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As in post 14 . See what the EICR brings back. Too much speculation may confuse the issue.
after the day I’ve had ive had enough confusion. ?
after the day I’ve had ive had enough confusion. ?
Discuss Will this old consumer unit pose any issues with an upcoming EICR? in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net
I'm not, necessarily, disagreeing with you, but I am caused to wonder at how we've never heard of the hundreds of thousands who must have died back in the 70's and 80's changing fuses.Based on the picture I beg to differ on most of the above. There is no cover over the fuses which means live parts are accessible without the use of a tool by simply gripping one of the fuses and tilting it slightly. Without a screwed fuse cover as originally supplied by Wylex these boards present an immediate danger of contact with live parts. If the board does not have a screwed cover it is a code 1 if in an easily accessible position. Code 2 if it is generally out of reach or not easily accessible. Some of these boards have a cover with a knurled nut removable by hand, so if the cover is fitted there is no access to live parts , but nevertheless live parts can be accessed without the use of a tool so a code 2 is appropriate. Later boards had the screwed cover requiring a tool, but it MUST be in place.
Of course, it (hopefully) goes without saying that a board change is the best course of action, for many good reasons, not least including the fact that tenants with a pulse tend to pay rent more quickly.Without a screwed fuse cover as originally supplied by Wylex these boards present an immediate danger of contact with live parts.
Not necessarily. When Wylex introduced the plug in MCB's the board covers incorporated a 'knock out' to enable the cover to be fitted with the mcb's sitting proud of the cover. This is fine as the cover still prevents finger access to the live prongs on the mcb's.Of course, it (hopefully) goes without saying that a board change is the best course of action, for many good reasons, not least including the fact that tenants with a pulse tend to pay rent more quickly.
pc1966 beat me to it, but I was going to comment that if any Wylex without an outer cover within reach is an automatic C1 then presumably any with plug in MCBs designed to upgrade these boards are also automatically a C1, as the manufacturer can't have intended us to start hacking up the cover?
Many a time I've carefully tapped out that thinned out section with an old screwdriver and hammer, then filed the edges nicely ready to fit over the new plug-in MCBs . Those along with an upfront RCD were the big safety upgrade at one time. ?Not necessarily. When Wylex introduced the plug in MCB's the board covers incorporated a 'knock out' to enable the cover to be fitted with the mcb's sitting proud of the cover. This is fine as the cover still prevents finger access to the live prongs on the mcb's.
It should also be pointed out that without the cover in place where fuses are fitted there is a risk of molten copper being ejected from the carrier when a fuse blows, particularly with larger fuse elements like 30a. I have never heard of this causing a fire or injury but it was a secondary intended function of the fuse cover.
Thanks for the update Neptune, we like to hear how things go ?Hi All,
Thanks for all your comments. I found this very helpful. I wanted to share the EICR results with you.
The electrician overall assessment is "satisfactory". He stated that the general condition was satisfactory and and correct cable and protective devices have been used. Readings were within the required thresholds. He has recommended a CU upgrade to provide RCD protection.
All the circuits have been coded as C3.
Please let me know if it would be informative to share any other contents of this report.
Given this assessment, it feels to me that I should still consider a board change but an initial quotation is £450 and perhaps in the short term, I should invest in the plug-in breakers. I would appreciate your advice on this.
Thanks again.
Yes, it's a Studio FlatDo you really only have 6 plug sockets?
(I like the prospective fault current btw)
Reply to Will this old consumer unit pose any issues with an upcoming EICR? in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net
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