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Discuss Looking for electrical check and possible new consumer unit - Airdrie in the Electrical Work Up For Grabs |Electrical Jobs area at ElectriciansForums.net

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martinw

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Moving into a new (to me) property, looking for someone to give install once over from safety perspective.

Longer term maybe looking to replace consumer unit with one with RCBOs (current has MCBs not sure if any RCD).

Would prefer a small firm to large one. Would be looking to get check done on Tuesday 26th June(afternoon)
 
Moving into a new (to me) property, looking for someone to give install once over from safety perspective.

Longer term maybe looking to replace consumer unit with one with RCBOs (current has MCBs not sure if any RCD).

Would prefer a small firm to large one. Would be looking to get check done on Tuesday 26th June(afternoon)
Whereabouts?
 
OP. Can you send us a photograph of the consumer unit MCB's? We will be able to tell you if there's an RCD present.
Would be a couple of hours for me to drive over from other end of Hadrians wall, but i'm sure one of the Glasgow sparks will chip in soon enough.
 
OP. Can you send us a photograph of the consumer unit MCB's? We will be able to tell you if there's an RCD present.
Would be a couple of hours for me to drive over from other end of Hadrians wall, but i'm sure one of the Glasgow sparks will chip in soon enough.

I cant't I'm afraid, I didn't take a picture during the viewing. All I can recall (viewed over a month ago so could be wrong) metal consumer unit, had breakers, breakers weren't push button kind (old wylex/mem which can be added to replace wired fuses), fusebox is at least 10 years old

In any case I'd like some check of the wiring itself
 
fusebox is at least 10 years old

If its the fuse-holder replacement type breakers then try at least 30 years old and then some.

Educated guess, i'd say the consumer unit does need upgrading.
However, the property would require an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) rather than just a "once over" to satisfy any safety concerns you may have, and that will take longer than one afternoon.
 
If its the fuse-holder replacement type breakers then try at least 30 years old and then some.

Educated guess, i'd say the consumer unit does need upgrading.
However, the property would require an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) rather than just a "once over" to satisfy any safety concerns you may have, and that will take longer than one afternoon.

so they didn't appear to be replacement/retro fit MCBs(they weren't the round push button ones, which were popular retrofits)

An EICR might be a good idea, but I avoided specifying that as it can become more about the provision of a certificate than anything else (to satisfy landlord market)
 
By all means get things tested but don't be too disparaging about that board
Other than it knocks the lot off when it trips,a new unit may not greatly improve on whats there, those Mem boards were far better quality units than the garbage being installed these days
 
Thanks, thats good to know

I'm basically trying to
- get any safety issues sorted
- plan for future (in terms of whole house)

I'd rather have a better RCD when standing under an electric shower, but I also showered for years under one with no RCD at all just a rewirable fuse
 
That's not a photo of YOUR consumer unit, just one similar?
Your best choice (and obviously most expensive) is individual RCBO's on each circuit rather than an RCD mainswitch.

Get some free quotes from reputable local electricians... And try not to go down the chuck-a-trade/trusted trader type sites.
Ask your new neighbours for recommendations. (just because a van is plastered in NICEIC and Select stickers, it doesn't mean the guy inside is the best at what he can do)
 
correct similar (same range as far as I can tell). RCBO's would be my first choice, and if new consumer unit does 20 years the cost is probably worth it

I had hoped to find some folk on here, but looks like not many scottish electricians never mind glasgow area ones

thanks all for help so far
 
Like I said earlier post, I am in Scotland, but the wrong side. Theres 2 or 3 Glasgow members that post frequently - i'm surprised they haven't chipped in
 
Like I said earlier post, I am in Scotland, but the wrong side. Theres 2 or 3 Glasgow members that post frequently - i'm surprised they haven't chipped in

I would have been interested in taking on this job, but I'm already booked for Tuesday.
 
(just because a van is plastered in NICEIC and Select stickers, it doesn't mean the guy inside is the best at what he can do)

But using a SELECT member or NICEIC approved contractor is still a far safer bet than hiring one of the many 20 year-old boys who do EICRs for £50 via My Builder or Rated People. When a client uses a SELECT or NICEIC contractor they can at least be assured that the contractor is an approved electrician and possesses a qualification in inspection and testing.
 
https://photos.app.goo.gl/U6xcLFsGwDp5b3x19
An actual picture of my fuseboard

As you can see its well labeled. and loving that taped thing on the bottom

additional bits I want done (maybe not all at once)
- Add tumble dryer to kitchen (there's already a fridge, washing machine and dishwasher, maybe pushing luck ?)
- Add a new socket in bedroom (there's one other side of wall)

I agree completely on EICRs doled out on the cheap. I can understand why some people want them (I know in previous property the PAT testing was dubious shall we say, same guy did EICR....), but I'd rather in informal report done by someone who cares and know what they are doing, over a formal report banged out with minimal (or none) actual inspection or test
 

Reply to Looking for electrical check and possible new consumer unit - Airdrie in the Electrical Work Up For Grabs |Electrical Jobs area at ElectriciansForums.net

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