Metal Consumer unit with SWA bottom entry

[yellowvanman]

Got a job to replace an old metal Wylex CU (domestic). SWA is embedded in the wall except the last 300mm (or so) and then comes out and enters CU via a gland.

Obviously looking at a metal replacement and have been looking at the new Hager options but these don't look like they'll take a bottom entry SWA very easily. Busbar seems very close to bottom of CU. Swa is 25mm, so not that easily bend to avoid, and there isn't the usual space next to the incomer switch as found on the plastic versions.

Any suggestions?

 

[sparkdog]

I often use a metal adaptable box to terminate the gland and just loop the SWA conductors through it and into the consumer unit via a bit of PVC trunking.

 

[7029 dave]

Is the swa feeding the board, or is it an sub circuit.?

 

[davesparks]

I've never had any bother with contactum boards.

Also fitting a male bush and coupler can gain you an extra smidgeon of space.

 

[yellowvanman]

Is the swa feeding the board, or is it an sub circuit.?

Feeding the board.

Also to note, consumer unit is tucked up tight to the ceiling and no room to fit adaptable boxes unless I start ripping the SWA out of the wall further down, which i don't want to do, and even if I do the cores of the swa probably wouldn't stretch through an adaptable box and then to the main switch.

Also can't bring CU down because outgoing cables won't reach!

 

[Silly Sausage]

A picture of the site would be useful here Yellow!

 

[davesparks]

Why not just have a look at the boards your wholesaler has in stock and choose whichever one is best suited to the job?

 

[Leesparkykent]

You looking for a dual RCD board or main switch/RCBO's?

 

[yellowvanman]

A picture of the site would be useful here Yellow!

Sorry, didn't take one.

Old CU is one those old 12 way CU with the main switch in the middle with 6 fuse holders either side. SWA enters near enough in the middle of the case.

Would prefer a dual RCD version as at least 12 ways required!

 

[RyanCheetham]

Might be a bit of a hassle but could you chase in the rest of the SWA and chase a 4X4 metal adaptable box into the wall and gland into that. Then mount your CU over the top of the faceless adaptable box and bring the cores in through the rear knockouts of the CU?

 

[sam400]

I ve just fitted a wylex hi-integrity metal clad CU supplied by a 25mm swa, bottom entry below the main switch. no problems
had plenty of room.

cheers

 

[yellowvanman]

I ve just fitted a wylex hi-integrity metal clad CU supplied by a 25mm swa, bottom entry below the main switch. no problems
had plenty of room.

cheers

Got a part number?

 

[yellowvanman]

Might be a bit of a hassle but could you chase in the rest of the SWA and chase a 4X4 metal adaptable box into the wall and gland into that. Then mount your CU over the top of the faceless adaptable box and bring the cores in through the rear knockouts of the CU?

Could I suppose as a last resort! Nice idea!

 

[sam400]

got a part number?

nh1406

 

[7029 dave]

Yes know that board, 60 amp dp switch in middle, 6 way either side.

 

[7029 dave]

Just an idea, fit switch fuse onto swa, then run into CU.?

 

[yellowvanman]

Just an idea, fit switch fuse onto swa, then run into CU.?

Theres already a switched fuse in the cellar!

 

[amlu]

contactum are good, with pre-punched holes on top and bottom, work well with glands.

 

[NDG Elecs]

I think you need to pull some more of the SWA out of the wall. A bit of boxing-in afterwards perhaps? Sounds a bit of a struggle. Though I quite like Ryans suggestion. Good luck with it!

 

[davesparks]

Good grief some people really do like to make a mountain out of a molehill!

The OP wants suggestions for a board with a bit more room between the busbar and the bottom of the enclosure and this somehow turns in to a job of chasing cables in, adding switchfuses.........