Can I use 16mm t+e Instead of meter tails as the board is miles away from the meter

Maxvoltelectrics · Apr 22, 2024

Client has had a meter installed for a new consumer unit in their shop they are looking to rent out the spare space for a barber shop so they want it to have its own meter the meter was installed miles away from the consumer unit would I just use a Henley block or a main switch and use 16mm T&E from that to the consumer unit

westward10 · Apr 22, 2024

Yes you can but install in such a way addition RCD protection is not required. If it is to support main protective bonding then the cpc needs assessing for adequacy. How many miles must be a large site

davesparks · Apr 22, 2024

T&E can be used for a distribution circuit if it is appropriate to the installation conditions.

Meter tails should not be any longer than 3m usually, you need to design and install a distribution circuit (often known as a sub-main circuit)

If it is a long distance then 16mm is unlikely to be large enough.

littlespark · Apr 22, 2024

Op profile states trainee.

Is that still current, or does it need updated?

@Dan could badge your name as trainee if it is.

Maxvoltelectrics · Apr 22, 2024

westward10 said:
Yes you can but install in such a way addition RCD protection is not required. If it is to support main protective bonding then the cpc needs assessing for adequacy. How many miles must be a large site

it’s a good 100miles I would say

It’s about a 30m run as it’s not a straight run the cable will be laid in cable trays that are already in the shop and then it’s only to power a few sockets and lighting for what will be a barber shop

westward10 · Apr 22, 2024

Shouldn't be a problem but check your volt drop.

Maxvoltelectrics · Apr 22, 2024

littlespark said:
Op profile states trainee.

Is that still current, or does it need updated?

@Dan could badge your name as trainee if it is.

Not sure what you mean I’m still learning but i do have 3years experience but mainly in domestic work rewires kitchen extensions etc

Maxvoltelectrics · Apr 22, 2024

davesparks said:
T&E can be used for a distribution circuit if it is appropriate to the installation conditions.

Meter tails should not be any longer than 3m usually, you need to design and install a distribution circuit (often known as a sub-main circuit)

If it is a long distance then 16mm is unlikely to be large enough.

Ok thanks so I Install sub board near the meter and then run 16mm cable from the sub board to the main consumer unit in the barber shop

littlespark · Apr 22, 2024

Maxvoltelectrics said:
Not sure what you mean I’m still learning but i do have 3years experience but mainly in domestic work rewires kitchen extensions etc

Just meant here….

[ElectriciansForums.net] Can I use 16mm t+e Instead of meter tails as the board is miles away from the meter

I’ve highlighted where it says Trainee.

I just mention it, because sometimes we get first year apprentices attempting something way past their competency level.

If that’s not the case, then sorry if it sounds like I’m having a dig…. Im really not.

Maxvoltelectrics · Apr 22, 2024

westward10 said:
Shouldn't be a problem but check your volt drop.

littlespark said:
Just meant here….

View attachment 116077

I’ve highlighted where it says Trainee.

I just mention it, because sometimes we get first year apprentices attempting something way past their competency level.

If that’s not the case, then sorry if it sounds like I’m having a dig…. Im really not.

Oh I get you and no it wasn't taken that way so no drama as I’m not fully why didn’t want to put that I was

davesparks · Apr 22, 2024

Maxvoltelectrics said:
Ok thanks so I Install sub board near the meter and then run 16mm cable from the sub board to the main consumer unit in the barber shop

Normally you'd install either a fuse-switch or a switchfuse at the incoming supply position rather than a DB, this gives you some hope of achieving selectivity.