Meter Tails

[Nightmare1308]

Hi,
On site dispute needs sorting.
We have a consumer unit 3m away as in distance (not cable length) from DNO (outside meter box, flush with wall).
We currently have a 25mm 3 core SWA from DNO to consumer unit. Running within the fabric of building and it's protected from the nails and the like (SWA glanded).
Arguments are
• What is the REG (BS7671 2008 A3) for meter tails greater than 3m if any.
• Why would you need to fuse it down with a SFS if you wouldn't when you just use tails through a wall to a consumer Unit normally?
Been looking through regs book but struggling to find it in the current one.
Any help would be greatful.

 

[Wilko]

Not sure - but I'm thinking 433.2.2 and 434.2.1 might be relevant.

 

[7029 dave]

What is the cable length.? You say distance to CU is 3 meters, why run a sub.?

 

[snowhead]

Isn't it the DNO who stipulate the max length of tails, as it's their Ocpd that's being used to protect the tails.
It won't be in BS7671

 

[Wilko]

A bit more info , fwiw
Association of Meter Operators - Stakeholder Info - https://www.meteroperators.org.uk/stakeholder-info

View attachment 35389

 

[Des 56]

You state the swa is glanded,if there is no switch fuse,what has been used to terminate the swa at the meter box end to convert to double insulated tails for connection to the meter

The 3 meter figure will not be found in BS7671,its a figure the supplier uses for guidance to its workers
We can use that distance as a suitable maximum for our tails to assure the supplier fuse will cover our cable for short circuit protection

 

[Nightmare1308]

Sorry late getting back to you didn't get any notifications.

The SWA had been useda because the consumer unit is other side of the door and there is no safe zone to run the cable, I did think about chasing it out so it was greater then 50mm or using steel plate (galvanised) to protect it though it's run but it was easier with SWA.
It's got a floating Gland which is fixed into place by cable cliets. It also has a layer of heat shrink. Which then the cable connections go straight into the DP isolator.
It hasn't got any SF because it will not fit in the meter box with the REC equipment and the client won't allow it behind as it's directly in the middle of the living room next to the door.
The "3m" rule doesn't state length only distance if I read it correct?
Any solutions would be great, and thanks for the relevant information I will look up later.

 

[Leader]

Recently had the same type of scenario. Both EDF and Western Power were happy for us to connect to the CU around 6m away, no problem at all!! Double checked with different people just to make sure.

 

[stevethesparks]

My daughters house on a reasonably new housing estate, the CU is also 5-6 metres away from the meter. Pretty well protected on a short (3m standard) run in a cavity, but I have my doubts that the full run will meet all requirements. Meter cupboard on front wall low level to left of the front door, CU in hallway to right hand side of the door high level. Standard D/ins 25mm tails (or insulated and sheathed to keep the more pedantic amongst us happy)

 

[Leesparkykent]

A floating gland sounds a bit rubbish imo. I probably wouldn't of used SWA if a switch fuse couldn't be fitted. Tails and suitable protection or another box next to the meter box to house the switch fuse.

 

[westward10]

Mmm, not sure about heat shrink giving adequate mechanical protection either.

 

[7029 dave]

A floating gland sounds a bit rubbish imo. I probably wouldn't of used SWA if a switch fuse couldn't be fitted. Tails and suitable protection or another box next to the meter box to house the switch fuse.

 

[7029 dave]

I have seen so many and it makes me want to cry.!!

 

[Midwest]

Wots a floating gland, I have an idea, and seen it prompted on this forum, but just to be clear.

 

[stevethesparks]

A gland that on the cable but not affixed to any metalwork or casing.