Upgrading of CCUs

Maff · Oct 13, 2011

If you come across an old re-wirable fuse board during a survey and the customer says they dont want to upgrade do you walk away? I know you should condemn it. But if you (as I do) inject the AC into the Iso/Henleys at the service head and so not disturbing the CCU, can you still install (personnally I wouldnt do any work without bringing it up to 7671) This hasnt happened yet but I am sure it will.

Hawk81 · Oct 13, 2011

Why would you condem it? Have you tested it first? If all the earth reading and IR readings are fine then there is no need to condem it. This is a common misconseption by undertrained electricians. If its not a nice new 17th board then they get frightened. If adding new circuits the old board can be left alone and a new board fitted beside it with rcd's ect.

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telectrix · Oct 13, 2011

true. it's the work that you do that has to be to current regs. , not the existing installation. as long as it's safe . earthing and bonding would have to be checked and if necessaary, brought up to 17th, but that's part and parcel of the new work.

BruceB · Oct 13, 2011

Agreed, apart from I try to avoid adding rcds for a pv circuit. Simplistically, as long as a suitable earth and main bonding is in place then you can make an addition to the installation and comment on but otherwise ignore what is already there.

Worcester · Oct 15, 2011

@BruceB,

That's the theory, though when you come across somethong like this, you also really do need to speak with the owner !

[ElectriciansForums.net] Upgrading of CCUs

Hawk81 · Oct 15, 2011

Tell us what all you see that needs condemmed in that pic?

SolarCity · Oct 15, 2011

The cables in the JB need sorting and there seems to be some tape repairs to some of the cables. I doubt it would take much more investigation to find more problems. The consumer unit itself needs replacing but its the customers call.

BruceB · Oct 15, 2011

@Worcester. Seen a lot worse. At least that looks like it was originally put together by someone who knew their stuff, albeit a while ago. Many things could go on a report. Immediately important items: cannot see an earthing conductor anywhere, a dodgy light switch bottom right and potentially exposed live parts where a breaker is missing in top CU. At least it looks like it has rcds covering everything!

mogga · Oct 15, 2011

BiggsSolar said:
The cables in the JB need sorting and there seems to be some tape repairs to some of the cables. I doubt it would take much more investigation to find more problems. The consumer unit itself needs replacing but its the customers call.

I can see Electricians having as much fun in the next few years with PV installs as they are having right now with 5 day wonders Is it any wonder Rouge Traders hot line is full of "Electricians recomending CU upgrades" if this is the sweeping statement "The consumer unit needs replacing!" Iv still got a rewireable CU in my house YES I will be replacing it in the not to distant future Not because it NEEDS it but because Im adding a few things and will do it then WHEN will people get it through an installation doent HAVE to comply with 17th edd unless it was designed after 2008 and ANY installation work you do to an older installation doesnt need the old part brought up to 17th ffs

SolarCity · Oct 15, 2011

mogga said:
I can see Electricians having as much fun in the next few years with PV installs as they are having right now with 5 day wonders Is it any wonder Rouge Traders hot line is full of "Electricians recomending CU upgrades" if this is the sweeping statement "The consumer unit needs replacing!" Iv still got a rewireable CU in my house YES I will be replacing it in the not to distant future Not because it NEEDS it but because Im adding a few things and will do it then WHEN will people get it through an installation doent HAVE to comply with 17th edd unless it was designed after 2008 and ANY installation work you do to an older installation doesnt need the old part brought up to 17th ffs

.... and breathe.

I suppose everyone has a different idea on when a consumer unit would need replacing. Same goes for a rewire. In this instance I would suggest a full test and inspection leading to, I would expect, a reccommendation of a rewire including a CU change.

Markc · Oct 15, 2011

This thread will run and run!

The top board has a Wylex module blank fitted in it if you zoom in from what I can see. No problem here.
The bottom board is fully insulated the top board is wooden backed. (combustible material?) leave alone?
All RCD protected. Can't see to what degree 100mA, 30mA. As a TT I assume 100mA?

Worth a chat with the owners about the top board perhaps but if not altering whats on it not my responsibly. After all on all our certificates there's a comments box for this such reason. Why not use it?

So long as what you install today complies to today's regs can't be wrong.

Check bonding and main earth. Check Ze, Ra, Ka etc all good.

mogga · Oct 16, 2011

nice website Btw mark

Upgrading of CCUs

Maff

Hawk81

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telectrix

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BruceB

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Worcester

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Hawk81

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SolarCity

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BruceB

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mogga

SolarCity

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Markc

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mogga

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