Moving a fuse box under the 17th Edition

P&Q · Mar 5, 2009

Hi guys,

I have come across a fuse box which needs changing and upgrading, this is above the cooker and I need to move it. Firstly, I needed to know how far away it needs to be from the cooker according to the 17th Edition. Secondly what do you think would be the best way or thing to do to extend and run the cables over?
I am going to notify the local authority and they will be coming to inspect after the first fixing.

Any help would be appreciated!

Spudnik · Mar 5, 2009

Hi and welcome to the forum.

To be honest, this isnt the sort of thing that can be answered on a forum although we will do our best.

There are a number of factors to take into consideration, before even thinking about moving a cu; ie, type of earthing, incoming supply meter (which you cannot touch), age of the installation, main bonding etc etc.

If you say its above a cooker then the cables could be needing replacing, at least the tails to the CU.

Any chance you can post up some pics?

kung · Mar 5, 2009

Good idea Jason if people could post pics on here then this would help no end with answers.
Regards
Kung
P.S. Hi P&Q

P&Q · Mar 5, 2009

Thanks for replying, here's some pics, hope they help.

andyb · Mar 5, 2009

incredible!

Spudnik · Mar 5, 2009

Looks like a bungalow install to me so,

you could pull (hopefully) all the circuits back to the loft, crimp them through to extend them to the new position, put the joints in a suitably sized enclosure and fit new 17th dual rcd board.

However, you will need to consider the sub main from the suppliers cut out as this will probably need a switch-fuse somewhere along its length (if more than 3 meters).

Hopefully, with only 2 non rcd ways at the moment, the new board wont throw any nasties at you.

Just out of interest, have you ever tackled anything like this before?

DPG · Mar 5, 2009

I'm no expert, but surely only the garage is on an RCD?

Strickers · Mar 5, 2009

I'd pull all cable's back into the loft area make a board up with double suface boxes crimp them in the boxes stick on a blanking and mark up each circuit for anyone coming after. How far are you considering moving the consumer unit??

remember all joint's must be accessible proper pet hate. Cheers