Increase mcb capacity. Notifiable?

[spynage]

Went to a house yesterday where the customer was complaining of a tripping fuse on the kitchen circuit.

Got there and found the kitchen wired to a 20amp plug in MCB. The kitchen was not on a ring despite 2 wires being present in the board.

I confirmed a break in the circuit but didn't resolve wether it was a disconnected wire or a break somewhere. I was in a hurry I have to admit and made the assumption that someone with some insight deliberately derated the circuit to account for there being an irreconcilable break so I ruled out a loose wire.

I advised that she would require a new fuse board if I was to make good the wiring in the kitchen. Afterwoods however I wondered if perhaps there was a loose connection.

If so and I repaired this could I upgrade the capacity of the MCB to 32amp under current regs?

cheers.

 

[camerabloke]

Why did you say a new consumer unit?

 

[GMES]

As above ^^^

 

[Plonker 3]

As above too.

Also what are they using in the kitchen to trip a 20 amp MCB?

 

[dan86]

^^as above also^^

 

[telectrix]

if OP is making alterations to a socket circuit, then it's advisable to fit RCD protection, as his work has to be to current regs. maybe that's why he's advised a new CU.

 

[spynage]

As above too.

Also what are they using in the kitchen to trip a 20 amp MCB?

They are using all the equipment. There is an oven w/m new kettle toaster fridge micro, nespresso maker etc. It goes after 5 or 10 mins.

i said if new wiring was required to join the ring then it would require a 17th edition board.

 

[camerabloke]

Find the fault first before selling things that may not be needed. Surely that's the way to go

 

[Plonker 3]

You need to prove it was a ring first. If it was you can merely replace the cable same route etc and no RCD would be required. If you are turning 2 radials into a ring then simply put a stand alone RCD at the DB rather than install a whole new board.

 

[spynage]

You need to prove it was a ring first. If it was you can merely replace the cable same route etc and no RCD would be required. If you are turning 2 radials into a ring then simply put a stand alone RCD at the DB rather than install a whole new board.

Theres only like 6 circuits in the whole house. I think a separate RCD unit would be a messy solution when there's a 3036 board that could be updated at the same time for not much extra cost.

Im not selling anything. Just following the regs. New wiring requires RCD in the kitchen. That's why zi want to know if upgrading the current MCB is permissible. Saves the lady some money.

 

[GMES]

This is the problem these days Imo, it seems easier to start from scratch than to take the time to find the problem and rectify, Not a pop at the op, but sometimes with a bit of thought it is not hard to to make good what you already have in front of you.

 

[Plonker 3]

New wring yes, existing wiring no.

If as you suspect it's a broken cable, simply replace it like for like same route etc and no RCD.

By all means explain the advantages of a new DB but it really isn't needed even if you have to install a brand new cable, just a stand alone unit as I have already said.

 

[spynage]

This is the problem these days Imo, it seems easier to start from scratch than to take the time to find the problem and rectify, Not a pop at the op, but sometimes with a bit of thought it is not hard to to make good what you already have in front of you.

With that in mind can I upgrade the MCB or not?

 

[Plonker 3]

Yes if you can prove the cable is capable of carrying the current of the new OCPD.

 

[dan86]

now, forgive me if I am reading this wrong, but I am still on holiday, it's warm, and I've had a few.
but from what I've read it seems the customer has a 20a mcb in their kitchen which is tripping.
in order to rectify this, you want to swap for a 32a?

 

[dan86]

deleted

 

[spynage]

now, forgive me if I am reading this wrong, but I am still on holiday, it's warm, and I've had a few.
but from what I've read it seems the customer has a 20a mcb in their kitchen which is tripping.
in order to rectify this, you want to swap for a 32a?

Correct!

Just want to know if that's notifiable? If it is then notifiable work in a kitchen would mean installing RCD protection would it not?

 

[Plonker 3]

No, electric work in a kitchen doesn't always need RCD protecting.

Are you a electrician?

 

[telectrix]

1. it's not notifiable as it's not a new circuit. 2. it's optional whether or not you fit RCD> personally i would prefer to fit one if the customer was happy to pay.

 

[Andy78]

Correct!

Just want to know if that's notifiable? If it is then notifiable work in a kitchen would mean installing RCD protection would it not?

You seem confused about a great many things. What does it being notifiable or not have to do with the requirements for RCD protection ?