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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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    RB1981:

    It's actually tested with 14A on one side (a moderate overload) and 6A on the other. I think for one hour. 




    To avoid sumthucking and for our edification, anyone with access to a consultant's library that can quote the rating?


    BS 1363-2:2016+A1:2018 - 13 A plugs, socket-outlets, adaptors and connection units. Specification for 13 A switched and unswitched socket-outlets.


    Jaymack
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    I think the crux of the point here is that a 13A socket is rated at 13A wheras a twin 13A socket is also rated at 13A not 26A (although it`s actually type tested by a bit more than that)
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    We discussed all of this last year.


    Rating is 13 A (total).


    Testing is 14 A + 6 A with a maximum temperature rise of 50 deg C over 4 hours and 20 deg C ambient.
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    I hope that there are not many others, who think that a twin socket is rated for 26A.



    Depends on the manufacturer. Some exceed BS 1363 minimum requirements. For instance I think MK state that their sockets are rated 13A per outlet - i.e. up to 26A per twin.


       - Andy.
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    So if I own up and admit that the first couple of dual consumer units I installed as replacements I put all the lights on the one RCD and all the sockets on the other will I have to go and stand in the corner?


    It was then pointed out, probably on this forum, that if you mix and match the layout then if the upstairs lights go out then the bed side lamps will still work and so on.


    As far as I know there is no regulation requiring consumer units to be laid out like this, it just one of those bright ideas that someone had that has become generally accepted.


    Andy Betteridge
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    AJJewsbury:




    I hope that there are not many others, who think that a twin socket is rated for 26A.



    Depends on the manufacturer. Some exceed BS 1363 minimum requirements. For instance I think MK state that their sockets are rated 13A per outlet - i.e. up to 26A per twin.


    Still only 13 A total according to their literature.


    However, we have had no problem with washing machine and tumble drier plugged into one double; and a kettle and toaster plugged into another. (Different circuits.)

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    Plus. someone like me (awkward beggar that I am) might not do both lighting and power into straightforward up down splits in a 2 floor property.  Although I`ll oft start out as a first approximation for power as 1/ Kitchen, 2/ Lower floor & 3/ Upper Floor (Yes I`m a ringer - usually, but not exclusively) but depending on incomming supply position and other factors I might split as front v back or some such, so the 2 RCD scenario is not always favourable. I often encourage RCBOing the lot and it`s not overly expensive these days.


    Is an RCD an OPD? well it`s an Over Earth Fault Current Protective Device if you look at it that way I suppose
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    Still only 13 A total according to their literature.





    This one https://www.mkelectric.com/Documents/English/EN%20MK%20Technical%20Specifications/WD%20general%20tech.pdf

    seems to say "Current rating: 13A per socket outlet (except 3 gang which is 13 amp in total)" - maybe they've gone downhill since that was published.


       - Andy.

  • 0

    AJJewsbury:




    Still only 13 A total according to their literature.





    This one https://www.mkelectric.com/Documents/English/EN%20MK%20Technical%20Specifications/WD%20general%20tech.pdf

    seems to say "Current rating: 13A per socket outlet (except 3 gang which is 13 amp in total)" - maybe they've gone downhill since that was published.


    I have just had a butcher's hook behind one of my older MK sockets and just like the modern ones, it says "13 A".


    What is undeniably the case is that each socket must be able to deliver 13 A. Each switch must also be capable of dealing with 13 A.


    Given that it is perfectly possible to insert two plugs, each fused at 13 A, it seems odd that if the rating for the pair is only 13 A, there is no OPD in the accessory - unlike a multi-way adapter or for that matter, MK's triple socket.

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    Given that it is perfectly possible to insert two plugs, each fused at 13 A, it seems odd that if the rating for the pair is only 13 A



    BS 1363 allows 2-way adaptors to be unfused - but 3-way one need to be fused. So there does seem to be a certain consistency (I wouldn't quite call it logic) - a twin socket is the equivalent of a single socket + a 2-way adaptor and a triple socket is the equivalent of single socket + a 3-way adaptor.


    I guess no-one on that committee thought it likely that someone would use two 2-way adaptors in one socket to achieve the same as a 3-way adaptor or use an adaptor in a twin socket....


       - Andy.

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