Old Style CU - Replace asap ?

[elec-tricks]

Hi
whilst doing some work at the girlfriends house during the week (evenings) i noticed that she has an old style consumer unit.
i.e. has a master breaker but no rcd's and only 4 rcbo's.
given that the new regs will require a non combustable cu, would it be a good idea to replace this asap ?
many thanks

 

[Leesparkykent]

Hi
whilst doing some work at the girlfriends house during the week (evenings) i noticed that she has an old style consumer unit.
i.e. has a master breaker but no rcd's and only 4 rcbo's.
given that the new regs will require a non combustable cu, would it be a good idea to replace this asap ?
many thanks

Probably not....are all the circuits on RCBOs? What do you mean by master breaker?

 

[davesparks]

What do you mean by a master breaker?
It sounds like a fairly modern CU if it has RCBOs in it, why exactly do you think it needs changing?

 

[Darkwood]

You say no rcd's .... then say each circuit has an rcbo so they have rcd protection then?

The regulations are for new installs post 1/1/16

 

[elec-tricks]

sorry, think i'm confusing the terminology here :/
the master breaker (large double pole red switch) fed directly from the meter.
no rcd's (the ones with the "test" button)
individual circuits (2x32a breaker for sockets & 2x6a breaker for lights)
just want to make the system as safe as i can for her and the kids.
many thanks for putting up with my confusion.

 

[Darkwood]

It is not required to replace the board but to make it as safe as you can then that is a different question and you might as well upgrade if that is the reason.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Put the rest of the circuits on RCBOs if they aren't already...job done. Are you going to be doing the work?

 

[elec-tricks]

she is going to be redoing the kitchen at some point in the near future and i want to put the kitchen circuits separate, so i'll need to be in it then anyway.
there isn't a huge amount of space in the cu, probably only room for another 1 or possibly 2 breakers (not had chance to get the cover off yet).
meant to take a photo before i left, but forgot :/
thanks for your help

 

[davesparks]

sorry, think i'm confusing the terminology here :/
the master breaker (large double pole red switch) fed directly from the meter.
no rcd's (the ones with the "test" button)
individual circuits (2x32a breaker for sockets & 2x6a breaker for lights)
just want to make the system as safe as i can for her and the kids.
many thanks for putting up with my confusion.

That is not a breaker, it's a switch!

Now you are talking about breakers for each circuit, earlier you said RCBOs, which is it?

Are you an electrician?

 

[Guest77]

sorry, think i'm confusing the terminology here :/
the master breaker (large double pole red switch) fed directly from the meter.
no rcd's (the ones with the "test" button)
individual circuits (2x32a breaker for sockets & 2x6a breaker for lights)
just want to make the system as safe as i can for her and the kids.
many thanks for putting up with my confusion.

After reading your OP I doubt you are capable of doing it yourself.

 

[Simlec]

After reading your OP I doubt you are capable of doing it yourself.

Took the words out of my mouth lol

 

[Taylortwocities]

Your terminology is wrong, and confusing
Does this help?

 

[elec-tricks]

After reading your OP I doubt you are capable of doing it yourself.

just because i don't know what the things are called, doesn't mean i can't do the job!

 

[elec-tricks]

Your terminology is wrong, and confusing
Does this help?

many thanks for that.
i'm still getting used to the terminology.
there is no rcd / rccb present just the mcb's

 

[Hellmooth]

just because i don't know what the things are called, doesn't mean i can't do the job!

It is basic terminology you're getting mixed up on, stuff you would learn at college, doesn't fill anyone with much confidence if you don't know the difference between switches, mcbs and rcbos........

 

[Leesparkykent]

many thanks for that.
i'm still getting used to the terminology.
there is no rcd / rccb present just the mcb's

You should learn the basic terminology in the first few weeks of your 1st year as this terminology will be used as you progress through the different levels of qualifications. Unless you done a short course?

 

[Spoon]

Hi elec-tricks. Regardless of you knowing all the terminology or if you have done a 5 year or 5 month course, I take it you have all the test equipment (celebrated) to do a CU swap?

 

[elec-tricks]

Hi elec-tricks. Regardless of you knowing all the terminology or if you have done a 5 year or 5 month course, I take it you have all the test equipment (celebrated) to do a CU swap?

Hi
got the test gear & been putting it to good use
thanks

 

[Spoon]

You could have done with taking them pics you were meant to, as your post is confusing mate...

 

[andyb]

I take it you have all the test equipment (celebrated) to do a CU swap?

Are we going to throw a party for his test equipment?

 

[davesparks]

just because i don't know what the things are called, doesn't mean i can't do the job!

Yes it does, if you don't know what the devices are called how are you going to look up the relevant information to do your design calculations and confirm your test results?
For that matter how are you going to design the installation full stop?
Plus of course the bloke behind the counter at the wholesalers will be adding a significant 'show leather surcharge' for going backwards and forwards picking up the parts you ask for and putting them back again!

 

[Taylortwocities]

Hi
whilst doing some work at the girlfriends house during the week (evenings) i noticed that she has an old style consumer unit.
i.e. has a master breaker but no rcd's and only 4 rcbo's.
given that the new regs will require a non combustable cu, would it be a good idea to replace this asap ?
many thanks

PLEASE stop now, with respect, you do not have anything like the skill level needed to do any of this work.
I know its great to be the bloke who can do everything, think of all the brownie points, but please just do stuff that is within your skill set, you'll not learn how to safely install new circuits and/or change a consumer unit by asking questions on an Internet forum.

You need a registered electrician. She won't thank you if the fire brigade has to be called.

 

[Spoon]

Are we going to throw a party for his test equipment?

haha... I wondered what you was going on about at first.... Can't spell for toffee...... OK.... Calibrated

 

[elec-tricks]

PLEASE stop now, with respect, you do not have anything like the skill level needed to do any of this work.
I know its great to be the bloke who can do everything, think of all the brownie points, but please just do stuff that is within your skill set, you'll not learn how to safely install new circuits and/or change a consumer unit by asking questions on an Internet forum.

You need a registered electrician. She won't thank you if the fire brigade has to be called.

To be fair, i'm not asking how to change / install new circuits (which i can do with ease btw.), i'm asking if it is needed.

 

[Spoon]

I then presume mate that you have tested the existing circuit and everything is ok?

 

[Leesparkykent]

To be fair, i'm not asking how to change / install new circuits (which i can do with ease btw.), i'm asking if it is needed.

No disrespect elec-tricks but how can you? If you don't even know if it's needed or not.

edit: IMO the thread should be closed as the OP it clearly out of his depth and will carry on regardless....hopefully without the advice of the forum.

 

[elec-tricks]

No disrespect elec-tricks but how can you? If you don't even know if it's needed or not.

edit: IMO the thread should be closed as the OP it clearly out of his depth and will carry on regardless....hopefully without the advice of the forum.

i guess that's a "i don't know either" then ?
thought this forum was a friendly place at first. guess i was wrong.
oh well...
live and learn.
bye

 

[Leesparkykent]

i guess that's a "i don't know either" then ?
thought this forum was a friendly place at first. guess i was wrong.
oh well...
live and learn.
bye

It is a friendly place elec-tricks. Members just don't want you to do work your are not capable of doing (even though you think you are). No body is perfect but your basic terminology is appalling....so one can only assume you don't have sufficient knowledge to carry out the work. You say you are competent (or you can do it at ease as you put earlier) but don't know if the existing board needs changing or not....

 

[Hellmooth]

You say you've done a Domestic Installers course but have limited practical experience, I would be trying to gain the experience before attempting to do a CU change, anyone can screw a board to a wall and tighten up terminals, it takes experience to do it safely and to the regs.

 

[Stevesplatto]

Hi,
What's ringing alarm bells for people on here is when you say stuff like:
'i.e. has a master breaker but no rcd's and only 4 rcbo's.'
A RCBO is, off course, and RCD and MCB combined.If you've done a course and understood it, gathered together all the information you need and have the aptitude then of course you can install a new CU. How are you going to notify your work (up to £5000 fine if you don't and voids most insurance policies)? Why avoid installing an amd3 CU, it's safer!
I'd find someone who can issue Third part certs, (see https://www.gov.uk/third-party-certification-schemes-for-domestic-electrical-work), so a Napit or Stroma CPS registered electrician and have them check your work and issue the cert and notify the work.
Or maybe just pay a registered spark to do the work for your girlfriend!
Cheers
s