Upgrading a Consumer Unit

[Colonel Hathi]

Hi
Bear with me on this
I will soon be upgrading a CU to include RCD protection.
The installation is all very recent (less than a year old) but for some reason the CU has no RCDs at present.
The "basic signs" (ZS/ZE) are fine - but I am not sure how far to go in testing the existing installation before upgrading the CU.
If I were changing the entire CU, I would go for a full periodic.
As it is, there are some spare ways and I was just going to add RCD protection for sockets (throughout) and for the bathroom lighting/fan circuit.

I was going to leave the general lighting and the smoke alarm without RCD protection.

How far do I need to go in testing the existing installation???

Is it ok to just test ZS/ZE, polarity and CPC continuity for the affected circuits?

I really did not want to do insulation resistance tests because there are loads of downlighters/neons etc.

Come on! Share your wisdom

Thanks

CH

 

[SirKit Breaker]

You need to test the lot.
All circuits must have RCD protection (except as stated in the regs).
Check for borrowed neutrals.
You will have to disconnect your downlights and isolate the neons etc to IR test, unless you do an agreed limitation.
And this is notifiable work.
You will need to issue EIC for the work.
Do PIR prior to upgrade this will highlight any potential problems.

I dare say you will get several replies and all will have a similar content, but they will all be informative.

Cheers........Howard

 

[Colonel Hathi]

Thanks for the advice Sirkit!

I have no problem with notifying the works and I could agree a limitation on the IR tests.

My problem really is that this is a new flat my daughter has bought.
It is all pristine and freshly decorated.
She was not at all happy when I removed a socket just to check the wiring and made a very slight flake to her new paintwork.

There has been a periodic undertaken within the last month - so I was hoping to do just the "non invasive" tests on circuits affected by the additional RCDs/RCBOs.

My daughter is only little - but VERY VERY fierce!!!!

Cheers


CH

 

[cbw]

Hi, How many circuits in total?

Have a read about Test 2 for your IR, may be more appropriate????

 

[Colonel Hathi]

Thanks
It is only a small installation 8 way.

I am familiar with test 2 - is it really completely safe for downlighters and transformers???

The whole place is full of them!

Cheers

CH

 

[cbw]

As safe as houses..................

As its family how about RCBO for all circuits, one day your going to be a Grandad, make it all as good and safe as you can now.

Have a look around. there are some fair deals on rcbo at present.

That then leaves a couple of spare ways for future proofing.

Check if the earthing arrangements are up to scratch as well!

As its family get the testing gear out and make a day of it!!!!!!

 

[Colonel Hathi]

Thanks for the advice.

I'll check out the RCBOs

CH

 

[cbw]

Oh on another family point, the only BIG shock I have had was working in my sisters flat....Threw me down the hall, bad burns etc!!!!!!!

Familiarity breads contempt!!!!

Sort of stupid mistake you would never make in a customers CU!!!

Infact a catologue of classic errors, too embarrased/ashamed to mention.....was many years ago now!(And was the last time I worked on live tails)

 

[MartinConway]

Was following your dilemma there and if its any good to you we at Electrical Wholesaler-Supplies + Fittings ¦ Meteor Electrical are doing RCBO's at £9.50 which is very competitive and its a good brand.

 

[jamie-spark]

Here is a link Best Practice Guides | Electrical Safety Council it has guides on changing consumer guides and lots more. It tells you where you stant on testing ect and the existing installation.