Rcd Protection Issue

[Aaronh86]

Hi everyone,

I recently brought property and wanted to check the electrics were ok, so I got a electrical report done.
1 of the things they stated in the report says " No Rcd protection for lighting and central heating "
The company who did the report have quoted me for changing the consumer unit and rewiring the kitchen.
I just wanted to know if I really need to change the consumer unit based on there being no rcd protection for lights and central heating or is fixing the rcd issue separate from the consumer unit.
I'm assuming other things are rcd protected with my current c.u as there is no mention of them not being protected. The cu I have at the moment doesn't look more than 5 years old either and I only want a new one if it's completely necessary.

 

[Midwest]

I would like to verify that the current Crabtree RCBO's are compatible with the current CU, some suggesting they are?

And last time I went to fit a compatible RCBO in an existing CU, it was full of crammed in wiring, making the installation impossible, not without reworking, disconnection of other circuits.

I've worked on similar kitchens, that required refurbishment. Sometimes it is easier just to partial rewire, back to existing legs of the RFC or radial.

Perhaps this is what this company is suggesting or reason for quote?

 

[Midwest]

If the OP feels he's being overcharged or overpriced for the work, he could obtain a couple more quotations, using the EICR as a reference.

 

[westward10]

Current rcbos will fit but space for connections becomes restricted.

 

[Aaronh86]

From what I read on the net, seems rcbos are better than rcds and can be added as single units to a existing cu.

So just to have it clear in my mind, are you guys saying I could just add 2 rcbos for both the lighting and central heating circuits and to make sure c1 and c2's are fixed.

And Telectrix, when you say the kitchen could be fixed in 2 hours, could you go into more detail on that please?

New to all this, so sorry if I seem abit repetitive.

 

[Midwest]

From what I read on the net, seems rcbos are better than rcds and can be added as single units to a existing cu.

So just to have it clear in my mind, are you guys saying I could just add 2 rcbos for both the lighting and central heating circuits and to make sure c1 and c2's are fixed.

And Telectrix, when you say the kitchen could be fixed in 2 hours, could you go into more detail on that please?

New to all this, so sorry if I seem abit repetitive.

I thought you said your kitchen was being refurbished?

I think the best advice, even if I say so myself , is get some more quotes.

 

[Octopus]

would number 12 downlights not fire rated assuming not a flat roof require a code 2 and not 3

What type of property is this? House? Flat ?

 

[Risteard]

From what I read on the net, seems rcbos are better than rcds

Not better than RCDs as RCBOs are, in fact, a particular type of RCD. RCD is a generic term for all such residual current devices.

 

[Midwest]

From what I read on the net, seems rcbos are better than rcds and can be added as single units to a existing cu.

So just to have it clear in my mind, are you guys saying I could just add 2 rcbos for both the lighting and central heating circuits and to make sure c1 and c2's are fixed.

And Telectrix, when you say the kitchen could be fixed in 2 hours, could you go into more detail on that please?

New to all this, so sorry if I seem abit repetitive.

PPS, you might wanna wait till July, and the grown up's might be recommending arc fault detection device, for your lighting & boiler circuits as well

 

[Octopus]

AFDD ‘s

Ha ha ha

The biggest joke from the IET

 

[The Ghost]

So @Aaronh86 this is what you get up to behind my back? You don't trust us then! You have to come on this forum to check up on me eh? Well if you want any work done on your house the price has just doubled for that. And you lot, why are you encouraging my customer to rebellion and insurrection eh?

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I think the quote is a good price, a bit on the low side. They have not said that it is dangerous to have the 5 circuits (including lights and boiler) not RCD protected, they have given it a C3 which is improvement recommended. It sounds like they have quoted for a CU change as you have asked them to do so.

There are 5 circuits on the non-RCD side, looks like 2 are for lights so you would need at least 3 RCBO's (including water heater) plus you would pay for the installation of these.
If you are unhappy with the price then get some more quotes. However, if they are much lower than the present one then I would be concerned they are not legitimate installers.

You sound concerned about getting it done properly which is good. Why not just pay the reasonable price and get it done. You can then feel completely happy about the new family moving in.

 

[Aaronh86]

Midwest the kitchen is being fully refurbished, but I'm just wanted to know if the full rewire to it was necessary or if other options are available to fixing the other than a dodgy plastering over.

It's a semi detached house. The down lights must be referring to the porch lights.

 

[Aaronh86]

If you read the questions I asked, I wasn't questioning whether I'm being ripped off. I asked if other options where available.

What's wrong with getting a 2nd opinion?
I didn't post your company name or say a bad word about you.

 

[Octopus]

Midwest the kitchen is being fully refurbished, but I'm just wanted to know if the full rewire to it was necessary or if other options are available to fixing the other than a dodgy plastering over.

It's a semi detached house. The down lights must be referring to the porch lights.

Then fire rated down lights are irrelevant.

With respect to the kitchen, only when the old one is ripped out can you really determine this

 

[Dobes_88]

Anyone else a bit baffled why there's 2 x 32A MCB's that are apparently spare but installer chose to fit 2 x 40A MCB's for the sockets...?