Connecting Consumer Units.

Dal · Mar 12, 2018

Hi!

First off I'd like to make clear that this installation is in Spain so UK regs don't necessarily apply but I'm just looking for some feedback and peace of mind that what I want to do isn't too stupid! (p.s. no ring main, all radial circuits and yes, we are earthed!)

I've lived in a ground floor apartment in a small block of 9 for 15 years and we've just purchased the identical apartment directly above us.

My question, or rather I'd like your thoughts on, is the idea of connecting upstair's consumer unit to the downstair's one.

The apartment upstairs has been empty for 10 years and the power was cut off long ago, there is no longer a meter for it. As there is going to be no more electricity used than when we just had the one apartment I'd like to keep things simple and treat upstairs like an extension out to a garage for example.
I thought of connecting to where my meter connects to my RCD and running cable up to the matching RCD upstairs.

Is this feasible? Is there a better way?

Thanks in advance!

Dal.

Midwest · Mar 12, 2018

There would be a way of doing what you are suggesting. If this was in the UK, I would of recommended using an competent electrician. As this is in Spain, and I have no idea of their wiring regulations, I would also recommend employing the services of a competent Spanish resident electrician.

Wilko · Mar 12, 2018

Hi - remember you will need to preserve the fire rating of the two independent flats and the building.

Dal · Mar 12, 2018

p.s. Here's my consumer unit to give you an idea of size of things, standards etc lol!

[ElectriciansForums.net] Connecting Consumer Units.

pirate · Mar 12, 2018

From personal experience in Spain I would suggest you get a local spark to do this for you. They are not expensive, and some of the circuits are decidedly odd...as are the zones where the cables are installed.

Dal · Mar 12, 2018

pirate said:
From personal experience in Spain I would suggest you get a local spark to do this for you. They are not expensive, and some of the circuits are decidedly odd...as are the zones where the cables are installed.

I apologise, I didn't make it clear in my first post, I'll be doing the work myself. All I want is pros and cons of connecting one CU to another.

Pete999 · Mar 12, 2018

Midwest said:
There would be a way of doing what you are suggesting. If this was in the UK, I would of recommended using an competent electrician. As this is in Spain, and I have no idea of their wiring regulations, I would also recommend employing the services of a competent Spanish resident electrician.

Elsparko may be able to help, Elsparko, no? oh well just a joke.

telectrix · Mar 12, 2018

can't see a problem with henley blocking the tails and splitting off to the other CU. spanish regs . may dictate what cabling you need to do this. e.g. SWA or sheathed tails.

Spoon · Mar 12, 2018

telectrix said:
can't see a problem with henley blocking the tails and splitting off to the other CU. spanish regs . may dictate what cabling you need to do this. e.g. SWA or sheathed tails.

Be interesting to see if they require a fused isolator for the upper CU.

Midwest · Mar 12, 2018

Dal said:
I apologise, I didn't make it clear in my first post, I'll be doing the work myself. All I want is pros and cons of connecting one CU to another.

What are your qualifications or experience for doing electrical installations in domestic properties in Spain?

MJPD29 · Mar 12, 2018

I presume if you are doing it all yourself you are an electrician anyway, or id like to hope so

Dal · Mar 12, 2018

Matthewd29 said:
I presume if you are doing it all yourself you are an electrician anyway, or id like to hope so

If I were a qualified electrician I wouldn't be on this forum asking advice on, what I would hope, is an extremely easy job for a qualified electrician.
I've had plenty of experience of wiring for 30+ years, am reasonably intelligent, safety conscience and usually make a neater/stronger/tidier/safer/better job than most of the so called professionals that I've employed in the past, but no, not qualified as such. If that's a problem for running 2 or 3 wires and adding some kind of isolator then I shouldn't even change a plug.

Midwest · Mar 12, 2018

Dal said:
If I were a qualified electrician I wouldn't be on this forum asking advice on, what I would hope, is an extremely easy job for a qualified electrician.
I've had plenty of experience of wiring for 30+ years, am reasonably intelligent, safety conscience and usually make a neater/stronger/tidier/safer/better job than most of the so called professionals that I've employed in the past, but no, not qualified as such. If that's a problem for running 2 or 3 wires and adding some kind of isolator then I shouldn't even change a plug.

Firstly, most of us on this forum don't have any or sufficient knowledge of Spanish wiring regulations or building regulations to give suitable advice.

Secondly, if this was such a simple job and you had the knowledge, you would be asking such questions here.

Dal, not wishing to be rude, but this is not a simple DIY job. There are various considerations for the design & installation & testing for what you are proposing.

You should take the advice, and employ a competent electrician (preferably of the Spanish variety).

Rpa07 · Mar 12, 2018

Or learn Spanish well enough to use a Spanish electricians forum and ask them the same question - I bet they’ll only be too pleased to help you out!

camerabloke · Mar 12, 2018

Connecting Consumer Units.

Dal

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Midwest

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Wilko

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Dal

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pirate

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Dal

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Pete999

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telectrix

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Spoon

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Midwest

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MJPD29

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Dal

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Midwest

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Rpa07

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camerabloke

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