Meter Tails

[beanocur]

Hi. I've recently moved into new house. The meter box and consumer unit are installed in cupboard underneath the stairs, however they are approx. 1.5m apart and the tails are surface mounted. Should they be encased in trunking so as to protect them from damage. Thanks

 

[westward10]

Any chance of a pic.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Hi. I've recently moved into new house. The meter box and consumer unit are installed in cupboard underneath the stairs, however they are approx. 1.5m apart and the tails are surface mounted. Should they be encased in trunking so as to protect them from damage. Thanks

No they don't have to be encased in trunking but should be adequately supported. Is this a new build with consumer unit under the stairs?

 

[Des 56]

The tails are insulated and sheathed and are considered adequate for the use you describe as long as they are supported adequately
Plastic trunking would not provide much in the way of mechanical protection

 

[Midwest]

Can't think it would be a new build house, with the CU in a cupboard under stairs, unless the stairs were the Ewing Mansion of Southfork!

 

[Leesparkykent]

Can't think it would be a new build house, with the CU in a cupboard under stairs, unless the stairs were the Ewing Mansion of Southfork!

It would be a rubbish design if it was a new build and positioned under the stairs.

 

[Midwest]

Don't think it's a bad idea, for tails in trunking, especially under stairs. Stops em being used as coat hooks and the like.

 

[Sparkie30]

It would be a rubbish design if it was a new build and positioned under the stairs.

Ive seen new build (about 7 years old) around your way, Stroud with CU
Under the stairs Lee.

 

[westward10]

I suspect Lee might not comment on that, sorry couldn't resist

 

[beanocur]

Thanks for the replies. Attached photo to give a better idea. Hear what your saying about tails being sheathed but it seems like a crap design/layout. It's a new build btw.

View attachment 35548

 

[westward10]

Looks pretty neat job to me.

 

[Leesparkykent]

I suspect Lee might not comment on that, sorry couldn't resist

 

[Dave OCD]

Looks pretty neat job to me.

Really ? I think it looks a bit rushed and untidy,those sticky backed cable tie fixings are bound to let go at some point and the DNO supply coming out of the floor to the main fuse at an angle looks vulnerable.

 

[westward10]

I reckon those cable tie bases are screwed.

 

[Wilko]

Many are done like this, but it doesn't make it attractive. The back wall equipment could be "put in a cupboard" perhaps, which at least will stop all your kit being thrown at it.