Old Style CU - Replace asap ?

[elec-tricks]

Hi
whilst doing some work at the girlfriends house during the week (evenings) i noticed that she has an old style consumer unit.
i.e. has a master breaker but no rcd's and only 4 rcbo's.
given that the new regs will require a non combustable cu, would it be a good idea to replace this asap ?
many thanks

 

[Guest77]

To be fair, i'm not asking how to change / install new circuits (which i can do with ease btw.), i'm asking if it is needed.

How do we know? we cannot see the state of the existing board, from what you have typed here I would say no, but a picture of the board may make my opinion differ.

 

[NDG Elecs]

I could jump out of an aeroplane with ease, but I wouldn't have a clue where the parachutes (6A!) pull cord was mate...

It's not just a case of swapping MCBs over to RCBOs...there may be earth faults present on the circuits which require rectifying first.

In answer to your original question RCBOs will make for a safer installation than just MCBs.

 

[Paul.M]

I'm closing this thread before any advice is given that may put the OP/tenant or children in danger. Obvious that the OP is inexperienced to carry out this type of works without supervision.

To the OP, please get an electrician to look at this for you, there is a lot more to a CU change than putting a box on a wall then putting cables into terminals.


Thread closed.