Notifiable

[drywax]

Just a couple of questions

Would you consider changing a 32A mcb to a 32A rcbo notifiable ?

If you take the cover off the CU and alter it (ie as above) do you then become responsible for the full board and have to test the lot ?

 

[acat]

You would only be responsible for the work that you do not the entire CU.

IMO that would be notifiable as the characteristics of the circuit has changed and you cannot say that its like for like, however considering how simple the job is I would be interested in other peoples point of view and why.



Chris

 

[garyinderby]

I Agree that you are only responsible for the work carried out. though as an rcbo could be considered as extra protection. i can see it as being notifiable. though i could be wrong. cant find anything in part p or BS7671, have looked.

 

[JulianC]

I wouldn't notify: it's not a new circuit or in a special location. I'd just test the circuit it's to be fitted to and fill out a Minor Works cert.

 

[acat]

Had a look at the Building Regs pages 21/22

Note B on page 21 not notifiable "if the circuits protective measures are unaffected"

and page 22 not notifiable if replacement (like for like)




Chris

 

[JulianC]

Note (b) relates only to the non-notifiable "re-fixing or replacing the enclosures of existing installation components" in table 1.

There is nothing that implicitly states it is notifiable, unlike a CU change for example. I suppose it could be taken either way, but I would not notify for the reasons stated above - it does not fall under what is notifiable in terms of new circuits or special locations. It could be argued that it falls under 'replacing any fixed electrical equipment (for example socket outlets etc......

I suppose you could also argue that replacing one 32A protective device for another 32A device is like for like!

Open to a large amount of interpretation as usual!

 

[bugsy]

I would check with NIC technical
Your changing the protective measures and I would assume you going to check the earth loop etc

 

[acat]

Note (b) relates only to the non-notifiable "re-fixing or replacing the enclosures of existing installation components" in table 1.

There is nothing that implicitly states it is notifiable, unlike a CU change for example. I suppose it could be taken either way, but I would not notify for the reasons stated above - it does not fall under what is notifiable in terms of new circuits or special locations. It could be argued that it falls under 'replacing any fixed electrical equipment (for example socket outlets etc......

I suppose you could also argue that replacing one 32A protective device for another 32A device is like for like!

Open to a large amount of interpretation as usual!

As you say clear as mud but then whats new

Chris

 

[Spudnik]

Personally, i would not notify, although i think a minor works cert should be issued.

The circuit characteristics may change, although a 61009 rcbo still has the same Zs limits as a 60898, with rcd protection as well, which should be tested and noted.

 

[andyb]

I wouldn't notify: it's not a new circuit or in a special location. I'd just test the circuit it's to be fitted to and fill out a Minor Works cert.

Using that criteria a new consummer unit is not notifiable Julian.

This is just an opinion but I would notify.

I think you have to ask yourself when it becomes notifiable, 2 mcbs to rcbos?, 3?, 4? or all of them?
Or is it the changing of the box itself that makes it notifiable?

As I say, just my opinion but for a couple of quid and 10 minuets of my time I would err on the side of caution.

 

[JulianC]

Using that criteria a new consummer unit is not notifiable Julian.

I wouldn't use that criteria though, since a new CU is specifically mentioned in the regs as being notifiable.

Which bit of Part P are people refering to that makes this notifiable? As far as I can tell, there is more in there to say it isn't than it is.

 

[Spudnik]

Have a read of page 8, additional notes, point c - near the bottom.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_ADP_2006.pdf

 

[JulianC]

Already have - a CU replacement is notifiable, as I have mentioned above. But where does it say that swapping an MCB for an RCBO is notifiable? Not trying to be difficult - genuinely interested.

 

[Spudnik]

Sorry, wasnt aimed at anyone in particular.

However, i think one of the many reasons why a CU change is notifiable, is the fact that the CPD have changed more often than not, from 3036;s and so, the circuits need to be tested etc to make sure they will comply.

A 61009 RCBO has exactly the same characteristics as a 60898 MCB albeit, with a built in RCD.

Therefore, the circuit will still comply, with additional protection.

 

[andyb]

I know a consumer unit is notifiable, the point I was making is how many mcbs have to be replaced to make it notifiable?

None of us are trying to be difficult and it is just my opinion but just to say a consummer unit is notifiable but not if you change the devices inside dosn't sit right with me.