Help! What does a new circuit board get me?? | on ElectriciansForums

Discuss Help! What does a new circuit board get me?? in the Electrical Wiring, Theories and Regulations area at ElectriciansForums.net

B

BenHutton

Hi,

Am a bit lost... Had a new kitchen done and cut a corner or two I'm afraid to say and hence am now trying to make it right. The kitchen was a like for like and all it needed was two new plugs so I just let my builder add them without getting a spark or building regs approval. I now realise that this could cause me problems with insurance and when trying to sell the place down the line so want to know what I need to do to make it all good. I had one spark round and he seemed a bit neg but then had another one round and he was a bit more positive. He seemed to think that by replacing the board (it's very old hence not RCD) and running some tests he could give me some sort of certificate that says all the electrics in the house are a ok from that point onwards... does this sound correct? I might have got some of the terms wrong but you folks prob know what I'm talking about!

Cheers

Ben
 
Well obviously it's insured at the mo but by adding the plugs I could in theory have voided it if anything happened. And down the line if I wanted to sell then buyer could ask to see certs for any work done which I wouldn't have. I realised I messed up but my builder assured me it'd be ok so just went with it.
 
Ok, the negative spark. dont do business with him if he wants to take a negative attitude.

So many people do what you have done, its part of the problem we face as electricians, the goverment, building control and the relevent scheme providers do not do enough to educate the public with the relevent legislation and the do's and donts around electrical work.

Number one, if the second, more posative spark is registered with a scheme and is suitably equipped to notify under the part P regulations, then deal with him. he will be able to give you a certificate and notify all of his works.

He is probably right that your board is dated and does not offer the required standards as a new unit would provide, also the new addition socket outletts require protection by means of a RCD so a board change would probably be the most effective way to achive this.

By replacing the board you will achive a greater level of safety by means of improved disconecion times in the event of a fault.

The replacement of the board will require that all circuits are fully tested, you protective earthing is correct and full certification is given, this will more that cover the prvious works as it will all have to be tested as part of the board change, and im sure if your spark is aware he will pay particular attention to the works carried out by the builder.

If you are unsure about anything please dont hessitate to post.

Regards

HT
 
I tried but the find an electrician thread didn't seem to work as it should. Searched for my area but it came back blank. Have now had two NICEIC sparks around both with different advice and tbh I don't really have a clue what they're talking about. Am in a right mess. I know I've messed up and just want to do whatever I need to do to make it safe and legal as my mrs is 20 weeks preg. So any advice on what I need to do would be really helpful.

Cheers
 
HT you are a superstar! I've been waiting for an answer like that for ages! You are so right. I spent 3 months planning this kitchen right down to the last detail and found very little info along the way on how important the electrics were and that by not giving them full respect the new kitchen could in fact have a negative impact on the value of one's house. So by running all the tests this guy can in theory sign off on the two plugs that were put in by the original builder?
 
Ben don't panic. Think the conversation with the negative spark has thrown you a bit, but were here to help. :)
Now in theory it wont sign off the two plugs as the new Sparky has touched them, therefore they cannot verify the installation type or condition of the cable under the wall.
The new sparky however when changing your board will be able to conduct extensive testing on your whole installation which indirectly covers these sockets to make them sure they are pucker. Any bad readings or wrong doing will likely show in this. So although not directly signed off your Electrical Installation certificate (that's what it's called.) will carry a satisfaction that all points in your house are tested safe.
Hope this helps Ben (Congrats on the baby)
 
HT you are a superstar! I've been waiting for an answer like that for ages! You are so right. I spent 3 months planning this kitchen right down to the last detail and found very little info along the way on how important the electrics were and that by not giving them full respect the new kitchen could in fact have a negative impact on the value of one's house. So by running all the tests this guy can in theory sign off on the two plugs that were put in by the original builder?

No...he cannot sign of other peoples work,but what he can and should do after replacing the DB is run a full series of tests on your electrics and provide a cert for that.To be honest as long as you have a cert for that nobody is going to hang you for couple of sockets in the kitchen.
Also bear in mind that if the installation is old a fuseboard change and associated tests may reveal faults or other issues that will need to be rectified. Your sparks should explain that too you.
 
Ah ok... back to square one! So my aim is for my kitchen electrics to be safe and legal. What do I have to do to achieve that goal? Can I not get a spark to put a new board in and start on the kitchen afresh whilst disconnecting the stuff already in there? That way he could sign off on the new circuit?
 
You are panicking needlessly....if you follow the advise given you'll be fine....reading between the lines,do you have reason to suspect the builder has left your sockets unsafe?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hold on, how does anyone on here know what the rest of the installation is like, so how can people say your be fine. Might be old twin with no cpc in lighting, no main bonding.
 
Hold on, how does anyone on here know what the rest of the installation is like, so how can people say your be fine. Might be old twin with no cpc in lighting, no main bonding.

The advise he has been given is to have the install upgraded and tested and then he will be fine.
 

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