cu change help

[spark 68]

The thing is R75, you don't even need to do a 'full blown' Eicr, a couple of basic tests at the survey stage can highlight the vast majority of common faults/scenarios, or at least make you aware of what you are letting yourself in for before even quoting for the job, and it only takes a couple of minutes to do on a 'normal' domestic setup with a half a dozen circuits or so.

 

[sparks1973]

The thing is R75, you don't even need to do a 'full blown' Eicr, a couple of basic tests at the survey stage can highlight the vast majority of common faults/scenarios, or at least make you aware of what you are letting yourself in for before even quoting for the job, and it only takes a couple of minutes to do on a 'normal' domestic setup with a half a dozen circuits or so.

this is it...`global` IR testing of live conductors..to earth...thats a quicky...
i mean, you dont even have to null out test lead resistances do you for your end to end resistances..lol...your not looking for a specific value as such...just not open....as long as both live conductors test out similar...
i mean thats just like 2 basic tests that any electrician can/should be able to do....you would be prudent to test for any `shared neutrals` whilst your at it....
its like what?...20 mins tops for that little lot....and the info you will have after that is worth it....almost priceless in fact as any remedial costs involved can be factored in beforehand....and the person orderin the work don`t feel like he`s being taken for a turnip or summat...

 

[sima24]

Thanks for the help.
I think some basic testing is a good idea, but how far do you go? Ir test from board is good and is going to give some idea of potential problems but as you say isnt going to tell you about any borrowed neutrals or continuity issues. I like the idea of a pir before a board change but cant see a lot of customers buying it, i might be wrong. Do you charge full price or a pre test or work it into an overal price somehow?

 

[spark 68]

I usually just include it in the price overall, but I don't fill in any paperwork or record any results as it is just a quick pre-check for my benefit, always worth checking the Ze too at this point.

 

[DNS1]

I'm a bit late but i definitely agree with the posters who have suggested treating it as a pair of radials on a 20A mcb...

He might end up with nuisance tripping, but if he's not prepared to pay for the problem to be fixed properly it's tough. He's safe and that's that matters.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

first port o call is that 68.....get yoursen a Ze....before owt else...you can do stuff about dodgy system...but if the external`s high....its the DNO and the clocks ticking....sometimes for a very long time with them..lol...thats after you`v managed to get through to someone with anything about em..lol...

 

[spark 68]

first port o call is that 68.....get yoursen a Ze....before owt else...you can do stuff about dodgy system...but if the external`s high....its the DNO and the clocks ticking....sometimes for a very long time with them..lol...thats after you`v managed to get through to someone with anything about em..lol...

Too true, a Ze reading is one of the first tests I do, as this has an impact on everything else and just about every other reading, been there, done that, only once though, never again... lol

 

[spark 68]

Oh! and Sima, definately do not give the client any results if you do record them, as they may get another quote, and you don't want to be doing the work for someone else who may be undercutting you!:nono:

 

[DNS1]

Too true, a Ze reading is one of the first tests I do

Agreed, I was taught to do a Ze before ANYTHING else... (except making tea of course...)

 

[Mark.W]

If I understand this correctly, and pls shoot me down if I don't! You changed the board and then realised there were broken rings, now you want to charge the customer to change the breaker or do remedial works! I believe it is your duty to put the circuits on the correct breaker in the first place. If ever I test and find a broken ring I would never leave it on a 32. You should not energise that system knowing that there is potential danger! I come across broken rings on a daily basis and when I find one, I explain the options to the customer there and then, either put the broken ring on a 20A or find the break which would require further investigation and costs!