I have read with interest many of the posts on this board, however I am still a little confused about a few things and I'm hoping someone could explain please.
I have asked a couple of electricians to give me quotes for a new consumer unit. I realise I should have asked more questions at the time, but its only since I've read up more about the whole thing that I've realised I'd rather be a bit more informed, and I'd like an unbiased view please.
What does split load mean? Is it to do with some circuits being on the rcd and some not? If not, what are the advantages of split load?
I've read about light bulbs going tripping the whole lighting circuit plunging the house into darkness, is there any way/ type of consumer unit/wiring that avoids this?
( If you don't change the bulb immediately, and you reset the switch will the other lights come back on? Or do you have to replace the bulb first?)
Also, I've been told by an NICEIC electrician that I need an earth rod, but I read in the DIY book that that's only necessary for country properties with overhead wires. I live in a city with underground cabling.
At the moment there is an earth wire running into the house from (I assume) outside, clipped to the big pipe that brings the electric supply into the house. The other electrician told me that this earth wire just needs to be permanently attached to the electric supply pipe, ie not just with the clip.
Who is right?
Also, the one electrician said they could fit the earth rod, but the other (the one who said I don't need an earth rod) said the new MEB would have to come in and do the permanent attaching of the earth wire. Apparently it looks like the moulding around the electric supply pipe has been opened previously by someone not qualified, if this is relevant?
So who can fit an earth, the new MEB or the electrician? I read somewhere that the electric work would need to be certified before the MEB would come in, is this NICEIC certification?
Lastly, is it a fire risk that the meter and existing fuse box is mounted on the wall on a wooden board and the new consumer unit would have to be fitted onto this wooden board? The one electrician told me that the wood board is the property of the former MEB! and as such they cannot take it away or alter it. There isn't space to move the unit elsewhere.
I'd be really grateful if anyone can answer any or all of these questions. I feel so vulnerable not knowing anything about it.
Thank you in advance for any help.
Amanda
I have asked a couple of electricians to give me quotes for a new consumer unit. I realise I should have asked more questions at the time, but its only since I've read up more about the whole thing that I've realised I'd rather be a bit more informed, and I'd like an unbiased view please.
What does split load mean? Is it to do with some circuits being on the rcd and some not? If not, what are the advantages of split load?
I've read about light bulbs going tripping the whole lighting circuit plunging the house into darkness, is there any way/ type of consumer unit/wiring that avoids this?
( If you don't change the bulb immediately, and you reset the switch will the other lights come back on? Or do you have to replace the bulb first?)
Also, I've been told by an NICEIC electrician that I need an earth rod, but I read in the DIY book that that's only necessary for country properties with overhead wires. I live in a city with underground cabling.
At the moment there is an earth wire running into the house from (I assume) outside, clipped to the big pipe that brings the electric supply into the house. The other electrician told me that this earth wire just needs to be permanently attached to the electric supply pipe, ie not just with the clip.
Who is right?
Also, the one electrician said they could fit the earth rod, but the other (the one who said I don't need an earth rod) said the new MEB would have to come in and do the permanent attaching of the earth wire. Apparently it looks like the moulding around the electric supply pipe has been opened previously by someone not qualified, if this is relevant?
So who can fit an earth, the new MEB or the electrician? I read somewhere that the electric work would need to be certified before the MEB would come in, is this NICEIC certification?
Lastly, is it a fire risk that the meter and existing fuse box is mounted on the wall on a wooden board and the new consumer unit would have to be fitted onto this wooden board? The one electrician told me that the wood board is the property of the former MEB! and as such they cannot take it away or alter it. There isn't space to move the unit elsewhere.
I'd be really grateful if anyone can answer any or all of these questions. I feel so vulnerable not knowing anything about it.
Thank you in advance for any help.
Amanda