New user, needs advice!

[Ben Butcher]

Hello Everyone, I am new to this Forum game so please be patient with me.... I am just coming back into the industry after (many) years doing other things and it seems life has got a whole lot more complicated since I last touched an insulated screwdriver! I have just passed my 17th ed. exams last week to bring that up to date but the whole Part P thing is leaving me quite confused. Firstly if I am to accept the job I have just been offered of rewiring a bungalow (the owner has told building control this is happening) who will have to test it? BC seem to be suggesting it is me, but from what I have read prior to being certified competent I am essentially a DIY'er so shouldn't they have to do it? Secondly years ago you could put a CU pretty much anywhere, but have I read now that it needs to be 1.2m from the floor? and how long can the tails from the meter be? is there a limit? Any helpful tips would be much appreciated, Ben.

 

[staylor34]

Hi Ben, there is no reason whatsoever why you can't do this job. The client is correct to inform building control as it does appear you are not yet a member of one of the governing bodies, Nic, Elecsa etc. If you were then this would mean you could sign off this work ie you would be a part p member. The reason that BC want you to do it is because when the government set this scheme up they didn't account for the fact that all LBC departments did not have the manpower or people with the qualifications to assess or carry out testing of electrical works. Most LBC departments are mainly construction biased. I would inform the client that you require LBC to sign off the work,for which there will be a fee, you should still carry out your testing to BS7671 and issue the test certs on completion. Hope this helps, cheers, Steve.

 

[Top Cat]

Hi Ben, welcome to the forum. In answer to the other parts to your question i wouldn't worry to much about C/U height on a rewire, i would say that is more for a new build (some may disagree). As for length of meter tails it is 3 Mtrs, after that you must put in KMF switch fuse or RCD if conditions require it.

 

[MKS]

I am with the above on height! New builds usually at BR recommendations, rewire, either like for like or where my customer would like, within reason of course. Funny thing usually is that it just ends up in same place anyway!

 

[telectrix]

also bear in mind that sockets and switches go where the client wants them ( within reason ). none of this silly bum height light switches.

 

[Ben Butcher]

Thank you Guys, I can see with so many helpful types out there I may be asking more Q's very soon! Ben.

 

[Top Cat]

also bear in mind that sockets and switches go where the client wants them ( within reason ). none of this silly bum height light switches.

Always used to work on "titty height" for switches, now it's "tackle height"!

 

[trev]

You're not supposed to stand on your hind legs TC.