My poor old nan!

[N2ETC]

Evening, my dear old nan has an old fuse box that she wants replacing with a new cu. The old fuse box is in her pantry practically on the floor. So even if she has it updated it will need to be moved. Now I haven't really had a look at it yet but if she can get it moved to the wall just outside the cupboard so she can access it easier the tails will need extending and I would probably assume the rest of the circuits. So whats the easiest solution please guys so I make sure that she is not ripped off and also its a neat job??

 

[acat]

Why cant you do it

Chris

 

[N2ETC]

Because I'm not confident enough to yet just want to get other people's thoughts to see if I'm going down the right lines.

 

[acat]

Let us know where the job is perhaps someone close to you will change the CU with you.

Chris

 

[N2ETC]

Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

 

[Jason Smith]

you have answered your own questions mate, the cables will have to be extended and the tails too. If Nan cant reach the board, then its a move .( However, unless its a major refurbishment of the property, you do not have to comply will doc. M, accesories fitted between 450 mil and 1200 off the floor, as long as the installation is no worse in terms of compliance after it has been sparkied. )

 

[N2ETC]

Would it also be wise to get the electrical company to come in and fit an isolator and then perhaps they could extend the tails? or this asking for too much. also with regards to taking out the main fuse what is the deal with this as some people say just pull it out and say there was no tag and others say get permission??

 

[Jason Smith]

wish I was nearer mate so i could come and help. Get a sparky in for this as you will be playing with the end of the installation that has very very high fault currents. Explain to him that you are new and learning. You would also need a few bits of specialist kit for cutting up to 25 mil tails and undooing henley blocks.
Every one will tell you that it is illegal to break seals at the service point in order to remove the main fuse. It is. However everyone does, and the electric companies turn a blind eye as long as you are a sparky.
Its not as simple as pulling the fuse. - if there is load on the fuse, you run the risk of an arc, so its all circuits off and then pull the fuse, and do it quickly- similarily, when it goes back in, no load on the circuits and push it in quick.

 

[rwb]

I guees there is plenty of local sparks that would appreciate the work and maybe you could use this as a learning process also

 

[mrmatt]

Would it also be wise to get the electrical company to come in and fit an isolator and then perhaps they could extend the tails? or this asking for too much. also with regards to taking out the main fuse what is the deal with this as some people say just pull it out and say there was no tag and others say get permission??

I phoned Npower and they came out within 2 weeks to fit a lovely shiny isolator free of charge, saves pulling the service fuse if you dont want the aftermath

 

[Jason Smith]

there are a million things you have to know and consider before you can even think of attempting this yourself. Its definately get a sparky in mate.

 

[N2ETC]

Ok thanks guys. Just a quick one. I can extend the tails by using a Henley block whats the best way to extend the other circuits?

 

[super_stuey]

Ok thanks guys. Just a quick one. I can extend the tails by using a Henley block whats the best way to extend the other circuits?

Mate, no offence but you're asking questions then just dismissing the answers u get.

Call a registered electrician, and dont endanger the safety of you're "dear old nan".

 

[N2ETC]

sorry didn't mean to offend I was always going to get an electrician in. I had a few ideas and if I'm on the right tracks then this increases my confidence also whilst the sparky is there I will feel better about letting him know my thoughts the job may not happen for a few weeks I was only intrigued!

 

[robsparky1975]

extend with 17th edition junction boxes,make sure to label all cables and juction boxes,ashley do a good maintenance free range,do not under any circumstances pull out the main fuse if you cut the seals you are interfering with supply company equiptment,i am only saying this to you as you are still learning and do not need to pick up on what would be considered illegal,do things the right way(call electric supplier)they actually prefer to fit a 100a isolator so you can isolate safely,they dont want their fuse seals tampered with so will happily fit one foc,they put their name on it and its their own equiptment.

 

[super_stuey]

Fair enough mate. For what its worth we use a 4 inch adaptable box maybe bigger then use Wago connectors to extend cables but crimps are acceptable aswell although I cant stand em!

 

[GrannySmiff]

So at the point where the old CU was there will now be loads of connection boxe's. Will they be hidden in the wall?.

 

[Jason Smith]

An electrician would expose the wires that feed the unit, then decide where he was going to put the joins.

 

[steamboatwilly]

Fair enough mate. For what its worth we use a 4 inch adaptable box maybe bigger then use Wago connectors to extend cables but crimps are acceptable aswell although I cant stand em!

Me too. 'Normal' Wagos for lighting/radials and the chunky bu99ers for RFCs. I used to use crimps but they have to be JUST RIGHT or else...and there's all of that heat shrink effort.

For what it's worth changing a CU is quite nervy first time bust as long as you're careful and methodical it's OK. Notification and full certificate mind you so allow enough time to test and certificate each circuit properly.

There's some good advice here. Watch an experienced sparky and see how it's done. Make lots of notes (and cups of tea)