Replacing consumer unit in garage

[jamesgjatkin]

Hi all,
I have an old wire-type consumer unit in my garage.
There was some time back an addition of a small RCD+MCB unit for an external power to a pond.
I wish to replace both units with a single modern one with MCBs and an RCD.
I am planning to add the following:
- 1 x 6A for the lighting
- 1 x 16A for the sockets
- 1 x 6A for the pond feed.
- 1 x 40A 30mA RCD
- 1 x 63A Main Switch
There is a freezer powered from the sockets and also has occasional low power usage.
Does this look sufficient?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Regards,
James

 

[jaydee81]

personally would rcd protect everything in the garage using a rcd main switch unit or if the feed to the garage is rcd protected just a main switch unit

 

[chronyx]

Are you an electrician? I ask as there are tests you will need to do to an old installation before adding RCD's, or you might find they keep tripping out.

 

[Octopus]

How is the power getting to the garage? Where is it supplied from?

 

[tuckermot]

hi
I take it that pond supply is going to a out door socket ,6amp mcb is fine to run the pump but i would replace with 16amp just in case some one plugs a mower / headgtrimmer in to the socket and pop,s your little 6amp mcb protecting with one rcd is fine for what you are planning to install but not for the main board in the house

Rich

 

[bugsy]

RCBO'S on everything but the freezer,

 

[Guitarist]

Consumer unit replacements are notifiable, plus you will need to fill out an EIC and test it all. If you are part P registered then you will know this anyway. If not, then get an electrician who is to do it for you.

 

[jamesgjatkin]

Thanks for all the answers...
When I moved into the house, it was the show house for the area.
This meant that they had run a direct feed to the garage consumer unit, i.e. not a spur from the house.
The pond feed has no sockets, it is a direct feed to a water proof external switch unit for the pump & UV.
My plan, as there are only 4 sockets and 4 ceiling lights, to do the following:
- Check the existing wiring and replace if necessary - I've never checked the quality of the wiring
- Replace the CU & RCD Unit with a single unit
- Carry out the final testing and get an electrician to certify it.
Does this sound like a sensible option or am I giving myself a world of hurt?
I do have a degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering so I feel I am competent in the area.
My brother is also a professional electrical installations engineer so he is always a useful reference ;-)
James

 

[Megavolt]

Thanks for all the answers...
When I moved into the house, it was the show house for the area.
This meant that they had run a direct feed to the garage consumer unit, i.e. not a spur from the house.
The pond feed has no sockets, it is a direct feed to a water proof external switch unit for the pump & UV.
My plan, as there are only 4 sockets and 4 ceiling lights, to do the following:
- Check the existing wiring and replace if necessary - I've never checked the quality of the wiring
- Replace the CU & RCD Unit with a single unit
- Carry out the final testing and get an electrician to certify it.
Does this sound like a sensible option or am I giving myself a world of hurt?
I do have a degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering so I feel I am competent in the area.
My brother is also a professional electrical installations engineer so he is always a useful reference ;-)
James

Ok why haven't you asked your brother

 

[jamesgjatkin]

Because he is out of the country for a few weeks!!

 

[richy3333]

IF it's notifiable under Part P of the Building Regs then that is a self certification scheme so you can't do the work, hope it tests out OK by someone else with a tester and then have that 'someone' else certify it for you because it wouldn't be a self certification situation?
(I only raise the IF question as I'm in Scotland and we don't have Part P)

 

[Octopus]

I suggest you cal your local LABC and ask them if they consider you competent.

After all you have the necessary test equipment and know how to fill out all the forms plus do the necessary hands on work don't you?

 

[jamesgjatkin]

Excuse me?

 

[bugsy]

Excuse me?

i WOULD IF YOU KNEW WHAT YOU WERE DOING

 

[jamesgjatkin]

The point of me posting my question on this forum was to get the opinions of experts in the area, not be insulted. Much appreciated.