Meter tails lengths

[pb8]

Hi, all. Can anyone tell me what the max distance is from the meter point to the consumer unit? Friend of mine reckons he's got meter at front of house and con unit at the back of it. That said whilst I don't think it's right and I've never seen such a long run I can't find a reference to it anywhere to prove my case. He wants to extend but I think he needs to sort this first.
Any help gratefully received!!

 

[Salaam Freeland]

Seeing as I've got on-site guide in front of me I've given it a try. And according to that, regarding 'meter tails' it says that the distributor may specify the maximum length and the mininum csa, and that before starting work on an installation an electrician should obtain arrangements for incoming cable and metering from the distributor. That's as much as I can muster.

 

[Wotsit]

Hi, all. Can anyone tell me what the max distance is from the meter point to the consumer unit? Friend of mine reckons he's got meter at front of house and con unit at the back of it. That said whilst I don't think it's right and I've never seen such a long run I can't find a reference to it anywhere to prove my case. He wants to extend but I think he needs to sort this first.
Any help gratefully received!!

Even if the DNO asks for a max length of 3m your friend might have a protective device like an 800kmf up front, after that he could do what he likes really.

 

[Spudnik]

As above, 3M if the meter box is external and 2 if its internal.

However, your local DNO will advise you.

 

[pb8]

As above, 3M if the meter box is external and 2 if its internal.

However, your local DNO will advise you.

Cheers, got another local spark saying ok as long as you put BS88 fuse every 3 meters in the phase line? I think I'll advise a rewire and relocate within 2 metres.
Many thanks to all.

 

[Spudnik]

Cheers, got another local spark saying ok as long as you put BS88 fuse every 3 meters in the phase line? I think I'll advise a rewire and relocate within 2 metres.
Many thanks to all.

No its not every 3 meters.

It has to go WITHIN 3 meters of the supplier cutout, however, it is usual to put it near the cutout, and run you tails to the new position.

Dont forget you need to give careful consideration to the installation method and whether you would need an RCD.

 

[Wotsit]

Cheers, got another local spark saying ok as long as you put BS88 fuse every 3 meters in the phase line? I think I'll advise a rewire and relocate within 2 metres.
Many thanks to all.

Would love to see that!

 

[Mac]

Cheers, got another local spark saying ok as long as you put BS88 fuse every 3 meters in the phase line? I think I'll advise a rewire and relocate within 2 metres.
Many thanks to all.

Why would want to do a rewire if it's not needed.So you are going to move the CU and rewire the house.Lots of money mate

 

[Evy]

Is nt a bs88 fuse to coinside with the demand of the istalation satisfactory near the cut out,this also gives short circuit protection for the run to the consumer unit.Maybe a 16.0mm 6242y might be better to run from the isolator to the consumer unit and a seperate 16.0mm earth would be another solution depending on what load is on the instalation.

 

[pb8]

Why would want to do a rewire if it's not needed.So you are going to move the CU and rewire the house.Lots of money mate

The cu position is only part of the problem in this bits and pieces install. Better to start afresh before he extends.

 

[Mac]

The cu position is only part of the problem in this bits and pieces install. Better to start afresh before he extends.

Question mate.Has there been a problem with the CU where it is now.How is it fed from the meter.You are talking about extending.Extension or the circuits.

 

[pb8]

Not aware of any problems with cu. Don't know how it's fed yet as I haven't had chance to look but I suspect the worst as its old and apparently had every cowboy this side of dodge city lobbing cables at it. He wants to extend the house and therefore the wiring. I asked the question because i couldn't find reference about length.