junction boxes and accessibility

[gazzamikes]

am now moving a consumer unit from one room to the one next door, with regards to extending the cables which would be the best jb's to use? the room above is a bathroom with a lino flooring which could be taken up if the time arises but would maintenance free ones be better? as lino obviously isnt as easy as carpet to remove and relay

thanks

 

[malcolmsanford]

Though the Wago is classed as maintenance free IMO I would not want to make these non accessible as regulation 526.3 still does not comply for these in respect of inspecting and testing.

I have known sparks to fit JB's under floor boards, and then just leave a plan of where they are and classed this as accessible, though what would happen in a years time in your case the customer plyed and tiled the bathroom, are they still as accessible. I think unless your customer is willing to have say an adaptable box with din rail and connections somewhere on the surface, then really all you can do is a joint to the above reg and class them as non accessible.

 

[telectrix]

wouldn't like to have joints under a bathroom floor unless 1. they're accessible. 2. no chance of water about. how far are you moving the CU? might be better to use an adaptable box with DIN rail and DIN rail connectors situated where the CU is at present. maybe Henly blocks to extend the tails. difficult to advise without seeing the situation.

 

[telectrix]

fast fingeres, malcolm!

 

[el-sparko]

What about using Ashleys? or do these fall into the same catagory as the wago.

Does part (v) of 526.3 cover the Ashley connections therefore allowing use as non accessible?

 

[gazzamikes]

the unit is above the kitchen units in the corner which cant be reached at present so am moving it about 3m to just inside the utility next door. there is the concern of if there is a flood of course itll the make its way through to the joints, in the past i have worked with an electrician who liked in this case to install an ip rated box under the floor and use maintenance free junction boxes so in the event of a problem it stood some chance of protection. his veiw was if there is a fllod which could cause problems the floor would be taken up anyway or the ceiling below removed

 

[telectrix]

above kitchen units sounds an ideal location for a joint box.

 

[gazzamikes]

thats true, i could hide one above the unit that way it can be accessed, just not keen on hiding joints that cant be checked. they only want the consumer unit moved as they cant reach it, and the chap only has one leg so step climbing isnt great.

 

[malcolmsanford]

To me it still falls short of accessibilty for inspecting and testing, say 5 yrs down the road there is a change of occupant and a PIR is ordered by the mortgage company.

Ok there might be documentation that a box is there under the floor, but would it be accessible without destrying say tiles etc to get at it.

 

[telectrix]

a recent post by nicblake showed pics of a din rail connection he had done. have a look and that will give you an idea.

 

[gazzamikes]

ok thanks

 

[truckster]

I am suffering deja vu, having asked the question here

 

[1shortcircuit]

If there is risk of water penetration and issue of being accessible then what about the use of those resin type ones that I have heard about. Totally out of my depth here but just hoping to offer a suggestion :thumbsup

Probably too costly considering the number of circuits???

 

[Goody]

Check out the work of "art" by nickblake -> http://www.electriciansforums.net/e...34100-cu-change-extending-circuit-wiring.html