Real Life Customer Enquirer

[Pete999]

What about mains smokes/heat detectors with it being a rental? I know it's not a requirement in older houses but if you change the cu do you need to bring those up to current standards as well?

I think you need to ask the question as to why you are changing the CU? it's not because it's not to the 17th, its because it's in a dodgy position, but remember before you move the CU there is an important task to complete before you change it.

 

[Bobster]

But there's also an argument that says by changing the CU you are changing every circuit? I'm not great on the regs yet to be honest and there seems to be a lot that is open to interpretation! it will be interesting to see what all the opinions are?

Correct, but if there isn't already a smoke circuit. Have you changed that?

 

[trev]

Isn't the rule taken from Part P? "All new and refurbished properties will have mains powered smoke alarms......."
Changing a CU does not imo constitute a refurb.

 

[pennychew]

I think you need to ask the question as to why you are changing the CU? it's not because it's not to the 17th, its because it's in a dodgy position, but remember before you move the CU there is an important task to complete before you change it.

Get the kettle on before you knock the juice off? [emoji2]

Just kidding!

 

[pennychew]

Isn't the rule taken from Part P? "All new and refurbished properties will have mains powered smoke alarms......."
Changing a CU does not imo constitute a refurb.

To be honest I thought it was just for rentals but I've never read it anywhere, just remember hearing it

 

[Bobster]

To be honest I thought it was just for rentals but I've never read it anywhere, just remember hearing it

As I have never undertaken work in a domestic property, knowing rules like this is unnecessary for me. Sounds like it could be just on of those 'good practice rules'.

 

[pennychew]

I think you need to ask the question as to why you are changing the CU? it's not because it's not to the 17th, its because it's in a dodgy position, but remember before you move the CU there is an important task to complete before you change it.

To be honest other than the normal set of tests you would carry out to confirm all circuits will be compatible with the new CU and rcd I can't really think of anything out of the ordinary?

I would question if it really needs moving at all as like someone has already posted I wouldn't be paying to have a CU moved in a house I was renting anyway especially when it works fine as it is.

 

[Simonslimline]

Pretesting to highlight any issues is definitely a must. Not forgetting to test for borrowed neutrals as well.

 

[Pete999]

Pretesting to highlight any issues is definitely a must. Not forgetting to test for borrowed neutrals as well.

Nice one, good thinking matey

 

[trev]

There's a few more pre change tests to be carried out too. Well at least I do em.

 

[pennychew]

There's a few more pre change tests to be carried out too. Well at least I do em.

I can't do any tests at the minute anyway mate! [emoji6]

 

[Pete999]

I can't do any tests at the minute anyway mate! [emoji6]

Why is that?

 

[trev]

Why is that?

Because I've got his tester

 

[pennychew]

Had a chuckle to myself about that one!

 

[Pete999]

Because I've got his tester

Oh well thats boogered that then, not got one of your own then?

 

[trev]

Mine died last week had a few jobs I couldn't shift so put an appeal out which Stu answered. To my enormous gratitude.

 

[Pete999]

Mine died last week had a few jobs I couldn't shift so put an appeal out which Stu answered. To my enormous gratitude.

Nice to have such good mates isn't it?

 

[flex_m]

There's a few more pre change tests to be carried out too. Well at least I do em.

Global IR, good chance on an installation of this age the insulation of the cables has degraded to the point there is a high impedance fault between L/N and E. If you don't confirm the IR values are acceptable, the newly added RCD is may trip and you will have an understandably unhappy customer!

Also Ze to check the earth supplied to the property is acceptable?

 

[Pete999]

Global IR, good chance on an installation of this age the insulation of the cables has degraded to the point there is a high impedance fault between L/N and E. If you don't confirm the IR values are acceptable, the newly added RCD is may trip and you will have an understandably unhappy customer!

Also Ze to check the earth supplied to the property is acceptable?

And?? a bit more regarding earthing

 

[flex_m]

R1+R2 for all earthed points on all circuits, check bonding on all extraneous conductive parts (continuity not above 0.05Ω).

If lighting circuits are unearthed I would be tempted to ensure no fittings requiring an earth are present, although this is more in the scope of an ECIR.