CU change followed by PIR on DIY install- advice gratefully received

[Richard Burns]

I have a job to replace main isolator and one CU on a TT domestic and then do a PIR. Not allowed to do a PIR first (it would fail badly as new extension built and DIY wired, lots of DIY wiring, including unprotected shed circuit).

I am worried about the potential problems I may have.

I am planning on giving written information (signed by customer) about extent of works covered and not covering remedial work, EIC will be CU and Isolator change only, PIR is inspection and testing not repair. Dangerous circuits will not be reconnected.

I can foresee lots of NE problems with introducing 100mA RCD isolator and 30mA RCD board (customer supplied). Which I will have to deal with as they come up. Will need to bond oil but water is OK.

What 500 items have I missed (apart from running smartly away) that I should be addressing here.

Thanks for your help.
(Need the job for the money and my renewal assessment)

 

[Deleted member 9648]

I feel you should talk to the client about the reasons why a PIR cant be carried out first in this instance.Explain you are not confidant that the proposed remedials will result in a satisfactory. I would suggest carrying out a PIR and identify all issues...but dont write it up. Then carry out remedials and issue a clean PIR and appropriate EIC's....If they wont buy that I think your approach of detailing the exact extent of what your work will cover is spot on.

 

[malcolmsanford]

Seems a strange way for the customer to want to do things, when I'm asked to do things that to me don't seem logical I always think there is a rabbit away and want to know why.

I'm just wondering why you are fitting a 100mA RCD as an isolator? Is the CU metal clad ?

Are you fitting it because of the sub main out to the shed? Hoping to have discrimination between the house shed? Unless it is a time delayed one I can not see the point of it really

 

[Rockingit]

If you have already resolved any bonding issues, protection problems and changed the CU, then there's unlikely to be MUCH else in a PIR to worry over, assuming that you've not got bare wires hanging out of bathroom ceilings etc etc.

You record your limitations of inspection on the PIR paperwork and any deviations from BS7671 or observations on the installation certificate.

And remember to fit an S type 100mA RCD otherwise you'll still have no discrimination.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

If you have already resolved any bonding issues, protection problems and changed the CU, then there's unlikely to be MUCH else in a PIR to worry over, assuming that you've not got bare wires hanging out of bathroom ceilings etc etc.

You record your limitations of inspection on the PIR paperwork and any deviations from BS7671 or observations on the installation certificate.

And remember to fit an S type 100mA RCD otherwise you'll still have no discrimination.

I must pick the wrong PIR's then....:sad3:

 

[Richard Burns]

Thank you for your responses, they have made things seem a lot less troublesome. I still anticipate a lot of work but not insurmountable.

I would suggest carrying out a PIR and identify all issues...but dont write it up. Then carry out remedials and issue a clean PIR and appropriate EIC's

That was what I wanted to do, the customer does not want to pay for me to do a PIR first (though it would save them money overall) and the customer wants to do the remedials!! I will try and convince them otherwise, at least the CU testing should let me know all that is wrong.

100mA type S isolator is to allow for the currently unearthed 6mm SWA that is wired directly to the isolator to go on a non 30mA way in CU, the shed has a small 30mA RCD CU.

I have only done a quick visual of a third of the house: there are not too many bare wires, there are some! the cable runs are not in safe zones, not supported, inadequately sized, spurs off spurs, loose accessories, second CU is only half wired (split load box without split load), extension needs building control approval (I have already refused to sign this off!), tails to CU from isolator seem to be about 6 or 10mm.....

Let battle commence!

 

[richy3333]

Yikes, good luck and don't forget to post photos of the bad - good bits

 

[Welchyboy]

ooh you must be really quiet fella! i would run a mile from a job like that, make sure you add some 'unforseen circumstances' costing to your price!
best of luck hope it turns out ok