EICR Unsatisfactory - New Property

[westward10]

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

Compact versions are better for that board due to it's height.

Starbreaker 20A Single Pole 1 Module B Curve 6kA 30mA Compact Type A RCBO

Quicker and easier to install

www.cef.co.uk

 

[AjayS2367]

Compact versions are better for that board due to it's height.

Starbreaker 20A Single Pole 1 Module B Curve 6kA 30mA Compact Type A RCBO

Quicker and easier to install

www.cef.co.uk

Many thanks for this.

I have spoken to the electrican this morning to ask for further clarification on the reporting and he advised that it is down to his own professional judgement when it comes to choosing coding based on his observation and said he could not comment any further on justification over fault codes. I then asked him can he replace the relevant circuit breakers with Crabtree Starbreaker 20A Single Pole 1 Module B Curve 6kA 30mA Compact Type A RCBO, he advised that is not possible because they are not reliable and will cause problems in the future and said the whole MCU will need to be upgraded as highlighted in his EICR he said. I am not sure whether he is just trying to make money by creating work that does not need doing or whether there is any truth in what he is saying. He also said the cost of replacing the compact RCBO's would still be near enough the cost of replacing the whole board itself.

​

 

[westward10]

Many thanks for this.

I have spoken to the electrican this morning to ask for further clarification on the reporting and he advised that it is down to his own professional judgement when it comes to choosing coding based on his observation and said he could not comment any further on justification over fault codes. I then asked him can he replace the relevant circuit breakers with Crabtree Starbreaker 20A Single Pole 1 Module B Curve 6kA 30mA Compact Type A RCBO, he advised that is not possible because they are not reliable and will cause problems in the future and said the whole MCU will need to be upgraded as highlighted in his EICR he said. I am not sure whether he is just trying to make money by creating work that does not need doing or whether there is any truth in what he is saying. He also said the cost of replacing the compact RCBO's would still be near enough the cost of replacing the whole board itself.

​

That is complete nonsense those RCBOs will directly fit that consumer unit. The fact your consumer unit is metal is not Coded in the Report from what I can see, it was a comment.

 

[LukeD]

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.

Are these good? never used them, but could on a job coming up where i just need a single 32amp

 

[AjayS2367]

That is complete nonsense those RCBOs will directly fit that consumer unit. The fact your consumer unit is metal is not Coded in the Report from what I can see, it was a comment.

No he didn't have any concerns about fitting them in, he said they will cause issues in the long run as they are not reliable and it wouldn't get through a EICR - Satisfactory.

 

[littlespark]

He is right in saying it’s his own professional judgement, and he’s maybe seen other things not noted that would lead to such a strict decision, but as far as we can see, he’s looking for extra work.

Wether a new RCBO is “reliable” or not…. If fitting them gets the EICR to satisfactory in his judgement, he has no reason not to fit them.
(And the reason for fitting them in the first place is a little shaky)

 

[nicebutdim]

No he didn't have any concerns about fitting them in, he said they will cause issues in the long run as they are not reliable and it wouldn't get through a EICR - Satisfactory.

Crabtree is a reputable brand and not known for unreliable protective devices.

If a new board will be cheaper than a few new RCBOs, I'd be asking what brand the proposed new board would be.

Very few brands have provided the luxury of backward compatibility of breakers and I'd be loathe to give up that convenience for an alternative which may be difficult to source parts for within a few years.

While your electrician is indeed free you exercise his judgment, you're still entitled to an explanation of the problems that he believes warrant these codes.

 

[James]

Time to get some alternative quotes for the remedial work.
hope you find a local electrician that is sensible in there approach

 

[rewireIT]

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.

What obs has he missed from the pic of the consumer unit?

 

[davesparks]

What obs has he missed from the pic of the consumer unit?

RCD protection for circuits serving a room containing a bath or shower.

RCD protection for lighting circuits in a domestic installation.