Loft electrics onto this consumer unit?

[gasbusters]

Hi, hopong for some expert advice. Im getting my loft done and im hoping to get the new electrics for loft, sockets, lighting etc added to this consumer unit. Theres several free slots for new switches.

However i have been told this has no RCD and therefore would need to upgrade the consumer unit? This was all re-wired about 12 years ago just before i brought the house so i assumed this would be fine to simpy add the new loft electrics onto this unit.

Could someone please kindly advise if i can get electrician to do wiring for loft connected to this legally and have it certified?

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Whoever advised you is correct (in saying that you need RCD protection on the new cabling etc) and may have a point when they advise a new consumer unit.
Is it a Hager CU- if so your electrician could fit RCBOs for the new circuits (but you or he would have to check that the RCBOs available now are actually compatible with your CU)- at £30 a go they're not cheap but still less than the £400-£500 to replace the whole thing. Of course you wouldn't have any RCD protection on the existing circuits (which is not a fail as long as you're not changing or adding to those circuits).

 

[Rxt_ian]

Whatever you do, get those blanks covered! There are exposed live parts inside that huge gap.

 

[AndyPRK]

If you have a window in the new loft, then there is no point at all having a new light circuit. Just connect to the wires on the floor of the loft.
Technically it should be RCD protected, which is a bit annoying.

As for sockets, assuming you don't want a heater up there, as said, get an RCBO B20 or B25 for the CU

 

[donrkebab]

If you have a window in the new loft, then there is no point at all having a new light circuit. Just connect to the wires on the floor of the loft.
Technically it should be RCD protected, which is a bit annoying.

As for sockets, assuming you don't want a heater up there, as said, get an RCBO B20 or B25 for the CU

You should also consider taking the sockets from the rooms below that are probably bedrooms and therefore very lightly loaded, you could use RCD protected Sockets.

Also don't forget provision for data/phone wiring.

 

[AndyPRK]

I guess it depends what you want to plug into the sockets in the loft? and how many you want.

RCD sockets is likely to be a very expensive way.

You could fit an RCD/FCU 13A jobbie, but that would limit the loft to 13A. This maybe ok. Depends what you want up there.

I note the kitchen ring is seperate.
And upstairs and downstairs is all on the same ring. (I would normally sugguest reducing the MCB to 25A, (so fused spur not required) but I wouldn't in this case.

 

[donrkebab]

Yep, they're all options, and certainly cheaper and simpler than modifying existing cu.

 

[AndyPRK]

Rcd sockets would not protect the wiring running up the wall to the loft, so non compliant.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You should also consider taking the sockets from the rooms below that are probably bedrooms and therefore very lightly loaded, you could use RCD protected Sockets.

How would he get non-RCD protected cables up the walls?

 

[donrkebab]

How would he get non-RCD protected cables up the walls?

You tell me, I assume your comment means you have an intimate knowledge of the house layout and existing wiring routes.

 

[donrkebab]

Rcd sockets would not protect the wiring running up the wall to the loft, so non compliant.

As usual people winding themselves up for an argument because they would rather do that than think.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You tell me, I assume your comment means you have an intimate knowledge of the house layout and existing wiring routes.

If you look closely, you'll see that it was a question, not a comment. A helpful indicator of that was the question mark at the end.

And it was you who made the suggestion, so surely it must be you who has the intimate knowledge of the house layout and existing wiring routes which lead you to know that he could extend a non-RCD protected circuit into the loft.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

As usual people winding themselves up for an argument because they would rather do that than think.

You really cannot bear anything you say being questioned or challenged, can you.

 

[donrkebab]

You really cannot bear anything you say being questioned or challenged, can you.

Carry on your next embarrassment of the day is waiting round the corner, you obviously forgot to wear your thinking boots to day.

 

[securespark]

I've got my flak vest marked "PRESS" on......