Replacing Consumer Unit

[Fitzy]

Tomorrow I’m changing my consumer unit in preparation for my NICEIC assessment on 13th November and have a few queries.

Firstly, current cu only has 4 circuits sockets up & down and lights up & down, so hopefully a pretty straight forward swap.

I can unplug 95% of loads on both ring finals, except for the oven and the boiler, both of which have LCD/LED displays. So when it comes to doing the insulation resistance test, would the 500v dc test damage either of these appliances LCD’s or LED’s? The oven and hob ignitor are connected behind the kitchen units.

Also, upstairs we have GU10 spot lights on the landing and bathroom, can’t remove them to do the R1+R2 test as they’re very tight and as we only rent, I can’t cause any damage to the ceiling. So would it be ok to just do the R1+R2 on the final light fitting in the rear bedroom or should I try to find the spots wiring in the loft?

 

[Fitzy]

If it passes IR & Zs tests and there are no C1 or 2s, why shouldn't he do a CU change?

The IR test was a pass at >999MOhms and Zs tests are all within range.

Just one query though.....Is it best practice to measure Zs on lighting circuits or calculate the value using Zs= Ze + R1+R2?

I can either for my test results sheet.

 

[Fitzy]

If it passes IR & Zs tests and there are no C1 or 2s, why shouldn't he do a CU change?

The IR test was a pass at >999MOhms and Zs tests are all within range.

Just one query though.....Is it best practice to measure Zs on lighting circuits or calculate the value using Zs= Ze + R1+R2?

I can either for my test results sheet.

 

[Silly Sausage]

The IR test was a pass at >999MOhms and Zs tests are all within range.

Just one query though.....Is it best practice to measure Zs on lighting circuits or calculate the value using Zs= Ze + R1+R2?

I can either for my test results sheet.

I used to record Zs results. Best practice, dunno?

 

[Fitzy]

During my training my tutors said it was ok to use the calculated values, but if possible I’d rather measure it.

 

[Silly Sausage]

During my training my tutors said it was ok to use the calculated values, but if possible I’d rather measure it.

Likewise, my reasoning being that's the actual figure when the circuit is live.

 

[Ffoeguk]

Please explain “you’ve broken all the rules with this effort?”

1st and biggest issue is not completing a EICR Before you stated.
A consumer unit change can be done if the original board is in distress. You are able to connect the installation back as is without modification ( if code 1 free).
The catalogue of problems you have listed in this thread after the work leads me to believe your inexperience in doing such work has you struggling to fix the issues
Zs readings prove that the fuse or breaker will operate under fault conditions - IT DOES MOT PROVE COMPLIANCE WITH THE OTHER PAGES ON THE BOOK. Installation methods, accessibility of connections, access to switches to isolate for maintenance etc. This comes with experience over time. EICR are to prove the installation is safe for continued use NOT just to check Zs

 

[Fitzy]

Please explain “you’ve broken all the rules with this effort?”

1st and biggest issue is not completing a EICR Before you stated.
A consumer unit change can be done if the original board is in distress. You are able to connect the installation back as is without modification ( if code 1 free).
The catalogue of problems you have listed in this thread after the work leads me to believe your inexperience in doing such work has you struggling to fix the issues
Zs readings prove that the fuse or breaker will operate under fault conditions - IT DOES MOT PROVE COMPLIANCE WITH THE OTHER PAGES ON THE BOOK. Installation methods, accessibility of connections, access to switches to isolate for maintenance etc. This comes with experience over time. EICR are to prove the installation is safe for continued use NOT just to check Zs

If it had been a customers board change I may have done an EICR beforehand, but at present an EICR is NOT a reg or compulsory before changing a cu, so it’s up to the electricians discretion if one is carried out or not!

There are timed served electricians on this very forum that haven’t carried out an EICR before a customers board change (mainly because customers won’t pay for one), but they’ve STILL carried out the board change and found plenty of faults afterwards which the customers won’t pay to rectify, but as has been said on here before, the electrician changing the board is responsible for the board change only and NOT the entire installation (barring any C1 codes).

I’m learning, so fixing the issues which arose from my own board change is a way to learn without inconveniencing or charging a customer a fortune for the privilege. I’ve learnt plenty from doing this board change and have thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience.

I appreciate your comments though.

 

[DefyG]

but as has been said on here before, the electrician changing the board is responsible for the board change only and NOT the entire installation

Not So! The electrician 'is' responsible for making sure the existing circuits are safe to re-energise when a CU is changed.
The fact that say, just because an existing ring is open circuit before the board is changed doesn't make it right to reconnect it onto a new 32A MCB.
Final circuits should be inspected (as much as physically possible) and tested 'Prior' to re-terminating to ensure they are safe to re-energise.

 

[Jimmer84]

Fitzy,

You sound like you’re doing a great job mate, got your head screwed on regarding most of what you are saying, and asking questions is the key.

As much as a customer may not want to pay for an eicr, DefyG is correct in what he’s saying with regards to the responsibility YOU take upon issuing the EIC once you have completed the work.

I always make sure that I carry out a Ze, IPF, IR and ring test, as well as checking the main bonding when I turn up to quote the job.

I then advise the customer of anything that may affect me issuing the EIC upon completion and get them to agree to the works.

If you know what you’re taking about and can speak to people, then I find the customer always has the additional work done, and are happy for the info....