Distribution board change responsibilities

[dean7828]

Hi guys can you clear something up for me, if an electrician was to change a distribution board for say a domestic property what would be the extent of the installation the electrician would be responsible for, some people say as long as you state on the certificates that you have only changed the board then you will not be responsible for the rest of the installation, this seems like a cop out to me as you could be reconnecting circuits that would not comply.

 

[raustin]

I was under the impression that you become resposible for any circuits that you touch. As a CU change would mean you are effectivly changing / touching all circuits. Also before and after the CU change you would need to carryout testing to ensure that all circuits are safe. But I could be wrong?

 

[telectrix]

IMO you would not connect circuits that did not comply. an exception is lighting without cpc or 2.5mm ring with 1.0mm cpc. you would , however note this on the EIC . you will have tested all circuits before energising and their condition is on the cert. at the time of testing. bit like an MOT. you can't be held responsible for future failure of smomething you have not installed.

 

[dean7828]

umm, sounds like a db change is a bit of a grey area as well as pulling the service fuse, doesn’t seem to be a clear cut answer to what is required

 

[telectrix]

as long as you test the circuits, Zs,polarity, IR, your cert. shows that the circuits are healthy at the time of testing. you cannot be held responsible for future events, e.g. DIY man adds an extra socket and gets it wrong.

 

[Phil]

have a look HERE hopefully clear things up a little

 

[R1CH-G]

As you would be changing the characteristics of every circuit fed by the DB, you would be required to generate a full installation certificate, therefore the responsibility would ultimately be yours as you are signing the test certificate. Obviously any departures from BS7671 would be noted on the test sheets, as well as agreed limitations (hell we can't see through walls to say circuits are within prescribed zones!!)

 

[Deleted member 26818]

No, you do not become responsible for the existing installation when changing a DB.
You are required to ascertain before making any addition or alteration, that the rating and condition of the existing equipment that shall remain after the addition or alteration will be adequate.
Being adequate, does not neccessarily mean that such equipment must comply with BS7671.

The details of the addition or alteration should be described on the certificate, and any departures should be noted.
The designer is required to attest that any departures shall provide the same degree of safety as would be obtained by compliance with the Regulations.

During installation, and upon completion of the addition or alteration, appropriate inspection and testing shall be conducted and the results if any should be noted on the respective inspection and test schedules. Any and all defects in the work to install the addition or alteration as detailed on the certificate should be rectified before issuing the certificate. Any defects in the existing installation should where reasonably practicable be noted on the certificate.
There is no provision for limitations when issuing a certificate.