Wylex skeleton unit, help please

timo1 · Aug 23, 2012

I'm looking to change a CU in an ex local authority flat and there is simply no space in the cupboard! I read on here about skeleton units which seem to be the best option. I am looking to get one like this 10 Way Split Load Skeleton Consumer Unit - 100 Amp Switch + RCD but it seems a bit bigger than the existing.

The current box is 310 width and 200 height. The one above is 355 width and 234 height. looking at the photo is there another style anyone would be good enough to recommend. I have thought about just extending and keeping the unit as a joint box but the cupboard is so tight there is not an ideal location for a standard board.

Any ideas or suggestions welcome. Many thanks. Tim.

[ElectriciansForums.net] Wylex skeleton unit, help please

topquark · Aug 23, 2012

Does the CU need to go inside the cupboard? Could you not use an adaptable box with some topjob wagos to route to a new CU outside the cupboard. Would depend on what's around the cupboard and cupboard location of course.

topjob wagos here: https://www.************/catalog/category/view/s/rail-mounted-terminals/id/10/

edit: the website is "w a g o b o x . c o m"

Engineer54 · Aug 23, 2012

The photo looks like the existing CU is a standard Wylex 3036 metal-clad unit. Skeleton units are made specifically for direct replacement of integrated Wylex CU interiors commonly used in the older metal Mantel electrical cupboards that are found in most of the old council houses and flats built in and around the 50's and 60's.

Not sure how your going to get around fitting a modern CU in that cabinet you have, most will be too fat to close the door of the cabinet, and that's apart from the length of a 10 way CU with twin RCD'S and an isolator. You may find you need to fit the CU above this cabinet.

Let's see what others here have to say....

timo1 · Aug 23, 2012

Thanks Eng I thought this was a mantel unit as the building is 1970's construction. I thought that I could just replace the insides and the cover would fit flush.

Topquark thanks for the suggestion it may well come to that as there is no way I can remove and replace, the existing connections will have to stay as they are. Really not looking forward to this one, Im not the smallest of chaps and the cupboard was built around the services and there is hardly and room to move. I can re-position a new CU but it wont look as tidy as I would like it.

topquark · Aug 23, 2012

Have added the website address. Looks like there is plenty of space to the above left of the existing CU to route the cables. Depends where you have room to fit a new CU. You'll get away with the smaller of the two din rail adaptable boxes they do by the looks of it.

NB If the existing RFC cables are stranded, not solid, then you may need to go the next size up from the 2.5mm ones to 4.00mm ones. You'll also need one blanking plate for each size of topjob you need to use (they are open on one side only).

topquark · Aug 23, 2012

Looking at the number of cables, there looks to be a few sharing breakers at the mo, so you will prob need a larger enclosure, the larger enclosure they do is (300x220x120).

Wylex skeleton unit, help please

timo1

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topquark

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Engineer54

timo1

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topquark

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topquark

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