Whats maximum allowable length of tails from meter to CU

[electek]

Hi all , Is there a maximum length for domestic meter tails ? I have a friend who wants to move his consumer unit to a different position without the expense of paying for the meter to be moved.

Just wondered if the c.s.a. of the meter tails is spec'd correctley and protected is there a maximum length ? Also what methods of cable protection would be needed ?

Thanks

 

[bugsy]

I think it;s 2m IF you need to move it further than this install a switched fuse at the cut out and run from the S/F to your CU

 

[electek]

Thanks for your help , anyone else any opinions on this , suppose its not common to have meter and CU seperated by more than a couple of metres ?.....

Would just a fused switch be acceptable then and other than switching of the supply , whats the benefit of it ?

Cheers

 

[steamboatwilly]

Thanks for your help , anyone else any opinions on this , suppose its not common to have meter and CU seperated by more than a couple of metres ?.....

Would just a fused switch be acceptable then and other than switching of the supply , whats the benefit of it ?

Cheers

Hi electek, there are quite a few other discussions on this subject in the forum. Do a search for "maximum tails" and you should find a few.

Essentially it's down to guidance from your supplier, frequently 3m max but advice varies. It's common to have a distance between meter/cut-out and CU nowadays given that most refurbs and rebuilds have external meter boxes and internal CUs. The cut-out fuse is there to protect the extended run to the CU.

Ask your supplier or check their website.

 

[Jason Smith]

I agree with above, its long been my belief that above two meters away, Meter to CU then its a Protection device for the tails from the meter to the cu. We can use this to our advantage as at the moment, my CU is 16 meters from the meter box, and is therfore classed as a sub main. HOWEVER, was informed by SASEB that the max has been increased to three meters.

 

[mattcos1972]

I had to verify it the other day as I am moving my CU and British Gas (my electricity provider) have a 3 metre limit on tails.
Hope that helps.

Matt

 

[jasonr06]

Edf region is 4m over that and then its a switchfuse and submain.

 

[garyinderby]

I checked with EON in derbyshire the other day, reply was 3m is ok but will accept upto 5m. lucky my install was just over 2m so well in.

 

[slocm3105]

As far as i'm aware if the meter is inside the house then it is 2 metres. If the meter is outside the house then it is 3 metres. Any longer than these and a DPSWFCU is needed.