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New consumer unit VS old wiring
Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 3.00 PM
Hello Experts, Whats the accepted wisdom with installing a new consumer unit when it will be connected to existing wiring of unknown age. Not everyone can afford to get an entire flat rewired and when I say everyone , I mean me. So are the rcd's likely to get tripped more often as a result of the mismatch or are you going to say, it depends how old the wiring is ( 15 - 25 years ) and how good the installer is.?? Will a proper test establish the quality of the wiring etc. Many thanks.
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4 Answers
Anonymous user
An EICR is desirable before a board change but is an extra expense. Any electrician worth his salt would carry out a few simple tests to look for fundamental faults before changing the board and carry out a visual inspection. Once changed there are numerous tests to be done before energising and signing off. 15 - 20 years on your cabling shouldn’t be an issue but testing will confirm this.
Answered31 January 2019
3
Anonymous user
Before anything is considered the home owner should have a 'Electrical safety Inspection and a periodic inspection done prior to any Consumer unit Change, to see if there are any hidden faults in the electrical system, this can only be done by a qualified Electrician, the new Consumer units will not work if you have faults in the system.
Answered31 January 2019
1
HC POWER
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
You should have an EICR electrical installation condition report done to highlight any faults in the wiring prior to having a new consumer unit fitted .Then these faults can be rectified and then the consumer unit can be installed to current regulations.
Answered31 January 2019
0
Paul Mason Electrical Ltd
Rating: 5 out of 5
Before an electrician replaces an old fuseboard with an upgraded consumer unit with RCD protection, an Electrical Installation Condition Report ( test property ) to find any hidden issues, new RCD boards are very sensitive and without testing beforehand there is a chance of rcd tripping issues.
Answered31 January 2019
0