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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> Re-wiring a old consumer unit https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1091433913 Message started by scared_of_diy on Aug 2^nd, 2004, 9:05am

Title: Re-wiring a old consumer unit
Post by scared_of_diy on Aug 2^nd, 2004, 9:05am

I have two old style bakelite fuseboards and want to replace both with a single split load consumer unit. However the cables are not long enough to reach where I want to put the new consumer unit.

Q: Can I use wiring blocks to extend the cables to the new consumer unit?

Title: Re: Re-wiring a old consumer unit
Post by plugwash on Aug 2^nd, 2004, 11:05am

im guessing by wiring blocks you mean terminal block

if this is what you mean then yes it can be used *BUT* it *MUST* be in an enclosure

Title: Re: Re-wiring a old consumer unit
Post by HandyMac on Aug 2^nd, 2004, 4:28pm

I'm no expert in this area, but wouldn't this require something called a Henley block?

Apologies if I'm confusing the issue!

Also, why not replace the cables which are too short with longer ones?

Andrew

Title: Re: Re-wiring a old consumer unit
Post by plugwash on Aug 2^nd, 2004, 4:41pm

i guessed he means the cables going out

tails that are should be replaced if at all possible and if not joined with henly blocks

whatever you do DO NOT WORK LIVE

and if you do pull the recs fuse take care some older ones leave exposed live parts when pulled

Title: Re: Re-wiring a old consumer unit
Post by rabbit_rabbit on Aug 2^nd, 2004, 6:12pm

Whenever I pull the RECs fuse I always put insulating tape over the entire opening so none of the contacts are exposed at all whilst working. Anything wierd can happen and one day if it can it WILL. Best be safe than sorry.

RR

Title: Re: Re-wiring a old consumer unit
Post by plugwash on Aug 2^nd, 2004, 9:44pm

yeah thats a very good idea if the fuse is one of the old ones

especially if in a confined space

Title: Re: Re-wiring a old consumer unit
Post by supersparky on Aug 2^nd, 2004, 9:59pm

wrote on Aug 2^nd, 2004, 6:12pm:

been doin that aswell mate

see here;
white tape over the contacts on the header whilst connecting tails to meter;
http://novoserve.no-ip.biz/P7200004.JPG

ss

Title: Re: Re-wiring a old consumer unit
Post by L.Spark on Aug 2^nd, 2004, 10:03pm

yep some good advice with the Tape Ray, seems more than a 'few ond ones' have there terminals a bit exposed, ones im working on at the momet are exposed too.

And surely terminal block is a bit innapropriate for extending tails, need henly blocks like Handymac said, thats if you have to extend and can't replace.

Title: Re: Re-wiring a old consumer unit
Post by supersparky on Aug 2^nd, 2004, 10:12pm

i dont think he means tails

ss

Title: Re: Re-wiring a old consumer unit
Post by plugwash on Aug 2^nd, 2004, 10:33pm

i'd hardly call those you showed me exposed LS

you would have to deliberately stick your finger down to get a shock of those

Title: Re: Re-wiring a old consumer unit
Post by L.Spark on Aug 2^nd, 2004, 11:13pm

yes I know that, thats what I said to you, but there still dodge, and exposed!

Title: Re: Re-wiring a old consumer unit
Post by rabbit_rabbit on Aug 3^rd, 2004, 7:51am

Yup SS just like you show in photo.

Henley block? For tails maybe but a bit OTT for 1.00 mm lighting cable!

Move the CU to the cables and extend the tails is usually far easier.

RR

Title: Re: Re-wiring a old consumer unit
Post by L.Spark on Aug 3^rd, 2004, 11:22pm

a tad of confusion here I think, moving board sounds good, other cables might not reach then tho lol ::)