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?
 
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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.
 
Cheers for all your help folks. Where would I stand with the new circuit board and test cert if I then wanted to get the original work signed off by building regs (think they have an unauthorised work option)? Would the guy want to rip out all my walls or would he likely give the place a once over, check the board and cert and then sign it off without too many issues?
 
Both sparks seemed to think the builders work was fine- as I said it was only a couple of plugs so quite a simple task as I understand it. So do we think the angle is to get the new board and then attack the rest from there after seeing what comes up in the test?
 
I suppose it would depend on the policy of the LABC.....but I'll wager as long as there is a full installation cert covering the CU change and a full test they will be happy.
 
You are getting yourself in a tiz unnecessarily.

Why not tell us what area you are in and maybe there'll be someone here near you.
 
Ben, trust what we say, Simple simon hit it on the head. The work that the builder has done can never be signed off, the builder was not competent to do so, and no one can do it on his behalf.

HOWEVER, do not fear, as the work replacing you CU and the subsequent testing that is involved is far more extensive than any minor works test that would be donefor the addition of a couple of sockets, and as a resuly the full Electrical installation certificate that the electrician will provide you with will include the testing of the circuit that these sockets are on and im sure if you raise your concerns with the spark doing the work he will pay attention to these sockets in question.

The spark is not signing off the work done, and yes its a issue that it was never notified, but.......in the real work its not so much of a problem, the work carried out this time is far more extensive and indepth so should provide a piece of mind in retrospect. and more to the point the EIC ticket that you will recive will more than satisfy any insurence or house sale

As i said dont stress buddy, go ahead have the work carried out and put it all behind you.
 
Thanks again High Tower. And everyone else for that mater. I might give my LABC a call on Monday and see what they advise me to do but will then go ahead with getting the board changed and the whole house tested. As you say that way I will know everything is safe and I can put my mind at rest. I just wish ikea had mentioned electrics rather than crapping on about high gloss doors!

Thanks for your help folks.
 
Nah, electrical safety is so low on their list of priorities and to be far in most cases, near as damn it insignificant!

Im sure theres going to be a few lads on here in the East london area
 
Hindsight is a wonderful thing Ben. The additional sockets being done and certified by a spark at the time wouldn't have costed a great deal but we all make mistakes.
Anyway getting the installation fully tested will give you peace of mind especially with a child on the way.
 
Oh and roughly what should I expect to pay to have the new board put in and all tested etc? The 2nd guy quoted £500- does that sound rightish?
 
hes probably not that far off the mark mate, but shop about, and remember.........the cheapest quote is not always the best quote, dont be afraid to ask what your getting for your money, theres not one reputable spark that minds breaking down their costs and explainimg the job to you, thats how you find a good tradesman, honnesty, confidence in their product and clarity, anyone who seems shady or like they have something to hide, they probably are!
 
thats what the spark has quoted him, so hopefully hes done his survey, and all will be well. lets not try and worry him unnessisarily with problems that may not even exist

I'm only making him aware, ie bonding inadequate or missing ? otherwise he may not realise.
 
I'm only making him aware, ie bonding inadequate or missing ? otherwise he may not realise.

We all realise this mate and your right too but he's got competent people quoting on it so let's not stress him any more than he is !! I'm sure if anything else crops up he will know he is welcome to come back and run it past us
 
I understand that like anything in life it could cost a bit more here and there... safe is all I'm after... right... night lads...

Thanks again!
 
I understand that like anything in life it could cost a bit more here and there... safe is all I'm after... right... night lads...

Thanks again!

It will all be fine, pity ur miles away, I'd love to do it for u, seems like u are the ideal customer!

Catch u later fella and do let us know how you get on
 

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Help! What does a new circuit board get me??
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