EXTENDING CONSUMER UNITS. How to add a second consumer unit to an existing circuit.

This video is about adding an extra consumer unit to an installation.
It happens sometimes, that a customer will ask for a new circuit to be installed for a new shower, or a new electric cooker circuit to replace the gas cooker, perhaps a circuit for a new extension that has been built or maybe a request to add power and lighting to the garage.
And then, on inspection it is found that there are no spare ways in the existing consumer unit.
Rather than replace the whole consumer unit with a new and bigger board, an option that can be taken is to add a second consumer unit (sometimes called a mini consumer unit or garage unit).
This will mean breaking into the existing wiring, and so how can this be achieved correctly and safely.
This video will go through the steps in detail and will guide you in making a safe addition to the existing installation.
Remember that electricity is dangerous. Always lock off and carry out safe isolation before working on electrical circuits. If in doubt, stop and seek advise from a competent electrician.

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[learnelectrics]

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There are many videos on many electrical topics including Installation, Part P, 18th Edition, Testing, Certification, Lighting, Sockets, Ring Circuits and much more.

[frank]

Again another excellent video, clear and so easy to follow. I can tell, you have put a lot of hard work into preparing these videos, and it shows. Thank you.

[manofweed]

Best explanation on YT. As usual it's the official part, ie getting energy company to remove and install fuse that could be viewed as a problem 😅.

[leeedwards]

Just came across your channel. I am really enjoying your videos and your calm, very explained manner in which you teach. Thank you

[enahoroerijoh]

You are very clear in your teaching. Good stuff

[lylewatts]

Thanks again for the great explanations, Now why can not we have our electrical installations simplified like you do. Its easy to understand and makes sense. I am an old Canadian electrician and always wondered who made our code book so complicated. Thanks again

[jexidexi]

Thanks for you're channel. Just discovered it and halfway watching this video I immediately subscribed. Lookin forward of watching all of youre videos. Kerp them comin. 👍

[poochie]

Just passed the 18th edition thanks to you on the 26.06.21

[garyredmond]

Perfect. Validates how I've planned to provide power to a new garden room. I will be getting a qualified electrician in as it's notifiable works, but now I know my suggested method is sensible.

[alextaramsari]

Very clear and easy to understand for every level!! This is the best learning youtube chanal for Electrician!! Thank you!!!

[mikeb]

Excellent videos, electricity companies
are very annoying they come and install a new electric meter in the property but cant be bothered to install an insulator switch at the same time.

[zippymo]

Thanks Dave, another great video.
Keep them coming.
Can you do one which shows how to fit an rcd unit into an older consumer unit after installation of a i.e extractor fan into a bathroom.

[xqmsoft]

Superb, many thanks as always for these uploads 🥃🇬🇧

[kevsta]

Great video as always, I really wish id had access to this level of information when I was doing my apprenticeship. I have a question too, im replacing a dual tariff CCU and the tails on the economy 7 side will not be long enough for the new unit (Iv had to buy double stacked). Can I use henley blocks within the CCU to extend the tails?
There is no scope to rewire the existing tails as its in a block of flats. I just wondered if it was okay to extend them like this and have the henley block inside the unit?
Any help or advice is greatly appreciated. Cheers

[ramphago]

Thank you very help full
It is well explained

[krazylad]

Very informative, please keep them coming.

[robinstokes]

Very clear description. What is the situation with for example, having a small shower or garage "fuse box" with a 2 or 3 kw load, on the end of an existing 6mm2 T&E running from a 32A MCB in the main RCD protected box. Rather than directly from meter tails & Henley splitter block/s? Is this a problem? Should the small fuse box also be RCD protected or does this cause problems, having an RCD running off an RCD? Should a simple 2 pole isolator type of main switch be used on the small extension box & rely on the 32A MCB & Main RCD?

[IsmailKhan-yzcx]

Great video!

I have a large property which will be a 6bed HMO I want Every room to have it’s own CU so I can sub-meter that..

Is correct to have a Henley block 1 to 6 and have a 16mm wire running to each room?

Thank you

[leespiderpod]

My head main is split. The live goes into the cut-out fuse and the neutral goes into a sealed Henley block. Then both the L & N go into the meter. Is this normal? Great videos btw!

[Robert-tsef]

Excellent video again, although I would check that the meter tails are large enough if the fuse cutout has to be increased, otherwise replace with larger tails (or does the electricity supplier do that!?