Advice on re-siting a consumer unit

[Capn Ahab]

So, passed my 2391. Get in. unk:

Have now got a job to replace a consumer unit and wire up a couple of water heater circuits that I will use for my assessment to join a comp persons scheme (I'm thinking Elecsa).

The job is pretty straight forward, apart from the fact that the CU is under the kitchen counter next to the washing machine. Customer wants it moved up about 1.5 metres on same wall, which means it will be about a metre away from the kitchen sink. She also wants tails from the isolator chased into the wall from point of entry.

My questions are this:

1. Given that I will probably have to extend a load of circuits to get them to reach the new CU location, what is the safest way of doing this that complies with the regs?

2. Is the location ok? It's not a special location, but would it be advisable to get a CU IP-rated to withstand splashing, or cover the CU in some other way?

3. The only protection on the supply tails is the distributor fuse, and cable buried in walls need to either be 5cm deep or mechanically or RCD protected, so I'm guessing this idea is a non-flyer. Anyone advise me different?

Thanks!

 

[trev]

I'll have to check mate and when I do , if you and Tel are correct I shall issue a public apology but right now I'm starting to think about climbing into me bed because I'm up early tomorrow

 

[SPARTYKUS]

remember if you use steel plate, it needs to protect the tails, well, from all sides!

It would be better if it were all surface mounted, or in trunking. Alot easier.

As said by others there must be a better place for it!

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Maybe I was wrong, it wouldn't be the first time. According to wife and kids I'm always wrong but that's for another thread on another day.
I'd still say it's a special location though

Ah! A fellow sufferer.

 

[telectrix]

I'll have to check mate and when I do , if you and Tel are correct I shall issue a public apology but right now I'm starting to think about climbing into me bed because I'm up early tomorrow

unless, of course your kitchen contains a bath or shower, sauna, swimming pool, or used by livestock, and a few other conditions..........

 

[SPARTYKUS]

unless, of course your kitchen contains a bath or shower, sauna, swimming pool, or used by livestock, and a few other conditions..........

or a boat marina

 

[telectrix]

or he keeps his caravan in there.

 

[trev]

Hmmmmm looks like I have a slice of humble pie coming my way

 

[Capn Ahab]

so the tails will require overcurrent protection as well. and if buried, RCD

Upstream?! Overcurrent protection is provided by the distributor 100a fuse, no? As for an RCD where the eff would that go? I can't be doing with that faff, and I haven't even seen the current installation since early Jan. I think she's gonna have to come to terms with some home truths. When I first visited her she asked me to fit a 25kw instant water heater!!

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Upstream?! Overcurrent protection is provided by the distributor 100a fuse, no? As for an RCD where the eff would that go? I can't be doing with that faff, and I haven't even seen the current installation since early Jan. I think she's gonna have to come to terms with some home truths. When I first visited her she asked me to fit a 25kw instant water heater!!

hwats she planning on running?....a public baths?....roman showers?...25KWffs.....mores to the point what did she plan on running it off....lol.....

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Maybe the flats above tails go past hers.... A couple of henleys and a bit of insulation tape and hey presto! Lots of KWatts!

 

[telectrix]

Upstream?! Overcurrent protection is provided by the distributor 100a fuse, no? As for an RCD where the eff would that go? I can't be doing with that faff, and I haven't even seen the current installation since early Jan. I think she's gonna have to come to terms with some home truths. When I first visited her she asked me to fit a 25kw instant water heater!!

reason i said overcurrent protection was that from what you've said about the location of the CU, the tails would be > 3m. then paretly buried in the plaster.

 

[Capn Ahab]

Maybe the flats above tails go past hers.... A couple of henleys and a bit of insulation tape and hey presto! Lots of KWatts!

Now why didn't I think of that? lol

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Now why didn't I think of that? lol

well its not a new idea.....the tails are novel though.....usually a bit of 6 or 10mm......well it is from what i have seen...lol.....

 

[trev]

As promised gentlemen, I have checked and yes that slice of humble pie is being heated up as I type. My apologies my learned friends.

 

[Rappid]

When I first visited her she asked me to fit a 25kw instant water heater!!

Ha ha, with that much power consumption, she's growing weed in her house :sifone: