Comments on electrical certificate BS 7671

New circuit for sockets and yet no RCD? Sounds like non-compliance for the electrical work that has been done. All circuits should have protection by means of an RCD. New circuits must have RCD protection. 6mm bonding conductor instead of 10mm is not a major issue. It sounds like you've been given 'minor works certificate', one certificate for each circuit that has been worked on. These only apply for minor electrical works where a new circuit has not been installed. You should have been given an electrical installation certificate for this work as the minor works certificate is not appropriate. Raise these issues with the builder as he is the one organising the build and contractors. Update..... Your builder is wrong. Even though he has only extended the existing socket circuit, the work he has done still has to comply with the wiring regulations. RCD protection is required for socket outlets and for cables concealed in walls. The builder should have accessed your installation more carefully and noted that there was no RCD protection to circuits from your consumer unit. The builder should have priced the work to cover the cost of replacing the consumer unit. Now it appears that the builder is certifying the work and adding a non-compliance that he himself has created - that is - installing sockets without RCD protection and installing cables in walls without RCD protection. I agree with you and I would complain to the organisation who is underwriting the certificate ECA etc.

So, basically, the builder has designed, installed it. The electrician comes along and issues a certificate, completely ignores the fact there is no RCD, then uses the ECA to hide behind. It’s like dumb & dumber, or the tail wagging the dog. To get this lot to comply with BS 7671 I would ask for both of their Public Liability Insurance’s to make a claim, and get someone competent to put it all right.

My first concern is the third party certification, even more so with your update..... To the best of my knowledge, only one part P scheme operator allows this - most do not. I would suggest calling the scheme operator (from the certificate) who will investigate on your behalf, assuming the contractor is indeed registered. The ECA do not operate a part P scheme. Although the previous answer makes some valid points, I feel a little more information is required before answering. Was the work new circuits? If so, then as stated a minor works certificate is not sufficient. Is the lack of RCD protection on ALL of the work, the new work or the rest of the existing installation (which has not been altered)? What is the nature of the earthing arrangements? 6mm may be all that is required under certain circumstances. It is difficult to say without an eyes on assessment, if 10mm is required but there is no sign of thermal damage, then 6mm may be acceptable. The builder is correct in that it is up to the homeowner whether advisory comments are rectified, however the items listed may be a prerequisite to having the work completed at all. Edit2: Point 1 - NO. ALL new work must be compliant with BS7671, additional protection is required (by means of an RCD). It may not be his fault but it is entirely his responsibility. Point 2 - What scheme operator does the certificate come from (NICEIC/ELECSA/NAPIT etc)? Each person named/signing the certificate has a status in law, it is not a matter of if you are happy with it! Are they relevant to the works completed? A part P registered contractor (company) will have a 'qualified supervisor', this may be different from the actual installer. If the certificate is provided by the ECA then it is suspicious, as stated the ECA do not operate a part P scheme and as such their certificates wouldn't [usually] be used to certificate domestic work.

I think this one is pretty much covered, but just to include the actual regulation (411.3.3) from BS7671, which states "All sockets up to 20A rating must be 30mA RCD protected unless labelled for a particular item of equipment." Also, you could use an RCBO to add protection to the circuit without the need to replace the entire Consumer Unit.

Just a quick note on previous answers. If they are alterations to existing circuits Part P won't come into it as it's not notifiable.