a bit of help

[APSH]

Hi guys just after a bit of advice hope you can point me in the right direction. I am looking to get back on the tools after a break. I am looking at doing a cu change for my assesment, but have a few questions. My sister has redecorated her house to sell and has now decided to change the cu so that the new buyer has new board and cert, and she would like me to do it so I can join a Part P provider. Due to her re-decorating and wanting a cu change, I am just wondering if I need to install Smoke Alarms. As she has decorated she does not want them. But I am trying to convince her that it would make the place look more safe and more appealling, by using RF bases. If she still refuses, can the change go ahead, as I have been told different answers and As this is my first assesment I don't want to get pulled up on it. Another question is if I am obliged to install a fan in the bathroom if one is not present on a board change? I don't think so but due to talking to others just want to be reassured. Also in the other downstairs bathroom there is a Manrose L/V Fan but no 3 pole Isolator or Spur. I can easily remedy the 3 Pole isolator but getting the spur would be very difficult, and I was just wondering if the assesor would pull me up on no use of spur? Sorry for silly questions, but as I have said this is my first assesment and I want it all to go well, and also due to talking to others i Feel a bit unsure due to difference of oppinions and was just looking for some advice to reasure me/ correct me.
Thanks for your help
APSH

 

[gutterball]

Just change the board.

 

[Richard Burns]

On changing a board the work you are doing is changing the board, not the entire installation. This is the work that you need to ensure complies with the current regulations.

You should ensure that the circuits that you reconnect are safe to use and meet the BS7671 requirements that relate to the change of protective device, however you are not required to upgrade the entire installation to the current regs.

 

[habitual]

Yes an assessor would pull you on not having a fan isolator, but only if that was part of the works that you had carried out.
You can use the CU change for your assessment without doing anything to existing circuits, and providing the main bonding is up to the new standards.
My advise is to fully use the comments sections on all EIC's for comments on existing installation.

 

[Guitarist]

I can only speak from experience of joining Elecsa but here goes...
Firstly, you will go through all the paperwork and books you are meant to have (Elecsa will send you a pack stating what these are when you apply, or you can check online or by phoning them)
Then you will be asked lots of questions regarding BS7671, safe working practice, cable sizing, methods of testing etc., and the building regs.
Lastly, you will have to show the assessor your completed job(s), where he will ask you to perform several tests such as measuring Ze, Zs, safe isolation etc.

A fan isolator is not a requirement, but a recommendation, as technically you can lock off an MCB to perform maintenance. Personally I always fit them, but many electricians don't.
You will not need to install smoke alarms.

My advice is to get your 17th edition(1st amendment) qualification, if you haven't already got it, then apply to a "part P" scheme, and while you are waiting for your assessment buy every book you can and learn the regs/building regs inside out.

Remember, if you are not part of a scheme, you will have to notify LBC in advance of changing a CU. Some are happy to let you do it without officially notifying and paying the fee if you are using it as an assessment piece, but some LBC's are not so lenient. My advice is to speak to the senior officer and explain the situation.

 

[APSH]

Hi guys, thanks for the help so far. Went to the job to have a look today to see what I need, and the cu is located above the meter board and equipment and noticed that some of the cables and tails run behind this. I was just wondering if this is acceptable as I am sure that I have read somewhere that it is not acceptable, but can't remember where and just wanted to make sure as if I need to move cables, I will need extra parts to extend cables. Any way once again thanks to all who have answered so far, and if you can help me out with the cables behind meter board question I would be very greatful.
Thanks
APSH

 

[Richard Burns]

Cables behind a meter board is fairly common and should not be a problem; since you have seen this you can check the run of the tails and ensure that you do not use nice long screws for the new CU and pierce the tails!
Preferably it is good to see where they really go but not essential.
In this case it is obvious where they go and allows someone to ensure they avoid them.

 

[APSH]

Hi there, just another quick question. Sorry. Was looking at the circuits today and in the bathroom the lights are l/v open backed downlights and also were around 10mm from the joist. obviously there is a min distance but as I have said before that it is newly decorated, but I feel that due to the fact they are non ip rated type and close to the joist, I should do something. But have been told that I can't move them from existing holes. I was wondering if it would be acceptable to install LED type downlights, due to lower operating temperatures in existing holes. As this is for assesment I don't want to get it wrong so just thought I would run it by you guys.
Once again Sorry to keep posting silly questions, but just panicking over assesment and want to get it right. Will probably be asking more in the days to come!
Thanks for your help
APSH

 

[Richard Burns]

For a CU change you are only changing the CU, not anything else. You can leave the down lights as is so long as you did not install them.

In a bathroom if the lights are out of the zones (and suitable for the location, (possibly dubious)) then they do not need to be IP rated. they also do nto need to be fire rated if the room above is not another dwelling.
They do sound too close to the joist in relation to most manufacturers instructions but as you did not install them, not your problem, so long as there are no signs of damage. The wiring regs only cover ensuring no damage to the wiring from thermal effects.

 

[Dave 85]

Hi there, just another quick question. Sorry. Was looking at the circuits today and in the bathroom the lights are l/v open backed downlights and also were around 10mm from the joist. obviously there is a min distance but as I have said before that it is newly decorated, but I feel that due to the fact they are non ip rated type and close to the joist, I should do something. But have been told that I can't move them from existing holes. I was wondering if it would be acceptable to install LED type downlights, due to lower operating temperatures in existing holes. As this is for assesment I don't want to get it wrong so just thought I would run it by you guys.
Once again Sorry to keep posting silly questions, but just panicking over assesment and want to get it right. Will probably be asking more in the days to come!
Thanks for your help
APSH

For Christ sake man! Listen to what people are telling you! Elecsa dont give two shiny s$*s how close some old downlighters are to a joist, or wether they are IP rated (which by the way, they dont need to be if higher than 2.25 meters). They are only going to look at your board, the main bonding and your cert. Nothing else. Of this I can assure you. Remember its not a driving test, Elecsa just want to take your money and point you in the right direction, failing you does not benefit them in anyway. I have known an absolute clueless cowboy to repeatedly pass elecsa assessments with no problems.