UK What would you do?

[Mindgirl]

I was asked to see why a set of sockets weren’t working in the house (which appear to be a ring circuit based on breakers)
There was no power on either leg in any of the sockets.
Cables appear to run down from loft, which is totally inaccessible unless you are a small child in any of the rooms that have no power
I was told by clients neighbour (who is looking after her) that she is 92 and doesn’t really want much work, just a quick repair.
The consumer unit is not accessible - gas meter is in front of it. Solar company (I do t know if I am allowed to name) apparently recently put it in and had to remove front flap to even put it in place. So neither gas meter company or solar company look bathed in glory. Said solar company also monitor her install, and regularly rinse her for money claiming there is a fault in her system needing fixing. That’s after rinsing her for money a year ago for the install despite probably not needing one. I have told client they need to ask if solar company would like to put it right. And we need to get gas meter moved. There is no evidence of accreditation (MCS nor competency) on solar company website (I imagine they sub) - so only recourse maybe trading standards . Pic attached

 

[westward10]

If you don't want to interfere with the board switch it off and do some continuity tests from neutrals and cpcs at the dead sockets to other accessories to see if those conductors are actually in play.

 

[davesparks]

If you don't want to interfere with the board switch it off and do some continuity tests from neutrals and cpcs at the dead sockets to other accessories to see if those conductors are actually in play.

If they don't want to do the job then walk away and advise the customer to call an electrician.

 

[ipf]

Obviously the 'solar' firm are shysters and cowboys. The job's a disgrace.
I, also, can't stand such situations where our old folk are taken advantage of by unscrupulous, robbing barstewards.
It needs sorting but would getting the originals back in cause even more problems.
Just more disgraceful wasters that, unfortunately, our society seems to be riddled with.
It's so difficult to advise regarding fault finding from afar. Good luck.

 

[Rockingit]

I would have thought that a phone call to the emergency line on the gas company would see that meter moved asap for nothing as they have a statute duty of care.

Thereafter, you can sort out the safety issues with the consumer unit, test that old RCD. Those are the priorities here.

THEN you can look at circuit faults and whatever contract/s exist with the solar setup - I suspect it's a rent-a-roof job where the output isn't keeping up with the monthly billing?? Not my area of expertise so that's for others to advise on.

OK, so having re-read the OP I realise I’d missed that the CU was fitted after the meter - that does give some issues. Although you really have to ask WTF were they thinking as surely it must have been harder to fit it there than somewhere else.

The most plausible reason for ending up with both legs of a Ring dead, in such a shoddy install, may well be as daft as the terminal on the MCB not having been tightened on either the outgoing or busbar side, so I’d be looking at that first before starting to disassemble for testing. Then make good for safety and you don’t find anything too severe to stop you from signing the minor works certificate! THEN find the cowboys who did this and send the boys round.

 

[littlespark]

What i expect would be that's where the old fusebox was sited..... and the gas meter was put in front of it.

It would have been easier in the long run to joint all the cables in a big enclosure and extend them somewhere more accessible for the new board..... but that's too much thinking for some people. Lets just change it where it is.... however awkward it is.


Its not something you can "walk away" from now.... That's just kicking the can down the road for the next electrician.
There are live busbars there, That needs addressed for a start.

 

[westward10]

Possible the blanks were there but fitting the cover was so awkward they dropped out and are inside.

 

[littlespark]

Possible the blanks were there but fitting the cover was so awkward they dropped out and are inside.

True.... but its still been left like that....

The little plastic ones can be popped in after the lid is on, but i prefer the ones that are basically the same shape as an mcb

 

[ipf]

Importantly, it needs the Wylex small yellow busbar insulators as well as the cover blanks. Once again, showing up the incompetence of the installer.
A minor job ignored which could lead to major problems.

What i expect would be that's where the old fusebox was sited..... and the gas meter was put in front of it.

Agree.
Looks Like an old Wylex 3036 CU, or equivalent, butt up to the timber looking at the gouging.
Miles smaller than the replacement. Still wrong putting the gas meter so close, though.

 

[Pretty Mouth]

Importantly, it needs the Wylex small yellow busbar insulators

Are these necessary? I had in mind that busbar barriers were a 'nice to have', but not a requirement, assuming all else being correct.

 

[ipf]

Are these necessary? I had in mind that busbar barriers were a 'nice to have', but not a requirement, assuming all else being correct.

I reckon so and they are supplied with, but you may be right.
I'll always fit 'em though, if only for the nincompoops (get that for a word)
who might stick an appendage in there.

 

[Rockingit]

I reckon so and they are supplied with, but you may be right.
I'll always fit 'em though, if only for the nincompoops (get that for a word)
who might stick an appendage in there.

I think it’s in the back ‘myth busting’ section of the good practice guide that specifically states that busbar protection covers do not need to be fitted, no code. The logic of course being that you need a tool or key to open the cabinet in the first place. But like most, it never sits well with me not to see them.

 

[brianmoooore]

They're not a requirement because the slots on the front of the CU should all be closed off to the required IP rating, and the cover shouldn't be off unless the main switch is as well. We all know that the latter doesn't always happen, so I always fit the busbar covers for my own protection. I even used heat shrink or sleeving to make my own on occasions.

 

[Vortigern]

necessary?

Most manufacturers recommend them to be fitted. We are required to take that into account. If they had been fitted clearly it would have been safer with the blanks missing. Personally on a job like that I would be loathe to involve myself. First you are liable for the installation if you work on it. That is if you miss a safety item and do not address it, liability could run to you. Insurance would not cover any omissions.
The harder path would be to advise the installation is unsafe and needs work on. The idea that the elderly lady "only wants the least done" is not realistic given what is apparent from your post/pics. I would tend to offer a costed remedial set of actions even though they/she may baulk at it, it is the only safe course for all parties.