My 1st board on site advice

MrShine94 · Apr 4, 2019

Hello,

I have just competed my 1st consumer unit install on site. I would like some advice on how I may improve the quality/neatness.

All constructive criticism welcome

Thanks

[ElectriciansForums.net] My 1st board on site advice

Bobster · Apr 4, 2019

A) Proteus is cheap S***
B) You need ferrules on the end of those neutral fly leads.
C) I don't like to see cable ties holding conductors together in a CU

Although at a quick glance aside from the above. Looks ok

Deleted member 72666 · Apr 4, 2019

Not as good as my very first db install!

...Not as many fuses as yours but at least I've got them in the neutrals as well!

snowhead · Apr 4, 2019

And you've even left a Schedule in the Board.

littlespark · Apr 4, 2019

Top row, there’s a 16A in between 6A.
Personally, I like to have descending sizes from the main switch.
Bottom row needs more blanks if top and bottom are same number of ways.

Speaking of the mainswitch.... there’s no tails connected yet. Post another photo when they are in and we will constructively criticise then.

Where do you get white t&e that looks like Sky shotgun cable?

MrShine94 · Apr 4, 2019

Thanks of the advice guys appreciate it. I strive improve my quality in my work.

Bobster · Apr 4, 2019

MrShine94 said:
Thanks of the advice guys appreciate it. I strive improve my quality in my work.

My point about ferrules is a must, you're contravening BS7671 not doing. My other points are merely my opinion.

MrShine94 · Apr 4, 2019

The cable is used is LSF. The grey stuff is becoming a thing of the past. Will be connecting tails in the next day or so. Will update once competed. Thanks again

MrShine94 · Apr 4, 2019

C

Rob said:
My point about ferrules is a must, you're contravening BS7671 not doing. My other points are merely my opinion.

Could your link me to the BS7671 requirement please ?

Bobster · Apr 4, 2019

MrShine94 said:
C
Could your link me to the BS7671 requirement please ?

Off the top of my head regulation 526.2 or there about.

Look for fine stranded conductors.

Midwest · Apr 4, 2019

The earthing tail from the MET, is that provided by the manufacturer?

MrShine94 · Apr 4, 2019

Midwest said:
The earthing tail from the MET, is that provided by the manufacturer?

Sorry I am unsure

MrShine94 · Apr 4, 2019

Rob said:
Off the top of my head regulation 526.2 or there about.

Look for fine stranded conductors.

Thanks I will look that up.

MrShine94 · Apr 4, 2019

Rob said:
A) Proteus is cheap S***
B) You need ferrules on the end of those neutral fly leads.
C) I don't like to see cable ties holding conductors together in a CU

Although at a quick glance aside from the above. Looks ok

Also could you expand a little on B about the cable ties. I used that for aesthetically purposes.

Bobster · Apr 4, 2019

MrShine94 said:
Also could you expand a little on B about the cable ties. I used that for aesthetically purposes.

Ok so for point B regulations:

526.9 Connection of multiwire, fine wire and very fine wire conductors

526.9.1 In order to avoid inappropriate separation or spreading of individual wires of multiwire, fine wire or very fine wire conductors, suitable terminals shall be used or the conductor ends shall be suitably treated.
526.9.2 Soldering (tinning) of the whole conductor end of multiwire, fine wire and very fine wire conductors is not permitted if screw terminals are used.
526.9.3 Soldered (tinned) conductor ends on fine wire and very fine wire conductors are not permissible at connection and junction points which are subject in service to a relative movement between the soldered and the non-soldered part of the conductor.

The cable tie, is purely my opinion, use them to make it tidy and then I would remove, the cables should have been formed into position.

I don't like it as in older bigger DBs with more circuits, especially ones that have been poorly terminated, it's a pain in the --- trying to trace a wire when they're cable tied.

Other people will argue it's not a good idea, as you're bunching conductors together and could potentially cause a hot spot.