Consumer Unit replacement cables not long enough.

[FatAlan]

Ok, so you have a motley collection of old BS3036 fuse boxes that need to be replaced by a new consumer unit. Existing installation tests all good but the T&E coming out of the wall is spread out and not long enough. What do folks do to extend cables or what’s the recognised best practice to ensure a neat and compliant job? Any pics?

 

[Cid]

Best method is to crimp and heat shrink. Anything else would just look rough.

You could also use the existing box to house wago connectors but it doesn't look like you got much room for that.

 

[Andy78]

I tend to use a lot of 100x50 trunking when doing domestic consumer units, both changes and rewires.
The connections could be housed in there either just in the trunking or in a single box with a blank plate.

It's a useful method to adopt anyway for most jobs as it tidies up all the cables usually, and gives a place to put accessories such as alarm spurs, single sockets, light switches etc

 

[telectrix]

i'd replace lower box with a din rail mad. box, and extend the lower cables with din rail connectors up to new CU where the top box is.

 

[FatAlan]

Thanks for the suggestions folks. Half the trouble with this lark is getting familiar with the products out there.

 

[7029 dave]

The bottom cables, is it floor boarded ?, can you pull some slack up.?

 

[FatAlan]

The bottom cables, is it floor boarded ?, can you pull some slack up.?

No slack I’m afraid. It’s a 1950’s semi with what you can see being at the back of the usual small under stairs cupboard.

 

[GBDamo]

Ok, so you have a motley collection of old BS3036 fuse boxes that need to be replaced by a new consumer unit. Existing installation tests all good but the T&E coming out of the wall is spread out and not long enough. What do folks do to extend cables or what’s the recognised best practice to ensure a neat and compliant job? Any pics?

Saw this today and thought you may be able to get a few pointers from it.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

I am a bit of a din rail nut. i just like how they look so nice when dressed properly. so a nice plastic enclosure with din rail connectors for me. might add £20-25 to the materials depending on your wholesaler.

 

[Squid]

Rewire the whole house and book a holiday to the caribbean.........

 

[FatAlan]

Saw this today and thought you may be able to get a few pointers from it.

View attachment 47917

I take it that the installation isnt on its side like the photo

 

[GBDamo]

I take it that the installation isnt on its side like the photo

No, I took it in landscape to capture all the elements of professional excellence on display.

A true thing of beauty, no?

Oh and don't even fart near it or it'll be off the wall.

 

[Silly Sausage]

No slack I’m afraid. It’s a 1950’s semi with what you can see being at the back of the usual small under stairs cupboard.

If you trawl the forum, a few years back, some of the guys had posted pictures of fine examples of extending cables to CUs solutions.