Wiring Regs

[mbeamethyst]

Hi, we are installing a new kitchen into a property built in 1985. Just wondering if there are any new wiring regulations that we should be aware of? We curently have a separate supply to the oven with a 32 amp trip at the consumer unit. Everything else wired on normal ring system when the property was built. BTW we are in Scotland, don't know if that makes a difference, but thought worth mentioning. Thanks.

 

[Steve]

Yes theres lots of new regulations. And dont assume the wiring was perfectly to the regs when installed in 1985. It probably wasnt.

The best route forwards for you, given you probably have no RCD, is to ask an electrician for a periodic inspection. This will tell you exactly what needs doing. You will probably need a new consumer unit to comply with current regs (17th edition).

 

[mbeamethyst]

Thanks for the reply. Not sure what an RCD is?

Is it only because we're installing the new kitchen that we have to make these changes? If we didn't make any changes to the electricals in the kitchen, would that be acceptable, or do we have to update the electricals to the new regulations as part of the kitchen installation?

 

[ColJack]

you only have to bring up to date those circuits that you are altering or extending.
if you're not touching the electrics then there is no requirement to do so.
that said however, making sure your main earth bonds are in place and checking / getting an RCD fitted ( on the sockets at least ) is always a good idea.

 

[sparkwright]

I can't think why a house built in 1985 shouldn't be wired to regs of 1985.

Unless your fuse board has been replaced at some time, you should consider a new consumer unit and check earth to water and gas is satifactory. Get someone suitably qualified, someone recommended if possible.

IMO a new consumer unit puts right many potential problems.

 

[spark1]

Thanks for the reply. Not sure what an RCD is?

In Simple terms an RCD can be described as a Safety device / or switch wich constanly monitors the Electricity flowing through it. If it detects a leakage of the electricity along the wiring or at the equipment connected /plugged into it, then it automatically operates and cuts off the power to the circuit connected to the RCD...this could prevent Electric shock...burns..or fire.

 

[mbeamethyst]

Thanks for all the replies, this is a great help and makes sense that its only if we're altering anything we have to make sure new stuff complies with current regs. Will pass info on to the technical one in the family!

Spark1 thanks for taking the time to answer both my recent forum questions.

 

[sparkwright]

Thanks for all the replies, this is a great help and makes sense that its only if we're altering anything we have to make sure new stuff complies with current regs. Will pass info on to the technical one in the family!

Spark1 thanks for taking the time to answer both my recent forum questions.

You need to click the 'thanks' button adjacent Spark1's comment.

 

[mbeamethyst]

Hi looking for a bit more advice. We checked our cosumer unit and its a MEMERA 21 (Tested to BS5486t13) loading 100Amps max. There is one blanked space available for fitting another MCB.

The kitchen sockets are part of a ring main that includes the bedrooms in the property (bungalow). The existing oven is connected directly to the consumer unit via 45 amp cable and has its own connection switch in the kitchen.

We are installing the following appliances:

Induction Hob (total connected load 7200 watts) - this will be situated where the existing oven is so we were planning to connect it to the existing 45amp cable and switch unit.
Oven (total connected load 3680 watts) - this is a new installation so no cabling exists.
Steam Oven (total connected load 1900 watts) - again this is a new installation so no cabling exists.

Both these appliances will be situated in units next to each other and are approx 3m from the consumer unit.

What do I need to do to connect these new appliances to the consumer unit and also is what we're planning to do with the induction hob acceptable?

If RCDs are required, where should they be fitted - is it to each appliance and do we need to fit RCDs to the socket ring?

Thanks

 

[dingbat]

I can't think why a house built in 1985 shouldn't be wired to regs of 1985.

Really?

Then you have a misplaced faith in electricians' understanding of regulations!

 

[Monkeh]

I can't think why a house built in 1985 shouldn't be wired to regs of 1985.

Really?

Then you have a misplaced faith in electricians' understanding of regulations!

Not to mention their level of give-a-crap.

 

[ColJack]

why would one built in 2008 not be wired to the 2008 regs?
because they come out in june so you've 6 months to use the old regs..

 

[securespark]

True. You may find a house wired in 1985 but on the wrong side of the VO ELCB update.

Which means you may have a TT-fed installation "protected" by such a device.

 

[skenk]

What do I need to do to connect these new appliances to the consumer unit and also is what we're planning to do with the induction hob acceptable?

If RCDs are required, where should they be fitted - is it to each appliance and do we need to fit RCDs to the socket ring?

Thanks

We could tell you, but if you need to ask then many of us on here would question your ability to do the job properly.

There are various methods which you can use to comply with wiring and building regulations for the changes you mention. Some options will be cheaper and others (ie new CU) will cost more but allow you upgrade the rest of the house at the same time and allow you unrestricted changes to the existing setup .

But ever mind the design and construction for a moment, have you even considered the inspection and testing required to ensure the wiring is safe (before and after alterations) and to certify the installation is to current standards? If not then you may well run into problems down the line when you come to sell the property or even be prosecuted, or made to undo the work if you were supposed to have a building warrant (depends on the height of your property and your proposed changes).

As Steve said, your best route forward is to get an electrician to do a periodic inspection.