NAPIT Certification Scheme Consumer unit replacement issues

[Michael J]

When carrying out EIC on a new consumer unit installation and found a existing ring circuit with a Neutral to Earth fault causing the rcd to trip.
The old fuse box didn’t have rcd protection as it wasn’t required.
The problem is after removing all connected and appliances loads the fault is tripping the rcd.
Investigating further would involve removing floorboards and carpets etc.
The client is elderly and refuses to be disrupted as it has been working for 30 years.
I explained that I will not be able to issue a certificate as it would have a C2.
Any ideas where I shall go from here? We are at a Mexican standoff.
Michael

 

[SparkySy]

Will he let you strip/split the circuit to find where the fault is, at least you can then decide the next course of action?!
I always test before I change a con unit, just in case. It's easier to put the wires back in the existing and leave it working!

 

[Michael J]

Will he let you strip/split the circuit to find where the fault is, at least you can then decide the next course of action?!
I always test before I change a con unit, just in case. It's easier to put the wires back in the existing and leave it working!

I have narrowed it down to being under the floorboards which would require the fitted carpet to be lifted

 

[SparkySy]

Can you split it into two radials and disconnect the faulty section of cable? Not the best option but would keep it going without major upheaval!

 

[timhoward]

Yes, derating breaker/rcbo and splitting is only option really if client is not willing to have the floor lifted.
Wago / otherwise insulate the legs at the sockets either side of the faulty section.

 

[Michael J]

Can you split it into two radials and disconnect the faulty section of cable? Not the best option but would keep it going without major

 

[Petej999]

Can you split it into two radials and disconnect the faulty section of cable? Not the best option but would keep it going without major upheaval!

Should have ran tests prior to replacing CU t \o highlight any possible fault.,

 

[Michael J]

Should have ran tests prior to replacing CU t \o highlight any possible fault.,

I would have if I had installed it

 

[SJD]

I would have if I had installed it

I'm a bit confused now. If you did not install the consumer unit, then why is the installer not fixing the N to E short?

Edit: reading the original post, I'm thinking you are carrying out an EICR, as only the installer would issue an EIC. Unless this is some 3rd party certification?

 

[Michael J]

Should have ran tests prior to replacing CU t \o highlight any possible fault.,

I would have if I had installed it

Should have ran tests prior to replacing CU t \o highlight any possible fault.,

 

[timhoward]

I'm a bit confused now. If you did not install the consumer unit, then why is the installer not fixing the N to E short?

Edit: reading the original post, I'm thinking you are carrying out an EICR, as only the installer would issue an EIC. Unless this is some 3rd party certification?

That also explains the impossibility of having a C2 on an EIC. Yes, I think this is an EICR.
It might helpful to comment that the job of an EICR is to inspect, test and report. Fixing is a later issue, maybe for someone else.
I realise that we all want to be helpful people and try to make things easy, and sometimes agreeing to fix things before reporting them makes sense.
But on this one, I'd say job 1 is to report, especially if customer is being difficult.
Why is the EICR being done in the first place - is the elderly client the tenant and someone else is the landlord?

 

[nicebutdim]

I'm a bit confused now. If you did not install the consumer unit, then why is the installer not fixing the N to E short?

Edit: reading the original post, I'm thinking you are carrying out an EICR, as only the installer would issue an EIC. Unless this is some 3rd party certification?

Thread title suggest this is a 3rd party notification - 'Napit certification scheme'.

 

[westward10]

@Michael J can you clarify the situation here so we aren't playing guessing games.

 

[Petej999]

I would have if I had installed it

Get hold the the muppet that fitted the CU and kick him in his backside

 

[Michael J]

Thread title suggest this is a 3rd party notification - 'Napit certification scheme'.

It’s not a 3rd party notification here is no 3rd party in Wales.

@Michael J can you clarify the situation here so we aren't playing guessing games.

@Michael J can you clarify the situation here so we aren't playing guessing games.

I work closely with the electrician on many jobs and I get involved with design,installation inspection on1st fix and 2nd fix. Etc.
On this particular job he didn’t insist on a EICR prior to carrying out the work due to cost implications (my error I should have reminded him)
The original request was how to deal with the client

Get hold the the muppet that fitted the CU and kick him in his backside

all ready have

 

[westward10]

Let your electrician mate sort it out how has it become your problem.

 

[DPG]

As above, your sparky mate needs to finish his job off. Don't bail him out

 

[Michael J]

@Michael J can you clarify the situation here so we aren't playing guessing games.

@Michael J can you clarify the situation here so we aren't playing guessing games.

Let your electrician mate sort it out how has it become your problem.

He’s a close friend and was very supportive during my cancer treatment, I’m ok now though.

 

[littlespark]

Splitting the ring is all you can do in this circumstance.

I bet the customer doesn’t even allow you to move furniture to access sockets though.

Have you double checked your mates work? He hasn’t done something daft in the CU and got legs mixed up?
Possibility of faulty rcd? (Swap it for known good one) or is it an actual N-E fault. What was the IR result?

 

[Petej999]

I work closely with the electrician on many jobs and I get involved with design,installation inspection on1st fix and 2nd fix. Etc.
On this particular job he didn’t insist on a EICR prior to carrying out the work due to cost implications (my error I should have reminded him)
The original request was how to deal with the client.

all ready have

So your Mate fitted a new CU but did not carry out any testing afterwards was there an EIC CERT issued at the completion of the CU swap?? get your Mate back to rectify and explain his nistake to the client it's his fault this has happened