EIC test details - only put new work circuit details?

All of the test results I recorded were for the whole installation - new and old, as I changed the consumer unit, is that right? I tested every point and accessory on all circuits.

If it was a consumer unit change only, would I input the circuit details (type of wiring, cable sizes, reference methods, points served) of what can be seen in the consumer unit and then LIM or N/A for the reference method? 

Certificates (rather than reports) only refer to the work you've done. However If you've done a CU change you will have done some work on all the outgoing circuits - even re-terminating existing cabling is work and has the potential to introduce or expose faults, Existing damage to insulation might have been undetectable while it was resting against a plastic enclosure, but be more of an issue now it's in a metal case; work-hardended c.p.c.s snapping off just inside sleeving after re-termination is another common one. You're not necessarily required to do a full test on the whole circuit, but I'd expect to see at least an insulation resistance, c.p.c. continuity and polarity test proved to the first accessory of each circuit to demonstrate that your work was correct. If you've changed the characteristics of some of the protective devices (e.g. replacing BS 3036 fuses with MCBs) you might find that the allowable max Zs have reduced (especially for originally 5s disconnection time circuits), so you might also need to prove the earth loop impedance at the furthest point is acceptable for the new device to prove you've not made the existing installation worse.

   - Andy.

I don't think that a CU change should be done just for the sake of it - there must be a reason.

If it is the result of an unsatisfactory EICR, that's fine. If a householder wants an upgrade for whatever reason, the installation should be I&T'd. So the starting point ought to be an EICR.

What you shouldn't do is connect an unsound circuit to the new CU. So that means that it must be tested before or after, preferably before.

A CU change may be with the intention of adding circuits. So on completion of a CU change, the furthest points should be checked to ensure that they are as they were (for me a Zs will do) or else test as a new circuit.

I see no problem with an EIC for a CU change referring to a previous EICR, whether it was done (preferably) by the same electrician or a different one.

Thanks for the reply. Sorry I wasn't clear. I did a pre-work survey, not far off a full EICR before changing the CU (my scheme doesn't let me complete EICRs) and then tested and inspected all circuits fully and every point after completing the work.

My question was about what is written on the certificate in columns 3 to 7 on the 'schedule of circuit details and test results' (type of wiring, reference method, number of points, conductor CSA). I have all the existing circuit details to complete the schedule fully (except existing circuit reference methods...unless I dismantled the whole house to find out) but should I only put details of the cables I installed in the new work? On existing circuits that I didn't install, do I put N/A? On altered circuits do I just refer to my new work?

Like you say, certificates only refer to the work done, so should I leave out any circuits I haven't worked on, and then for the circuits I have worked on, the details inputted refer to the new work only? For example, the lighting circuit, I did test every existing and new point and switch for continuity and polarity, then IR, Zs, PFC, RCD, but should my inputted results refer to the new work only? - 6X downlights in the kitchen - only their continuity and polarity (IR, Zs, PFC, RCD is at the CU or furthest point anyway so covers the whole circuit regardless).

Is the proper way to complete one certificate for the CU change, with results referring to every circuit and point, existing and new, and then another certificate for any additional circuits or alterations to circuits made and the results on that test sheet specific to the newly installed work only, ignoring the existing?

This question applies to alteration to an existing circuit too, maybe in a MEIWC, hypothetically, if there were 30 sockets on an existing circuit, and you add one, you test and input just your new work results for continuity and polarity (then IR, Zs, PFC, RCD at the CU)? I guess the CU change makes things a mess?

Sorry for the length of this book. Doing my swede in! Just want to know what I'm doing.

Thanks.

Thanks for the reply. Sorry I wasn't clear. I did a pre-work survey, not far off a full EICR before changing the CU (my scheme doesn't let me complete EICRs) and then tested and inspected all circuits fully and every point after completing the work.

My question was about what is written on the certificate in columns 3 to 7 on the 'schedule of circuit details and test results' (type of wiring, reference method, number of points, conductor CSA). I have all the existing circuit details to complete the schedule fully (except existing circuit reference methods...unless I dismantled the whole house to find out) but should I only put details of the cables I installed in the new work? On existing circuits that I didn't install, do I put N/A? On altered circuits do I just refer to my new work?

Like you say, certificates only refer to the work done, so should I leave out any circuits I haven't worked on, and then for the circuits I have worked on, the details inputted refer to the new work only? For example, the lighting circuit, I did test every existing and new point and switch for continuity and polarity, then IR, Zs, PFC, RCD, but should my inputted results refer to the new work only? - 6X downlights in the kitchen - only their continuity and polarity (IR, Zs, PFC, RCD is at the CU or furthest point anyway so covers the whole circuit regardless).

Is the proper way to complete one certificate for the CU change, with results referring to every circuit and point, existing and new, and then another certificate for any additional circuits or alterations to circuits made and the results on that test sheet specific to the newly installed work only, ignoring the existing?

This question applies to alteration to an existing circuit too, maybe in a MEIWC, hypothetically, if there were 30 sockets on an existing circuit, and you add one, you test and input just your new work results for continuity and polarity (then IR, Zs, PFC, RCD at the CU)? I guess the CU change makes things a mess?

Sorry for the length of this book. Doing my swede in! Just want to know what I'm doing.

Thanks.

(and sorry to duplicate this reply! I obviously wasn't clear in my initial question)

Jimi said:

(my scheme doesn't let me complete EICRs)

A CPS can hardly prevent you from doing them - you do not have to be a member of one to do them.

"(my scheme doesn't let me complete EICRs)" Can you explain what you mean by this statement please?

My question was about what is written on the certificate .

Rather than having a single hard-and-fast rule, I'd suggest it's better to use your judgement according to the particular circumstances (sometimes you'll naturally have results for the full circuit - sometimes results from the first leg of a circuit will be entirely sufficient and getting results for the entire circuit would be costly and unnecessary) - just make it clear on the schedule what your results are referring to ... in the model forms there's even a useful 'Remarks' column (25) which can be ideal for that sort of purpose.

That approach also encourages you not to make assumptions when reading other people's certs...

   - Andy.

I worded that wrong. I'm on a domestic installer scheme so can't use the NICEIC online certificate for EICRs - only domestic EIC, MEIWC, basic fire alarm certificate, building control notice, electrical danger notice. I suppose I could make my own or use the model forms. Know if you need additional insurance for EICRs? I did for fire alarms.

Nothing wrong with the model forms, which can be downloaded. You can even fill them in by hand! You would be well-advised to have professional indemnity insurance for EICRs. Not expensive!