Electrics for a flat - some questions

[icstm]

Hi,

I am thinking about doing some / having some electrical work done and have some questions. The flat is mine and I live there it is not rented:

1) If I change appliances (hob, oven, dishwasher) like for like in a kitchen what needs to be done/who needs to be informed /what neess to be certified?

2) If I am changing heaters and storage heaters by wiring them into exisiting locations (ie where current fused spurs are) can I do this? They are all under 10A

3) If one of these locations is in the kitchen does this change things, or is this like changing your dishwasher, ie I can do it myself?

4) Do I need an RCD? I have an old style consumer unit (I'll try and get a picture for you). I do not have a shed, garage, garden or own any outside land (I'm a ground floor flat). My understanding is not, but many electricians seem to want to change it (to charge) and thus say it is.

5) Do kitchen 13A or under appliances need their own ring like the hob does? If so at what point does this become retrospective (ie if I change a dishwasher I do not have to rewire the kitchen, is the same true if I move a socket, and what about adding a socket?


I hope my questions are clear, please feel free to asking for clarification!

tia,

icstm

 

[Cremeegg]

1) If modern appliances they probably fitted with moulded 13A plug so can change like for like - just like plugging in a new or different toaster.

2) No problem like for like

3) As your heaters are fixed equipment any work in a kitchen is notifiable to your local Council Building Control complete with fee - up to £350 in some areas

4) Not by law but any installation fitted in last 15 years or so would have them. Your existing fuses/MCB's are limited in their application. The latest set of wiring regs due in the New Year will require RCD's everywhere which makes you see how useful they are.

5) Again good current practice to have all kitchen items on separate circuit but with cooker on its own dedicated radial and freezer often on its own radial as well. As stated before any work in kitchen is notifiable "Additional Note A - states ... extensions to circuits in kitchens.. are notifiable". Additional Note B somewhat oddly states " replacement repair and maintenance jobs are generally not notifiable even if carried out in a kitchen"

Hope that helps.

 

[ColJack]

1: The dishwasher is plug and play.. just unplug it..
The oven may well be pluged in too.. or it may not..
The hob will for certain be hardwired...

Like for Like replacements are not needed to be notified..
As long as you dont need to change any fixed wiring...

2: see above.. providing that you are oly changing for the same rated heaters then no problems.

3: as long as you feel safe doing it and have the ability and understanding to do it properly then you can DIY..

4: RCD's are needed on sockets that have a reasonably likely to be used for portable outdoor equipment.. like a hoover or jetwasher for your car, or a drill or christmas lights etc... being a ground floor flat, you need all sockets on an RCD..

5: heavy current using appliances are best on their own ring, or dedicated radials.. such things as washing machine, dishwasher, oven, under counter water heater etc..
The alteration of fixed wiring in a kitchen is Notifiable work..this includes the relocation or addition of sockets.. it does not however include the fitting of "modular" under cupboard lights ( the type that plug into each other and into one socket.. )

 

[Pensdown]

The same as ColJack for 1, 2 & 3

4. RCD's are needed on sockets that are reasonably likely to be used for portable outdoor equipment but as you technically don't have an outdoors it's debateable whether your ground floor sockets need supplementary protection from an RCD.

Rather than change the CU I would change the sockets nearest the back and front doors for ones that have a built in RCD and label them "for outside equipment". You can of course still use them inside.

5. I Agree with ColJack that heavy current using appliances are better on their own circuit but as that's circuit design and not regs unless you intend to re-wire the kitchen I would leave it as it is.

You don't need to add isolating switches to existing under worktop sockets but you do for any new ones you add. And as said by others, as soon as you touch the fixed wiring in a Kitchen you need to submit a building notice if you intend to carry out the work yourself.