Fuseboard upgrade. Surveying / condition reports and testing.

[westward10]

I knew the fuse tampering would come but they offer compliant circuit protection but I agree with the rcd aspect.

 

[Midwest]

Did you mean wouldn't ?

Freudian slip . I really do mean I wouldn't !

 

[Midwest]

Did you mean wouldn't ?

Ps Can't wait for sparksburntout to come back from exile. Took you 9 mins to notice my mistake, he'd been on it like a shot.

 

[Anthony_wayne]

Lots of questions in the OP.

Starting at the top...

Prices vary massively for CU changes have seen quotes from £250 upto £500. You should charge what you know is suitable for your day rate if you know it's going to take a day. That being said I find CU changes are normally less than a day with testing after and the materials aren't the most expensive so it's normally well paid for it too stressful a job.

As a personal choice I like the high integrity 2+5+5 boards, gives scope to go none RCD which can be a necessity at times (garage supplies (swa) and the like).

As for testing, you'll get quicker with practise. Yes remove all the loads etc including neons but don't chase the perfect result, just record what you find. If it's below acceptable then I spend a little time double checking I haven't missed something, but not too long that it becomes a new job in itself. I see that you say you are not allowed to produce EICRs, though any qualified electrician can do that, even with out 2395, although the bodies frown upon it. I'm with NaPiT and they insist on both testing courses but I'd happily produce an EICR without a professional body. Only need them for part P really. Just make sure you have professional indemnity insurance.
I don't test before changing a CU, would take just as long as looking to do a quick rectification after the change. Though I do have a quick visual inspection on all the usual items. If they have a major issue then we can deal with that after. That's where some trust comes in.

 

[tomspark93]

I usually make a decision whilst looking at the job whether I will IR Neutral to E before quoting and checking Lighting CPCs, it depends on how old and ropy it looks.

When I start the job I make a list of every circuit and mark them if necessary. I turn everything off and then turn each circuit on one by one and identify whats on each circuit. I carry out all dead tests before I've removed the old board just in case there are any problems. If all is good then I swap the board and carry out live tests last.

 

[Mr harrison]

Thank you for your reply guys.
For anyone else that hasn't yet commented, keep them coming.

I appreciate your time.

Mike

 

[telectrix]

slap it in. do a bang test, collect cash, go to pub. sod all this testing and paperwork. life's too short.