Plastic to metal

[Bazza220]

Have a customer who's house has CU (2001) with MCBs
she wants plastic switches and sockets changed to metal.
earths are all present and correct..
saftey checked 2008 and passed..
can this be done without fitting an RCD protected board?

be interested in opinions

cheers

 

[uksparks]

Yes, you can, why would you think otherwise?

 

[Bazza220]

Starting to doubt myself!!!
My opinion is as you say "of course"
shes had two other sparks saying she needs new CU with RCD
Gut feeling they're trying it on so was just feeling the water for opinions before I jump in both feet.

 

[Richard Burns]

If it was installed in 2001 it should have had RCDs on the sockets anyway.
However changing an accessory does not necessitate RCD protection, it might be an idea to recommend it as a safety measure even if it was just an RCBO for that circuit, but that is their choice.

 

[derbylad]

Yes, you can, why would you think otherwise?

maybe he wanted to make sure he is doing all he can do to avoid anyone getting a lethal shock? Or maybe he thought a house in 2015 without rcd protection is pushing your luck a bit?

 

[Welchyboy1]

maybe he wanted to make sure he is doing all he can do to avoid anyone getting a lethal shock? Or maybe he thought a house in 2015 without rcd protection is pushing your luck a bit?

If that was the case he could certainly recommend upgrading the cu, but it doesnt HAVE to be done before this work is carried out, if it was my job i wouldnt even mention it, its just like for like swap

 

[snowhead]

If that was the case he could certainly recommend upgrading the cu, but it doesn't HAVE to be done before this work is carried out, if it was my job I wouldn't even mention it, its just like for like swap

If you do try to push for a CU change, you risk loosing the job altogether as the first 2 Sparks are about to find out.

 

[Risteard]

Really if you are replacing socket outlets then an SRCD should be considered if it is impracticable to provide it for the circuit, after all general use socket outlets themselves require RCD protection irrespective of the wiring system used.

 

[Guest77]

Have a customer who's house has CU (2001) with MCBs
she wants plastic switches and sockets changed to metal.
earths are all present and correct..
saftey checked 2008 and passed..
can this be done without fitting an RCD protected board?

be interested in opinions

cheers

Question for you?

Would you install metal sockets in your house and not have RCD protection?

 

[derbylad]

If that was the case he could certainly recommend upgrading the cu, but it doesnt HAVE to be done before this work is carried out, if it was my job i wouldnt even mention it, its just like for like swap

its part of the job to assess the current state of the installation and if you would just change the switch without advising the client then your not really doing your job properly

 

[Welchyboy1]

its part of the job to assess the current state of the installation and if you would just change the switch without advising the client then your not really doing your job properly

Advise the client about what??

Earths all present.......OP has assessed the job, no requirement to fit RCD protection for like for like changes

whats not being properly done? Eh?

would you really push for a cu change then lol.

 

[cprfenom]

In this day and age, why wouldn't you want to fit some form of RCD to the sockets?Particularly if you are changing the sockets to metal.

Make sure also that if she is having flush plate that the boxes will allow for them.

 

[Bazza220]

NICEIC were spoken to by client as as expected there is no need for RCD when just changing plates..
Pushing new CU with RCD with the reason being "It's Illegal" is total bull. Job creation by a so called sparks who won't give reg no. Until he starts the work ........and he came recommended by estate agent!!

 

[derbylad]

Advise the client about what??

Earths all present.......OP has assessed the job, no requirement to fit RCD protection for like for like changes

whats not being properly done? Eh?
if you advise the client that the board is not up to date and its advisable to update it then you have done your best,to just rush in there and change anything without giving your professional opinion then you need to have a word with yourself,also if you call yourself a competent electrician then you really should not need convincing of the logic and common sense of installing rcd protection where none exists. Its basic common sense
.

you are not giving the hard sell just advice..i.e..excuse me just thought i would mention your board has got no rcd protection...does it need it?...probably yes. Simple.

 

[Welchyboy1]

you are not giving the hard sell just advice..i.e..excuse me just thought i would mention your board has got no rcd protection...does it need it?...probably yes. Simple.

Please refer to my original post no.6 and re-read, the OP was asking if the upgrade was needed for the works to be carried out NOT about giving advice about the age and condition on the whole installation

calling my competence into question because of this one statement is a bit judgemental dont you think lol