UK What constitutes a new circuit?

[Jefferson steelflex]

Hi guys, any fellow electricians good with definitions know what exactly constitutes as a new circuit with references if possible.
I know changing an mcb requires an eic, but does that constitute as a new circuit?
Just want to specify it on my paperwork

 

[loz2754]

I'm not sure an EIC is necessary for a like for like MCB change.
However, if you're changing the characteristics of the circuit, by using a differently rated MCB and/or adding RCD protection, then yes probably do an EIC.

A new circuit is what it says it is - a new cable connected to the origin to a new protective device, supplying new electrical equipment. Based on the definition of a circuit in Part 2 of the regs.

 

[Dustydazzler]

A new circuit is everything has to be ‘brand new’ , new mcb / rcbo , new cabling , new accessories or switchgear etc

anything else is a modification / alterations

 

[Dustydazzler]

I should add if you even used 1m of the old cabling , then it’s not a new circuit imo

absolutely everything has to be brand new out the box

 

[Jefferson steelflex]

I should add if you even used 1m of the old cabling , then it’s not a new circuit imo

absolutely everything has to be brand new out the box

The issue i have is, im changing scheme providers, and they want me to test new circuits I've installed. One of the issues i have is, i literally focus on eicrs, and mainly do fault finding and replacing or altering existing circuits. Rarely go near rewires. Sometimes i do new circuits to the gardens, or something outdoor but have done none since covid and only focused on essential works.

 

[timhoward]

The issue i have is, im changing scheme providers, and they want me to test new circuits I've installed. One of the issues i have is, i literally focus on eicrs, and mainly do fault finding and replacing or altering existing circuits. Rarely go near rewires. Sometimes i do new circuits to the gardens, or something outdoor but have done none since covid and only focused on essential works.

Which scheme are you going to?

 

[Jefferson steelflex]

Which scheme are you going to?

Napit

 

[Dustydazzler]

Add a new socket on a radial at home or a friends house

it’s what I did

 

[Jefferson steelflex]

Add a new socket on a radial at home or a friends house

it’s what I did

Would that constitute a new circuit though

 

[timhoward]

Napit

I have just moved to them too. I'm assuming your question is about the initial assessment with them?
I know exactly what it says the initial assessment will entail and why you are concerned as I was a bit too.
But reality wasn't like that.
You'll get a phone call from the assessor in advance, and they are very aware of the limitations that covid had caused.
In my case I had a CU change I could show him, and he only wanted to see me do a ZDB and PSCC test.
For the first assessment they are more bothered about seeing insurance, calibration certificate of MFT, and evidence of qualifications you told them you have.
I'd say you are probably worrying a bit too much, they are human and want your money!

 

[Dustydazzler]

Would that constitute a new circuit though

if its a new mcb / rcbo a new length of 2.5 to a new surface box and new socket faceplate

then yes it’s a ‘new’ circuit

 

[timhoward]

This thread might be worth a read as I describe my NAPIT assessment in it.

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[Jefferson steelflex]

I have just moved to them too. I'm assuming your question is about the initial assessment with them?
I know exactly what it says the initial assessment will entail and why you are concerned as I was a bit too.
But reality wasn't like that.
You'll get a phone call from the assessor in advance, and they are very aware of the limitations that covid had caused.
In my case I had a CU change I could show him, and he only wanted to see me do a ZDB and PSCC test.
For the first assessment they are more bothered about seeing insurance, calibration certificate of MFT, and evidence of qualifications you told them you have.
I'd say you are probably worrying a bit too much, they are human and want your money!

Yes that's exactly what im worried about.
I need to put more garden sockets in, and im probably gonna use my radial to do that as an extension, and do a fcu spur of another circuit for some lighting im gonna put in aswell.
But they're pretty much getting used of existing circuits. Hopefully its sufficient.

 

[Pete999]

A new circuit is everything has to be ‘brand new’ , new mcb / rcbo , new cabling , new accessories or switchgear etc

anything else is a modification / alterations

So in your opinion swapping a faulty 1cway switch is a new circuit then? or am I reading your reply incorrectly?

 

[Jefferson steelflex]

So in your opinion swapping a faulty 1cway switch is a new circuit then? or am I reading your reply incorrectly?

I think he meant, just changing an mcb, for whatever reason, with new cabling would constitute a new circuit