Do tails HAVE to be upgraded?

[Octopus]

nope , its aimed at any type of installation with a supply no more than 100A.
;-)

Biff, on this occassion I need to disagree with you. Its references to previous versions of the regs/colours etc are limited to say the least hence my "mainly" comment.

 

[Guest55]

Biff, on this occassion I need to disagree with you. Its references to previous versions of the regs/colours etc are limited to say the least hence my "mainly" comment.

page 11 , section 1.1 scope

" It (the OSG) covers the following installations ;

domestic and similar installations inc. garages , outbuildings
small industrial and commercial , single & 3 phase installations"

the guide is restricted to ;

a frequency of 50 hz
nominal volt 230 / 400
cut-out fuses rated at 100A or less"


no mention of new builds only.
;-)

and the knockout blow is delivered

 

[Steve_P]

Has anyone actually asked the question "What size are the existing tails"? ? ? ? ? ? If it's on 4mm t&E then maybe the answer just could be YES!!!!! UPGRADE THE DAMN THINGS!!!!! lmfao!

 

[bigbaddave]

Has anyone actually asked the question "What size are the existing tails"? ? ? ? ? ? If it's on 4mm t&E then maybe the answer just could be YES!!!!! UPGRADE THE DAMN THINGS!!!!! lmfao!

No but I am sure the statement are the tail size adequate for fuse covers that.

 

[whazza22]

Thanks for the responses.

The existing tails are 16mm and as its a one bed flat, there is a 6 way consumer unit consisting of a ring, lighting, cooker and shower circuit.

I would say the original 16mm tails are adequate.

Also, an isolator for the supply is being fitted by Eon next week, if that makes a difference?

Would like opinions after above details added please

Thanks

 

[KAS1]

So are you now asking for someone on here to work out diversity for you?

Thanks for the responses.

The existing tails are 16mm and as its a one bed flat, there is a 6 way consumer unit consisting of a ring, lighting, cooker and shower circuit.

I would say the original 16mm tails are adequate.

Also, an isolator for the supply is being fitted by Eon next week, if that makes a difference?

Would like opinions after above details added please

Thanks

 

[imago]

Thanks for the responses.

The existing tails are 16mm and as its a one bed flat, there is a 6 way consumer unit consisting of a ring, lighting, cooker and shower circuit.

I would say the original 16mm tails are adequate.

Also, an isolator for the supply is being fitted by Eon next week, if that makes a difference?

Would like opinions after above details added please

Thanks

What's the supply fuse capacity?

 

[whazza22]

So are you now asking for someone on here to work out diversity for you?

No I'm not, I'm just making everyone aware that its not a big load like a mansion!!

 

[KAS1]

Getting back to your original post why do you assume the tails need upgrading ????

 

[imago]

No I'm not, I'm just making everyone aware that its not a big load like a mansion!!

Hmm, assumptions. A one bed flat with electric storage heating, and 10Kw shower, halogen downlights across the board and an electric oven and hob. As opposed to a seven bedroom property with gas heating, shower fed from the boiler, a single pendant in each room and a range or gas cooker.

Don't guess or make assumptions, use your eyes, experience and some basic calculations. The starting point is what do the DNO have protecting it? If it's a 100 amp fuse then your assertion that "it's just a one bed flat." won't be much use as a justification for leaving the tails.

 

[whazza22]

Getting back to your original post why do you assume the tails need upgrading ????

I always upgrade tails when replacing consumer unit. Just the way I was taught.

 

[KAS1]

Sounds like a money making scheme, who taught you that someone with shares in the DI cable makers lol

I always upgrade tails when replacing consumer unit. Just the way I was taught.

 

[imago]

Still no response on the fuse size?

Personally I frequently upgrade the tails to 25mm. I do so because the additional cost is negligible, I may not be able to verify the fuse size, it looks better afterwards, the old tails may be damaged/scruffy, the run is short etc. In other words, it's easier and quicker to do so. However, if the budget is tight for the customer and/or the tails are 16mm and in good shape then I check the figures and note down on the sheet that the tails are of adequate size for the installation.

What I don't do is guess or assume that they're OK.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Still no response on the fuse size?

Personally I frequently upgrade the tails to 25mm. I do so because the additional cost is negligible, I may not be able to verify the fuse size, it looks better afterwards, the old tails may be damaged/scruffy, the run is short etc. In other words, it's easier and quicker to do so. However, if the budget is tight for the customer and/or the tails are 16mm and in good shape then I check the figures and note down on the sheet that the tails are of adequate size for the installation.

What I don't do is guess or assume that they're OK.

It could be reasonably argued though that for a CU change only no load is being added....and if it's been running for the last 20 years on the existing tails without melting whats going to change?....that would be a reasonable assumption without any calculation.

 

[londonlec]

Thanks for the responses.

The existing tails are 16mm and as its a one bed flat, there is a 6 way consumer unit consisting of a ring, lighting, cooker and shower circuit.

I would say the original 16mm tails are adequate.

Also, an isolator for the supply is being fitted by Eon next week, if that makes a difference?

Would like opinions after above details added please

Thanks

Still waiting on reply regarding switch fuse/ryefield at cut out position.