What Don't I know About Conusmer Unit Upgrades

[LongEars]

The kitchen is in need of some rewiring (sockets moved, old light switches de-comissioned etc) 2 of the 3 electricians I called out said that they wouldn't touch the work until a my current CU has been updated.

Questions:

Is it necessary to replace the consumer unit?

What spec/ make of model should it be upgraded to?

What reporting will be required to building control?

How much would you expect to pay (south west)?

What tests are required?

Is there anything else do I need to know before proceeding with this type of work?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Can we please have a coser picture of the CU with the lid open so we can read the writing?

 

[winston1]

Regs on consumer units have changed more than once for new installations, but those regs, like others, are not retrospective. That doesn't of course stop unscrupulous electricians trying it on.

Why not use the third electrician.

 

[securespark]

What did the 3rd say?

 

[flameport]

It is not necessary to upgrade anything, provided you leave everything as it is.

g (sockets moved, old light switches de-comissioned etc)

Any new items will almost certainly require RCD protection, and your consumer unit only has this for one circuit. It may be possible to reconfigure the existing unit to have the RCD cover more of the circuits but if not, then a new consumer unit would be required.

 

[EFLImpudence]

 

[stillp]

 

[John D v2.0]

Edit: actually on closer inspection the earth is connected on both sides, it's just a trick of the angle.
Old post for posterity below
=========
Did the electrician test your earth? According to the quoted photo, you have a problem with your earthing.
Call the electricity distribution company (ie dno, not your supplier) and tell them your earth is not properly connected and show them the photo. They will send someone out to replace it. It will be free of charge.

 

[HERTS P&D]

I think I would be more concerned about the wall paper!



Andy

 

[RF Lighting]

Regs on consumer units have changed more than once for new installations, but those regs, like others, are not retrospective. That doesn't of course stop unscrupulous electricians trying it on.

Why not use the third electrician.

But any new work must comply with the current regulations. Tell me how you would make the OPs proposed works compliant with BS7671 amd3 without replacing that consumer unit?

 

[deadshort]

Easy, make it a sub -board off a new one ! And shove a metal enclosure round it !

Joking !!!!!!

If it went on fire you would never know with that flame effect wall paper!

Sorry, a grown up will be along soon !

DS

 

[securespark]

Many sparks do install a new board along with their new circuits and ignore the original wiring altogether.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

But any new work must comply with the current regulations. Tell me how you would make the OPs proposed works compliant with BS7671 amd3 without replacing that consumer unit?

Put RCBOs in there for the kitchen?

 

[RF Lighting]

That's an old Wylex NB consumer unit.

I'm not aware of an RCBO which will fit.

You could as securespark says install a separate CU but it makes absolute sense to replace the existing unit.

My pressing concern as mentioned earlier is that earthing arrangement on what looks like a looped supply

 

[JohnW2]

View attachment 122408

I think we probably need to see a photo show a few inches below that one ... might not the G/Y cable coming from the right-hand side of the incoming supply sheath perhaps loop round and be the one connected to the right-most place on the earth block?

Kind Regards, John