Additional Consumer Unit Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[1701john]

Hi, My Consumer Unit has no spare mcb's. I want to wire in a garden pump and some outside lights. Is it possible to add an additional (smaller) Consumer unit to the circuit taht would control the outside lights etc? If so how would it be connected? Can you come off the 16mm tails from the meter? I don't particularly want to change the existing unit, theefore an additional one would be ideal
Thanks

[ericmark]

There is a special connector block available to connect two consumer units, Service Connector Block is what its called. And also common to feed one consumer unit from another with large MCB but you must realize this is all under Part P and not really a DIY job. The requirements for inspecting and testing with both meters and qualifications really make it a non starter for most people.

[1701john]

Is there a web address where i can see the service connector block?

[ericmark]

Sold in screwfix not allowed to give web address

[1701john]

Hi ericmark
I Had a look at the service connection block but couldn't tell what should be done with it. How does it fit between the old consumer unit and a new one and what would be required
Ta John

[ericmark]

I am unhappy with the idea of guiding you through step by step as it seems you lack the skill. Fitting these blocks does require some skill and I would strongly advise you don't DIY this and get a professional to do the job.

[stevenc1603]

If its what I think it is it doesn't go between the consumer units.

If goes on the main incoming mains cable and allows you to split it into 2 and have 2 consumer units.

In order to do this you would need to either remove the main fuse at the meter which is tagged and your supplier would not be happy about, or you have to work live which nobody in their right mind would do.

As Eric has said, its not a DIY job.