Storage heaters wiring

wildgoose · Oct 18, 2014

Not all that straight forwards because of the original integral metal base plate!
This must be removed before the new skeleton assy can fit in. You do this by looking for the spotweld marks and then carefully drill them out just on the welds. The base plate should then pop off with a little levering.

So yes if the welds are clearly visible, then it's not such a big deal but if you can't locate them or for some reason it won't lever off, then it' become a mare!
Once this piece is out, then the new board assy will fit in!

Alexandru · Nov 18, 2014

Decided not to touch that old CU and just installed a new one ( BG 100A 10-Way Consumer Unit | Departments | DIY at B&Q ) on top of the cupboard. I have installed the storage heaters in the rooms, runned the cables to the new CU (secured them in trunking ) and connected them via Timers ( Timeguard SupplyMaster 24 Hour Fused Spur Timeswitch - Trading Depot ). Now my problem is I can't turn off the power to remove the mains from the old CU and connect them to the new one, and after that run the rest of the cables. Can the power be turned of from the Electriciy Service Head or from the actual meter?

Darkwood · Nov 18, 2014

Alexandru said:
Decided not to touch that old CU and just installed a new one ( BG 100A 10-Way Consumer Unit | Departments | DIY at B&Q ) on top of the cupboard. I have installed the storage heaters in the rooms, runned the cables to the new CU (secured them in trunking ) and connected them via Timers ( Timeguard SupplyMaster 24 Hour Fused Spur Timeswitch - Trading Depot ). Now my problem is I can't turn off the power to remove the mains from the old CU and connect them to the new one, and after that run the rest of the cables. Can the power be turned of from the Electriciy Service Head or from the actual meter?

You say you have run your cables through trunking, is this one trunking with multiple cables in or have you run them all in separate trunkings?
What is length of run and size of cable used?

Because your doing this without seemingly without any real Electrical knowledge then how have you calculated what size cable to use, its not just a matter of running a given size because it says it can carry that ampage, your installation methods have derating factors due to the methods you chose and must be accounted for before wiring.

You cannot isolate the mains as the meter and service fuse are not your property so it would be illegal to do so, the correct method would be to tail up your new board ready to be conected into the meter and contact your Electricity provider about making the change over for you and re-sealing the meter and cutout.

As you are wiring new circuits, how are you going to test these circuits and write them up, the testing is crucial for the safety of yourself and family and may show up issues you were unaware of, its not a matter of it looks alright its essential you test before energising. Its great saving a buck or two but at what risk.

Not saying what you have done is incorrect so far but DIY should stop at changing light fittings and socket tops, when designing and wiring new circuits a lot of calculations and regulations have to be adhered to and its clear that you have been given a few basic requirements already that you were unaware of so Im unsure as to how you have designed your circuit ?

Alexandru · Nov 18, 2014

darkwood said:
You say you have run your cables through trunking, is this one trunking with multiple cables in or have you run them all in separate trunkings?
What is length of run and size of cable used?

Because your doing this without seemingly without any real Electrical knowledge then how have you calculated what size cable to use, its not just a matter of running a given size because it says it can carry that ampage, your installation methods have derating factors due to the methods you chose and must be accounted for before wiring.

You cannot isolate the mains as the meter and service fuse are not your property so it would be illegal to do so, the correct method would be to tail up your new board ready to be conected into the meter and contact your Electricity provider about making the change over for you and re-sealing the meter and cutout.

As you are wiring new circuits, how are you going to test these circuits and write them up, the testing is crucial for the safety of yourself and family and may show up issues you were unaware of, its not a matter of it looks alright its essential you test before energising. Its great saving a buck or two but at what risk.

Not saying what you have done is incorrect so far but DIY should stop at changing light fittings and socket tops, when designing and wiring new circuits a lot of calculations and regulations have to be adhered to and its clear that you have been given a few basic requirements already that you were unaware of so Im unsure as to how you have designed your circuit ?

Separate trunking, 2.5mm 3 way cable, storage heaters 2-2,5m from the CU. Testing will be done by a qualified electrician. I do have an electrician background it just comes from a different system ( i'm from Romania) were we never use storage heaters. I have done a research and understood how they work. The only problem as I said normally there should be a main switch outside of the flat from where you can cut the power and safely work inside your home. And about my family safety, don't question it. I've asked a simple question as I'm new to the UK system. Thank you

Darkwood · Nov 19, 2014

Alexandru said:
Separate trunking, 2.5mm 3 way cable, storage heaters 2-2,5m from the CU. Testing will be done by a qualified electrician. I do have an electrician background it just comes from a different system ( i'm from Romania) were we never use storage heaters. I have done a research and understood how they work. The only problem as I said normally there should be a main switch outside of the flat from where you can cut the power and safely work inside your home. And about my family safety, don't question it. I've asked a simple question as I'm new to the UK system. Thank you

As you give little detail of your background we have to judge your experience by the nature of your post so don't take offense if we are over cautious and may seem to state the obvious, unfortunately most properties in the UK do not have the isolator option and the legitimate way is to contact the Electrical supplier to swap the tails over but they will sting you money wise, with the correct PPE gear and tools a competent Electrician may install a Henley block (joint box for tails) and cut and connect into the Henley block live then connect your new tails into the joint, this should be just a callout cost but its an H&S area that some members on here would be against, personally I think the word competence and preperation is key here and can be done quite safely.

Octopus · Nov 19, 2014

Alexandru said:
Separate trunking, 2.5mm 3 way cable, storage heaters 2-2,5m from the CU. Testing will be done by a qualified electrician. I do have an electrician background it just comes from a different system ( i'm from Romania) were we never use storage heaters. I have done a research and understood how they work. The only problem as I said normally there should be a main switch outside of the flat from where you can cut the power and safely work inside your home. And about my family safety, don't question it. I've asked a simple question as I'm new to the UK system. Thank you

Matey, this is the UK and the UK rules and regs apply.

The work you have undertaken falls under Part P of the building regs so I suggest you check up on this before you do anything else!

Engineer54 · Nov 19, 2014

So far you have broken every rule in the book, your competence has been questioned for very good reason and yes that includes the safety of your family!!

I've worked in Romania, maybe a good few years ago now, but i can still remember what electricians called safe, and i can assure you, it bore no relationship to what is expected in a UK installation...

But you're not going to listen to anyone but yourself, so crack on, sooner or later this is gonna come back and bite you, (or unfortunately a member of your family) in the arse!!

Anyone that gives any further help to you regarding this installation needs to seriously think again!!