Electrical – Cutting off electrical supply to replace consumer unit

electricaluk

I have a 1946-built semidetached house in the UK, which has a standard 10-way consumer unit installed. Now, after having a new extension built, I need to replace it with another CU (10-way isn't enough any more; plus the old one doesn't satisfy changed regulations). I'm confident enough to do the job – and then have it inspected by the qualified electrician. Yet, for obvious reasons, I need to cut off power supply to the CU.

The picture below shows the entry point. The large red/black wires at the top are the ones going to the meter – and then from there to the CU. Is there anything on this entry point that I can use to cut off power supply? Or do I need to contact the power company?

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Best Answer

That is the supply fuse you cannot touch that. It is under the control of the Distribution Network Operator (DNO). It is a legal offence to touch it and it will have steel twist tags on it that have a stamped number on it which is recorded with the DNO so they know if it has been tampered. However after it should be the supply meters and then it should go to an isolator. You are supposed to turn off the isolators and and you can modify the installation after that point. However changing a CU is notifiable work in the U.K it is not something you are supposed to do yourself without being a competent Electrician.