Consumer unit / rewire

[Mistynov]

Morning all,
Try to keep it short. We purchased our house 2 years ago, on a tight budget and wanting to get out of renting we purchased a house using a basic survey etc. Looking back maybe not tge best idea but hey we did what we did.
Anyway we have been looking at doing improvements and had a quote for a new boiler, the guy that came to look questioned if the house had been re wired. I said we have no idea.
He had a quick look at the consumer unit(fuse box) and said maybe worth getting that looked at. So my question is, how much does it cost to have the unit up graded or does it need it if I can fit a replacment cover thats missing. It is locates very high up in the kitchen cupboard that is not used.
When decorating we found cut outs in the walls above socet and light locations where by it looked like cables had been replaced.

 

[Mistynov]

The second fuse box is located in the consevatory and powers the consvatory and summer house with power ( this has yet another fuse box in it as well)
The house has solar pannels, and a sticker saying british gas?? Checked it 2013 but we do not have any proof of that

 

[Strima]

It would be worth getting a periodic inspection carried out, also known as an EICR. This would determine the condition of your electrical installation and any safety impairments.

TBH it does look a little dated and shows evidence of alterations such as different makes of circuit breakers etc.

Is the third picture in the kitchen area by any chance?

 

[Mistynov]

It would be worth getting a periodic inspection carried out, also known as an EICR. This would determine the condition of your electrical installation and any safety impairments.

TBH it does look a little dated and shows evidence of alterations such as different makes of circuit breakers etc.

Is the third picture in the kitchen area by any chance?

No 3rd photo is front room furthest wall in the house away from the fuse box.

What is a rough cost for a EICR in Nottingham area, 3 bed terrace house. Around 4 sockets per bedroom , 5 in front room , 3 in consvatory and then the outside sockets

 

[telectrix]

what he said.^^^^^. a EICR is a codition report on the installation, like a detailed survey. this would highlight any problems with recommendations for improvement. a competent local sparks can do this for you at a rough costing £150 - £200. then you'll know where you stand.

 

[UNG]

I agree with Strima, first off get an EICR done

Depending on what the outcome of that is there then may be a number of options to consider the worst possible being a rewire or it may be just a replacement of one or both of the consumer units is all that is needed.

 

[Mistynov]

OK sounds like I need to get someone in. Never had any issues with the electrics it's just based on what the heating guy said.
When they come to do the check is there a risk they could turn it all off if deemed not up to scratch?

 

[James]

Not much in the pictures inspires me with confidence.

A call to a local spark would be a great place to start.
Try to use one that is registered to do domestic installation work, not just the cheapest eicr quote that you get.

 

[Mistynov]

Not much in the pictures inspires me with confidence.

A call to a local spark would be a great place to start.
Try to use one that is registered to do domestic installation work, not just the cheapest eicr quote that you get.

Would you say un safe or to be worried about?

 

[James]

OK sounds like I need to get someone in. Never had any issues with the electrics it's just based on what the heating guy said.
When they come to do the check is there a risk they could turn it all off if deemed not up to scratch?

Not really.
If something seriously dangerous, I.e. a direct and immediate risk to life, a danger notice could be given to you and the circuit in question left switched off.
However, this is rare in the extreme .

Because you own the house and are not renting it out, there is no legal requirement to fix anything listed in the report.
However, common sense tells you to fix any c1 or c2 faults as soon as possible

 

[Mistynov]

Yeah had a quick google of c1 and c2 problems. With the boiler on the blink its gonna be an expensive summer

 

[pc1966]

No one can realistically give you a cost without knowing the condition, as they have to end up with a safe and regulation-meeting installation. The EICR should give you that information, but be aware that some offer the EICR dirt-cheap as they plan on stinging you for (possibly unnecessary) work afterwards.

If you want a fairly detailed list of potential problems and how serious they are, this guidance note is probably the most sane one:

https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/media/2149/bpg4-1.pdf

There may be professionals on this forum in your area who are able to quote for the EICR and any remedial work. Given you are thinking of a new CU anyway, and it looks like a good idea from those photos, the main point to discover is if there is any additional corrective work needed. That can be trivial in some cases (e.g. fix odd broken socket / open ring connection) to more serious if there is cable that showing failing insulation (not that common with PVC in fair condition, it can last 50+ years).

Also note you do not have to get the same person who did the EICR back to do any work. If you are unsure of the result then post it here with personal detailed redacted (e.g. your name/address, who did it) and folk here can maybe help you.

 

[pc1966]

Just to add, the best practice guides also cover a CU (consumer unit = fuse box) replacement directly here:

https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/media/2146/bpg1.pdf

But deal with the EICR first.

 

[telectrix]

OK sounds like I need to get someone in. Never had any issues with the electrics it's just based on what the heating guy said.
When they come to do the check is there a risk they could turn it all off if deemed not up to scratch?

When they come to do the check is there a risk they could turn it all off if deemed not up to scratch?

us sparks don't have the authority to disconnect unsafe installations. all we can do is switch off any dangerous circuits, with the proviso that you, as a householder, can turn back on (if you stupidly ignore the advice given).

 

[westward10]

I'm intrigued as I know most consumer unit brands from sight but your main one is puzzling and could be an ad hoc made-up unit judging from the enclosure and the numbering sequence. Can you post a clearer head on pic just for my curiosity.

 

[telectrix]

as above.also, could those 5 OCPDs in 7.8.9.10 and 11 be 1361 fuses?

 

[old man sparky]

Agree with others. You do need a good EICR on the installation. Looking at your pics you seem to have a single RCD covering your circuits. If that's working correctly then that will offer a degree of confidence regarding safety, but with a very big BUT !!
Definitely get the EICR conducted, research the guy NOT the company doing that EICR (Its that man on the tools that counts). Don't be afraid to ask him for qualifications, and experience.
Do NOT go for the cheapest quote (false economy) and if you like, post the findings on this forum.
There are some genuine, experienced, guys here who will smell a rat if there is one.
Oh yes!! No code 2s for plastic consumer units, have seen a few of those in my time.

 

[Mistynov]

I'm intrigued as I know most consumer unit brands from sight but your main one is puzzling and could be an ad hoc made-up unit judging from the enclosure and the numbering sequence. Can you post a clearer head on pic just for my curiosity.

Its vynckier on the main board?

 

[Mistynov]

Agree with others. You do need a good EICR on the installation. Looking at your pics you seem to have a single RCD covering your circuits. If that's working correctly then that will offer a degree of confidence regarding safety, but with a very big BUT !!
Definitely get the EICR conducted, research the guy NOT the company doing that EICR (Its that man on the tools that counts). Don't be afraid to ask him for qualifications, and experience.
Do NOT go for the cheapest quote (false economy) and if you like, post the findings on this forum.
There are some genuine, experienced, guys here who will smell a rat if there is one.
Oh yes!! No code 2s for plastic consumer units, have seen a few of those in my time.

 

[Deleted account]

Just a little bit of input, non electrical.

it may b3 worth stopping your redecoration as if you do need a rewire you will hav3 5o redecorate all over again.

 

[Mistynov]

There seems to be alot of dead (not live cables) through out the house in various rooms where sockets are hence me thinking wires had been renewed. House was built in the 60's .

 

[Mistynov]

Just a little bit of input, non electrical.

it may b3 worth stopping your redecoration as if you do need a rewire you will hav3 5o redecorate all over again.

That was another fear, we have just finished all bar 1 room!

 

[Mistynov]

Don't think I'll get the guy I had to install the outside light as that even I think was a nasty job. He does the EICR's, when he installed the light he never mentioned anything about the fuse box plus the outside light as far as I am aware is not on a RCD as this taken from the tumble trier socket

 

[Deleted account]

Don't think I'll get the guy I had to install the outside light as that even I think was a nasty job. He does the EICR's, when he installed the light he never mentioned anything about the fuse box plus the outside light as far as I am aware is not on a RCD as this taken from the tumble trier socket

Is it plugged into the socket or a wire spurred from it. Is it fused down do you know?

 

[Mistynov]

Is it plugged into the socket or a wire spurred from it. Is it fused down do you know?

He has cracked the socket and the cable comes out thro the wall . No fuse as far as I am aware . I will post a pic

 

[Mistynov]

Sorry yes there is a fuse

 

[Deleted account]

I think you may be right in not getting this guy to do the EICR.

edit: responded to post 25 before post 26 came up.

 

[Mistynov]

I think you may be right in not getting this guy to do the EICR.

Cost me around 50 or 60 quid can't remember . I was not here, when I came home wasnt overly happy as he used white pipe outside which I think looks cheap and the light is so high I cant get the screws off the cover to change the bulb!

 

[Deleted account]

On one of your boards there is RCD protection for sockets, so the outside light might be protected As it’s spurred from the socket.

so it may be he has done the job correctly. I was a bit quick to judge.

 

[Mistynov]

On one of your boards there is RCD protection for sockets, so the outside light might be protected As it’s spurred from the socket.

so it may be he has done the job correctly. I was a bit quick to judge.

If you mean the smaller board that only is for the consavatory and outside summer house nothing inside the house is off that just the main board

 

[Strima]

Cost me around 50 or 60 quid can't remember . I was not here, when I came home wasnt overly happy as he used white pipe outside which I think looks cheap and the light is so high I cant get the screws off the cover to change the bulb!

To be fair I think the conduit looks better than just a cable clipped to the wall, but I would have discussed options with the customer before installing it.

 

[Deleted account]

Is the second board fed from the first. If so the second board will have RCD protection.

just playing devils advocate hear.
I think the conduit looks nice neat and tidy. Seems a good job. Did you specify height of light?
if you where not there, who was there to answer any installation queries?

again just playing devils advocate.
id be happy with that installation.

 

[Mistynov]

To be fair I think the conduit looks better than just a cable clipped to the wall, but I would have discussed options with the customer before installing it.

Dont mind it but I think black would have been less in your face. He never mentioned doing it like that. Originally was to clip the cable to the wall and light about a foot lower

 

[Mike Johnson]

The white conduit probably matches the UPVC door.

 

[Mistynov]

Is the second board fed from the first. If so the second board will have RCD protection.

just playing devils advocate hear.
I think the conduit looks nice neat and tidy. Seems a good job. Did you specify height of light?
if you where not there, who was there to answer any installation queries?

again just playing devils advocate.
id be happy with that installation.

No second board . No one am afraid he was left to do when we had just purchased it. We spoke and the light was to be around a foot lower and the hold near the door so the cable would be along the door frame then across to the light. My own fault really as I did not go after it was installed for a couple of days and well just will live with it as it was a long time ago.

 

[Deleted account]

For me black conduit inside or industrial. White for outside Always unless specified.

 

[Deleted account]

No second board .

when I said second board I meant the conservatory board.

is the conservatory board fed from the main board?

if you turn off all the circuits on the main board does the second board have power?

 

[Mistynov]

when I said second board I meant the conservatory board.

is the conservatory board fed from the main board?

if you turn off all the circuits on the main board does the second board have power?

Sorry. When the main board is off no power to the consvatory

 

[old man sparky]

An EICR carried out by an experienced competent person is without doubt the best way to go. You can never judge by just looking at an installation photos or otherwise. I have seen installs that have looked neat tidy and compliant, and then its turned out to be lethal.
As an example, a 6 year old property, client said getting shock from shower !! RCD not functioning, cpc from isolator to shower was floating, and the element had gone down to earth, plastic pipe to the shower. Said he had a tingle when in the shower and his elbow touched the tiles. His wife said she felt like it was a static shock like when you touch a car bodywork, when she turned the shower off !!
One of the worst real life examples I have encountered, and lets be honest a fatality waiting to happen.
Sorry !! I have gone off topic here but just wanted to point out what can happen and why EICR,s carried out properly are so important.

 

[Deleted account]

Sorry. When the main board is off no power to the consvatory

That means the RCD from the main board is giving the protection needed for the conservatory board, thus the outside light is RCD protected.

all is good.

 

[Mistynov]

An EICR carried out by an experienced competent person is without doubt the best way to go. You can never judge by just looking at an installation photos or otherwise. I have seen installs that have looked neat tidy and compliant, and then its turned out to be lethal.
As an example, a 6 year old property, client said getting shock from shower !! RCD not functioning, cpc from isolator to shower was floating, and the element had gone down to earth, plastic pipe to the shower. Said he had a tingle when in the shower and his elbow touched the tiles. His wife said she felt like it was a static shock like when you touch a car bodywork, when she turned the shower off !!
One of the worst real life examples I have encountered, and lets be honest a fatality waiting to happen.
Sorry !! I have gone off topic here but just wanted to point out what can happen and why EICR,s carried out properly are so important.

Yes 100% will be getting someone in to do as soon as possible. I'll post the report as well just so all the guys and gals who have commented can see.

 

[Mistynov]

That means the RCD from the main board is giving the protection needed for the conservatory board, thus the outside light is RCD protected.

all is good.

That is good to no thank you!

 

[UNG]

For me black conduit inside or industrial. White for outside Always unless specified.

The default choice thing doesn't work for me, it's not all just about black and white. Unless your going all arty it's what looks aesthetically right for the install, it is ultimately the customers choice

 

[Strima]

The default choice thing doesn't work for me, it's not all just about black and white. Unless your going all arty it's what looks aesthetically right for the install, it is ultimately the customers choice

I have to agree, I tend to look at the property and see what fits, such as PVC facias, guttering, drainpipes etc.

 

[telectrix]

why did he not chase cable up internally and exit through the wall, direct into the outside light?

 

[Mike Johnson]

Easier to come straight out of the back box off a spur, no switch circuit its got a PIR.

 

[Mistynov]

Wall above the counter is fully tiled

 

[Mike Johnson]

Wrong thread I think.