Replacing damaged cooker control unit

[Elidor]

I need to replace a damaged cooker control unit with a new basic cooker control switch. The original unit has been installed directly above the electric hob which I know is not permitted but is it acceptable to simply replace it? The existing installation is very old.

As its in a Kitchen / special location I don’t want to reposition the unit as it will involve notifying the building authorities which is an additional cost I can’t afford to incur plus the kitchen is very small and it won’t be physically possible to install the new cooker control switch within 2m of the appliance and still meet other regulations regarding distance from sink etc.

 

[IQ Electrical]

I need to replace a damaged cooker control unit with a new basic cooker control switch. The original unit has been installed directly above the electric hob which I know is not permitted but is it acceptable to simply replace it? The existing installation is very old.

As its in a Kitchen / special location I don’t want to reposition the unit as it will involve notifying the building authorities which is an additional cost I can’t afford to incur plus the kitchen is very small and it won’t be physically possible to install the new cooker control switch within 2m of the appliance and still meet other regulations regarding distance from sink etc.

If there is no previous damage to the existing unit or wiring, I'd replace it and issue a 'Minor Works' Certificate with a comment that the replacement was 'like for like'.

 

[jazzygazza]

first of all kitchen is not a special location so your fine there,but unfortunately cannot be left in current location. Most cost effective way would be to reposition new cooker switch in cupboard as although less than 2m will have suitable barrier, minor works certificate will be sufficient and no need toget building warrant as just an alteration to the circuit

 

[IQ Electrical]

first of all kitchen is not a special location so your fine there,but unfortunately cannot be left in current location. Most cost effective way would be to reposition new cooker switch in cupboard as although less than 2m will have suitable barrier, minor works certificate will be sufficient and no need toget building warrant as just an alteration to the circuit

Any work within a kitchen OR special location, other than like for like replacement requires notification to LABC under Approved Document P.

 

[telectrix]

IQ, i think jazzy's in Scotland, so no part p. where he is. however the OP is in Shropshire, which used to be in Wales till the english stole it, so either way, part p rules.

 

[IQ Electrical]

IQ, i think jazzy's in Scotland, so no part p. where he is. however the OP is in Shropshire, which used to be in Wales till the english stole it, so either way, part p rules.

Precisely, it's important to check before giving advice.

 

[Elidor]

Thank you all for your feedback.

Hmmm, why would you say that it has to be moved?

The existing installation is clearly not up to today’s standards but surely it’s wrong to expect every property to instantly conform with today’s electrical standards when we know they will change again tomorrow?

I was hoping I could just replace the cooker control switch and walk away. Is it really not that straight forward?

 

[telectrix]

you can do a like for like without completing a MWC. customer should be informed, though , that it's not compliant. if he won't pay to have it moved, then all you can do is replace and walk. is it possible to move the cooker enough??

 

[jazzygazza]

I work to the building regulations in scotland but you dont need a building warrant for addition to a circuit is my understanding of it in England or Wales,double checked online and this was confirmed by shropshire building control department too but at least 1 thing IQ least my advice was safe as you were really going to advise someone to change it like for like knowing it was unsafeand minor works certificate would be sufficient

 

[telectrix]

if it's just like 4 like, trhen OK, no need to notify BC. but if he moves it and alters the cable by shortening or extending, then by rights, it should be notified.

 

[IQ Electrical]

I work to the building regulations in scotland but you dont need a building warrant for addition to a circuit is my understanding of it in England or Wales,double checked online and this was confirmed by shropshire building control department too but at least 1 thing IQ least my advice was safe as you were really going to advise someone to change it like for like knowing it was unsafeand minor works certificate would be sufficient

Yes, it sounded very unsafe, I hope everyone's very careful with that cooker switch....

Read the post above too, you might learn something here rather than making silly remarks.

 

[telectrix]

don't turn on the gas, don't light a match.

 

[jazzygazza]

but how can you change it like for like knowing its unsafe, if your putting new circuit in then building control has to be alerted but your modifying circuit or putting an addition in then you dont have to, you just need to complete minor works cert, I wasnt sure if I was right or not so i asked the council nvolved and thats what i was told by them

 

[IQ Electrical]

but how can you change it like for like knowing its unsafe, if your putting new circuit in then building control has to be alerted but your modifying circuit or putting an addition in then you dont have to, you just need to complete minor works cert, I wasnt sure if I was right or not so i asked the council nvolved and thats what i was told by them

Firstly, read Approved Document P, you really don't need to phone anyone, it's also a FREE download.

Secondly, assuming, there was no visible sign of damage to the existing unit or wiring, how was it dangerous?

If you were conducting a PIR, unless there were damage signs, you would allocate a code 4 to this scenario, it's all about experience....

 

[jazzygazza]

Im always happy to learn but I suppose the planning department at the relevant council got it wrong, well if guys cooker switch catches fire because not relevant distance away, your words will change from i only advised him that as his cost to fix it was too great, as I said earlier do not post any comments on my threads again. If i dont know the answer to something I will check it out, I dont know who you think you are but already today you have accused me of breaking copyright laws and now after advice from respective council that building warrant is not needed for addition that its a silly remark get off your high horse too