What testing for fitting RCDs in a CU?

[FAA Greenie]

Pete, you just need to treat it as though you are doing a board change.

If you think about it on a standard board change, all you are doing is changing fault protection devices too, so by the minimum testing logic, why test when you are doing a board change?

At the end of the day, you are changing the characteristics of all the circuits, so they all need the proper and relevant testing prior and post change.

Hope this helps

 

[Piratepete]

Pete, you just need to treat it as though you are doing a board change.

If you think about it on a standard board change, all you are doing is changing fault protection devices too, so by the minimum testing logic, why test when you are doing a board change?

At the end of the day, you are changing the characteristics of all the circuits, so they all need the proper and relevant testing prior and post change.

Hope this helps

This is the most sensible answer I've seen so far, but thanks for all the other interesting contributions.
I like investigating alternative solutions even though they may turn out in the end to be c***p!
Customer just wants an RCD outside socket. I'm hoping to persuade him to RCD the lot. I expect my offer of a CU change at £300 to £400 will be met with a firm NO! Hence my interest in the economics and requirements of a CU upgrade route. It's all the testing that takes the time.
Out!
Pete

 

[Piratepete]

I'd be interested to hear how the OP expects to add "rcds"

After the last couple of days I've had I could do with a laugh

It's not rocket science. The board had 4 spare ways. Its a Hagar which takes plug in terminal bars, so no problem splitting the neutral bar/adding another. The MCB +ve bar can be cut into two halves. Then you need some additional link cables to go between the main switch, the RCDs and the neutral bars. Done it before! I've also constructed a lot of specials with timers, contactors etc. easy stuff!

 

[markc123]

This is the most sensible answer I've seen so far, but thanks for all the other interesting contributions.
I like investigating alternative solutions even though they may turn out in the end to be c***p!
Customer just wants an RCD outside socket. I'm hoping to persuade him to RCD the lot. I expect my offer of a CU change at £300 to £400 will be met with a firm NO! Hence my interest in the economics and requirements of a CU upgrade route. It's all the testing that takes the time.
Out!
Pete

Me too - but finding a swear word beginning with C and ending with P has got me baffled, especially with the 3 *'s in the middle.

Come on, put me out of my mysery.....

 

[Piratepete]

Now, I know I'm only a DI, but why THE F*CK would I not test? Surely in the '90's RCD's were required, so why none here? I'd be testing that CU to hell & back to find out why it hasn't got 'em. It's all very well standing in the dock & saying "I only test what I install", but is that morally right? Is that how professionals work? Really?

I would love to test everything, but I personally don't have the time, and nor am I paid enough to do it! So yes, I test only what I install and am required to do. If I see nasties,not associated with my work, I inform the customer and hope that he'll pay me to fix them. I don't know anyone who does otherwise.

 

[Mr Hehound]

null

If he wants an rcd protected outdoor socket why not just give him one rather than fannying around with the CU.

 

[Engineer54]

I would love to test everything, but I personally don't have the time, and nor am I paid enough to do it! So yes, I test only what I install and am required to do. If I see nasties,not associated with my work, I inform the customer and hope that he'll pay me to fix them. I don't know anyone who does otherwise.

This Thread and this Post, just about sums up what the domestic electrical industry has become in the UK!! Chocker block full of DI's!!

 

[Phoenix]

I would love to test everything, but I personally don't have the time, and nor am I paid enough to do it! So yes, I test only what I install and am required to do. If I see nasties,not associated with my work, I inform the customer and hope that he'll pay me to fix them. I don't know anyone who does otherwise.

Me, and many others for a start

 

[Phoenix]

This Thread and this Post, just about sums up what the domestic electrical industry has become in the UK!! Chocker block full of DI's!!

I know I'm in for a caning and it's been done to death...but please don't put us all in the same boat...

 

[Engineer54]

I know I'm in for a caning and it's been done to death...but please don't put us all in the same boat...

What boat do you want to be put in then, ...the Qualified electricians boat?? Sorry, no can do!!

 

[Phoenix]

I know that, wouldn't dare even suggest it! Just trying to do the best I can! :wink_smile:

 

[markc123]

I would love to test everything, but I personally don't have the time, and nor am I paid enough to do it! So yes, I test only what I install and am required to do. If I see nasties,not associated with my work, I inform the customer and hope that he'll pay me to fix them. I don't know anyone who does otherwise.

C1's are always corrected by me.
C2's are, irresponsible if not.
C3's you can get away with.

You can always use a locking off kit if the customer doesn't want to pay. You won't get done, safety first and all that.