meter tails

[ianphilip007]

hello there

quick question, when installing a new c.u. if the tails are of correct c.s.a. but have been installed in the cavity or have been plastered over ( with no mechanical protection ) do they need to be replaced ?
or is it ok to leave in place and replace new c.u. ?

many thnaks

 

[danzor]

New meter tails

 

[DurhamSparky]

personally i would just leave in place!!! only time i would change them would be if they were below 16mm

 

[ianphilip007]

thought that would be the case danzor, grr why oh why do people bury the tails

 

[johnboy6083]

for me id depends on what i see. if the tails are in the cavity, then its gona be reasonably difficult to damage them, and also they comply with the 50mm rule so no RCD needed. if they are buried in the plaster, then i would consider the risk of them being damaged. ie, is there any chance that a shelf ect could be placed there.

 

[danzor]

I could be wrong, but I wouldn't be happy with leaving hidden meter tails without any protection.

 

[ianphilip007]

i initially thought that durham but then thought, when you change the c.u. you become responsible for the whole installation, so unprotected tails buried in plaster with no rcd protection would contravene regulations. my only question is if the exisiting tails could be classed retrospectivly.

 

[ianphilip007]

with regards to there installation method, but the more i think about the potential dangers i think replacing and installing new tails with correct method is the correct option.

 

[Octopus]

personally i would just leave in place!!! only time i would change them would be if they were below 16mm

Do you mean below 16mm or 16mm and below?

 

[DurhamSparky]

when you change the c.u. you become responsible for the whole installation

misconception!! you only become responsible for the CU change!! obviosuly you need to record all your circuit details down and readings but existing cables dont become your responsibility!!

 

[DurhamSparky]

16mm and below...!! New installs should be 25mm with 16 earth and 10mm bond as a min
unless tt when 25mm with 6mm earth and bond is acceptable

i dont care what size fuse is fitted either!! if its 60a i still fit 25mm

 

[ianphilip007]

fair point durham regarding the pre exisiting cables, you as the electrician are not responsible. But when you fit a new C.U.IMO you are responsible for the safe operation of the circuits feeding that C.U. which i feel includes the supply tails, and these circuits have to comply with current regulations. so unprotected buried tails with no rcd protection would not be safe and would not comply. i may be wrong but feel it is the safest approach.

 

[DurhamSparky]

then why dont you install a Time delayed 100Ma RCD at the entry point??

 

[ianphilip007]

its one possible option

 

[ianphilip007]

but id consider it a last resort, and only if it was impossible to either surface mount, or mechanically protect