Yes the existing is 16mm but I will have a go at replacing
rather than mess around with crimping. Hopefully I can use the existing earth
to pull it through.
thanks telectrix

 

[brucelee]

attach 16mm new to old and try to pull through slowly if i gets stuck pull back but take your time or it may get stuck in the cavity does it come from the cavity direct into ccu

 

[kallen100]

i found some on the internet thats £1.39 per metre and is BS EN 60228:2005 (previously BS6360) is this ok
6491X16G/Y1 BASEC Approved 6491X Green/Yellow Single Core Insulated Conduit Wiring Cable 16mm (priced per metre), KCF0401-

 

[kallen100]

attach 16mm new to old and try to pull through slowly if i gets stuck pull back but take your time or it may get stuck in the cavity does it come from the cavity direct into ccu

Yes direct from cavity bruce

 

[brucelee]

yes thats the stuff if it didnt come direct then you could have installed a seperate MET block outside the ccu and terminate in that then new piece from there to the ccu but if its tight in ccu and direct from cavity then not a option eh mate
the cable in the link is the one you need

 

[kallen100]

thanks Bruce

 

[brucelee]

no worries mate just hit the thanks button for everyone who has provided useful info thats all you need to do and then people will help in any way they can
good luck mate hope its easy for you