How do I certify when there are no rcds to test

[davesparks]

Thanks for that - so how do we get around the problem of going to a client who has a damaged socket say that is dangerous due to exposed live parts but they have an old fuse board - should not test after replacing it? Or is that different?

That is different, that is an emergency repair

 

[ipf]

That is different, that is an emergency repair

... an improvement, safety wise.

 

[Baddegg]

This must be why white T&E is so valuable these days.....??

 

[littlespark]

Devils advocate.

What about changing accessories for aesthetic reasons and not because they are broken?

 

[James]

Devils advocate.

What about changing accessories for aesthetic reasons and not because they are broken?

in my humble opinion, that is also ok.
as long as, for instance it is not a metal faced light switch replacing a plastic one on a circuit with no CPC
because that would be introducing a risk that wasn't there in the first place.

 

[Snailspark]

Hi - it’s ok to replace accessories as a maintenance activity. It’s not ok to change the installation cabling and not comply with current Regs when you are doing that.

I guess the cheaper alternative is to replace the MCBs with a couple of RCBOs if it keeps the costs down for the client - how do other people get around this?

 

[James]

I guess the cheaper alternative is to replace the MCBs with a couple of RCBOs if it keeps the costs down for the client - how do other people get around this?

good in theory, however rcbo's are not available for all the old boards.
wylex 4 off rewirable fuse unit springs to mind.

 

[Snailspark]

It’s difficult to inform a client, especially elderly that they require additional protection, when they just want another socket in the kitchen or lounge, when the other existing sockets don’t have it. They might think you are trying to defraud them. I often use to give them some leaflets from Electrical Safety First, just to show there’s no skullduggery on my part.
Otherwise, I’d just decline the work.

I get that - it’s just when you walk into a property and there are lots of extension leads that an old person can easily trip over, I try to get a work around that still complies and is easy on the purse. This is the frustrating thing with the regs and old installations - if I carried out this type of work, it would be no less safe than what is already there.
It also highlights the issue with the cowboys out there that would happily put in that extra socket or 2 without testing or certifying but the client is happy because “it works fine, what’s the problem?”....

 

[Midwest]

I get that - it’s just when you walk into a property and there are lots of extension leads that an old person can easily trip over, I try to get a work around that still complies and is easy on the purse. This is the frustrating thing with the regs and old installations - if I carried out this type of work, it would be no less safe than what is already there.
It also highlights the issue with the cowboys out there that would happily put in that extra socket or 2 without testing or certifying but the client is happy because “it works fine, what’s the problem?”....

You can only do what the 'Law' allows, otherwise we just make up our own rules. Then there's just chaos.

 

[Snailspark]

Thanks guys for your responses - I do know what the regs say, I was just wondering if there was a viable solution that would allow me to still comply but not cost the client too much.... clearly there isn’t!

 

[Pretty Mouth]

Have you got a photo of the board you can post up? Maybe someone can advise if RCBOs are available for it.

 

[davesparks]

Thanks guys for your responses - I do know what the regs say, I was just wondering if there was a viable solution that would allow me to still comply but not cost the client too much.... clearly there isn’t!

Doing the job properly costs what it costs, if the customer can't afford it then they can't have it done.

If it is an elderly or otherwise vulnerable customer and the work is required for any safety reason then there are systems in place to help them get the work done. Their local council may be able to assist with a grant, or else there are many charities, such as Age UK, who will advise and assist.

 

[AndyL]

If the CCU is unable to take RCBo's, you could always put a couple in an enclosure next to the board, I'm sure that wouldn't break the bank too much and still quicker and cheaper than a complete board change

 

[littlespark]

This is where having an old drum of red and black comes in handy.

not suggesting anything, but those sockets have been there for years, Guv

 

[Timbo]

Why not put rcd sfc's on the rfc and run new sockets from there?