New rewire and fuse board - views on work.

[Debrahim]

I am in the process of quoting a new consumer unit where the client will need a larger consumer unit

She is going for a dual RCD with additional RCBO's for, I will be installing a Hager VML91620CUSPD
She is also getting PV and probably battery storage - this is the reason for the larger unit

Hager also do a change over switch to allow the use of a seperate generator / inverter

This has dual RCD's, and is configurable as well. I still install dual RCD units as I prefer Hager but add 2-3 RCBO's as well

I would suggest you put the lower lights, lower sockets and kitchen sockets on RCBO's

If you had the larger consumer unit (VML90610CUSPD / VML91014CUSPD / VML91620CUSPD) you could remove the lower consumer unit and have all stuff on the same consumer unit

Thanks for the suggestion - I’m going to get sockets and lights on RCBO’s.

The benefit of the board below is that the kitchen extension is all separate,

I posted the code of the consumer unit, but it’s 14 way dual RCD with SPD. The plastic one below is a 6 way dual RCD. (2 spares).

 

[DPG]

Thanks for the suggestion - I’m going to get sockets and lights on RCBO’s.

The benefit of the board below is that the kitchen extension is all separate,

I posted the code of the consumer unit, but it’s 14 way dual RCD with SPD. The plastic one below is a 6 way dual RCD. (2 spares).

Don't put sockets and lights on the same RCBO. Or was that a typo?

 

[baldelectrician]

Thanks for the suggestion - I’m going to get sockets and lights on RCBO’s.

The benefit of the board below is that the kitchen extension is all separate,

I posted the code of the consumer unit, but it’s 14 way dual RCD with SPD. The plastic one below is a 6 way dual RCD. (2 spares).

The regulations prefer (and usually require) a single point of isolation. You currently have 2 consumer units with seperate isolators

The new consumer unit you have will be too small if you are adding PV etc, the max Hager do in a single row is 14 way with SPD (RCBO's), remove 4 ways if a dual RCD unit.

Your electrician could take away one RCD and install 5-6 RCBO's then you will have more space

I do use Hager as the quality is good

 

[Debrahim]

If he has refused then your option is to get a independent spark in to write you a report of his findings. Has we give out advice not hear say, if he takes you to court no doubt he will then you will have evidence against him.send him all copy's of the findings ask the indpendant spark to quote regulation numbers and bobs your uncle antie.
Which court I'm in to day old Bailey.

I’m happy to do this, but I’m worried a random spark will not want to get dragged into this, and I will need to find an ‘expert’ witness.

I’m sure a spark will be willing to give me a statement that a nicely arranged fuseboard does not cause an electro magnetic field and cause a hummmm. Whilst it might not breach a code (isn’t their one about the quality of workmanship) I don’t feel it has been completed with skill - nor do I think an electrician I’m paying this amount of money would produce this rubbish.

What about the NIC.

 

[DPG]

I’m happy to do this, but I’m worried a random spark will not want to get dragged into this, and I will need to find an ‘expert’ witness.

I’m sure a spark will be willing to give me a statement that a nicely arranged fuseboard does not cause an electro magnetic field and cause a hummmm. Whilst it might not breach a code (isn’t their one about the quality of workmanship) I don’t feel it has been completed with skill - nor do I think an electrician I’m paying this amount of money would produce this rubbish.

What about the NIC.

Didn't you say there was no testing carried out? And no certificate? That is a fail straight away.

 

[Debrahim]

Don't put sockets and lights on the same RCBO. Or was that a typo?

Typo,
Going to get 2 RCBO’s, I assume it’s a 6 and 32 amp? But only once this is all sorted I will try find a decent spark get his opinion and then potentially ask him to do it.

 

[Diddy]

Out of interest is this how you leave them ? Would you put your name to it ?

Fair question to my post i suppose. The answer is definitely NO. I am one of the electricians that actually would not have given you an option lol I would offer full RCBO or decline to quote. But as my post was pointing out I am trying to 1. save you money and hassle, 2. what has been fitted is "fine" as long as you get the bits mentioned fixed.
If I were looking for a comparison and even this is a poor attempt by me lol I would say it is like owning a 1990 diesel with full mot as opposed to owning a 2023 diesel which has all the modern conveniences and EXTRA safety features. Both perfectly fine...but one is more fine than the other. (Like I say probably a rubbish comparison but I try to give it a go lol...)
Above that If anybody working with me left that mess then they would be revisiting until it was fixed (regarding the flaws on the install). And if they turned out work like that a 2nd or 3rd time...they would never make the 4rth.

 

[DPG]

Typo,
Going to get 2 RCBO’s, I assume it’s a 6 and 32 amp? But only once this is all sorted I will try find a decent spark get his opinion and then potentially ask him to do it.

Don't buy the stuff yourself. Talk to the new spark first. And remember an electrician may not offer any warranty on customer supplied parts.

 

[richy3333]

Don't buy the stuff yourself. Talk to the new spark first. And remember an electrician may not offer any warranty on customer supplied parts.

Agreed. Id I were walking into this as the 2nd spark I'd want control as to what goes on. There must be someone on here that can help? That install needs testing and putting right.

The install is dog rubbish and an embarrassment to the trade.

I'm with Westward. I haven't fitted a dual RCD board in years and lets face it the Regs are going to phase them out in the not to distant future. It's just my opinion but if you are going to fit one you've got to do all your testing first including earth league etc. I'd be fitting RCBO's particularly if P.V. and car chargers are going to this install in the future.

The OP should report this guy to trading standards.

 

[Pretty Mouth]

@timhoward , @Debrahim , and anyone else who may be interested. Hager helpfully got back to me today about the SPD query:

Good Morning
The surge gets its earth from a clip that bites onto the din rail and then its all earthed up via metal enclosure,
Regards Jim

So good news, it is installed correctly.