Very likely.Am I likely to have problems with my existing wiring now that the more sensitive RCD is there?
Not just wiring but appliances etc connected to itI am about to replace my old MCB Consumer Unit with a new RCD one. Am I likely to have problems with my existing wiring now that the more sensitive RCD is there?
What do you mean?..."I am about to replace" Surely you mean a sparky is about to change the consumer unit and he should test the current installation before fittingI am about to replace my old MCB Consumer Unit with a new RCD one. Am I likely to have problems with my existing wiring now that the more sensitive RCD is there?
Very likely.
This is how a consumer unit replacement should be done:
1 - Test and inspect the entire installation
2 - Repair all of the problems found
3 - Test again to ensure the repairs didn't introduce more problems
4 - Remove old consumer unit and install new
5 - Test all circuits which will now include results for the RCBOs that were installed in the new one.
6 - Complete installation certificate and building regulations notification as required.
There are people that only do 4 and charge a lot less. If you use them, problems are guaranteed and you will end up paying far more than doing it properly in the first place.
I think many would recommend an RCBO consumer unit nowadays.
If your wiring were to cause problems (that a good electrician should have found first anyway), tripping may then be limited to individual circuits.
Rarely?Sorry mate but 1- 3 are rarely needed so let’s just make it clear that these are not needed to be done on every CU change
And sure the odd issue pops up during an install but that’s about 1 in 30
I totally disagree with what you have just said.Sorry mate but 1- 3 are rarely needed so let’s just make it clear that these are not needed to be done on every CU change
And sure the odd issue pops up during an install but that’s about 1 in 30
What about an "emergency" CU change, I have had a few of those when there is no time to do an EICR beforehand (pointless anyway) and sort out testing/remedials laterI totally disagree with what you have just said.
Flameport is spot on.
Personally I would do a full EICR (or pretty much so) in the first instance, prior to even purchasing the new consumer unit.
Then do corrections, if any - which are quite often needed or advisable anyway.
I would also take a gander at the appliances on site . Example, has the customer got an old WW1 vintage Electric Fire that they intend to use etc etc.
In my view, there is nothing more unprofessional than someone changing a consumer unit then finding problems start to occur .
So an "Emergency CU Change" negates testing for safety does it? No - You can always put some temporary lighting and power in if need be then do the testing of the dead existing tomorrow before the CU change.What about an "emergency" CU change, I have had a few of those when there is no time to do an EICR beforehand (pointless anyway) and sort out testing/remedials later
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local