consumer unit change need some help

[ianphilip007]

hi guys need a little help and advice

have a possible domestic cu change (first one ) Now the tails need upgrading( and rerouting), and so does the main bonding, and all the circuits will need to be extended. plus all the circuits will need an initial pir.

just concerned that all of this may not be done in a single day.
whats the best way to ensure the customer is not left with no power and a safe installation overnight if the job runs into a second day? dumb question i know just after some advice

many thanks

 

[topquark]

hi guys need a little help and advice

have a possible domestic cu change (first one ) Now the tails need upgrading( and rerouting), and so does the main bonding, and all the circuits will need to be extended. plus all the circuits will need an initial pir.

just concerned that all of this may not be done in a single day.
whats the best way to ensure the customer is not left with no power and a safe installation overnight if the job runs into a second day? dumb question i know just after some advice

many thanks

Schedule the tails update with the DNO. Once they've done that then you can do the bonding/cu change (should be able to do that in a day). Follow the advice on the sticky for prechecks on the installation and get all of that out of the way before your cu change day. You can test all of the fixed wiring the day before hand if you are concerned with time. That'll allow you to know location of circuits/accessories etc. That should enable you to get through the testing that much quicker on cu change day.

 

[sparks_114]

So long as your IR readings are good you shouldn't run into problems as this is the most common issue with an CU upgrade with the RCD tripping. Obviously it's tripping because there is a fault in the circuit only an RCD can pick up. Other than that I would say get everything ready (as you would) before embarking on the process and work logically. Ensure the client knows roughly how long the power will be down (hopefully not too long to make the freezer melt on a summers day?!) and proceed. All the best.

 

[ianphilip007]

i see so basically split the job down, the cu change/bonding and final tests on one day, and the upgrading of tails,and initial circuit testing before hand, is that the best way to go

 

[i=p/u]

goood luck and just make sure you dont have to pop to cef for a screw or a bolt

 

[topquark]

i see so basically split the job down, the cu change/bonding and final tests on one day, and the upgrading of tails,and initial circuit testing before hand, is that the best way to go

That's what I'd do. So prework survey will do the main bonding (once the tails have been sorted) and initial checks on the installation. Also make it clear to the customer that any problems found may be at an additional cost! The pretest normally reduces the chances but not always eliminates them.

I think I'd also be asking the DNO to fit an isolator as well, as that'll make your change over easier/safer.

 

[topquark]

goood luck and just make sure you dont have to pop to cef for a screw or a bolt

Yep good advice. Make sure you have crimps/tool with you. Other things you may need plasterboard fixings for new CU (if it's plasterboard).

Check out the CU you are using before hand make sure it has any necessary split load kits etc.

Don't forget you'll need the labels etc for the new CU as well. Don't forget date of installation/next inspection due one (with your contact details on).

 

[ianphilip007]

sounds like a plan, will carry out initial circuit tests arrange for dno to fit an isolator, or at least connect to the isolator i fit (scotish power grr) run new tails in to postion, and upgrade main bonding but leave unconnected. then on the cu change day, new tails/bonding will just need connecting, extend existing circuits and a full test. should be fine and customer will be without power for a much shorter time

 

[ianphilip007]

yes i have the labels lol cost a fortune be nice to get to stick one on

 

[topquark]

One other thought as it's your first change. When you have the old CU off ... see if you can pull all of the cables down a little as it may save you having to join and you may be able to make it a bit neater. Good luck.

 

[ianphilip007]

thanks for all your replies, really helpful i just couldnt see how i was going to do all the upgrades and cu change in one day,

 

[ianphilip007]

good tip thanks topquark, feel better now knowing its not a one day job