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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> New consumer unit https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1089811055 Message started by algernon on Jul 14^th, 2004, 2:17pm

Title: New consumer unit
Post by algernon on Jul 14^th, 2004, 2:17pm

Could anyone tell me where I can get a step by step instruction (preferably online) for replacing a consumer unit? How do I isolate the unit from the meter so that it can be worked on?

Any advice appreciated.

Title: Re: New consumer unit
Post by plugwash on Jul 14^th, 2004, 3:37pm

unless there is an isolator the only way to make the tails dead is to pull the service fuse

while i would be happy doing this myself and most sparlys do it all the time it is generally not reccomended that diyers do it

if you do decide to pull it make sure the main switch on the CU is off so that no current is flowing (this is to remove the risk of arcing) and take great care when pulling it in case it is an older unit that leaves exposed live parts when pulled

Title: Re: New consumer unit
Post by ban-all-sheds on Jul 14^th, 2004, 8:36pm

If you need step-by-step instructions for the whole job, you probably shouldn't be doing it.

Why are you replacing? What's wrong with the old one?

Title: Re: New consumer unit
Post by L.Spark on Jul 14^th, 2004, 11:57pm

Get a Electrician!
Don't get into bother! ::)

Title: Re: New consumer unit
Post by plugwash on Jul 15^th, 2004, 2:30am

a few tips on how to bring your CU area up to scratch without a CU change or messing with tails (assuming you have a wylex standard)

1: earthing and main equipotential bonds
fit a main earth terminal
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/TLEB8.html
wire to main earth in 16mm
wire to CU with 2 runs of 10mm (wylex standard cus are not built for 16mm earth cables)
attach main equipotential bonds to main earth terminal

2: rcd protection for sockets downstairs (downstairs ring and kitchen ring)
fit a 4 module box
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/HGV304.html
fit 2 rcds
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/HGCD263U.html
connect from the mcbs for the downstairs and kitchen rings to the rcd inputs with 6mm twin and earth and start the rings from the rcd outputs

3: rewireable fuses suck for cuircuit design
replace them with plug in breakers http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Consumer_Units_Index/Wylex_Standard_Range/index.html

Title: Re: New consumer unit
Post by rabbit_rabbit on Jul 15^th, 2004, 8:24am

If you insist on a CU change then DO get an electrician to do it - PLEASE - far too dangerous to 'tinker' with.

And if you are going to 'have a go' then be careful when you do item 1 on Plugs list. If you take off the main earth conductor to replace it with 16mm then MAKE SURE power is OFF else the entire house has power and no protective earth!! Best put in new 16mm one THEN remove the old one - if you insist..

RR

Title: Re: New consumer unit
Post by L.Spark on Jul 15^th, 2004, 9:42am

wrote on Jul 15^th, 2004, 2:30am:

3: rewireable fuses suck for cuircuit design
replace them with plug in breakers http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Consumer_Units_Index/Wylex_Standard_Range/index.html

you got that right ::)