Fail EICR because of partial RCD protection

X LI said:

I’m confused about whether older houses need to meet the latest standards, because if so, wouldn’t every landlord with an older property have to replace their CU?

Potentially yes. Have you read the other recent thread about failing an EICR for lack of RCD protection?

The system does not quite work this way, but IMHO, it is inappropriate to keep issuing C3 for the same item. In a sense the inspector is saying, "I shall pass you today, but please get it fixed before the next inspection."

Parliament, in its wisdom, has decided that privately let properties must have a safe electrical installation.

Frankly, £640 including the EICR is very reasonable. Deduct the cost of the EICR, deduct income tax, and it does not amount to much for 5 years' peace of mind. Look at it as an investment, just like replacing an outdated kitchen appliance.

There is one alternative solution, which I do not recommend, but the immersion and garage circuits probably do not need RCD protection, so the CU could be rearranged.

Chris Pearson said:

but the immersion and garage circuits probably do not need RCD protection

Unless they're wired in T&E concealed in a wall <50mm deep ... which perhaps likely?

   - Andy.

Fair comment!

It is what at the time was known as 'split load' or 'split board'.

The  other thing that would quite likely raise hackles now is it being a plastic bodied CU.

Is this the only non compliance with the whole installation or are there others ?

Another ugly fix might be to accquire and install a second RCD beside or  place of the main switch forming 2 RCD protected groups that may need some lighting circuits to share to make room.

 But again its a sticking plaster solution, longer term the whole CU will need to change to meet current regs. I suggest getting one with more ways so there is room for the likely upcoming solar power heat pump etc that will be needed in the coming decades.

Yes. in the modern world of domestic consumer units they seem to last about 25 years - not due to technical failure,  usually, just to the onward march of the no and type of things folk plug in.  ;-)

It used to be longer, in the early 1970s our predecessors  were taking out boards installed in the 1930s.

Mike.

It is what at the time was known as 'split load' or 'split board'.

The  other thing that would quite likely raise hackles now is it being a plastic bodied CU.

Is this the only non compliance with the whole installation or are there others ?

Another ugly fix might be to accquire and install a second RCD beside or  place of the main switch forming 2 RCD protected groups that may need some lighting circuits to share to make room.

 But again its a sticking plaster solution, longer term the whole CU will need to change to meet current regs. I suggest getting one with more ways so there is room for the likely upcoming solar power heat pump etc that will be needed in the coming decades.

Yes. in the modern world of domestic consumer units they seem to last about 25 years - not due to technical failure,  usually, just to the onward march of the no and type of things folk plug in.  ;-)

It used to be longer, in the early 1970s our predecessors  were taking out boards installed in the 1930s.

Mike.

The general guidance for a plastic CU is just a note if it isn't installed in a sole means of escape route or under the stairs. So not even a C3 recommend improvement.

Gary