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

 

[amckay]

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....

I've used the ideal inline connectors before (orange 32A ones) and they failed. I did have a thread about it a few months ago. Emailed them but no response. I now crimp and heatshrink to avoid any further issues with them. However I do still use ideal push fit connectors as ive not encountered problems with them.

 

[ferg]

TBH I just do whatever I feel is most suitable at the time.

But Geordie and E54, you have gotten through to me so next time I need to extend a cable in a CU I'll still do what I've always done but will now have a slight twinge of guilt if I use an in line connector.

At the very least I'll have a little smile to myself about two fussy old codgers shaking their virtual heads at my DIY bodgery.

 

[GB.Kayak]

TBH I just do whatever I feel is most suitable at the time.

But Geordie and E54, you have gotten through to me so next time I need to extend a cable in a CU I'll still do what I've always done but will now have a slight twinge of guilt if I use an in line connector.

At the very least I'll have a little smile to myself about two fussy old codgers shaking their virtual heads at my DIY bodgery.

... is that a bit like jiggory pokery? Personally, I take offence at that misuse of the term for a very capable craftsman who would turn out many hundreds of turned chair legs each day, products that if used carefully might last a lifetime or two! ;-P

 

[7029 dave]

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, I am afraid it's all rush and tear now with this new generation. They won't even take time on an occupied rewire these days, without tearing the place apart. lol

 

[flowlec1]

I've also used the ideal inline connectors and they failed. I returned them and told the wholesaler. I've also seen the other ideal connectors fail.

 

[Leesparkykent]

I've also used the ideal inline connectors and they failed. I returned them and told the wholesaler. I've also seen the other ideal connectors fail.

I remember seeing a thread on here recently where someone had been called out to a fault and it turned out the ring had been extended using Ideal splice line connectors and they had failed/melted. I've tried searching for the thread but can't find it.

 

[Breeze]

I've also used the ideal inline connectors and they failed. I returned them and told the wholesaler. I've also seen the other ideal connectors fail.

It's company policy where is work to use them

 

[ferg]

It's company policy where is work to use them

Have you had any fail?

 

[cprfenom]

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.

It in relation to a consumer unit change. I have upgraded a consumer unit as part of a partial rewire of the circuits and a new fitted kitchen. I have installed RCBO's and for the most part its all fine. The issue is the cpc to be honest and towards the end of the board the neutrals. None of the cables are under excess strain and I often see people post pictures of immaculate consumer units, so it got me wondering.

Regards

 

[Engineer54]

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

That's why were considered to be Dinosaurs on here Pete!! You can just imagine what sort of trainee's these couldn't care less electricians turn out.....

And now low and behold, we're hearing about these Ideal through joints failing. but i guess they won't have any of it!!

 

[davesparks]

Those ideal inline/through joint jobbies are awful. They look like a good idea in principal, so I bought a pack of 50 to try, after trying the first three in a joint I threw the rest in the bin.

 

[ferg]

That's why were considered to be Dinosaurs on here Pete!! You can just imagine what sort of trainee's these couldn't care less electricians turn out.....

And now low and behold, we're hearing about these Ideal through joints failing. but i guess they won't have any of it!!

In fairness I've never had an issue with them but the number I've installed is nowhere near a big enough sample size to draw any knid of conclusion.

I'd be very interested to see what issues others have had and whether or not the conductors were straight and clean when the connectors were used.

I had issues with a handful of Wago lever connectors a while back and now don't trust them but thousands of others would disagree.

 

[ipf]

In fairness I've never had an issue with them but the number I've installed is nowhere near a big enough sample size to draw any knid of conclusion.

I'd be very interested to see what issues others have had and whether or not the conductors were straight and clean when the connectors were used.

I had issues with a handful of Wago lever connectors a while back and now don't trust them but thousands of others would disagree.

I have a few Wago levers. Never used them as permanent but they are very quick and useful for temps and in some cases fault finding.