**Show Us Your Installs!!!**

[Spudnik]

Right chaps,

Due to a few unavoidable issues, we have lost the original thread and pics etc.

Sorry about that!!!

So, if you want to re-upload your pics then great, if not, give us something new!


Cheers!!

 

[Knobhead]

That’s about my luck Tel, fix one thing and then the next in the chain goes belly up!!
Nice and tidy panel though.

 

[telectrix]

That’s about my luck Tel, fix one thing and then the next in the chain goes belly up!!
Nice and tidy panel though.

it threw me at first. i had selected a 16A type C MCB as correct for the combined load of the 2 motors, only to see it trip on start-up. i then swapped it out for a 20A type C, and that's when i found the 2kW motor was drawing excess current. strangely enough, the overload was set to 4.5A and didn't trip, even though the outgoing 1.5mm cables were getting warm within a few seconds.

 

[Engineer54]

The boss' last CU in an eco house we just completed.

Not having a pop, just a general observation based purely on my own views on CU/DB cable terminations... The overall CU cable dressing arrangement looks pretty much fine to me...

Is it normal not to use crimped terminations for multi stranded cables such as those flying leads supplied on RCBO's etc?? Don't really like to see bare conductors on bars or entering device terminations either....

 

[HandySparks]

Is it normal not to use crimped terminations for multi stranded cables such as those flying leads supplied on RCBO's etc?? Don't really like to see bare conductors on bars or entering device terminations either....

Yes, it's typical. Usually the fine stranded cables to the RCDs and RCBOs are factory-welded at the ends (not soldered) to provide a solid lump for the end of the screw to clamp down onto.

 

[Resu]

Yes, it's typical. Usually the fine stranded cables to the RCDs and RCBOs are factory-welded at the ends (not soldered) to provide a solid lump for the end of the screw to clamp down onto.

That's it. The fly leads came out of the box like this (copper showing), the gaffer sorts them on his final once over and tidies up anything like that (tightening screws, etc). This was just a quick pic inbetween times (before he was finished) as the cupboard was tiny and I didn't want to get in his way!

 

[Engineer54]

Yes, it's typical. Usually the fine stranded cables to the RCDs and RCBOs are factory-welded at the ends (not soldered) to provide a solid lump for the end of the screw to clamp down onto.

And if the RCD/RCBO flying leads are cut to size to suit the installation and dressing of cables?? Why would you then not use a crimped termination??

The other thing i notice on many of the CU installations shown on this and other threads, is the tenancy to bend/dress the 10 or 16mm in or out of the devices, immediately as they leave the device termination. Thus always leaving exposed bare conductor.... Can't understand why these bigger cables aren't dressed into the CU devices, similar to those of the final circuits??...

 

[HandySparks]

And if the RCD/RCBO flying leads are cut to size to suit the installation and dressing of cables?? Why would you then not use a crimped termination??

The other thing i notice on many of the CU installations shown on this and other threads, is the tenancy to bend/dress the 10 or 16mm in or out of the devices, immediately as they leave the device termination. Thus always leaving exposed bare conductor.... Can't understand why these bigger cables aren't dressed into the CU devices, similar to those of the final circuits??...

Indeed, if you cut the "welded" ends off, then a crimp or bootlace ferrule would be ideal.

The 16mm² into the RCDs is usually already in place when you buy the CU. The very fine stranding, and therefore great flexibility of the cables means that the cable often won't stay put, even if you attempt to dress it neatly. The tendency is to leave well alone and just check the tightness of the terminal screws. If you remove the wire and trim the end back to bring the insulation down to the body of the device, you run into the possibility of those fine strands getting loose and needing to put a crimp on as above.

 

[Amp David]

I've in the past trimmed and crimped a ferrule on the Wylex tri rated stuff, but the terminals in the neutral bar are too small?

 

[Engineer54]

Indeed, if you cut the "welded" ends off, then a crimp or bootlace ferrule would be ideal.

The 16mm² into the RCDs is usually already in place when you buy the CU. The very fine stranding, and therefore great flexibility of the cables means that the cable often won't stay put, even if you attempt to dress it neatly. The tendency is to leave well alone and just check the tightness of the terminal screws. If you remove the wire and trim the end back to bring the insulation down to the body of the device, you run into the possibility of those fine strands getting loose and needing to put a crimp on as above.

I don't agree with that statement, all our panels/DB's that have inter-connecting fine multi stranded cables, are dressed into the desired final position. Just a little bit of time needed, to get rid of any packaging coils. Probably the easiest method is applying a bit of heat. Either way, i think i'd prefer to see a slightly untidy cable than bare conductor showing...

Amp David....

No idea about Wylex CU's, but i would have thought that at least 2 or 3+ of the terminals on the Neutral bar(s) would be suitable for 16mm cable or more. A 16mm cable crimp, be it ferrule bootlace or pin, will not be anywhere near that of the actual cable CSA.

 

[Jurassic Sparks]

BS 951 earth clamps on suppliers cables are a no no
especially as it looks like a paper insulated lead sheathed oil filled cable
I tink they call it the big bang theory !!
also I would not take a maine earth from such a cable you are far safer using an electrode unless the supplier tells you its ok

 

[Knobhead]

BS 951 earth clamps on suppliers cables are a no no
especially as it looks like a paper insulated lead sheathed oil filled cable
I tink they call it the big bang theory !!
also I would not take a maine earth from such a cable you are far safer using an electrode unless the supplier tells you its ok

? ? ? ? ? ? ?

 

[Jurassic Sparks]

sorry tone my words got posted in the wrong place
the website keeps doing funny things
i am off for a beer before it rains again

 

[Amp David]

Amp David....

No idea about Wylex CU's, but i would have thought that at least 2 or 3+ of the terminals on the Neutral bar(s) would be suitable for 16mm cable or more. A 16mm cable crimp, be it ferrule bootlace or pin, will not be anywhere near that of the actual cable CSA.

Totally agree with you, exactly what i thought. For whatever reason the crimping tool crimps the ferule into a square shape and its just the corners are just to wide.

Unless the tri rated in the Wylex stuff is only 10mm and I'm trying to crimp on a 16mm ferule

 

[Robotstar5]

A few control panels I've designed and built.

 

[alarm man]

A few control panels I've designed and built.

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nice work there rob.what make is that enclosure in pic 1