Test failed due to missing RCD

[Peterpipe]

Hi All
Recently joined the forum to ask for some information.
I recently bought a flat to let. I was advised by the letting agent to get the electrics tested, although not a legal requirement. The test was carried out by their electrical contractor. He failed the test due to the fuse board not having an RCD fitted. The fuse board is the original board fitted in 2003 when the flats where built. There has been no mods or circuits added to the system and everything is working as it should. I paid £348.00 for the test and the RCD to be installed. I have since been told that the test should not have failed due to the lack of the RCD. Have I been stitched up.
Any comments gratefully recieved
Peter

 

[IzzyS]

Think of it as cheap insurance - the additional RCD reduces the risk of electric shock for your tenants, and can also reduce the risk of fire Doepke RCD Video.

 

[sparksburnout]

I posted my last reply before receiving yours. I told a friend of mine who is a spark and he said he didn't think it should have failed if that was the only issue. Of course I know what an RCD does "I googled it"

So if you know what one does, why are you so upset? Be 100% honest, if he had given you an initial pass, with a recommendation to fit one, would you have done it??

 

[sparksburnout]

I posted my last reply before receiving yours. I told a friend of mine who is a spark and he said he didn't think it should have failed if that was the only issue. Of course I know what an RCD does "I googled it"

Did your spark friend also add that it was a good idea anyway, though? He should have done.

 

[Peterpipe]

Thanks for all your comments. I just wanted to get the facts right before I write a review on "trust a trader" etc. In my view, with my limited electrical knowledge, I was conned and overcharged. 7 lights, 12 double sockets, 3 appliances, boiler, Fuse board, all with easy access in an empty flat. Cost of RCD say £30.00, he only had the keys for about 2 hours, puts him on min £150.00 per hour.

 

[sparksburnout]

Thanks for all your comments. I just wanted to get the facts right before I write a review on "trust a trader" etc. In my view, with my limited electrical knowledge, I was conned and overcharged. 7 lights, 12 double sockets, 3 appliances, boiler, Fuse board, all with easy access in an empty flat. Cost of RCD say £30.00, he only had the keys for about 2 hours, puts him on min £150.00 per hour.

There is a lot here that is open to debate and needs more facts, however I cannot help but get the impression that you are more worried about the cost of being a responsible Landlord than the safety actions involved. Why didn't you get this "mate" of yours to do the EICR? is he not qualified? After you have written your report, think on that one day you might be glad that having the RCD this person has fitted might save the life of one of your Tenants.

 

[Midwest]

Can't comment on the coding, but were you given a price for this work, that you now think is expensive or not value for money?

Not a great lover of Trust a Trader sites etc, but would it not be better to take up this dissatisfaction with the trader in question, rather than just giving poor grading?

 

[Peterpipe]

Yes, he said I should have a RCD fitted for all the reasons you have said. In all honesty, I'm not sure if I would have had I not spoken to him, so it worked out for the best in the end, but it should not have failed on the strength of it.

 

[telectrix]

if the original installation was 2003, then socket circuits should have had RCD protection, esp. those that could be used for outside appliances. However, if RCD/s are being fitted today, they should meet current standards. a split board ( 2 RCDs ) or an RCBO board shouldbe fitted to comlply, although the upfront RCD thast's been fitted makes the installation safer.

edit> i'd probably fail it with a C2.

 

[Des 56]

Living in a less prosperous part of the UK I have opinion on the charge,however,(whatever the cost)you must have agreed the price before the work was done?

 

[westward10]

EICRs don't fail an installation is is either unsatisfactory or satisfactory.

 

[Peterpipe]

My friend is a qualified spark, he works in the construction industry not residential so has not the qualification to carry out this test. I did get a price but it was very late in the day, we had tenants moving in in 3 days and did not want any problems so went along with it. It wasn't until I saw what was involved that I started asking questions. As I have said, I'm glad I had it fitted.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Firstly replacing a main switch for an RCD means all circuits will be lost in the event of tripping. A non compliance in itself, another means of providing RCD protection if required should have been adopted.
Secondly to the OP.
Just because the electrician only had the keys for two hours does not mean the job only took two hours. There would be travelling time and often the certificate might be completed back at the office from notes taken on site, could easily add another hour or more to the total time.

 

[Pete999]

Thanks for all your comments. I just wanted to get the facts right before I write a review on "trust a trader" etc. In my view, with my limited electrical knowledge, I was conned and overcharged. 7 lights, 12 double sockets, 3 appliances, boiler, Fuse board, all with easy access in an empty flat. Cost of RCD say £30.00, he only had the keys for about 2 hours, puts him on min £150.00 per hour.

Oh you got hime from "Trust a Trader" better not comment? he must have given you a quote for the testing, and a price for the RCD, surely

 

[Pete999]

Any test results /certificate issued to you?

Peter, you seem not to have answered the question about the report, if it was issued that is.

 

[Peterpipe]

The letting agent uses him for all their electrical work. They will be my first port of call once I get started. He did give me two prices £156.00 for the test and £192.00 for installing the RCD.