Consumer unit change nightmare and some questions

[telectrix]

sometimes the thanks button and like button dissappear if you post simultaneously with anotehr post. do a page refresh and they come back.

 

[johnboy6083]

IMO, with lighting circuits, the only way to do it properly is to test at each point, unless you can see which one is last in line. Even then i beleive sampling is required to ensure that connnections are good ect. As normal, if its bad, then increase the sampling. aking ages to take them apart is part iof the job, and one that the half day PIR's / EICR's probably dont do.

At the end of the day, if that house burns down, you may well be questioned, and could you live with yourself if you didnt test something, even if it wasnt your fault?

 

[sambotc]

Is it standard procedure to carry out a full inspection as well as testing on a CU change? obviously you can't connect a circuit without testing it prior, but I thought the inspection side of things taking off all the socket faces etc would possibly be above and beyond the requirements for a CU change. not to say that it isn't advisable, i'm just thinking of cost etc

Also, tele, how do you calculate or measure Zs without an R1 reading?

 

[johnboy6083]

try using a wander lead and just measure R2. remember to subtract the lead resistance, or null meter with wander lead in circuit. ideal solution for metallic fittings, no dismantling involved.

You still need to check polarity, and the only safe way is either dismantle and test at terminals or using a plug in kewtech type, in which case normal R1+R2 xcan be measured anyway.

 

[telectrix]

Also, tele, how do you calculate or measure Zs without an R1 reading?
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you can't. lighting can be a nightmare with all the different fittings. you also have to bear in mind that anything you dismantle may then introduce a fault, due to being disturbed. a general approach for CU changes is to either do a full EICR first, or just test for bad IR's, shared neutrals and a quick visual, with a rider on the quote that any other faults coming to light will be charged at hourly rate to trace and rectify. makes our job so difficult when joe public thinks a CU change is £50 for the CU from b&q and an hour's labour to install.

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[sambotc]

Could you not test R1 at the light switch then and R2 on the metal fitting?

 

[telectrix]

you would get a slightly lower figure for R1 at the switch. however , if it's a complete pain to measure at the light, a reading from the switch is better than no reading. (as long as you know you have cpc at the light by measuring R2). if carlsberg made lights, they would all have 3 x 4mm test sockets

 

[sambotc]

and there was me hoping there was a simplified way around it, back to plaster in the eyes and arm ache I guess!

Thanks for the advice, really appreciate it.

Oh, before I forget... do you need to issue a EIC even if you are issuing a EICR for a board change? i'm pretty sure you do but.....

 

[Ponty Massive]

and there was me hoping there was a simplified way around it, back to plaster in the eyes and arm ache I guess!

Thanks for the advice, really appreciate it.

Oh, before I forget... do you need to issue a EIC even if you are issuing a EICR for a board change? i'm pretty sure you do but.....

Yes you do

 

[sambotc]

Thats a shame as the editable PDF EICR's available on here are great and look really good printed, but I can't find a EIC to match.

Does anyone know of where to find any EIC.pdf?

 

[telectrix]

try castline formfill, the free version.

 

[sambotc]

Perfect thanks, just waiting for the link to be emailed across.

 

[telectrix]

also, there's loads of cd's on ebay with all the certs on them. less than a tenner. just don't go for 1 that requires you to install open office.

 

[ezzzekiel]

There's editable eic ready for download in testing forum

 

[Broken handle]

I always do basic tests (mainly earthing and ring continuity) before quoting for the job. However, I give a contract before I work which customer signs and on CU changes the customer understands that there may be certain faults on the system that will only be detected once system is operational (ie. RCD starts tripping). I tend to operate in this way as there is not much point in doing a full test of the install before changing the board unless customer wants to pay for that in addition to cost for board change although if this happens then I knock a few pounds off because I will not have to retest everything.