PIR before a Consumer Unit upgrade

[Sbc]

Should one insist to the customer to have a PIR before proceeding with a CU upgrade? if not what do you do if there are hidden nastys ie bad IR readings?
Thanks

 

[Plonker 3]

No not at all.

All you can do is point out to the customer (eg on your quote) that should any faults be found due to not having a EICR done then the cost of finding them shall be at £--- per hour plus materials.

 

[oldtimer]

You don't I am afraid in Schemie world as I call it you tell the customer they need an EICR before the board change but in the real world you do a survey ie global IR and some other tests. I have done an EICR for some customers and then offered to upgrade the CU at a reduced price either way I still make the same money

 

[Sbc]

How do you do a global IR?
I only really do by circuit through fear of damaging equipment but your way must save loads of time?

 

[Richard Burns]

How do you do a global IR?
I only really do by circuit through fear of damaging equipment but your way must save loads of time?

Main double pole switch off.
All circuit breakers on
Link neutral bar to line busbar (do make sure main switch is off!)
Test IR from L+N to E.
Entire installation tested.

RCDs and RCBOs may not like this (and be damaged) so you may need to split down so you are not testing through them.
If you are unsure about damaging equipment (although with a L+N to E, you should not be able to damage any equipment) then test at 250V first and if you get a low reading then something is wrong.

 

[Sbc]

These questions may sound dumb but i really am new to this.
The regs say investigate IR <= 2mohm but for you guys personally, what low reading would stop you doin a fuse board upgrade? is there a point where you say #thats a rewire!

 

[i=p/u]

0.2 Meg = neon. rewire, shizer neon

 

[Octopus]

These questions may sound dumb but i really am new to this.
The regs say investigate IR <= 2mohm but for you guys personally, what low reading would stop you doin a fuse board upgrade? is there a point where you say #thats a rewire!

Be careful. A global IR test will give a lower overall "picture" than testing all circuits individually PLUS why recommend a rewire when it could be one cable/accessory which is at fault??

 

[Sbc]

Can showers and ballests in fluorescents get damaged or infuence measurements during IR testing

 

[Octopus]

Can showers and ballests in fluorescents get damaged or infuence measurements during IR testing

not if you link L & N and test to cpc and always test at 250v before doing the 500v test!

 

[Spazz]

Showers give a lower reading
Ballests in Florescent light can be damaged - and give a low reading
Dimmers can be damaged and give a low reading
Neons give a low reading

I always do a IR test on 250v first between L and N to see if anything is plugged in still, not always visible between L+N and E especially on Class 2 equipment but still could be damaged by 500v.

 

[Sbc]

Thats great advice. Thanks all.