Hi,
I have a bit of a challenge with my electrics. My consumer unit and meter are currently located under the stairs, right in the middle of my semi-detached house. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to run new cables from here. I’m considering installing solar panels, a battery, and an EV charger, but I need to route cables to the consumer unit. I see three possible options:
Reroute new cables (armoured): This would involve running new cables through the ceilings and walls, but I assume this would be very difficult and costly.
Relocate the service: I could have the DNO (Distribution Network Operator) cut my service cable and relocate the meter externally. Then, I could install a new consumer unit outside and connect it to the existing one under the stairs (which would become a submain) via the old service cable which was feeding the old meter? I’m not sure if this is feasible, but I’d like to know if this is a viable option.
Use the existing SWA cable: When the house was renovated a few years ago, an SWA (Steel-Wire Armoured) cable was run from the consumer unit to my garden, intended for an outbuilding that was never built. This cable is currently unused. Could I repurpose this SWA cable for the new installation?
I’d love to hear thoughts or advice from anyone who has experience with these options.
Continue reading...
I have a bit of a challenge with my electrics. My consumer unit and meter are currently located under the stairs, right in the middle of my semi-detached house. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to run new cables from here. I’m considering installing solar panels, a battery, and an EV charger, but I need to route cables to the consumer unit. I see three possible options:
Reroute new cables (armoured): This would involve running new cables through the ceilings and walls, but I assume this would be very difficult and costly.
Relocate the service: I could have the DNO (Distribution Network Operator) cut my service cable and relocate the meter externally. Then, I could install a new consumer unit outside and connect it to the existing one under the stairs (which would become a submain) via the old service cable which was feeding the old meter? I’m not sure if this is feasible, but I’d like to know if this is a viable option.
Use the existing SWA cable: When the house was renovated a few years ago, an SWA (Steel-Wire Armoured) cable was run from the consumer unit to my garden, intended for an outbuilding that was never built. This cable is currently unused. Could I repurpose this SWA cable for the new installation?
I’d love to hear thoughts or advice from anyone who has experience with these options.
Continue reading...
