EICR Unsatisfactory - New Property

[littlespark]

He is right in saying it’s his own professional judgement, and he’s maybe seen other things not noted that would lead to such a strict decision, but as far as we can see, he’s looking for extra work.

Wether a new RCBO is “reliable” or not…. If fitting them gets the EICR to satisfactory in his judgement, he has no reason not to fit them.
(And the reason for fitting them in the first place is a little shaky)

 

[nicebutdim]

No he didn't have any concerns about fitting them in, he said they will cause issues in the long run as they are not reliable and it wouldn't get through a EICR - Satisfactory.

Crabtree is a reputable brand and not known for unreliable protective devices.

If a new board will be cheaper than a few new RCBOs, I'd be asking what brand the proposed new board would be.

Very few brands have provided the luxury of backward compatibility of breakers and I'd be loathe to give up that convenience for an alternative which may be difficult to source parts for within a few years.

While your electrician is indeed free you exercise his judgment, you're still entitled to an explanation of the problems that he believes warrant these codes.

 

[James]

Time to get some alternative quotes for the remedial work.
hope you find a local electrician that is sensible in there approach

 

[rewireIT]

In my opinion the EICR contains some mistakes, items missing from the observations and odd test results.
And, in my opinion, it may not be necessary to replace the CU, but this would have to be confirmed on-site.

What obs has he missed from the pic of the consumer unit?

 

[davesparks]

What obs has he missed from the pic of the consumer unit?

RCD protection for circuits serving a room containing a bath or shower.

RCD protection for lighting circuits in a domestic installation.

 

[AjayS2367]

That is complete nonsense those RCBOs will directly fit that consumer unit. The fact your consumer unit is metal is not Coded in the Report from what I can see, it was a comment.

Just to update, I have now had two different electricans come in for another opinion. Both said that RCBO's would not fit or work with my main consumer unit. One of them said its because my MCU is plastic and not metal. You can't fit RCBO's in plastic main consumer units, only complete metal ones he said. The other electrican just said you can't fit RCBOs in this unit. Both said it would not pass EICR unless I change to new unit. Both recommended BG (British General) MCU.

 

[rewireIT]

Get the model number of your current board and breakers and ring a wholesalers. I bet you'll find rcbos that fit

 

[timhoward]

Both recommended BG (British General) MCU.

That says it all really. Screwfix special. Far lower quality than what you have in my opinion.

Both said it would not pass EICR unless I change to new unit

The EICR is already done. Their job is to address the C2 findings and provide RCD protection as the report required.
You do not need a "passed EICR", you need the report you already have and evidence the issues are resolved.

I'd like to believe there is a sensible honest and pragmatic electrician somewhere in London, and while I understand it must be getting frustrating I'd suggest you keep looking.

Aside from anything else, changing that board is going to create decorative mayhem as it's flush mounted.

Get the model number of your current board and breakers and ring a wholesalers. I bet you'll find rcbos that fit

There are RCBOs that fit.

 

[AjayS2367]

That says it all really. Screwfix special. Far lower quality than what you have in my opinion.


The EICR is already done. Their job is to address the C2 findings and provide RCD protection as the report required.
You do not need a "passed EICR", you need the report you already have and evidence the issues are resolved.

I'd like to believe there is a sensible honest and pragmatic electrician somewhere in London, and while I understand it must be getting frustrating I'd suggest you keep looking.

Aside from anything else, changing that board is going to create decorative mayhem as it's flush mounted.

There are RCBOs that fit.

Thanks for the reply. But would fitting 4 x RCBO's resolve the C2's that were highlighted in my EICR? Assuming there are RCBO's out there for my unit. I know some have said it is available on here and have been recommended here which differs to what electricans here have told me that it won't work in plastic units.

How would I fit the model number without opening up the whole unit which is screwed in which only a qualified electrican can do? I can't find any printed words on the outside of the unit other than Crabtree Starbreaker.

 

[timhoward]

Thanks for the reply. But would fitting 4 x RCBO's resolve the C2's that were highlighted in my EICR?

Simple answer - yes. @davesparks explains in detail in post #2.
The four C2's are saying that RCD protection is required for a variety of reasons. (Some of them are in fact highly questionable and likely utter rubbish)
If every circuit has RCD protection then that is the remedials dealt with.

 

[AjayS2367]

Simple answer - yes. @davesparks explains in detail in post #2.
The four C2's are saying that RCD protection is required for a variety of reasons. (Some of them are in fact highly questionable and likely utter rubbish)
If every circuit has RCD protection then that is the remedials dealt with.

Sure but what one of the electricans said to me is its one thing finding one that may fit but RCBOs are absolute pain to install and work with due to high risk of tripping and they simply wouldn't touch RCBOs because they have too many issues down the line.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Get another electrician, they are just trying to make it easier for themselves.

 

[timhoward]

Sure but what one of the electricans said to me is its one thing finding one that may fit but RCBOs are absolute pain to install and work with due to high risk of tripping and they simply wouldn't touch RCBOs because they have too many issues down the line.

Sorry. They are talking complete rubbish.
What they mean is that it's a higher value job with more profit to change the entire board, and they don't care what is best for you financially, your decorations, or your installation.

RCBOs actually lower the risk of tripping! The regs themselves recommend their use to help limit unwanted tripping.

 

[littlespark]

This is awful that so called professional electricians can treat customers like that.

I bet every sparks in the area confer with each other on what to say to people.


I was always told a good EICR inspector needs knowledge, understanding and experience…..
A fresh out-the-college 22 year old, for example, does not have the third part there.

 

[DPG]

Sure but what one of the electricans said to me is its one thing finding one that may fit but RCBOs are absolute pain to install and work with due to high risk of tripping and they simply wouldn't touch RCBOs because they have too many issues down the line.

Absolute con artist unfortunately.