New circuits wired into a plastic consumer unit

[TJC1]

Had to install a ring main & cooker circuit for a new kitchen we have been doing.

The consumer unit is hager split load but is plastic. There is no room in the cupboard to add another board and the customers dont want to pay for a board change.

I guess i could just note on the form saying customers did not want to change to metal?

 

[westward10]

As long as it is safe for continued use is does not need replacing it is fine to add circuits to it.

 

[TJC1]

As long as it is safe for continued use is does not need replacing it is fine to add circuits to it.

Sweet

 

[westward10]

I'm touched

 

[telectrix]

I'm touched

WE KNOW.

 

[telectrix]

As long as it is safe for continued use is does not need replacing it is fine to add circuits to it.

not only that, but scaremongers ( get rich quick cowboys) are telling the public that their plastic CUs are "illegal". it's time someone clamped down and educated the general public. where's niceic when you need them? hiding away looking for unauthorised use of their logo.

 

[buzzlightyear]

Its about time they got a finger out of their f hole , and start puting in the country to write about part p on the tv and national news papers and not Chinese whispers ,considering they started. It all ,shout from the roof tops ,and makeing monie off peaple like you and me .they are no different to the maffia.

 

[telectrix]

buzz, you ever considered a job as a proof reader? .

 

[Ian1981]

Do all the other schemes educate the general public on plastic CU’s other than the Niceic?

 

[TJC1]

I work for my dad who has been NICEIC for the last 30 years. As i'm slowly getting more involved in the company i'm not sure whether the NICEIC is the way to go? A lot of other electrcians seems to be going NAPIT or over to STORMA

 

[telectrix]

whilst the nicnic may be a pain in the arse, it's the most widely regognised. might be a case of stick with the devil you know.

 

[45140]

Its about time they got a finger out of their f hole , and start puting in the country to write about part p on the tv and national news papers and not Chinese whispers ,considering they started. It all ,shout from the roof tops ,and makeing monie off peaple like you and me .they are no different to the maffia.

They would be better off telling people to leave electrical work well alone and call in an electrician.

 

[buzzlightyear]

buzz, you ever considered a job as a proof reader

Its about time they got a finger out of their f hole , and start putting in the country to write about part p on the tv and national news papers and not Chinese whispers ,considering they started. It all and shout from the roof tops about it ,and making money off peaple like you and me, they are no different to the mafia, it no good doing it with talk and tap the same time.
I was proofing this again at the library .

 

[chrisdungan]

What is wrong with plastic? Is there space on the board to add the extra MCBs?, no problem.
I'm kiwi, worked in the UK, wondered why you english don't use Plastic DBs in my country it's the weird guys who use metal

 

[Deleted member 26818]

In the UK, it’s the weird guys who put a rod in when they have an MEN supply.

 

[chrisdungan]

In the UK, it’s the weird guys who put a rod in when they have an MEN supply.

ok but you haven't answered the question.
What is wrong and what is illegal with a plastic distribution board
oh and yes our regs require a metal rod into the ground for an MEN point because our supply system is different to the UK

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Our Regulations changed in 2015, though I think the metal CU part didn’t start until 2016.
MEN = PME.

 

[Baddegg]

MEN? So if MEN is pme why do you rod as well?

 

[Deleted member 26818]

ANZ rules require an electrode at the consumer intake.
It was proposed here for the 18th.

 

[Baddegg]

Thanks spin

 

[Deleted member 26818]

This was in the draft for the 18th:
542.1.201 The main earthing terminal shall be connected with Earth by one of the methods described in Regulations 542.1.2.1 to 3, as appropriate to the type of system of which the installation is to form a part and in compliance with Regulations 542.1.3.1 and 542.1.3.2.
Additionally, there shall be an earth electrode, supplementing any earthing facility provided by the distributor, in accordance with one of the requirements of Regulation 542.2.3, to prevent the appearance of a dangerous touch voltage in the event of the loss of the main connection to Earth.

 

[Baddegg]

Sounds like something we can expect here in the future then.....

 

[telectrix]

good excuse for amd.1. another £85

 

[Squid]

I'm touched

By Michael, Jimmy, Gary or Rolf?

 

[telectrix]

Fred Talbot.

 

[tudore]

When plastic DBs came our they were touted as safer (no exposed metal) and more durable (don't rust). I found this acceptable then and still do. Here's a metal one that was in use till last Friday, not a good advert for metal boxes!

I have a plastic one in my home and won't be changing it unless I have to. This was just below the ceiling in what was a hairdressers: obviously a very damp environment.

 

[Norah Nabino]

When plastic DBs came our they were touted as safer (no exposed metal) and more durable (don't rust). I found this acceptable then and still do. Here's a metal one that was in use till last Friday, not a good advert for metal boxes!View attachment 48256 I have a plastic one in my home and won't be changing it unless I have to. This was just below the ceiling in what was a hairdressers: obviously a very damp environment.

So you guys on here want to tell us that BS7671 Amendment 3:2015 is obsolete.
It is a responsibility of an Electrician to follow safety guidance as in the regs.and advise clients as appropriate.

 

[Norah Nabino]

Had to install a ring main & cooker circuit for a new kitchen we have been doing.

The consumer unit is hager split load but is plastic. There is no room in the cupboard to add another board and the customers dont want to pay for a board change.

I guess i could just note on the form saying customers did not want to change to metal?

 

[Norah Nabino]

Had to install a ring main & cooker circuit for a new kitchen we have been doing.

The consumer unit is hager split load but is plastic. There is no room in the cupboard to add another board and the customers dont want to pay for a board change.

I guess i could just note on the form saying customers did not want to change to metal?

Which form are you implying?
That plastic board does not comply with the current regs.i hope you have advised them.
I wouldn't do that job unless if they agree to the change of the board.
Are you signing off any certs taking full responsibility just in case something happens?
You have installed 2 circuits a rfc and cooker radial.
You need EIC and everything has to comply with the current regs.
You cannot sign of the EIC with a plastic CU.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Only responsible for the work carried out.