UK When replacing a board do you need to check every socket?

[lmgg12]

Hi guys

I recently had an electrical safety test and the electrician said he needs to replace the board because it's quite old.

The electrical board and all other electrical stuff is outside of my house in the landing. My question is, when replacing the board, does the electrician have to come into every room to do anything with the sockets, wiring etc?

 

[SparkyChick]

If they are worth employing, yes. They will need access to test the installation... most of us like to do some preliminary tests before the board change to ensure there are no gotcha's in the installation.

It may be worth redacting all personal information from the report (including the report number and the various name/address/signature panels) and posting the report. It's sometimes worth a second look because depending on who did the report (and consequently their work ethics) you may find that what they deem to be a safety risk, is perhaps not.

We have seen quite a few reports of late where people are doing things like simply classing the lack of RCD protection as a C2 (potential danger) and whilst the safety of the installation would be improved with an RCD, it could perhaps be better classified as a C3. A good example might be someone in a flat with no garden... RCDs are absolutely 100% required if for example a socket outlet can be used to provide power to equipment outside. The regulations have changed in recent years to mandate RCDs on nearly every circuit in a domestic setting, but most decent sparks are sensible enough to not foist a board change on you just because there isn't RCD protection without considering other factors. Another potential point is if the board is plastic. Unscrupulous individuals are telling people they need the board replaced because it's not metal. Again, there are some situations where we would classify this as a C2 (if the board is under the stairs, not in a fireproof enclosure and the stairs are the only escape route for example). But just because it's plastic is no reason to blindly recommend a board change.

 

[Pete999]

There is an advisory note that when changing a CU (BOARD) an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) to needs to be undertaken, to ensure the wiring is safe, if I had my way I would insist on this, but such is life.

 

[westward10]

I assume an EICR has been done where "electrical safety test" is referred to.

 

[pc1966]

As above, worth posting a redacted version here to check you really do need a new board.

But if it is needed then the electrician should be checking that all attached circuits are in good condition, and that means ideally visiting all, or at least most of, the sockets and lights, etc.

In the UK it is most common to have the 13A sockets off a "ring final circuit". If it tests good at the board (the ends of the ring are connected OK, and resistance values consistent) then it give a good indication that the sockets are OK, but there can be cases where an added socket spurred off the ring is not OK (bad DIY, etc) and that would only be revealed by a check of all sockets.

Of course there may be practical limitations on what can be tested without removing and un-plumbing washing machines, emptying and moving bookcases, etc, where no thought was given to access of the electrics, so you might need to discuss with the electrician what is really needed based on the testing and inspection of a few accessible points.

 

[lmgg12]

Yes, the electrical safety test was the EICR. The electrician checked all the sockets then.

I'm actually just a tenant in a property so I don't mind if the board needs to be replaced. I just have a lot of crap in one room and can't be bothered to move it. I was just wondering if the electrician is gonna tell me if he needs access to this room lol.

 

[pc1966]

It would depend on the general condition and the initial testing. If the results at the board look OK and an inspection of one or two points does not show problems or poor condition/installation then typically that would be enough.

If the measurements reveal an open ring, low insulation resistance, etc, then they would have to find and fix it which could involve any location in the property.

Best thing to do is speak to the sparky and see what they think will be needed. As a tenant your landlord should discuss and agree access so at that point you might be able to arrange a direct dialogue before they turn up. If they have already done the EICR probably they have a good idea of what may be needed.

 

[lmgg12]

It would depend on the general condition and the initial testing. If the results at the board look OK and an inspection of one or two points does not show problems or poor condition/installation then typically that would be enough.

If the measurements reveal an open ring, low insulation resistance, etc, then they would have to find and fix it which could involve any location in the property.

Best thing to do is speak to the sparky and see what they think will be needed. As a tenant your landlord should discuss and agree access so at that point you might be able to arrange a direct dialogue before they turn up. If they have already done the EICR probably they have a good idea of what may be needed.

Ah okay cool. Thanks for your help!

 

[Pete999]

Yes, the electrical safety test was the EICR. The electrician checked all the sockets then.

I'm actually just a tenant in a property so I don't mind if the board needs to be replaced. I just have a lot of crap in one room and can't be bothered to move it. I was just wondering if the electrician is gonna tell me if he needs access to this room lol.

Checking the sockets is only a fraction of an EICR IMGG12. in order to get the whole picture you need a copy of the EICR, not just the Electrician's say so

 

[Dustydazzler]

I personally like a walk about the entire property before and after changing a board. i know some guys don’t and only test at the board but I like to be a bit more thorough...

but if you don’t want the electrician in certain rooms just say so when they come

 

[littlespark]

Any electrician will want to at least do a visual inspection in a room filled with furniture. He might miss a broken socket, which tests ok, but has obvious damage and live parts exposed.

It’ll be his name on the certificate if something goes wrong.

 

[pc1966]

Always best to inspect and test all if possible!

 

[Dave OCD]

I personally like a walk about the entire property before and after changing a board. i know some guys don’t and only test at the board but I like to be a bit more thorough...

but if you don’t want the electrician in certain rooms just say so when they come

You're not going to get any R1&R2s just by testing at the board.

 

[Toblerone]

You're not going to get any R1&R2s just by testing at the board.

You could get an R1+R2 for any ring mains at the board no?

 

[pc1966]

You could get an R1+R2 for any ring mains at the board no?

For a RFC you get the R1+R2 for sockets on the ring from your r1 & r2 measurements.

For spurs (the Devil's addition) and all other radials or lighting "tree" circuits you have to check at the end points.