Installing new consumer unit. Cables too short.

[Dave0098]

im installing a new consumer unit, it maybe that the new consumer unit wont fit in the same gap as the old 1, if i mount the consumer unit in another position, can i junction box the cables and extend them to the consumer unit?

Dave

 

[msodaitis]

i think the best way would be to buy a consumer unit which is similar to the old one a fits easy, and to use junction boxes i think that just rough

 

[Mac]

Can you not use some PVC trunking and thru crimp the cables to where you want to reposition the new CU

 

[Dave0098]

well i dnt really think junction boxes look rough, well they wudnt look rough if i did them anyway. the old consumer unit is in a cupboard above a door with all the electric meter and other things, so if i could find a 17th edition consumer unit which will fit in the gap i will. but yeah trunking with through crimps or junction boxes is it ok?

 

[Mac]

well i dnt really think junction boxes look rough, well they wudnt look rough if i did them anyway. the old consumer unit is in a cupboard above a door with all the electric meter and other things, so if i could find a 17th edition consumer unit which will fit in the gap i will. but yeah trunking with through crimps or junction boxes is it ok?

Fine mate and it would look a lot neater than junction boxes.If you do a neat job,they could recommend you to friends and you'll have more work rolling in.Only a thought

 

[acat]

Crimping better than junction boxes anytime





Chris

 

[Thunderpants]

So through crimps are an acceptable choice in this situation. Do the crimps need to be protected or enclosed in anything? I suppose a butt splice crimp is ok as well.

TP

 

[Spudnik]

Through crimping with the usual crimps is fine.

However, the crimps should be in some sort of enclosure, eg adaptable box or trunking, to reinstate the insulation.

I think in this case junction boxes would also be fine, however, i would try to avoid them if poss, purely for looks.

 

[claire_r]

thanks dave, was about to ask the same question myself what do you all think of adaptable boxes with din rail and din rail connectors? know they are pricey but is it a better connection than using through crimps? I have trouble with stranded 6mm cables as they dont fit in the yellow through crimps and a jb outside the box looks messy. The only advantage I can see is they are neater connections and they are accesible.

 

[Spudnik]

6mm T&E does fit yellow crimps although it is tight and you need to make sure you have a clean end to the cable.

However, the old imperial 6mm doesnt fit very well, if at all, so if its a reasonably old install that you are upgrading the CU on, then its something to watch out for.

 

[Mac]

Through crimping with the usual crimps is fine.

However, the crimps should be in some sort of enclosure, eg adaptable box or trunking, to reinstate the insulation.

I think in this case junction boxes would also be fine, however, i would try to avoid them if poss, purely for looks.

I already said that Jason.Just seems your nit picking now

 

[scotsparky]

Thrugh crimp with a bit of heat shrink over the top in trunking out the way

 

[Spudnik]

I already said that Jason.Just seems your nit picking now

Sorry mate.

Im on auto pilot tonight.

 

[Dave0098]

Thanx for all your replys, i do understand that junction boxes are not what people like to see in their hall way, for this job the junction box or boxes would not be visible as they would be in a cupboard tucked above a door with the electric meter and then the consumer unit installed below the cupboard. so to anyone looking they would just think it was a consumer unit as normal. i wouldnt dream on sticking junction boxes all over someones hall way or kitchen. LOL

i just feel that a move positive connection can be made using terminal block rather then crimps. but i will see which is more appropiate.

cheers Dave

 

[Spudnik]

Thanx for all your replys, i do understand that junction boxes are not what people like to see in their hall way, for this job the junction box or boxes would not be visible as they would be in a cupboard tucked above a door with the electric meter and then the consumer unit installed below the cupboard. so to anyone looking they would just think it was a consumer unit as normal. i wouldnt dream on sticking junction boxes all over someones hall way or kitchen. LOL

i just feel that a move positive connection can be made using terminal block rather then crimps. but i will see which is more appropiate.

cheers Dave

Dave,
There is nothing wrong using the JB's especially as they will be accessible for future inspections.

So if you prefer that route then go for it.

HOWEVER, we DO want to see how good you are at your JBing so we want pictures of the finished job