New socket on ring main - replace consumer unit?

[LankyWill]

Im with Pete on the ring main part but light bulbs is a tricky one. Even major retailers are against us, light bulb department and all that. Sometimes to avoid looking like an anorak i use the bulb phrase and secretly die a little inside.

 

[Andy78]

I would take the view that a new consumer unit is needed but I would make it clear that it is not compulsory to do so. I genuinely don't think you would be providing a quality service by just installing an rcd socket that would give rcd protection to just 1 socket in the property. Give them the options in writing to be on the safe side. Replacing an old c/u that has rewritable fuses is not overkill by any stretch of the imagination, unless you have no knowledge of electrical installations

Needed but not compulsory ? They mean the same thing.

Providing a quality service means providing what the customer asks for, being compliant with the regulations, and delivering a solution in line with the customer's budget as far as practicable. Not more than quadrupling the price of a job for no good reason just because it's something that's "needed, in your view"

 

[Octopus]

Just a quick question, what work did have done in the kitchen 7-8 years ago? that would have landed under 16th edition regs and so socket rcd protection would have been required if any sockets were added then. *insert massive groan at kitchen fitters*

If sockets were added or moved then RCD protection should have been added..... and the main earthing and bonding should have been checked too.....

A kitchen fitter who is a competent, qualified spark is a rare beast...

 

[hightower]

Providing a quality service means providing what the customer asks for, being compliant with the regulations, and delivering a solution in line with the customer's budget as far as practicable.

true, but it also comes down to "good practice", something that comes up a great deal. It's okay for a spark not to want to do it a certain way no matter how compliant it is if he feels it might tarnish his name

 

[Midwest]

I tend to agree that the customer should be advised to consider CU replacement (as I gave in #22). Whilst non RCD sockets, and fuse boards were compliant when they were installed, things have moved on in terms of safety. Much like power steering and anti-lock brakes in cars. The installation of a new CU is not expensive, considering the safety improvement. The OP could quickly establish a price guide, by searching this forum.

It's the customers decision, but I think we should encourage the improvement of an existing installation, as long as we are honest & upfront about the alternatives.

 

[Andy78]

If I took my car in for new tyres I wouldn't expect to have a new uprated braking system recommended.
If I needed a dented panel sorting, I wouldn't expect to be quoted for a full respray.

I'd suggest a board change and all the potential remedial work that comes with it if 2 or 3 circuits were to be altered and all required RCD protection, but for a single additional socket, I'd be surprised for any customer to consider more than the cheapest option.

 

[Midwest]

If I took my car in for new tyres I wouldn't expect to have a new uprated braking system recommended.
If I needed a dented panel sorting, I wouldn't expect to be quoted for a full respray.

I'd suggest a board change and all the potential remedial work that comes with it if 2 or 3 circuits were to be altered and all required RCD protection, but for a single additional socket, I'd be surprised for any customer to consider more than the cheapest option.

You've not watched 'Wheeler Dealers' or 'Car SoS' then, they are always up-rating the braking systems and respraying their cars.

 

[Andy78]

You've not watched 'Wheeler Dealers' or 'Car SoS' then, they are always up-rating the braking systems and respraying their cars.

That analogy would be best suited to a house renovation with a view to sell and not an additional socket don't you think ?

 

[Midwest]

That analogy would be best suited to a house renovation with a view to sell and not an additional socket don't you think ?

I wouldn't know, I was just taking the Michael

 

[WiganCasino]

I empathise with your sentiment and I can see where you're coming from, but I wouldn't. If this was generally permitted, you'd end up with situations like Trigger's broom...

Brill

 

[Paul.M]

I currently have a double socket in our spare bedroom and a 4 way extension block running a computer and peripherals. For neatness I would like to have an electrician add a second double socket right next to the existing one and do away with the extension block. The socket can be added to the existing ring main.

Just ask your electrician to install a short bit of 20mm or 25mm galv conduit in between the two socket back boxes bedded in the wall (a coupler would be easier). This is well within the Regs and is listed in the Regs itself. The new socket plate can be an RCD or none RCD one, depends upon its use. In your case, you do not need one (but it is advisable). As already said above, a surge protection extension lead should be used if for computer equipment, common sense.


Protection for fixed wire installations for cables less than 50mm from finished surface should be RCD protected OR adequate mechanical protection (galv conduit) OR surface mounted.

Its only an extra socket and even in London would cost less than £150 (should be anyway???)

 

[westward10]

Just ask your electrician to install a short bit of 20mm or 25mm galv conduit in between the two socket back boxes bedded in the wall. This is well within the Regs and is listed in the Regs itself. The new socket plate can be an RCD or none RCD one, depends upon its use. In your case, you do not need one (but it is advisable). As already said above, a surge protection extension lead should be used if for computer equipment, common sense.


Protection for fixed wire installations for cables less than 50mm from finished surface should be RCD protected OR adequate mechanical protection (galv conduit) OR surface mounted.

Its only an extra socket and even in London would cost less than £150 (should be anyway???)

In op's situation you would be hard pushed for a reason not to provide additional rcd protection.

 

[Paul.M]

In op's situation you would be hard pushed for a reason not to provide additional rcd protection.

RCD for the 6 inch of fixed wire or the socket outlet?

 

[Rpa07]

@Paul.M where have you been - thought you may have been thrown out with the bath water !

 

[westward10]

RCD for the 6 inch of fixed wire or the socket outlet?

The socket.