Do I need a new consumer unit (have Crabtree consumer unit with RDA 30mA trip)?

As long as the circuit that is going to have the extra sockets added to it has RCD protection then it complies with BS7671:2008 and part P of the building regulations. I'd suggest getting quotes from another electrician as this kitchen company and their policy could end up costing you a lot more for very little benefit!

Hi, When you replace a consumer unit (CU) you are duty bound to test every circuit and record the results on the Electrical Installation Certificate. This will highlight the condition of the wiring in your home and if full RCD coverage is provided, as it should be, will make your home environment safer. When you modify an existing circuit you are duty bound to make sure that that circuit you have altered is compliant. That may mean that your earthing needs updating or in some cases that the CU needs to changed. If the CU remains, you only have to test the circuit you have modified, the rest of your installation remains untested. So in summary, the installer needs to make sure that any changes they make are fully compliant and that includes the CU. If the electrician has noted that the CU is compliant to the circuit he has to modify, you do not need to change it. Make sure you get a certificate before the electrician leaves irrespective of what work is done.

Did he try and say it was an extra? Kitchen fitters are good at that low price for the kitchen but the extras kill ya

Hi Ian, I take your fuseboard has rcd protection, if so tell him he's wrong and it wouldn't need a new fuseboard. Tell him you'll get your own electrics fitted, he'll soon change his mind. Just trying to create more work for himself. Regards Jeh.

We undertake electrics for kitchen fitting companies, their main attitude is, so long as the circuit being worked on has RCD protection then this is fine to work on. I would usually suggest upgrading the board purely as an observation that if one of your circuits has a fault then all power will be cut due to an upfront RCD - but that's your call as a customer. Doesn't need changing in my view

The decision to replace a consumer unit is typically based on various factors, including safety regulations and the specific requirements of your electrical installation. The 17th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) introduced several safety standards and guidelines, including the recommendation for residual current devices (RCDs) with a 30mA trip to enhance electrical safety. If your Crabtree consumer unit already has an RCD with a 30mA trip, it might comply with the regulations in terms of providing residual current protection. However, the addition of new sockets to a ring main might require additional circuits or considerations that your current consumer unit may or may not accommodate. It's important to consider a few aspects: Load Capacity: Ensure that adding new sockets won't overload the existing circuits. If the consumer unit has spare capacity and can handle the additional load safely, it might not necessitate replacement. Compliance with Regulations: Compliance can vary based on the specifics of your setup, such as the age of the consumer unit and whether it meets other safety standards beyond having an RCD with a 30mA trip. Professional Assessment: Seek an evaluation from a qualified electrician who can inspect your current setup and determine if it meets safety standards and regulatory requirements for the intended modifications. The decision to replace the consumer unit should prioritize safety and compliance. If your existing unit is deemed safe and complies with the necessary regulations for the modifications you're planning, it might not require replacement solely based on the addition of new sockets. Always ensure any electrical work is carried out by a certified professional to maintain safety and compliance. Ultimately, the best course of action would be to consult with a registered electrician to assess your current consumer unit, evaluate its compliance with regulations, and determine if it needs replacement for the intended modifications.