Board change

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.

 

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.