full test or not?

[krishcanag]

Hi

This might be a no brainer but if you change a CU do you have to do the full set of tests on each and every circuit? I would have thought IR test would be pointless as well as the recorded value of R1 + R2, help much appreicated

cheers

krish

 

[1shortcircuit]

What tests do you think would be satisfactory on changing a CU?

 

[Octopus]

May I ask you if you are a sparky?

 

[1shortcircuit]

May I ask you if you are a sparky?

I wouldn't even go there, just had a look at some previous posts.

As they say in the Dragons Den, I'm Out!

 

[Octopus]

I wouldn't even go there, just had a look at some previous posts.

As they say in the Dragons Den, I'm Out!

With the greatest respect as you appear to claim to have the 16th and as such someone with that knowledge, even if its a few years ago should understand the basics of a CU change and the necessary important testing, and relevent LABC notification.

I'm with shortcircuit on this "I'm out"

 

[jase]

if you dont do all the tests then what you gonna put on the cert?

 

[Rauer]

Satisfactory!

 

[krishcanag]

Guys


I know the rules, but thing is if a full inspection and test has been carried out prior to changing changing the connections at the CU does not change IR nor should it really change R1 +R2, old CU was fuse type so I was thinking of just doing the live tests (Ze, Zs, and RCD tests) if any Zs reading were different then I would go further, I just am thinking of saving time!! Would you guys always do the full tests?

cheers

krish

PS. Maybe I did not make that clear first time that the tests were done before CU changed

 

[spark 68]

I don't know if this helps or not, but here goes.

I usually just do a quick check pre-test before changing the board at the estimate stage, a visual, testing for borrowed Neutrals, Ze, adequate bonding in place etc...etc., if all being OK here (or priced in/corrected), then move on to the next stage.

I then do individual R1+R2, Ring final tests, and IR tests on each circuit, which as you say should not change, these and the Ze test above are noted on the EIC, provided everything is OK so far (or corrected) I then proceed with the actual CU change.
I then do any remaining tests, RCD trip times, functional etc..etc.

So it is a sort of test as you go, and correct anything before hand, I rarely do a full PIR and then a full test again, if this makes any sense.

 

[spark 68]

I would just like to expand on the visual aspect of the above post.

At the estimate stage you can get a 'good feel' for the installation, ie. evidence of Diy, alterations and general condition etc.

If the installation is in poor condition or evidence of the above, then a more in depth test/inspection may be required, and the client informed of any remedial work that may need to be completed first, and advised that any faults found will need to be rectified at extra cost (if the installation is that bad, a rewire may be the cheaper alternative).

I would like to point out that the installation does get a full test/inspect, although not a 'formal PIR/EICR' unless the client has specifically requested this.
The EIC normally covers both functions in the case of a CU change.

 

[krishcanag]

Thanks spark68

In this case it was all done, and so I just done feel the need to repeat stuff for no good reason but copy out, but I think in future I might follow your route, but sometimes the client and even I would need to be sure its a case of only CU change and I believe the IR test is a great way to confirm if a CU change is enough.

cheers

krish

 

[nick611]

your right krishcanag if the installation has a current cert then why should you do another. as your work will change niether the ze or the zs, or the configeration of any of the existing circuits. strictly speaking you should only be in for a minor works cert. but a zs and ring main test of each circuit wouldnt go a miss

 

[EastAnglian]

Take a look at this best-practice guide from the Electricity Safety Council, it says it all:

http://www.esc.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/industry/best_practice/BPG6_09.pdf

 

[sparkdog]

I would always do a full test after the new cu is fitted.Otherwise how do you know it is all wired up correctly.

 

[jase]

Just cos it had a cert 10 yrs ago, you dont know whats been done scince then.