Replacing Consumer Unit

[jason_exact]

I have a few question on when an old board is replaced with a new 17th edition board:

Do you have to install cross bonding in the aiiring cupboard if this is not present?

On the test certificate do you put on the limitations about not lifting boards etc?

Is it 1 in 4 sockets tested or less or more?

Any more advice or what you do or dont have to do is more than welcome!

Cheers!

 

[Guest123]

Hey.

If you are only changing a DB then in the extent of installation covered by this certificate box just put in upgrading of consumer unit only.

As far as the testing goes then a full EIC is required for changing a DB.

Before you do any works you need to check the standard of earthing and bonding and advise customer if insufficient, not present etc, as this will need sorting out prior to upgrade.

As for cross bonding in airing cupboard, that's not required.

On a personal note, I always carry out a quick I/R test before upgrading the DB on an installation which has no RCD protection. That way any faults are found before you replace the DB, and again you can advise the customer.

Hope this helps.

 

[jason_exact]

So apart from the main earth being sufficient for the gas and water main, what other earthing and bonding do i need to check?

 

[Spudnik]

CPC's in lighting circuits AND switch drops.

In addition to whats been said, i always put the 'next inspection date' sticker on the CU with "CU CHANGE ONLY" written on it.

That way there is never any comeback as that is all you did.

 

[jason_exact]

So for CPC on lighting circuit just R1 + R2 test?

 

[Spudnik]

Yes, but you need to actually check behind light switches to make sure there is a cpc present.

Its fairly common in older installations, for the circuit to have a cpc but not always the switch drops.

 

[super spark]

check out this link;

Best Practice Guides | Electrical Safety Council

You can download the ESC best practice guide which gives you step by step instructions which you can even show to the client.

The (BPG) guides have been created by all the regulatory bodies (niceic,eca,elsca,nappit et...) so if you follow them you'll have no come back whatsoever.

hope this helps,

 

[jason_exact]

ok cheers for that!

 

[Spudnik]

Maybe but particular attention should also be made to Page 4:

Quote:

"A disclaimer does not absolve the installer from responsibility"

Its all about risk assessment of each installation found in this condition.

 

[Guest123]

I'm sure there's another thread exactly the same as this somewhere.

I can remember posting those ESC guides before.

 

[billybob]

So,are we expected to install cpc to switch drops,if not present?