changing consumer unit

[oldtimer]

This is one for Scottish sparks

When changing or upgrading a consumer unit on an existing installation what certificate do you issue ie EIC or do a PIR before th change and then an addition to work ?

Anyway I realise that this is notifiable in England but in Scotland my understanding is that if it is a flat you need a building warrant but not if it is say a 3 bedroom semi.

Glad to here any input from both sdes ofthe border just to clarify this situation

 

[jjjinx]

In England you'd issue a EIC when you change a c/u not sure about up there tho

 

[Graeme Harrold]

Dosent matter where you are (legally required or not), best practice to do a PIR before changing, that way you and the customer are aware of potential problems (if any) before you start.

 

[jjjinx]

Graeme, do you price that separately or put it in with the cost of changing the c/u?

And to clarify your not condoning PIR then a minor works as thats the only thing I think old timer means, you mean PIR followed up with the EIC right?

I would do a few Zs's to give the installation a once over then change the c/u, a PIR would bump up the price for me too much.

 

[oldtimer]

Jinx
thats exactly what I meant i just needed it clarified wether you had to produce a PIR cert then complete a EIC cert and I agree that puts the cost up because yoy cannot rely on the PIR readings after you change the board.

Thanks for the input guys

 

[Graeme Harrold]

You have to do all of the tests regardless as you will be putting your name to the entire installation. I state up front that I carry out a limited periodic looking for common, but potentially costly problems e.g.borrowed neutrals, spurs off spurs, no cpc on lighting, bonding as required and insulation. You cant just change a CU and walk away not knowing if there are problems lurking downstream.

I bill for the PIR, if the customer is happy, this then is massaged into the CU change cost as the results will be used on the final EIC. Id only complet a actual PIR cert if the customer disputed what Id found.

 

[jjjinx]

Agreed, with not walking away leaving faults. There's nothing wrong with wat yr saying & good on u if u can get a decent price & yr covering yrself with a PIR 4 any inherent faults.

Cost to the customer is always an issue tho so wat we tend to do is check the very basics & remedial work would be agreed Upon if faults were found. We make the customer aware of likely faults & if we go to older properties then maybe more detailed inspection would be warented.

Borrowed neutrals arn't that common & the houses in my area are usually 20-30 yrs old, so pretty young. All faults would be picked up on the EIC.