Assesing suitability for RCD Consumer unit

[whitebeetle]

Hi All , When assesing the suitability of fitting an RCD Controlled consumer unit on an ageing installation (i.e swapping from just an on'off incomer and rewirable fuses) whats the easiest method of testing to see if fitting RCD will cause problems with un-neccecary tripping. I.e what tests do you carry out. I cannot see how its feasible to go to a property of someone who wants a quote for a new consumer unit and have to disconnect and test every circuit before being confident of a reliable system after fitting new consumer unit ? What tests do you carry out ?
Cheers
Chris.

[Jason.S]

Insulation resistance tests can be carried out to confirm that the cables are still good and that there are no borrowed neutrals.

[sparky paul]

you could explain the potential for problems to the customer and they might agree to you doing a full test prior to changing the board and it saves you testing it when you change the board (fully anyway).



i tend to go with the suck it and see aproach,in other words change the board anyway and deal with any problems as they arise,usually due to a borrowed nuetral on the lights or dodgy diy,but i allways make sure the customer knows there might be problems before hand

[whitebeetle]

Thanks for reply's. Interesting to hear how different people approach this and like you say best to explain it first. I was just thinking of the amount of time involved if you were to insulation resistance test each circuit (obviously after disconnecting all sensitive equipment , lamps e.t.c.) just to put it back again and tell them changing it will cause problems !

[sparky paul]

welll you charge them for the test and if alls well you knock it off the price you would have charged for testing after,if you find problems and they decide not to go ahead at least you been payed for your time spent testing

[whitebeetle]

Ingenious idea Thats seems the way to go
Thanks for the help.
Chris.