EICR Unsatisfactory - New Property

[AjayS2367]

Hi,

I have a property that I was looking to rent out. Its 12 years old property so relatively new. I had a EICR done from a qualified electrican and it came out unsatisfactory which was a bit of a shock to us as we haven't done any work on electrics since new. Comments below:

Isolator (where present) is recommended for improvement. C3
Confirmation of indication that SPD is functional (651.4) is recommended for improvement. C3
For all socket-outlets of rating 32A or less, unless an exception is permitted (411.3.3) is in a potentially dangerous condition. Urgent remedial action is required. C2
For the supply of mobile equipment not exceeding 32A rating for use outdoors (411.3.3) is in a potentially dangerous condition. Urgent remedial action is required. C2
For cables concealed in walls at a depth of less than 50mm (522.6.202; 522.6.203) is in a potentially dangerous condition. Urgent remedial action is required.C2
For cables concealed in walls/partitions containing metal parts regardless of depth (522.6.203) is in a potentially dangerous condition. Urgent remedial action is required. C2

Additional Comments:
The electrical installation does not comply with BS7671, metal consumer unit partial rcd, no afdd, no spd

I have attached picture of the main consumer unit which is what the electrican was referring to. He said due to Glenfell Tower, these regulations apply from 2020 and consumer unit needs to be upgraded. Cost of replacement including VAT, Labour and materials: £550. Is the electrican correct? Also the charges seem high but I'm not sure what these go for.

 

[davesparks]

Isolator (where present) is recommended for improvement. C3

Ask them to specify what improvement they recommend.

Confirmation of indication that SPD is functional (651.4) is recommended for improvement. C3

Later in your post it says there is no SPD fitted, its impossible to confirm the function of something that doesn't exist so this should be N/A and not a C3.
A C3 recommendation to install an SPD would be fair though.

For all socket-outlets of rating 32A or less, unless an exception is permitted (411.3.3) is in a potentially dangerous condition. Urgent remedial action is required. C2

Your photo clearly shows socket circuits protected by an RCD, so unless the cooker switch has a built in socket which isn't RCD protected then this seems to be a mistake.

For the supply of mobile equipment not exceeding 32A rating for use outdoors (411.3.3) is in a potentially dangerous condition. Urgent remedial action is required. C2

Ask them to clarify what supply for mobile equipment they are referring to.

For cables concealed in walls at a depth of less than 50mm (522.6.202; 522.6.203) is in a potentially dangerous condition. Urgent remedial action is required.C2

Normally this would be a C3, improvement recommended.


Is that everything from the report? If so he has missed some items which are apparent from the photo you posted.

Additional Comments:
The electrical installation does not comply with BS7671, metal consumer unit partial rcd, no afdd, no spd

I have attached picture of the main consumer unit which is what the electrican was referring to.

The lack of RCD protection could probably be solved by replacing the first four circuit breakers with RCBO's, but this would need to be confirmed by someone on-site.

Cost of replacement including VAT, Labour and materials: £550.

That's a bit cheap for a full CU replacement, especially considering it's a flush mounted unit which can be extra hassle.

 

[AjayS2367]

Ask them to specify what improvement they recommend.

Later in your post it says there is no SPD fitted, its impossible to confirm the function of something that doesn't exist so this should be N/A and not a C3.
A C3 recommendation to install an SPD would be fair though.

Your photo clearly shows socket circuits protected by an RCD, so unless the cooker switch has a built in socket which isn't RCD protected then this seems to be a mistake.

Ask them to clarify what supply for mobile equipment they are referring to.

Normally this would be a C3, improvement recommended.


Is that everything from the report? If so he has missed some items which are apparent from the photo you posted.






The lack of RCD protection could probably be solved by replacing the first four circuit breakers with RCBO's, but this would need to be confirmed by someone on-site.


That's a bit cheap for a full CU replacement, especially considering it's a flush mounted unit which can be extra hassle.

Thanks. Yes this is everything from the report, they did include test results which I have attached. So in your opinion the main consumer unit would not need replacing with new one?

 

[SJD]

I'm a bit curious about circuit #4, Smoke Alarms, which seems to be showing a 30mA RCD on the test sheet that doesn't exist, and the test results suggest it is a ring final circuit (for sockets)? Copy & paste errors?

Also, is this property really only 12 years old, as I'd not have expected that board with only an RCD for the sockets to have been installed in 2011?

 

[nicebutdim]

Is the property a flat and, if so, how many floors in the block?

 

[davesparks]

So in your opinion the main consumer unit would not need replacing with new one?

In my opinion the EICR contains some mistakes, items missing from the observations and odd test results.
And, in my opinion, it may not be necessary to replace the CU, but this would have to be confirmed on-site.

 

[westward10]

The Report is probably a load of old tosh but you have it nevertheless. The Grenfell business is nonsense and scaremongering.
Code 2 issues can all be rectified with Crabtree Starbreaker compact RCBOs.

 

[AjayS2367]

Is the property a flat and, if so, how many floors in the block?

Its a 2 bed house, 2 storeys.

 

[AjayS2367]

The Report is probably a load of old tosh but you have it nevertheless. The Grenfell business is nonsense and scaremongering.
Code 2 issues can all be rectified with Crabtree Starbreaker compact RCBOs.

I'm wondering whether it could be because some electricans would find it easier replacing the whole board and more dearer of course then installing starbreakers which as you say would resolve the issues.

 

[James]

Crabtree Starbreaker 61/B13230 32A Type B Long RCBO 230V 30mA Type A

-Single module, RCBO-32A B curve (MCB), 30mA Type A (RCD)-Single pole-Plug in Long RCBO IP20, 50Hz, Ambient temperature when operating, -5 - 40°C, 74mm built in depth IEC 61009-1

www.sndelectrical.co.uk