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New consumer unit (Read 4885 times)
algernon
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New consumer unit
Jul 14th, 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.
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plugwash
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Re: New consumer unit
Reply #1 - Jul 14th, 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
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ban-all-sheds
Re: New consumer unit
Reply #2 - Jul 14th, 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?
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LSpark
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Re: New consumer unit
Reply #3 - Jul 14th, 2004, 11:57pm
 
Get a Electrician!
Don't get into bother!   Roll Eyes
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plugwash
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Re: New consumer unit
Reply #4 - Jul 15th, 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...
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rabbit_rabbit
Re: New consumer unit
Reply #5 - Jul 15th, 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
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LSpark
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Re: New consumer unit
Reply #6 - Jul 15th, 2004, 9:42am
 
[quote author=plugwash  link=1089811055/0#4 date=1089855054]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...
[/quote]

you got that right  Roll Eyes
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