Just getting a quote for some minor work to a property. During discussion with the electrician, he said the consumer unit would need updating to meet modern standards.
The work consists of the swapping of some single sockets to doubles (maybe adding one or two). Changing of a pendant light to a number of spotlights in the kitchen. The moving and addition of some light switches. The addition of an extractor fan with isolation switch. The loft could also do with it's own feed from the main consumer unit. The sockets and lights are not RCD protected. It has its own fuse box up there, like a detached garage.
The existing consumer unit has a single RCD protection o half the circuts (early 90's). I have no issue with upgrading it if required for safety etc. But, I have read a few times on the forum that "if the installation met the standards of the day" then an upgrade is not required. Some people, after reading posts on the forum (yes, I used the search function!) have suggested that an electrician who makes this case may be pulling a fast one.
I did ask the electrician why an update would be required and the response was that due to the nature of the work, changing current circuit layouts with cabling embedded in the walls, an upgrade would be required.
So for clarity, what kind of work on a property triggers the requirement of the consumer unit to be updated?
Thanks in advance.
The work consists of the swapping of some single sockets to doubles (maybe adding one or two). Changing of a pendant light to a number of spotlights in the kitchen. The moving and addition of some light switches. The addition of an extractor fan with isolation switch. The loft could also do with it's own feed from the main consumer unit. The sockets and lights are not RCD protected. It has its own fuse box up there, like a detached garage.
The existing consumer unit has a single RCD protection o half the circuts (early 90's). I have no issue with upgrading it if required for safety etc. But, I have read a few times on the forum that "if the installation met the standards of the day" then an upgrade is not required. Some people, after reading posts on the forum (yes, I used the search function!) have suggested that an electrician who makes this case may be pulling a fast one.
I did ask the electrician why an update would be required and the response was that due to the nature of the work, changing current circuit layouts with cabling embedded in the walls, an upgrade would be required.
So for clarity, what kind of work on a property triggers the requirement of the consumer unit to be updated?
Thanks in advance.
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