Replacing a Consumer Unit

[P&Q]

Hi,
I'm planning on replacing a consumer unit, for a two bedroom house, for my Napit assessment, and I was wondering whether period inspection and testing is necessary prior to the start of job?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Guest123]

Not absolutely necessary but can be really good thing to do as it will highlight any lurking faults with existing wireing that may cause issues, plus any other non compliances will be highlighted and can then be notified to client.

 

[ian]

Not absolutely necessary, but some basic N-E, IR,s, perhaps some continuity tests are advisable. Have a good look at the installation for broken accessories and signs of alterations. Also ask the client if there are any problems.

ian

 

[Amp David]

Its a good idea to get most of your tests done before ripping the old CU out, then if you have some seriously dodgy circuits, you not left in the lurch late in the day trying to get your new RCD to hold in.

 

[chiplard]

Personally I carry out all tests on every circuit before I do anything. Takes a bit longer but I know that when the cover goes on and the Main switch is turned on I know all I've got to do is tidy up and put tools in van. Not spend the next few hours tracing a fault!!

 

[P&Q]

Thanks for all your quick replies guys. the reason I hadn't responded yet was because my college tutor told me that I HAVE to do this, so I text him again after I read your replies and again he says that it's necessary.
Can you please clarify this issue for me? I would really appereciate it because if i was to carry out PIR i would need professional indemnity insurance and thats just extra costs on top of everything else and thats not very easy, as well as creating more work for me to do as you know.
I would really appereciate any help, i've received much help from this forum before and i'm sure you can all help again.
Thank you

 

[Guest123]

Thanks for all your quick replies guys. the reason I hadn't responded yet was because my college tutor told me that I HAVE to do this, so I text him again after I read your replies and again he says that it's necessary.
Can you please clarify this issue for me? I would really appereciate it because if i was to carry out PIR i would need professional indemnity insurance and thats just extra costs on top of everything else and thats not very easy, as well as creating more work for me to do as you know.
I would really appereciate any help, i've received much help from this forum before and i'm sure you can all help again.
Thank you

Ask him to show you exactly where it states you must do this, and provide you with a copy of the statement.

 

[Amp David]

Personally I carry out all tests on every circuit before I do anything. Takes a bit longer but I know that when the cover goes on and the Main switch is turned on I know all I've got to do is tidy up and put tools in van. Not spend the next few hours tracing a fault!!

Doesn't really add extra time to the job in the long run because like you say, your still not onsite late on trying to get the lights back on for the customer.

 

[P&Q]

Ask him to show you exactly where it states you must do this, and provide you with a copy of the statement.

Thanks Lenny, yeah i've been looking in books etc since this afternoon and i found no such statement in guidance notes 3 etc. as you would probably understand i don't really want to bring it up with him again.

so to conclude, I would be able to replace a consumer unit, without showing the assessor a periodic inspection and testing report?

I really don't want to do anything wrong on the assessment day, as you would understand it is very important to me, but i'm sure you guys can help me a lot.
Thanks again

 

[chiplard]

You will have to complete an EIC anyway to notify the job and give to the owner for his records, The assessor will ask for these to check that you are completing them properly.

 

[Des 56]

The way I see your situation
Indemnity insurance is what it says on the tin.protection for yourself, if you require, for circumstances where your opinion is given as a "competent person" to a client as part of a contract between you and the client

If you carry out a pir for a board change.its a pir for your own benefit,nothing contracted or concerning the client,as long as you dont present that report to the client,the information you gleen can be used by yourself to decide whether to go ahead, or advize on what you believe should be done prior to changing the board

You dont need PL insurance for your own protection against yourself

There is nowhere that stipulates a pir before a board change being a requirement,it may be beneficial to yourself or for pointing out to a potential client deficiencies that need to be overcome to be able to carry out the change

 

[IQ Electrical]

Have a read through this:

http://www.esc.org.uk/pdfs/business-and-community/electrical-industry/BPG6_09.pdf

 

[ezzzekiel]

tend to check stairs for borrowed neut and carry out ir tests, pfc, ze only prior to change.