I have to move the meter and service fuse, which will make the distance to the consumer unit more than 3m. This is apparently the max distance for Southern Electric.
Their engineer suggested 16mm T & E with a separate 16mm earth and a RCD in the consumer unit. Assuming that the consumer unit cannot be moved, is this a feasible option, otherwise what alternatives do I have.
TIA
Richard
Is that max distance under any circumstances, or only without a fuse protecting the cable to the CU?
(so a switchfuse near the meter and service fuse may resolve that problem)
Instead of T&E? Three core 16mm^2 SWA to the CU. You would need to measure the earth fault loop impedance at the CU incomer to work out if you need a RCD at the switchfuse end to cope with potential P-E faults in the cable or inlet side of the CU.
You just need a switchfuse where the new cutout location is. Then run mighty thick cable from there to the old consumer unit. I'd use 25mm if it will fit in the terminals (16mm for earth). As far as the supplier is concerned the switchfuse becomes the consumer unit for determining the length of the meter tails. However, if any of your circuits are marginal for earth loop impedence or voltage drop, then you could have issues.
Christian.
A neater way would be to use 16mm 3 core SWA cable.
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