Board change

 the circuits have been in use for around 30yrs

This is part of the reason why you would want to do a full system test on it. It could be due a full re-wire if the circuits are that sort of age.


In my opinion, a board change requires a full test and classed as a new installation or at the very least, a minor works certificate with any deviations from the regs and notes all mentioned in there as well. Testing one or two circuits just doesn't cut it in my opinion as you'll have removed all the circuits, changed all the breakers, moved the cables around and disturbed the system as a whole. It also depends how large the installation is and over all condition of it.



I hope you mentioned to the client what the board change involves as it's a lot more involved than just swapping one thing out for another - if you start coming across readings that aren't acceptable then you could have a lot of fault finding or rewiring on your hands which is of course an added cost to the client. If you swap a board out and include 30mA RCBOs then you could have the issue of not being able to turn them on at all if there's an issue.


IMHO, and EICR is only as good as the electrician who tested it on the day - just like an MOT. You can trust it to a certain extent but it should be taken with a pinch of salt.

SScho:

IMHO, and EICR is only as good as the electrician who tested it on the day - just like an MOT. You can trust it to a certain extent but it should be taken with a pinch of salt.

Timeserved:

Hi Jewsbury,

i was thinking of just carrying out the live tests as the circuits have been in use for around 30yrs along with a couple of IRT tests on some of the radials to gain a good overall assesment. Didn't think that the dead tests would be relevant here has these are existing circuits which have previously been energised and then to reference the EICR that's just been carried out for R1+R2 reading if needed. Will gain further advise from NIC EIC to see what they think is appropriate too, will be interesting...

 the circuits have been in use for around 30yrs .... It could be due a full re-wire if the circuits are that sort of age.

In my opinion, a board change requires a full test and classed as a new installation

Alcomax:

 

 the circuits have been in use for around 30yrs .... It could be due a full re-wire if the circuits are that sort of age.

Why at the age of 30 is the wiring suspect enough to be condemned? Is this the "Logan's Run" approach to work generation?

In my opinion, a board change requires a full test and classed as a new installation

A distribution board change is a replacement , and does not "renew the installation". A marketing ploy, maybe, for the unscrupulous.

 

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE
Notes for the person producing the Certificate:  

1. The electrical Installation Certificate is to be used only for the initial certification of a new installation or for an addition or alteration to an existing installation where new circuits have been introduced, or the replacement of a consumer unit/distribution board.

SScho:

Alcomax:

 

 the circuits have been in use for around 30yrs .... It could be due a full re-wire if the circuits are that sort of age.

Why at the age of 30 is the wiring suspect enough to be condemned? Is this the "Logan's Run" approach to work generation?

In my opinion, a board change requires a full test and classed as a new installation

A distribution board change is a replacement , and does not "renew the installation". A marketing ploy, maybe, for the unscrupulous.

 

I admit that there are installations that are still to be deemed as "OK", even though they could be 50 odd years old, but as I said, it depends entirely on the condition of the installation and part of the reason why I would want to do a full test on it to make sure nothing has broken down or is on the verge of it - Even though everyone loves going back to site 3 months down the line because the lights keep tripping and it was "your fault"...


As for my reasoning for a full test on a new DB - BS7671 specifies that a minor works certificate "should not be used for replacement of distribution boards or similar items" (appendix 6, page 466 - 18th Edition). So you're not doing a minor works certificate, and you're not doing a condition report - that whittles down the options a bit. (See Page 464 of BS7671 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations) -

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE
Notes for the person producing the Certificate:  

1. The electrical Installation Certificate is to be used only for the initial certification of a new installation or for an addition or alteration to an existing installation where new circuits have been introduced, or the replacement of a consumer unit/distribution board.

You also need to confirm that the board you're supplying has the appropriate equipment for the supply characteristics and the correct operating and protective factors for the installation provided. Hardly a "marketing ploy" to make sure you're doing something properly.

 

but in the case of just a board replacement, it will not be for the purposes of initial verification.

I don't think you've quite understood... Where are you getting this information? You need to go over the process of initial verification when you change a board, exactly as you would when you have a brand new installation.


The Regs state that you shouldn't use a minor works certificate for a board change, and that you should use the Installation Certificate (with the schedule of inspections and schedule of test results.)


 

You need to go over the process of initial verification when you change a board, exactly as you would when you have a brand new installation.