Had to install a ring main & cooker circuit for a new kitchen we have been doing.

The consumer unit is hager split load but is plastic. There is no room in the cupboard to add another board and the customers dont want to pay for a board change.

I guess i could just note on the form saying customers did not want to change to metal?
 
As long as it is safe for continued use is does not need replacing it is fine to add circuits to it.
not only that, but scaremongers ( get rich quick cowboys) are telling the public that their plastic CUs are "illegal". it's time someone clamped down and educated the general public. where's niceic when you need them? hiding away looking for unauthorised use of their logo.
 
Its about time they got a finger out of their f hole , and start puting in the country to write about part p on the tv and national news papers and not Chinese whispers ,considering they started. It all ,shout from the roof tops ,and makeing monie off peaple like you and me .they are no different to the maffia.
 
I work for my dad who has been NICEIC for the last 30 years. As i'm slowly getting more involved in the company i'm not sure whether the NICEIC is the way to go? A lot of other electrcians seems to be going NAPIT or over to STORMA
 
whilst the nicnic may be a pain in the arse, it's the most widely regognised. might be a case of stick with the devil you know.
 
Its about time they got a finger out of their f hole , and start puting in the country to write about part p on the tv and national news papers and not Chinese whispers ,considering they started. It all ,shout from the roof tops ,and makeing monie off peaple like you and me .they are no different to the maffia.
They would be better off telling people to leave electrical work well alone and call in an electrician. :mad:
 
buzz, you ever considered a job as a proof reader
Its about time they got a finger out of their f hole , and start putting in the country to write about part p on the tv and national news papers and not Chinese whispers ,considering they started. It all and shout from the roof tops about it ,and making money off peaple like you and me, they are no different to the mafia, it no good doing it with talk and tap the same time.
I was proofing this again at the library . :p:p
 
What is wrong with plastic? Is there space on the board to add the extra MCBs?, no problem.
I'm kiwi, worked in the UK, wondered why you english don't use Plastic DBs in my country it's the weird guys who use metal
 
This was in the draft for the 18th:
542.1.201 The main earthing terminal shall be connected with Earth by one of the methods described in Regulations 542.1.2.1 to 3, as appropriate to the type of system of which the installation is to form a part and in compliance with Regulations 542.1.3.1 and 542.1.3.2.
Additionally, there shall be an earth electrode, supplementing any earthing facility provided by the distributor, in accordance with one of the requirements of Regulation 542.2.3, to prevent the appearance of a dangerous touch voltage in the event of the loss of the main connection to Earth.
 
When plastic DBs came our they were touted as safer (no exposed metal) and more durable (don't rust). I found this acceptable then and still do. Here's a metal one that was in use till last Friday, not a good advert for metal boxes!
20190308_094739.jpg
I have a plastic one in my home and won't be changing it unless I have to. This was just below the ceiling in what was a hairdressers: obviously a very damp environment.
 
When plastic DBs came our they were touted as safer (no exposed metal) and more durable (don't rust). I found this acceptable then and still do. Here's a metal one that was in use till last Friday, not a good advert for metal boxes!View attachment 48256 I have a plastic one in my home and won't be changing it unless I have to. This was just below the ceiling in what was a hairdressers: obviously a very damp environment.
So you guys on here want to tell us that BS7671 Amendment 3:2015 is obsolete.
It is a responsibility of an Electrician to follow safety guidance as in the regs.and advise clients as appropriate.
 
Had to install a ring main & cooker circuit for a new kitchen we have been doing.

The consumer unit is hager split load but is plastic. There is no room in the cupboard to add another board and the customers dont want to pay for a board change.

I guess i could just note on the form saying customers did not want to change to metal?
 
Had to install a ring main & cooker circuit for a new kitchen we have been doing.

The consumer unit is hager split load but is plastic. There is no room in the cupboard to add another board and the customers dont want to pay for a board change.

I guess i could just note on the form saying customers did not want to change to metal?
Which form are you implying?
That plastic board does not comply with the current regs.i hope you have advised them.
I wouldn't do that job unless if they agree to the change of the board.
Are you signing off any certs taking full responsibility just in case something happens?
You have installed 2 circuits a rfc and cooker radial.
You need EIC and everything has to comply with the current regs.
You cannot sign of the EIC with a plastic CU.
 
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Which form are you implying?
That plastic board does not comply with the current regs.i hope you have advised them.
I wouldn't do that job unless if they agree to the change of the board.
Are you signing off any certs taking full responsibility just in case something happens?
You have installed 2 circuits a rfc and cooker radial.
You need EIC and everything has to comply with the current regs.
You cannot sign of the EIC with a plastic CU.
What a load of rubbish that statement is.
You are responsible for your work carried out only.
A simple note on the eic commenting on the CU is all that is needed.
You are advised to check the connections and condition of the CU and if it’s fit for continued service then it’s acceptable to leave it.
To tell people they must have it renewed or work can’t be carried out is just plain unethical and deceiving in my opinion.
You will find a section in the on site guide explaining this very topic of installing new circuits from an existing plastic CU
 
Last edited:
Which form are you implying?
That plastic board does not comply with the current regs.i hope you have advised them.
I wouldn't do that job unless if they agree to the change of the board.
Are you signing off any certs taking full responsibility just in case something happens?
You have installed 2 circuits a rfc and cooker radial.
You need EIC and everything has to comply with the current regs.
You cannot sign of the EIC with a plastic CU.

Do you always tell customers they need a metal consumer unit fitting if you are doing electrical work in their properties?
 
I advise them and point out the safety issue strongly.
Most of them don't know the regulations and have no clue about the updates.
Most of them listen and book me in to change their CUs.
It is all very well pointing out how the Regs have changed but if you're putting this across in such a way they are opting for a consumer unit change then you need to consider your ethics.
 
What a load of rubbish that statement is.
You are responsible for your work carried out only.
A simple note on the eic commenting on the CU is all that is needed.
You are advised to check the connections and condition of the CU and if it’s fit for continued service then it’s acceptable to leave it.
To tell people they must have it renewed or work can’t be carried out is just plain unethical and deceiving in my opinion.
You will find a section in the on site guide explaining this very topic of installing new circuits from an existing plastic CU
Excuse me i don't say "MUST".
I say to them it needs to be changed to comply to the current regs.
Most of them take my word.
You can be mad at my way of working but that is me very keen at safety so i do it ~100%.
Uou can sceream as much as you want but that is how i have been trained to carry out my work.
I don't carry out sub standard work.
I rather not do it than loose my credibility.
 
No one is doubting your standards of workmanship but as dpg states where do you stop? Are you now fitting rcd/rcbos to every lighting circuit even if not adding or altering?
 

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