I want to rewire my house and ungrade consumer unit.

[Igor Taranenko]

Hi all,

Maybe it's a bit long one but I've got a big task ahead!

I want to rewire my house and ungrade consumer unit.

I'm looking to achieve few things here. Firstly, as recently completed domestic istaller course so need to gain more practical side.
Secondly, it's our home so changing quite old wiring and CU upgrade is quite reasonable I think.

The house where we moved in recently is quite old, with red & black wiring, CU, service head and meter located in the kitchen cupboard underneath and it's not accessible for service(one of the reason to change), only good enough to reach the breakers, very old CU, no RCDs. Also no main switch to isolate power to CU which means I'll have to contact supply providors to remove cut off fuse before work. TN-S system

In the kitchen I have storage that we don't really use and I thinking to install new CU there. Its reasonably accessible. Or on the wall next to storage.

Also I would want to replace lighting circuit, probably replacing ring and radial circuit as well, adding one or two extra sockets. Currently cables are run in the loft, it looks messy, some not fixed and run on the joist. I want to put floor boards there so new cables should be adequately fitted.

I wish to do most work by myself. Apart from dealing with the service head.

My question is:
1)what is the installation guidance for meter tails if there are to be run for about 4-6 meters in the kitchen from meter to new CU if it's fitted underneath the cabinets and cooker. Or tails can go up to the loft space and come back to the storage unit (about10 meters)? Tails mechanical protection?

I thinking to fit isolator on the supply board then connect meter tails to it and run SWA from the isolator to the new CU. Any advice on that?

2)Electrical Inspection Certificate is to be issued upon this job. I'm not on self certified scheme yet but need another electrician sign off this work.


My relevant qualifications: Part P(Domestic Installer course), 17th Edition, 2391-52 Inspection and testing, PAT testing.

Have anyone had similar experience?
Any thoughts would be helpful and welcome.

Picture of current arrangement attached.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[buzzlightyear]

1)the max meter tails is 3mtr service head to c/u .
2)in order for you to move the c/u to new position a s/fuse need to be in place for sub mains
3) when Dno will replace your meter with smart /m by put in their isolator for the work to be carried out
4) considering you are not reg with a scam, it would be wise for reg spark to do the job with you .
5)for mechanical/p box in in the swa/cable to make in look nice.

 

[littlespark]

Does it actually need rewired or just altered to make it tidier in attic and added sockets? Its T&E, and even red & black is still serviceable. Just check for c.p.c in lighting. Could be T with no E


Get an experienced electrician in and ask if you could assist. Tell him you'll do all the labour - running cables, clipping etc if he designs it properly and signs off at the end.

yeh. wot buzz said

 

[Pete999]

You may find it better to get a price from your DNO to move the complete service head to a position of your chosing.
The CU is not that bad condition wise, but the install is a tad messy, an eyesore to be truthful.
You talk about "cables are run in the loft" your house isn't a Bungalow by any chance is it?
On completion you would need to issue an EIC Electrical Installation Certificate, not a teasting certificate, you will probably have difficulty finding a third party to issue the EIC unless He/She had been present, or inspected the installation during the different stages of the work, because what He/She is signing for is prooff that the install has been done correctly. Wanting to do the work yourself is all very well, and whilst I don't want to knock your enthusiasm in anyway, are you sure you have the technical and practical experience to do this work, you will probably answer yes, but personally I doubt it.
Sorry if that is not what you were expecting, I wish you good luck in your endeavours regardless.
Littlespark has made some good suggestions.

 

[buzzlightyear]

the trouble Pete if the DNO moves the head it could cost him a few penny's for that .it would cost him move then the rewire .

 

[Octopus]

red and black means it could be as recent as 2002 ............

doing a live in rewire needs a lot of thought and planning too ...........I always turn them down.

 

[Wilko]

Hi Igor and Welcome to the Forum .
You might to start with some small steps perhaps?

 

[Midwest]

I dunno, if I was OP I would rewire if its not too much of a disruption. Least you would know the install is sound, and not full of DIY botches, which is evident in his pic.

If you feel your competent, why don't you approach you local building control and see if they recognise your competence?

Electrician Competence Recognition - The IET - https://www.----------/policy/collaboration/sa4e/index.cfm?

 

[Deleted member 109422]

Hi Igor.
I may be mistaken but from the photo you have supplied it looks to me that the main earthing conductor to your proteus consumer unit is a small piece of un-insulated tinned copper. You might want to upgrade this whilst you think about what course of action you are going to take in regard of your future works.
Kind regards,
Sym,

 

[JAWS]

I am not knocking your enthusiasm either but Its unbelievable that you will have had just 1 week of training doing practical's with that course you went on and you are prepared to take on a re-wire albeit your home but carry the same risks.

Personally get an electrican as another member said and help him through the job that way it will all be tested properly and signed off.

Good luck though.

 

[Deleted account]

red and black means it could be as recent as 2002 ............

doing a live in rewire needs a lot of thought and planning too ...........I always turn them down.

I don't I just charge more.

 

[The Ghost]

I think you might first start with doing an EICR on the property to assay what condition the current installation is. This will then inform you of what problems you may encounter if you do decide to go ahead and what existing wiring/cabling is good and what is bad. I can see you are going to use this to gain some experience and I venture that it would be a good starting place without putting yourself right in the thick of it. As above I would echo the caveats of others that you may need to be shadowed on such a project as it is your first?

 

[LankyWill]

Let’s be honest who even cares about the NICEIC -------s for their own house as an electrician? OP I would suggest you gain some experience on a smaller jobs first, sort of walk before you run scenario.

 

[sparkdog]

Looks like it was installed by Spiderman.

 

[Deleted member 109422]

Looks like it was installed by Spiderman.

It the earthing that concerns me. I think that 10mm is a bonding wire.

Look at the other earthing arrangements.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

from my view only you know if you are sufficiently skilled and knowledgable to be able to rewire your house, afterall its yours and possibly yours kids lifes in danger if you miss something.

Its a bit like chicken and the egg. you cant sign off a job as not in a scheme but cant join a scheme as you havent done a big job.
The niceic with a wink and a smile will say rewire it, issue a EIC and then notify on completion of your assessment visit as you have a month to notify. that assumes you get in to the niceic of course.

 

[Risteard]

red and black means it could be as recent as 2002 ............

doing a live in rewire needs a lot of thought and planning too ...........I always turn them down.

I had 2006 in my head for the cut-off point for red & black. Will have a look at some of my old books later although never bought the Amendment changing the colours as the ECA or someone made a bookmark-type thing with the information on it.

 

[Risteard]

red and black means it could be as recent as 2002 ............

doing a live in rewire needs a lot of thought and planning too ...........I always turn them down.

I had 2006 in my head for the cut-off point for red & black. Will have a look at some of my old books later although never bought the Amendment changing the colours as the ECA or someone made a bookmark-type thing with the information on it.

 

[Andy78]

I had 2006 in my head for the cut-off point for red & black. Will have a look at some of my old books later although never bought the Amendment changing the colours as the ECA or someone made a bookmark-type thing with the information on it.

2004-2006 was the changeover period with either colour scheme being acceptable in that period.

 

[Deleted member 109422]

What will happen after Brexit?

 

[Deleted member 109422]

will we be using red, yellow and blue again if we want?

or red and black on 230v?

 

[Andy78]

What will happen after Brexit?

Cable and regulation wise ? Nothing.

 

[Deleted member 109422]

it was a tongue in cheek question.

I want to change the brown sleeving on my switch wires at home back to red.

 

[Andy78]

it was a tongue in cheek question.

I want to change the brown sleeving on my switch wires at home back to red.

Forgive me, I have heard that question asked in all seriousness many times over the past couple of years.

 

[Deleted member 109422]

Sorry Andy, was just trying to have a giggle.

 

[Risteard]

2004-2006 was the changeover period with either colour scheme being acceptable in that period.

That's what I thought. Although it should be noted that you had to commit to one or the other colour scheme within the changeover period - you couldn't mix and match bits of both.

 

[Andy78]

That's what I thought. Although it should be noted that you had to commit to one or the other colour scheme within the changeover period - you couldn't mix and match bits of both.

Aye. It caused some confusion as I recall with the company I worked for at the time mostly committing to the new scheme from day one.

There was one stubborn, but ultimately not very bright, fella who worked there who definitely knew the new colours better than anyone could tell him.
Until he did a main board changeover at a small factory unit one weekend and Monday saw them calling the office angrily complaining of equipment running backwards and production being stopped for the day.

 

[Risteard]

Aye. It caused some confusion as I recall with the company I worked for at the time mostly committing to the new scheme from day one.

There was one stubborn, but ultimately not very bright, fella who worked there who definitely knew the new colours better than anyone could tell him.
Until he did a main board changeover at a small factory unit one weekend and Monday saw them calling the office angrily complaining of equipment running backwards and production being stopped for the day.

Priceless!

 

[Igor Taranenko]

Great to have so many responses. Much appreciated.

Will try to answer some questions and points in you comments.

This is maisonette house, we are on the first floor and have loft above literally covering whole flat.

Main earth conductor
doesn't have sleeving and size doesn't looks to be 16mm. Plus another earth conductor doesn't have sleeving. Could be seen on the picture. Thanks Sym to point it out.

Upgrade is need it because cu isn't accessible for service, workmanship not followed, the terminations on few switches/points doesn't looks great, I'm not happy with T&E condition in the loft(signs of wear and stress due to improper fixing or lack of it) no RCD. Also there is no earth conductor on the lighting circuit(cpc not found on ceiling roses and switches).
As I mentioned, looking forward to build some experience doing this.

Yes, few of you have poined out about getting an electrician to help and give advice on the spot. I will certainly do that before any work. Safety first. I have couple of sparks whom I met during pat testing jobs. One of them will visit this property.

Small steps before doing bid one, surely.
I'm lucky enough to have one electrician who would take me on odd days for domestic install jobs for me to learn. Hopefully to finish this during this summer. My wife and a kid will be away for the whole summer which means total freedom to practice and watch WC football without disturbance!

Many thanks for your comments!

 

[Toneyz]

You may find it better to get a price from your DNO to move the complete service head to a position of your chosing.
The CU is not that bad condition wise, but the install is a tad messy, an eyesore to be truthful.
You talk about "cables are run in the loft" your house isn't a Bungalow by any chance is it?
On completion you would need to issue an EIC Electrical Installation Certificate, not a teasting certificate, you will probably have difficulty finding a third party to issue the EIC unless He/She had been present, or inspected the installation during the different stages of the work, because what He/She is signing for is prooff that the install has been done correctly. Wanting to do the work yourself is all very well, and whilst I don't want to knock your enthusiasm in anyway, are you sure you have the technical and practical experience to do this work, you will probably answer yes, but personally I doubt it.
Sorry if that is not what you were expecting, I wish you good luck in your endeavours regardless.
Littlespark has made some good suggestions.

The OP didn't think much to your advice Pete, The OP has done all the courses so you would think/hope he should be able to find an electrician under the third party scheme. I don't think there would be many electricians would want a complete stranger working with them as a mate unless by choice this being a longe term arrangement.

 

[Pete999]

The OP didn't think much to your advice Pete, The OP has done all the courses so you would think/hope he should be able to find an electrician under the third party scheme. I don't think there would be many electricians would want a complete stranger working with them as a mate unless by choice this being a longe term arrangement.

The OP didn't think much to your advice Pete, The OP has done all the courses so you would think/hope he should be able to find an electrician under the third party scheme. I don't think there would be many electricians would want a complete stranger working with them as a mate unless by choice this being a longe term arrangement.

What courses are you referring to Ant? 17th an exercise in how to read a book, Part P what ever that is and PAT, I"m sorry if he doesn't like my reply, but I say it as it is, just because the OP has completed these dubious courses, doesn't, in reality make him competent to rewire a house imo.

 

[Pete999]

The OP didn't think much to your advice Pete, The OP has done all the courses so you would think/hope he should be able to find an electrician under the third party scheme. I don't think there would be many electricians would want a complete stranger working with them as a mate unless by choice this being a longe term arrangement.

The OP didn't think much to your advice Pete, The OP has done all the courses so you would think/hope he should be able to find an electrician under the third party scheme. I don't think there would be many electricians would want a complete stranger working with them as a mate unless by choice this being a longe term arrangement.

What courses are you referring to Ant? 17th an exercise in how to read a book, Part P what ever that is and PAT, I"m sorry if he doesn't like my reply, but I say it as it is, just because the OP has completed these dubious courses, doesn't, in reality make him competent to rewire a house imo.

 

[Toneyz]

What courses are you referring to Ant? 17th an exercise in how to read a book, Part P what ever that is and PAT, I"m sorry if he doesn't like my reply, but I say it as it is, just because the OP has completed these dubious courses, doesn't, in reality make him competent to rewire a house imo.

The ones in his first post.
Only in theory not in practice, as said before not the same as in a workshop booth.

 

[Des 56]

Rewiring a house is not exactly rocket science
The guy has had some training (whether its acceptable or not) at least he has had some instruction

After all its not a customer paid job where different expectations may be relevant
Its his own house, a ideal place to get some hands on
experience

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Looks to me like TN-S and the Proteus rewirable fuse have been changed to Wylex plug in MCBs.

 

[pirate]

Not sure why Pete gets a Dumb from the OP either. After all, advice is sought, and good advice given...how can that merit a "Dumb"?

 

[Pete999]

Not sure why Pete gets a Dumb from the OP either. After all, advice is sought, and good advice given...how can that merit a "Dumb"?

Neither do I Pirate, but hey ho not to worry.