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Fail EICR because of partial RCD protection

X LI

Hi Everyone,

I just had an EICR inspection, and in the picture you can see my CU, which shows the lighting circuits on the right side without any RCD protection. My house was built in 2000–2001. In my previous EICR inspection (2021), this was recorded as a C3 (partial RCD protection), but the new inspector today said I must replace the CU, otherwise it’s a fail of EICR (C2).

He told me that under the new regulations, the lighting circuits must be RCD protected — is that correct? 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? I thought new regulations only apply to new installations from the time they are introduced.

Where can I find the official guidance on this? The inspector only showed me some random Google searches, which didn’t look very reliable.

For context: the plastic CU is on the ground floor, and although it’s around 25 years old, it’s fully functional and looks almost new. All bathrooms are on the first floor, with a ceiling height of about 2.4m.

Do I really need to replace my CU? The quote I’ve been given is around £640 for a CU replacement include a 5-year EICR.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

  • 0 in reply to AJJewsbury

    Come to think of it, wouldn't the lighting circuits also be concealed in walls?

  • 0

    Dear all,

    Thank you for your time and kind replies so far. I also consulted with the previous inspector, who was very clear that we don’t need to replace the CU. He said:

    *"To renew the EICR, the FI items on the current report will need to be investigated first, and any issues found will need to be rectified. Once the remedial work is completed, a satisfactory certificate can be issued.

    I’ll need to revisit the property to carry out the investigation and identify exactly what work is required."*

    These were his previous comments. I guess my husband preferred a 5 Yr EICR, which is why we engaged a new inspector this time. However, we were surprised that the new inspector asked us to replace the CU with a quote of £640, which may be less for other landlords, but we see it as a big price. 

    I will ask the previous inspector to come and provide a quote, including both the remedial work and the EICR. I will update the thread once I have his feedback.

  • 0 in reply to X LI

    That provides some context - though an 'FI' = further investigation needed is NOT a satisfactory, unlike a C3 ,that is 'improvement recommended' - just recommended, not compulsory. But be aware that over time, as regulations change, "could" often later becomes "should" becomes "must".

    If that was the result from 3 years ago, what was the result of that further investigation done at that time ?

    Mike

  • 0 in reply to mapj1

    Thank you for your comments. I then contacted my previous inspector, who came to our house again to carry out a follow-up inspection. In the end, he only replaced the light above the shower cubicle with a waterproof one, and then agreed to issue me a 5-year EICR. The total cost was £180 (£30 for the light replacement). I believe this was a discounted price, as we are an old customer of his.

    I also consulted with another new inspector, he also advised we dont need to replace the CU. 

  • 0 in reply to X LI

    Thank you for the update a good outcome I think. But, do please realise that in 5 years time it is quite possible that the RCD thing will have moved from 'we recommend this improvement' to 'just do it now, ' , but this gives you the time to slowly plan that - around times when the tenant is not at home , and perhaps before (rather than after) any other decorating as that may be damaged etc, as opposed to being pushed into something with almost no warning or time to decide what is really needed for a reasonably 'future proof' installation.

    Mike.

  • 0 in reply to mapj1

    I entirely agree. I would add that RCDs do not last forever. If that little test button stops working, you will have no choice but to get a new consumer unit.

    I would plan for some time before the EICR expires. You new CU will come with an EIC (electrical installation certificate), which is remarkably similar to an EICR.

  • 0 in reply to Chris Pearson

    If that little test button stops working, you will have no choice 

    Well legrand/tenby units are still available, but only as either old stock or salvage/used so after a fashion, spares are available  but it's not a sensible long term option more of a bangernomics * fix.

    (I bet no-one is doing that monthly test though.)
    Mike

    *  defined 

    https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/tips-advice/98907/bangernomics-how-buy-banger-and-run-it-peanuts 

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