Pir

craig1000 · Jun 7, 2012

Hi all!

I have been asked to look at a job this evening which i have done.
The customer to be fair has bought a new property & is aware things need sorting, it is quite a mess atm.
I would like to clarify my position before commencing any work.
He has a supple from meter over to a large arrangement on hos garage wall! 16mm tails from meter, ran across garage to arrangement.
arrangement consists of, 2 * 4 way CU (old wylex with push button trip conversions 60A rating on CU) 1 * 6 way (same style as 4 way, 100A rating), 2 * 1 way ( old wylex type with main switch & then fuse carrier-1 * 30A & 1 * 60A), all this is fed from the 16mm tails being split through varying numbers of link blocks etc. The CPC coming across is only 4mm (shocking- pardon the pun).
Not everything is marked as to what does what, he has issues with some circuits tripping, not all of the time but regularly & also with items within the house not knowing what does what etc.
He is clear he want to sort it & is understanding it may not be a simple cheap job.
I want to clarify my position if I commence work, I have a agreed in principle a PIR report to work out exactly what is what & the condition of everything, with the view that he wants to get it all into one nice CU! The concern being if we went straight in with the CU god knows the problems we may find. Better to rectify them first than put a 17th edition CU in then not be able to get things all back on by the end of the day, with 17 circuits in total & varying things tripping already I am expecting problems.
Would this be the correct route to go? I have been told before once I work on a circuit etc its my responsibility it maintain it conforms to current regs, doing a PIR only it wont do until we agree & I or A N Other performs rectifications, there will be many just from a quick visual!
Is this a different when performing a PIR?
As I have mentioned in previous posts I am new to domestic really, especially the reporting side of things so would just like to clarify my position.
Would you recommend cutting the DO tag off to confirm fuse size as it is not possible to tell from inspection of the carrier itself?

Any replies & or pointers as always are much appreciated ;-)

Strima · Jun 8, 2012

A full EICR is the best route to take. It will help you identify all the circuits and any problems such as N-E faults etc.

What is the length of the tails and are they fused if over 3 metres?

Before cutting any seals you could contact the DNO, they may know what fuse is fitted.

What are the earthing arrangements?

Any idea on the age of the installation? Any VIR cable?

An EICR will give you an idea of any remedial work that needs carrying out before changing CU. With 17 circuits I would even consider splitting the tails into 2 CU's to spread the load a little.

Get some photo's to give us a better idea, picture paints a thousand words and all that.

Sounds like something to get your teeth into.

craig1000 · Jun 8, 2012

Hey thanks for the reply!
Had a feeling it was something different to a PIR, to check it all out thanks! I was being a bit blind n a bit green when looking through my books!
I shall get some pics when I go back to do report & post!
Can you confirm that by doing the report I don't become responsible for the install until I work on or alter the actual circuits?! If I only inspect & test it to the relevant standards then I am responsible for giving them the info but not the install itself!
The ze reading is good, a MET provided from the head, pme or tn c s whichever you want to call it, fed from a 2 wire overhead line! No tails aren't fused, they will be if I do remedials!
no VIR cables visible but I can only see the ends in garage as they enter CU, what may still exist further under the floors who knows?!
Thanks again, il keep you informed!

Richard Burns · Jun 8, 2012

On completing an Electrical Installation Condition Report you are reporting on the state of an existing installation inconsideration of its safety for continued use and compliance with the current wiring regulations.

Statements you make about the condition of the installation must be correct but do not make you responsible for the installation, only for your statements about the installation.

The normal caveat is that if you do not mention something that is dangerous at the time and there is a problem later someone may come back to you.
depending on the later problem it may be difficult to prove it was extant at the time of inspection and testing.
Your report is an instantaneous view of the installation and later changes are nothing to do with you (unless you are doing the work).
This would not likely apply in this case because later work is anticipated to rectify problems identified by the report.