UK Consumer unit relocation

[Riddler]

Sorry, I know this has probably been covered, but I'm struggling to find a recent and specific answer.

Old 1930's bungalow. Really old CU tucked in the corner of the old converted garage, slightly behind a wall, so barely accessible now. Definitely needs moving, but want to move it toward the main building as we're doing a complete rewire inside.
Don't want to pay the DNO £2.5k they've quoted to move the incoming, so want to move just the board away from the meter and CO fuse.

I've pictured an isolator that our supplier fitted when we moved in.
Now, am I right in thinking this isn't enough to allow me to move the board. I need to add a fused isolator after this one?
Or, is this isolator enough, and I can run separate cables from here, to where I want the new board to be? Or even connect it to an SWA cable to run it round.

I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but the chap that fitted the isolator gave me a different one, so wanted to make sure before I make a horlicks of it and do something stupid

 

[mainline]

How far is the board move ?
Would the run from meter to new Cu be through walls etc ?

If the tails are going to be over 2mtrs (most dnos allow 3mtrs) then the best way is a \MFCU and SWA.

 

[Riddler]

Sorry, completely missed that info off. Yeah it's definitely more than 3mtrs. The board is at the furthest forward point of the old garage/front room, and want it to be closer to the main building. So in a straight line (which would pass outside, it's maybe 4mtrs. But as a cable run, possibly 10, either through the house, or run it back outside and round the building

And what's an MDCU sorry?

 

[Taylortwocities]

but want to move it toward the main building as we're doing a complete rewire inside.

I hope you mean that you have an electrician who will be carrying out the rewire?

Now, am I right in thinking this isn't enough to allow me to move the board. I need to add a fused isolator after this one?
Or, is this isolator enough, and I can run separate cables from here, to where I want the new board to be?

It is ok for the short tails that you have, but a switched fuse is required for the distances you have in mind.

Or even connect it to an SWA cable to run it round.

There's no "or even". If you want to extend the main supply any distance through the house then they must be either RCD-protected at the source (you really dont want to do that) or provided in the correct cable which means SWA. So, SWA is your option, and it will be a chunky one. Your electrician is the person who will need to spec the cable, the fuse size and several other things.

 

[mainline]

Sorry, completely missed that info off. Yeah it's definitely more than 3mtrs. The board is at the furthest forward point of the old garage/front room, and want it to be closer to the main building. So in a straight line (which would pass outside, it's maybe 4mtrs. But as a cable run, possibly 10, either through the house, or run it back outside and round the building

And what's an MDCU sorry?

A mains fused connection unit

 

[James]

There's no "or even". If you want to extend the main supply any distance through the house then they must be either RCD-protected at the source (you really dont want to do that) or provided in the correct cable which means SWA. So, SWA is your option, and it will be a chunky one. Your electrician is the person who will need to spec the cable, the fuse size and several other things.

Earthed Metallic conduit is one other choice.
not normally a preferred one as it is more expensive but it is often an option.

p.s. it may well be 32mm or even 40mm diameter conduit depending on what you are pulling through.

I really think you should discuss in detail with your electrician what the options are and how it will look / what the costs are.