Words of wisdom please re an installation condition report

[yorkshirelad]

Many thanks for all your replies, I've uploaded a copy of the report as requested by pc1966. I really appreciate all the answers, thank you for all your input

Here's a picture of the current board - thanks again for all your input

 

[yorkshirelad]

I was typing a similar post to @pc1966
My opinion:
'the absence of supplementary bonding in the bath or shower' etc.
Becomes non-issue most of the time once a new consumer unit fitted and all circuits in room have RCD protection.
'the absence of earthing at socket outlet',
Can be anything from a wire fallen out to a bigger problem. Needs investigation to determine. Not normally too bad.
'a ring final circuit having a discontinuous conductor'
Needs investigation, if can't be easily resolved there are normally easy workarounds (split into two radials)
'absence of a circuit protective conductor other than a lighting circuit, supplying class 1 equipment.
This gives an idea of age of wiring - up to 1965 ish. If not lighting this needs looking at with urgency. It might be linked to the socket without earthing above.
'unsatisfactory electrical connections, such as type, number and size of conductors unsuitable for the means of connection'
'adequacy of cables for current-carrying capacity with regard to the type and nature of the installation.'
My reckless guess is these relates to size of main tails or earth. More info needed to determine. Quite often size of earthing and bonding on older installations are smaller than would be installed new. If it is that a board change would review these as part of the job.

In all circumstances I would plan on around £500-600 for a new consumer unit with RCD protection. That buys a lot of peace of mind while issues are investigated and plans made.
The last three issues are the main ones that concern me, the others can likely be sorted out or worked around.

Many thanks Tim that's really appreciated

 

[timhoward]

I've looked through the report. The last page is a helpful summary. If it's still accurate I'd say you need as a minimum:
Supply earthing checking (though codings don't completely make sense for earthing type stated)
Gas bonding adding (this shouldn't usually be too hard)
Upstairs light and downstairs socket discontinuous earth conductors need checking and sorting
The lights mentioned need looking at regarding necessity of fire rating
New consumer unit
(The single socket under the consumer unit will be an easy fix)

It should be noted that the upstairs lights and the downstairs sockets were not able to have any meaningful test performed on them due to the broken earths, so the insulation resistance tests which confirm the wiring is in good condition couldn't be carried out.

There is possible evidence further alterations have taken place since that report, such as spare circuit 1 now saying "Shower" on the consumer unit.

Personally, I would not exchange until:
1) You have an answer about whether any remedial works were carried out, with receipts if they claim any have been performed.
2) If no remedials, you arrange for a new EICR by an electrician of your choosing and an appropriate discount is mutually negotiated to cover remedial work. OR
3) You ask for a discount to cover part/full cost of a new consumer unit being installed. (easier)

All the best with this.

 

[yorkshirelad]

I've looked through the report. The last page is a helpful summary. If it's still accurate I'd say you need as a minimum:
Supply earthing checking (though codings don't completely make sense for earthing type stated)
Gas bonding adding (this shouldn't usually be too hard)
Upstairs light and downstairs socket discontinuous earth conductors need checking and sorting
The lights mentioned need looking at regarding necessity of fire rating
New consumer unit
(The single socket under the consumer unit will be an easy fix)

It should be noted that the upstairs lights and the downstairs sockets were not able to have any meaningful test performed on them due to the broken earths, so the insulation resistance tests which confirm the wiring is in good condition couldn't be carried out.

There is possible evidence further alterations have taken place since that report, such as spare circuit 1 now saying "Shower" on the consumer unit.

Personally, I would not exchange until:
1) You have an answer about whether any remedial works were carried out, with receipts if they claim any have been performed.
2) If no remedials, you arrange for a new EICR by an electrician of your choosing and an appropriate discount is mutually negotiated to cover remedial work. OR
3) You ask for a discount to cover part/full cost of a new consumer unit being installed. (easier)

All the best with this.

Many thanks, Tim, that's really appreciated, it's much clearer now. Thanks to everyone for their input

 

[mattg4321]

Get that consumer unit swapped ASAP.

Budget £500-£1000 for that and to also sort the other issues. A rewire is always ideal, but it’s likely this can be worked around to bring the current installation to a satisfactory condition

 

[MJPD29]

Here's a picture of the current board - thanks again for all your input

That board should be upgraded especially with the lack of RCD protection on circuits especially the shower

 

[IAmSparkytus!]

I'd opt for either proof of works being completed or getting another report carried out.

There are couple of "faults found" (fuse size too low for type of circuit) which to me aren't faults.

Ring main end to ends look quite low (I don't to a lot of domestic so these could look correct to someone else).

The sparky has also listed the kA rating of the MCBs as being 0.2 so maybes a typo here and there?

 

[yorkshirelad]

Get that consumer unit swapped ASAP.

Budget £500-£1000 for that and to also sort the other issues. A rewire is always ideal, but it’s likely this can be worked around to bring the current installation to a satisfactory condition

Many thanks, Matt, that's appreciated.

 

[yorkshirelad]

That board should be upgraded especially with the lack of RCD protection on circuits especially the shower

Thank you Matthew, that's sound advice

 

[yorkshirelad]

I'd opt for either proof of works being completed or getting another report carried out.

There are couple of "faults found" (fuse size too low for type of circuit) which to me aren't faults.

Ring main end to ends look quite low (I don't to a lot of domestic so these could look correct to someone else).

The sparky has also listed the kA rating of the MCBs as being 0.2 so maybes a typo here and there?

Thanks ToonSparky, I appreciate the comments. We hope to hear today what work has been done, then armed with everyone's input we can decide how to proceed. My daughter loves the house, so doesn't want to lose it but they did pay over the asking price, so there should be some leeway.