Old installations and alterations.

Monkeyblaine · May 31, 2012

Could someone please explain the rules when it comes to altering older installations. Ie adding sockets and downlights to old wiring and non rcd (17th edition) consumer units. Should we always advise to update non compliant parts of the installation if they are not willing (can't afford to change fuseboard) to change things. In a lot of cases people just want simple things changed and as an electrician I'm not 100% what we can and can't do. And if they want a certificate can we supply one even though their installation doesn't meet current regs??? All help greatly recieved.

telectrix · May 31, 2012

all the work that you do must comlpy with current edition of BS7671. e.g. if you fit an extra socket to an installation that has no RCD, then you must install RCD if required, either to potect just your work or the whole of the circuit you have altered. also ensure earthing and bonding are present and adequate.

Guitarist · May 31, 2012

Monkeyblaine said:
... as an electrician I'm not 100% what we can and can't do. And if they want a certificate can we supply one even though their installation doesn't meet current regs??? All help greatly recieved.

A little worrying...

Do you have a copy of the regs?

truckster · May 31, 2012

Basically if you put in a new piece of cable however short it will require rcd protection unless surface fixed. Your minor works cert or EIC should make mention of shortfalls of the rest of the installation but any wor you do has to comply with the current regs.

Tuttle · May 31, 2012

truckster said:
Basically if you put in a new piece of cable however short it will require rcd protection unless surface fixed. Your minor works cert or EIC should make mention of shortfalls of the rest of the installation but any wor you do has to comply with the current regs.

or installed in earthed metal conduit (or at a depth of >= 50mm - but that seems unlikely :smiley2

kingeri · May 31, 2012

Monkeyblaine said:
Could someone please explain the rules when it comes to altering older installations. Ie adding sockets and downlights to old wiring and non rcd (17th edition) consumer units. Should we always advise to update non compliant parts of the installation if they are not willing (can't afford to change fuseboard) to change things. In a lot of cases people just want simple things changed and as an electrician I'm not 100% what we can and can't do. And if they want a certificate can we supply one even though their installation doesn't meet current regs??? All help greatly recieved.

You give customers a choice of not having a certificate??

MarkieSparkie · May 31, 2012

Monkeyblaine said:
Could someone please explain the rules when it comes to altering older installations. Ie adding sockets and downlights to old wiring and non rcd (17th edition) consumer units. Should we always advise to update non compliant parts of the installation if they are not willing (can't afford to change fuseboard) to change things. In a lot of cases people just want simple things changed and as an electrician I'm not 100% what we can and can't do. And if they want a certificate can we supply one even though their installation doesn't meet current regs??? All help greatly recieved.

Yehah! Ride'em Cowboys.