Testing old cu before changing

[Kelrich]

Morning everyone
whats the best route to take when testing an old consumer unit before an upgrade, ive only done a small amount of testing and really want to get to grips with it all, I am starting the 2392 after xmas but would like to know if theres a certain plan you guys stick to when your testing for faults before upgrading, what you test first and why etc, sorry if this sounds stupid but if you dont ask you wont ever know
thanks

 

[telectrix]

IR test all circuits to ensure you nice new RCDs won't trip. test for a borrowed neutral. mark up cables as i take them out. check earthing and bonding. OH, and most important, before switching off, boil kettle and fill a flask or 2.

 

[Guest123]

Ze, I/R & RFC continuity.:cool3:


Unless they are willing to pay for a full PIR beforehand.

 

[Toonlad]

Jason did a sticky on another section on CU change overs, some good snippets in there. As mentioned above, the borrowed neutral can play havoc too.

http://www.electriciansforums.net/e...ctrical-regulations/12971-cu-changes-you.html

 

[Kelrich]

Thanks fellas

Got my new toy from test-meter today and wanted to play with it, the metrel mi300 a bargain and got £17 off for being a forum member so thanks for that. The CU im changing is the wife's Grandfathers which im doing for free for my assessment, its a knackered, old rewireable fuse box...its older than grass
Just wanted to get everything perfect for the day of assessment so thanks lads for your advice.

 

[Kelrich]

sorry that was meant to say metrel mi3000 btw

 

[ezzzekiel]

never used one but imagine it does what it says on the tin, i tend not to bother with pre testing these days and just sort problems afterwards as long as customer is pre warned of any additional work (obviously this is an experience thing not much point if its gonna take another week to put right)

 

[High Tower]

Something I am seeing more and more is broken rings that the client won't pay for remedial works to find and repair, so I find myself more and more having to down grade to a 20A mcb and treat it as 2 radials on 1 mcb. It's not ideal but more often it's proving to be my only option.

 

[Kelrich]

Thanks for your replies lads Iam going to test it today and i,ll put my results on here to see what yous think, fingers crossed theres no problems

 

[telectrix]

look out for split RFCs. borrowed neutrals, outside lights etc., which may be affected by water, be careful not to IR sensitive equipment L/N.