periodic inspection report no access to the consumer unit

[sparky928]

Hi Guys,

Got to do a periodic inspection report, there two consumer units one i cant access due to kitchen units in the way i can see the breakers but i wont be able to take the cover off and the other consumer is fine to get to.

Any Ideas what to do for the consumer unit i cant get to? or what to write on the report?

Thanks

 

[westward10]

All you can do is verify the circuits and give Zs and rcd readings if applicable. On the schedule of tests you can only complete the parts you know, the rest can only be NV. You can only do what you can and decide how you are going to Code it in the Report.

 

[Octopus]

What is the purpose of the EICR?

 

[sparky928]

What is the purpose of the EICR?

The customer wants a certificate before they sell the house

 

[westward10]

Discuss it with the customer because if they are doing it for a house sale that could become a real issue. Is there no way they can't make access to it.

 

[Octopus]

hum..... so 50% of the installation not really in a position to test, is it worth doing?

And what code for inaccessible CU? C2?

 

[westward10]

hum..... so 50% of the installation not really in a position to test, is it worth doing?

I think so most stuff is picked up from the visual, but yes 50% of testing won't be done but that is out of his hands.

 

[Octopus]

I think so most stuff is picked up from the visual, but yes 50% of testing won't be done but that is out of his hands.

I would be tempted to C2 the inaccessible CU ...... that would depend on the estimated age of the installation, and whether there have been changes made!

 

[sparksburnout]

Just walk on bye...........

 

[westward10]

Just walk on bye...........

I'm gone.

 

[bigspark17]

Inaccessible cu not even able to open the cover, thats a C2 if there ever was!

 

[westward10]

Inaccessible cu not even able to open the cover, thats a C2 if there ever was!

Oh no...

 

[richy3333]

I think so most stuff is picked up from the visual, but yes 50% of testing won't be done but that is out of his hands.

Isn't this where you insert in to the EICR your legendary FI quote

 

[jackhammerJIM]

Theres a whole estate near me approximately 100 houses with this problem . Every mains change has to coincide with a new kitchen .

 

[HappyHippyDad]

hum..... so 50% of the installation not really in a position to test, is it worth doing?

And what code for inaccessible CU? C2?

Inaccessible cu not even able to open the cover, thats a C2 if there ever was!

I would instantly think C2 as well but then I thought what would I say if I was asked to justify that with regards to it being 'potentially dangerous'?
The CU and all circuits may be in excellent condition. Perhaps a 'limitation' with a strong recommendation it is made accessible for testing?
Or perhaps a C2 because it is potentially dangerous as electrical installations should be tested every 10 years and this one can not be?

 

[westward10]

He has no choice but to enter a Limitation, with a further recommendation access is enabled so a full inspection/test can be carried out.

 

[David M]

I would instantly think C2 as well but then I thought what would I say if I was asked to justify that with regards to it being 'potentially dangerous'?
The CU and all circuits may be in excellent condition. Perhaps a 'limitation' with a strong recommendation it is made accessible for testing?
Or perhaps a C2 because it is potentially dangerous as electrical installations should be tested every 10 years and this one can not be?

It would also so be classed as a maintainable accessory, which means access is required for maintenances purposes, i.e checking connections etc..

 

[Rpa07]

You'd have to gain access to it to ascertain whether the CU has the MF stamp on the inside - after all it is inaccessible so needs to be maintenance free! (Where's the emoji for tongue in cheek!)

 

[ruston]

You'd have to gain access to it to ascertain whether the CU has the MF stamp on the inside - after all it is inaccessible so needs to be maintenance free! (Where's the emoji for tongue in cheek!)

Actually you make a valid point.

 

[bigspark17]

How on earth can you test the install if the cu is inaccessible? You cant even do basic testing or check terminal tightness, visual, polarity, main isolation. It isnt FI its a unstaisfacory, and if any sparks agreed in the lims not too take cover off cu then he needs reporting to his scheme imo. C2 no doubt!

 

[westward10]

How on earth can you test the install if the cu is inaccessible? You cant even do basic testing or check terminal tightness, visual, polarity, main isolation. It isnt FI its a unstaisfacory, and if any sparks agreed in the lims not too take cover off cu then he needs reporting to his scheme imo. C2 no doubt!

No one said Code FI, if it is discussed with the client put it down as a Limitation. How can you report anybody been in the same boat myself.

 

[Silly Sausage]

I would instantly think C2 as well but then I thought what would I say if I was asked to justify that with regards to it being 'potentially dangerous'?
The CU and all circuits may be in excellent condition. Perhaps a 'limitation' with a strong recommendation it is made accessible for testing?

I would go with C2 as well. With all the hyperbole over the last few years about CU sourced fires, if you can't even Visual a CU ...

 

[unconditional]

How on earth can you test the install if the cu is inaccessible? You cant even do basic testing or check terminal tightness, visual, polarity, main isolation. It isnt FI its a unstaisfacory, and if any sparks agreed in the lims not too take cover off cu then he needs reporting to his scheme imo. C2 no doubt!

You can carry out every test you can on each circuit within your limited remit and then largely invalidate the cert via limitations. I did an EICR on an installation with no power supply once... Up to the client, if I'd turned up for an EICR and they weren't happy for a little jigsaw joy I still want to get paid. And anyway, even if the client refuses to accommodate access for full & proper testing then carrying out what testing you can has some merit.

Anyway not trying hard enough, had a lovely one a couple of years ago I should have photo'd, a row of holes in the wood to pop your finger in to reset the pop-out wylex breakers and a nice 1"x 3" slot for the meter reader, lovely bit of dress up.