Consumer Unit change???how far do you go with testing??????

[mgnelec09]

Consumer unit changes can be a nightmare depending on the property, age, state of wiring.
People shiver at the thought of needing a rewire so opt for the new board instead.

Just aquick question to see what you think regarding the extent of testing with a new board?

 

[nickblake]

Full tests no cutting corners on these , if you rush or miss out tests then you may well find a multitude of problems when you re energise and realistically you should carry out basic tests prior to doing an upgrade ie R1&R2 insulation , shared neutrals etc so much easier to identify these faults first nothing worse than powering up a new board to find the RCD trips when its 5 at night

 

[malcolmsanford]

All the Tests that the EIC Schedule of Test Results require. And Reg 131.8 should be your guide.

So really it is like how long is a piece of string. You have to assess the point of fitting that nice new CU to an old installation, after all no good fitting a new engine to a car, if the brakes, gearbox, exhaust etc is shot, and the same for a new CU.

 

[telectrix]

like fitting a brass knob on a **** house door

 

[Bigboy247]

Test everything before hand (PIR) this will give you all the answers and information you require to base your price and give the customer a price and not scare them to death with extras. As for testing GN3 no short cuts in this game, its there safety and you reputation as you sign those certs.

 

[egginyourface]

surely rcd protection is better than reliance on rewireable fuse protection. and testing usually brings out faults on the installation.

 

[nickblake]

like fitting a brass knob on a **** house door

Mine is brass whats wrong with that !!!

 

[Guest123]

As has already been said an EIC is required for a DB upgrade.

However, be sure to state clearly that only the work you have carried out is covered by your cert in the 'extent covered' box.

 

[Dunc]

Usually when pricing for a consumer unit change I give it in two parts. The first being for carrying out a PIR on the property to ascertain whether or not additional work will be required to rectify existing problems then the second part is for the CU change itself. Most people are happy with this as it means that if all is not well with their electrics I can do a second quote for the remedials and there's no hidden extras. Full EIC is issued at the end of every CU change once I'm satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the installation is safe.

 

[ezzzekiel]

all the way

 

[Liamsparks]

Same as others, would always carry out a full PIR first before changing board and charging for the PIR too!

 

[mgnelec09]

I agree and do carry out the necessary tests. however the amount of times ive been in a wholesaler and this has come up with this answer.
Why are you testing existing or other peoples work? "Just make sure you test exactly what you have installed ( ie the tails)."
When arguing my corner they reply as ive seen in this thread " Yea but surely having all your circuits protected by an rcd is safer than old Wylex rewireable fuses....

 

[nickblake]

I agree and do carry out the necessary tests. however the amount of times ive been in a wholesaler and this has come up with this answer.
Why are you testing existing or other peoples work? "Just make sure you test exactly what you have installed ( ie the tails)."
When arguing my corner they reply as ive seen in this thread " Yea but surely having all your circuits protected by an rcd is safer than old Wylex rewireable fuses....

Yes the installation may be safer with RCD's but you dont want to rely on these , cutting corners can reasault in people getting injured and causing fires , if you carry out all the tests as per the EIC then you have done the job correctly and you have peace of mind that you have done a proper job , it doesnt take much current 15ma will still give you a nasty shock if a piece of equipment is live and being low current may not trip the RCD , What people forget is RCD are not the be all and end all, they fail

 

[mgnelec09]

Ok All?

I have spoke to the NICEIC technical advisors today regarding the CU testing scenario.

This is what they state.

R1+R2 tests to be carried out on all existing circuits along with insulation resistance to verify whether the existing circuits are in a safe condition to be re-energised in a new consumer unit.

However, these tests are for just for verification with no need to carry out full testing and certification on the existing circuits.

The only part of the installation to be fully tested and certified is the Consumer unit itself after the installer is satisfied that all outgoing circuits are safe to energise.

This may or may not help you guys!

 

[telectrix]

so, what niceic appear to be saying is that you should do R1+R2 and IR,just for verification, but not enter readings on the EIC. sounds crazy to me.