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Obvious departures from the regulations at first glance at a new consumer unit.

Jaymack
I was asked to give an EICR on an domestic property which is to be placed on the market (part P applicable). I found that a builder as part of the other renovation work, (new doors, windows and kitchen etc.) has carried out the installation of a new metal consumer unit. On first opening this dual RCD unit, the 2 lighting circuits were on one R.C.D., and the 2 final ring circuits on the other R.C.D,, it was obvious also, that some wires to the new CB's were short and not lengthened, resulting in a bird's nest at the M.C.B.''s.


Plainly, a qualified electrician hadn't carried out the work. What would the readers as registered electricians have done ?. 1. Walk away. 2. Propose to have an E.I.C.R. carried out (UNSATISFACTORY), then carry out the rectification work and issue MWC's.3. Rectify the obvious departures, issue M.W.C.'s and then issue a SATISFACTORY E.I.C.R. 


Jaymack
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    Posted by Arran Cameron on Mar 15, 2020 12:07 pm

    Another argument is having the MCB for the lighting circuit in the room of the CU at the far end so you can easily feel its position when it trips during the hours of darkness. 

    Back to basics, a torch or an emergency light at the Consumer Unit would serve the purpose. No one should be feeling around a C.U., what if there are missing blanks?.


    Jaymack
  • 0

    Jaymack:



    Another argument is having the MCB for the lighting circuit in the room of the CU at the far end so you can easily feel its position when it trips during the hours of darkness. 

    Back to basics, a torch or an emergency light at the Consumer Unit would serve the purpose. No one should be feeling around a C.U., what if there are missing blanks?


    C1.

  • 0
    Interesting thread, which to me, highlights the different approaches/attitudes to the job.

    Some look to pass an installation whilst some by default, look to fail one.

    This is why, despite whatever the regulations state, everyone interprets them differently to some degree or other.

    Who is right and who is wrong?

    If only the regulations were prescriptive enough to help us work it out once and for all............
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    Jaymack:




    Sparkingchip:

    I have installed economy seven consumer units with alternate ways left empty to allow the MCBs to run cooler.


    Andy Betteridge 




     

    A holier than thou and a cavalier attitude. Being economy 7, there would be long periods of no activity on MCB's. 1. How would the overall I²t losses, be affected with that arrangement?. 2. Would the maker concur with that arrangement as being necessary?. 3. Would the customer be paying for your design. 4. Would you advocate that arrangement for all C.U.'s. 5. Would you advocate others to follow suit. and the bottom line for dollars and sense - 6. Would it make you competitive? ?

    Jaymack

     




    Read some manufacturers instructions for installing MCBs which will be fully loaded for up to seven hours.


    Andy Betteridge 

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    https://www2.theiet.org/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=205&threadid=32254


    ?
  • 0

    Sparkingchip:




    Jaymack:




    Sparkingchip:

    I have installed economy seven consumer units with alternate ways left empty to allow the MCBs to run cooler.


    Andy Betteridge 




     

    A holier than thou and a cavalier attitude. Being economy 7, there would be long periods of no activity on MCB's. 1. How would the overall I²t losses, be affected with that arrangement?. 2. Would the maker concur with that arrangement as being necessary?. 3. Would the customer be paying for your design. 4. Would you advocate that arrangement for all C.U.'s. 5. Would you advocate others to follow suit. and the bottom line for dollars and sense - 6. Would it make you competitive? ?

    Jaymack

     




    Read some manufacturers instructions for installing MCBs which will be fully loaded for up to seven hours.


    Andy Betteridge 


     




    Does this imply derating?, for my edification and others, please give a link to these manufacturer's instructions.


    Jaymack 

  • 0

    Sparkingchip:

    Try pegging the precise requirement down to determine exactly how  many RCDs are required in a typical domestic installation.


    Andy Betteridge 




    How is that done?, cost depends on the bank balance, electrics are usually a low priority for Joe Public. Now if they kicked a ball for an occupation. .?


    Jaymack

  • 0

    Jaymack:




    Chris Pearson:




    As it stands, the 32 A MCB is satisfactory.




     




     

    What is now the current rating for a twin 13A socket outlet?.


    Jaymack

     




    No reply yet to the question. what is the answer? I hope that there are not many others, who think that a twin socket is rated for 26A..


    Please consider my posts as being constructive and instructive for me too, the noo, There are many supercilious types around the forum but I like the banter, (when I have the time!).


    Jaymack

  • 0
    13A rating for the point  (type tested to 20A - 13A one side 7A other side for xxxx hours)
  • 0
    It's actually tested with 14A on one side (a moderate overload) and 6A on the other. I think for one hour.

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