Extending cables in consumer unit

[cprfenom]

Just after a general consensus.

Do you guys extend cables for the purpose of neatness, even though its a potential weak point or do you accept a shorter cable and accept that its a not as neat?

Regards

 

[Engineer54]

Inline connectors mate ! Push in , pull hard to check good connection ,extend to mcb , nice neat job , no worries .

Neat job?? you've got to be kidding, it'll ,look more like an amateur been at play!! Bare crimped butt joints with two layers of XLPE heat shrink tubing...

 

[Pete999]

Only extend them if they aren't long enough, adding joints for the sake of making it look pretty is foolish. Every joint is a potential point of failure.

What he said, and the Gayowl

 

[DPG]

It's probably been asked before, so apologies if so, but can you get in-line wago type push fit connectors? Rather than the usual ones where the wires enter from the same side? Feel free to tell me to search on the web Daz

 

[Simonslimline]

It's probably been asked before, so apologies if so, but can you get in-line wago type push fit connectors? Rather than the usual ones where the wires enter from the same side? Feel free to tell me to search on the web Daz

Ideal SpliceLine In-Line Wire Connectors Pack of 10 | Leads & Connectors | Screwfix.com

 

[Rubesmuzz]

Ideal SpliceLine In-Line Wire Connectors Pack of 10 | Leads & Connectors | Screwfix.com

Like all new equipment you should spend a little time testing your technique using these products. They are undoubtedly good if used properly. I still remember saying "you must always twist cores together" then found trainees stress the copper and do more damage than modern practices with automatic cable strippers set up incorrectly.
So don't dismiss anything unless you have proven it to be faulty.

 

[Engineer54]

Ideal SpliceLine In-Line Wire Connectors Pack of 10 | Leads & Connectors | Screwfix.com

These connectors are fine for being used as connections within junction boxes and the like. Used in a CU or DB to extend circuit conductors and would look as if a DIY'er had been at work whether they are electrically safe or not. NO nothing better than good in-line crimped joints as i described above, if you want your installation to look professional....

 

[Geordie Spark]

Ideal SpliceLine In-Line Wire Connectors Pack of 10 | Leads & Connectors | Screwfix.com

Thanks for that!

As it happens I do have a lightswitch that has a couple of wires that are too short and I'm planning on changing it for a 2 gang cos I'm adding an extra light. These things look like the answer for extending the ones that are a bit short.

The icing on the cake is Screwfix sell them and the manageress of our branch lives almost next door to me so that saves me having to collect them.

 

[ferg]

These connectors are fine for being used as connections within junction boxes and the like. Used in a CU or DB to extend circuit conductors and would look as if a DIY'er had been at work whether they are electrically safe or not. NO nothing better than good in-line crimped joints as i described above, if you want your installation to look professional....

All very well in an ideal world, pardon the pun.

I like the in line connectors as they are quick, faff free and look better than terminal block or standard 2 port connectors.

 

[Geordie Spark]

All very well in an ideal world, pardon the pun.

I like the in line connectors as they are quick, faff free and look better than terminal block or standard 2 port connectors.

My preferred method is solder & heatshrink which may be a throwback to my engineering pedigree - and I like soldering things anyway!

I have two electic soldering irons - a little Antex for electronic work and a Henley Solon 25Watt job which is over 50 years old & still going strong.

 

[Engineer54]

All very well in an ideal world, pardon the pun.

I like the in line connectors as they are quick, faff free and look better than terminal block or standard 2 port connectors.

Some of us still want our work to look as well as being professionally finished, and are not particually too concerned with getting things done quick at the cost having to look at a bunch of yellow in line plastic connectors....when the CU come off!!!

 

[Pete999]

Just after a general consensus.

Do you guys extend cables for the purpose of neatness, even though its a potential weak point or do you accept a shorter cable and accept that its a not as neat?

Regards

Does this scenario relate to a CU swap? if the cables are to short to make a decent job then why not install a din rail enclosure adjacent to the CU and make a decent job of extending all the cables.

 

[Engineer54]

Does this scenario relate to a CU swap? if the cables are to short to make a decent job then why not install a din rail enclosure adjacent to the CU and make a decent job of extending all the cables.

What can i say, ....from what i can make out here, it'll take too long, it'll add additional costs in both material and time, or just why bother!! It's the time of the new age electrician i'm afraid, where doing things properly comes in at a distant second place to cost cutting and Easy!! ...lol!!

 

[Pete999]

What can i say, ....from what i can make out here, it'll take too long, it'll add additional costs in both material and time, or just why bother!! It's the time of the new age electrician i'm afraid, where doing things properly comes in at a distant second place to cost cutting and Easy!! ...lol!!

Yes Eng you are probably correct, shame really don't you think.

 

[amlu]

western union splice, solder it (properly!) with a gas iron, cover with a heatshrink or self amalgamating tape..
learned that from an old school electrician, maintenance free, will take that over any fiddly crimp or choc bloc.

 

[Geordie Spark]

What can i say, ....from what i can make out here, it'll take too long, it'll add additional costs in both material and time, or just why bother!! It's the time of the new age electrician i'm afraid, where doing things properly comes in at a distant second place to cost cutting and Easy!! ...lol!!

It's not just electricians Eng - as I'm sure you're well aware - It's every damned thing and then some more!