Would you bother to change this consumer board?

Max Rasa · Aug 30, 2012

Hi sparkies!

We've got a consumer unit like this:

[ElectriciansForums.net] Would you bother to change this consumer board?

We can get it changed to a more modern one for around £350. I wondered who thinks it is worth it and what benefits a new one would bring if it is worth changing?

Cheers

Max

PS - please let me know if further information is needed.....

stef · Aug 30, 2012

Apart from RCD protection - not much. Look in a pretty good nick. If you think of getting a shower installed or a new kitchen, then yes, go for it.

Robinson · Aug 30, 2012

Has it been tested recent? As stated above looks ok BUt what is on inside?.......why are considering changing are you having any work done....If so and new circuits, extensions, bathroom up grades, kitchens, garden installations would require RCD protection so in that case prob cost effective and practical to change whole board.

But dont presume everything ok because it looks good from outside, if you have not ever had a test carried out, or the last test you have paper work for is in 1976.....you might want to have a qualified electrician establish the safety and functionality on your electrical system. If its good then no reason why you cannot keep the board.

As example last job i went on, just needed few addional sockets in kitchen, builder was saying to me "ohhh its alright mate we just need couple sockets just extend it out nothing big"......i said i'll let you know ...on further investigation the fuse board which was exactly same as yours, looked great on inside took cover of and saw this...

Builder quickly moved on to HIS jobs and kept very quite. turns out WHOLE house was on one circuit and this i would say was a bad connection as all other cables were fine.......

still good to really see what was going on inside.....customer then said they wondered why they could smell burning last week............i sometimes wonder !

plugsandsparks · Aug 30, 2012

I like RCDs because they save lives and property. Doesn't look like you have one.
RCD's will cut the supply off if it detects a tiny amount of electricity going the wrong way due to a fault or touching it with your fingers.
look at www.esc.org.uk might help make your mind up

Robinson · Aug 30, 2012

plugsandsparks said:
I like RCDs because they save lives and property. Doesn't look like you have one.
RCD's will cut the supply off if it detects a tiny amount of electricity going the wrong way due to a fault or touching it with your fingers.
look at www.esc.org.uk might help make your mind up

And If installed correctly can stop strange unwanted smells from electrical cupboards

Max Rasa · Aug 30, 2012

Robinson said:
Has it been tested recent?

TBH, I'm not sure if it has ever been tested. There was certainly no certification or paperwork when we bought the house... However, what I can say is that the house was built in 1993. So unless they used a secondhand unit, that's how old it is.

Robinson said:
As stated above looks ok BUt what is on inside?

Good question....! Should I remove the cover and post a pic of the innards?

Robinson said:
.......why are considering changing are you having any work done....?

We have got some work in need of doing. It's mostly quite small bits and pieces:

- remove a light fitting in living room
- remove extractor fan from bathroom
- replace extractor fan in kitchen
- some rewiring (i.e. moving sockets) in kitchen

It was when getting quotes for this work that the electrician recommended installing a new consumer unit (and having everything tested).

Many thanks for all the help and replies.

Max Rasa · Aug 30, 2012

plugsandsparks said:
I like RCDs because they save lives and property. Doesn't look like you have one.
RCD's will cut the supply off if it detects a tiny amount of electricity going the wrong way due to a fault or touching it with your fingers.
look at might help make your mind up

Thanks for that... I'll have a read ASAP.

telectrix · Aug 30, 2012

that board was never new in 1993. more like 1980.

Max Rasa · Aug 30, 2012

telectrix said:
that board was never new in 1993. more like 1980.

Not the first corner cut when the house was built, I can tell ya!

Strima · Aug 30, 2012

Get a sparky it to carry out some testing on you electrics, that is the only way to get an idea as to the state of them. What I would recommend is an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report), but this will cost, price dependant upon your location in the country etc. Get a few quotes.

Robinson · Aug 30, 2012

Max Rasa said:
Not the first corner cut when the house was built, I can tell ya!

When in doubt check it out !........your sparks advised correct as regards RCD board being required if he fitting fan in bathroom. this is notifiable work. thats something he would deal with when certificates the work he has done

Max Rasa · Aug 30, 2012

He's just removing the fan from the bathroom.

In the kitchen he is removing/replacing with a new one.

Does the same apply?

telectrix · Aug 30, 2012

that's what's known a s a like for like replacement. no need to fit RCDs or do any modifications. i would however ensure that the earthing and bonding were OK.

ackbarthestar · Aug 30, 2012

On the surface those MCBs are Ok, but I'd first check them by a manual test on load to see if they can be reset afterwards.
Having said that, I'd want to know the psc/pfc, earthing and bonding, which probably means the beginning of a full EICR and so it would probably mean a board change and partial rewire.
Don't commit yourself until you can give a reasonable estimate.

Robinson · Aug 30, 2012

telectrix said:
that's what's known a s a like for like replacement. no need to fit RCDs or do any modifications. i would however ensure that the earthing and bonding were OK.

Agreed so no need to worry about RCD. BUT Its as stated by others worth getting a EICR test done, its costs but so do bigger problems in long run.....You only got 5 circuits there so It wont be a huge bill.....

The sparks would then only highlight any key areas you need to address, then you can take action as you need and sleep well.........

Would you bother to change this consumer board?

Max Rasa

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stef

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Robinson

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plugsandsparks

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Robinson

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Max Rasa

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Max Rasa

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telectrix

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Max Rasa

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Strima

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Robinson

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Max Rasa

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telectrix

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ackbarthestar

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Robinson

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