Advice on RCD please

[branler]

Hi, any idea how long RCD protection has been legal req for installations in let out flats. i am savage to find out, my builder did not install CU with RCD , now i cant get a landlord certificate, i did not put him under cost pressure. Thanks. G.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

It's not a legal requirement.

 

[Wilko]

Sorry for the dumb questions, but who issues the Landlord Certificate? And when did you have the electrical work done?

 

[Octopus]

More importantly what did you have done, by way of all the works?

You need to tell us more of the tale, before we can offer advice and opinions.

And how old is the flat?

 

[westward10]

Was this board a recent install, as above need more info.

 

[branler]

Thanks for your interest, it was a shop, flat above, converted to two flats, about 11 years ago, two new Consumer units (just discovered no RCD) and mostly new wiring to make each flat
independent, and appropriate for flats rather than shops. i have had two electricians look, one wasn't interested, the other said he wouldn't even bother to test it without RCD . he said the landlord test was called EICR and it would fail without RCD. But my question really related to ; do you think the builder should have included an RCD 11 years ago? i want the tenants to be safe so i will have to get them retrospectively fitted , and ideas what i should be charged please?

 

[The Ghost]

Photos would help, but it is possible to replace existing MCB with RCBO and satisfy requirements for regs. That should not be too expensive. Depending on how you view cost! Depends on what type of CU you have. If it transpires the builder/electrician should have fitted RCD (which I dont think was required then) are you considering going back to them? It would be far cheaper to just get the electrics upgraded if you are worried about cost.

 

[Taylortwocities]

The first thing to remember is that wiring regulations are not retrospective. There is no requirement to bring installations up to the latest standard just because the IET has created a new bible!

New regulations must be followed if NEW work is done, however.

11 years ago we were in the world of the 16th edition of BS7671. At that time, the only general requirement for RCDs was that they should be fitted to protect sockets that may be used to power equipment outdoors. Upstairs flats would therefore not require RCDs to be fitted.

The second thing is that, when an EICR is done, the report will test the installation against TODAY's regulations. Unless there is danger present the report should note items like no RCDs as a C3 (improvement recommended) but the report should show a "Satisfactory" conclusion for the installation.

More info on EICRs can be found here
http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/mediafile/100740439/Best-Practice-Guide-4-Issue-4-.pdf
and
2011 40 Autumn Wiring Matters - IET Electrical

 

[Midwest]

I just got to about two paragraphs, before being beaten to it by TaylorW', so deleted my ramblings.

Hope Spinlondon/Westwood don't read the last post, we might be here all day

 

[Midwest]

Here's some links about Landlords responsibilities re electrical installations, but you would already know about that wouldn't you OP

For Landlords - http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guides-and-advice/for-landlords/

Landlord Electrical Safety Certificates & Inspections - https://www.rla.org.uk/landlord/guides/responsibilities/electrical_inspections.shtml

 

[branler]

Thank you all so much for your help, i think i will get quotes for RCBO replacements for the mcb's hopefully they make some compatible with the C.U. i have,
Safety is my main concern, i don't want anyone getting electrocuted, they moan enough as it is.
(they don't really )
Then, if you dont mind, i will be coming back to ask if anyone has experience of ELNUR RX range to replace storage heaters, but thats for later, Thanks again all .

 

[Taylortwocities]

Post a photo of your CU, we should be able to tell you if RCBOs are available.

 

[branler]

Thanks Taylor, but that is easier said than done as i am working in India ATM< back in 3 weeks, will try to get the tenants to photo it, G. Thanks again.