Replacing a consumer unit
Discussion
The house we have just moved to has a very small (3 way) fuse box and I want to replace it with a new consumer unit with RCB. It looks like the only way to isolate the incoming supply is to remove the 100A fuse by the meter, but this is sealed with a wire. Does this mean I'm going to be in big trouble from the leccy company if I pull this fuse?
(edit - just read it is an offense to remove the seal. I guess that answers my question)
(edit - just read it is an offense to remove the seal. I guess that answers my question)
Edited by garycat on Wednesday 20th May 11:20
It may be an offence, but every house which has ever had a new consumer unit will have had the fuse pulled.
I couldn't possibly condone you doing something such as that, but I would, (and may or may not have done such a thing when I replaced my board) if it was my house.
Just leave the main isolator in the off position when you put the fuse back in.
I couldn't possibly condone you doing something such as that, but I would, (and may or may not have done such a thing when I replaced my board) if it was my house.
Just leave the main isolator in the off position when you put the fuse back in.
If you are using a qualified electrician then there is no need to notify building control. They will certify the work under Part P of the regs and give you the appropriate documentation.
If you are a competent DIY electrician and know what you are doing then there is no reason why you can't do the job yourself but obviously you should get building control or a qualified spark to check your work.
Personally, I'd get a pro in everyday of the week.
If you are a competent DIY electrician and know what you are doing then there is no reason why you can't do the job yourself but obviously you should get building control or a qualified spark to check your work.
Personally, I'd get a pro in everyday of the week.
It is not just a qualified electrician that is required. It is an electrician that is either NICEIC domestic installer approved, or someone who is ECA, Napit etc approved.
There are qualified and competant electricians who cannot certify domestic work because either they do not belong to an approved installer scheme, or they do primarily commercial and industrial installation work which Part P is not relevant to.
If looking on the NICEIC website look for a contractor who is an approved domestic installer.
There are qualified and competant electricians who cannot certify domestic work because either they do not belong to an approved installer scheme, or they do primarily commercial and industrial installation work which Part P is not relevant to.
If looking on the NICEIC website look for a contractor who is an approved domestic installer.
Technically you need to go though building control or an approved installer who can certify the work. This may be the best course of action if you are not 110% sure what your doing and letting yourself in for. I would have questions like "only 3 fuses?" That's not many at all how good is the actual wiring?? Is it PVC or rubber/fabric. If you replace with RCD/MCB you may find that it constantly trips due to the substandard nature of the installation. Also you would need to verify that the equipotential bonding etc is up to scratch.
In short however, get someone in!!
If you really do know what you doing, (an by asking this question I suspect you don't) then by all means go ahead, after all since no one from buildings control has ever seen your installation (likely) how will they know what is there, it was like that when you moved in right?
In short however, get someone in!!
If you really do know what you doing, (an by asking this question I suspect you don't) then by all means go ahead, after all since no one from buildings control has ever seen your installation (likely) how will they know what is there, it was like that when you moved in right?
Thanks for the replies - good point about the quality of the existing wiring and tripping a RCB. It is old but not that old (red & black, with dark green earth sleeving).
My father-in-law is coming over at the weekend and he is a certified sparkie so I'll confirm everything with him before getting out the screwdriver.
My father-in-law is coming over at the weekend and he is a certified sparkie so I'll confirm everything with him before getting out the screwdriver.
garycat said:
The house we have just moved to has a very small (3 way) fuse box. It looks like the only way to isolate the incoming supply is to remove the 100A fuse by the meter, but this is sealed with a wire.
(edit - just read it is an offense to remove the seal. I guess that answers my question)
cut wire, remove fuse, deny all knowledge of seal or removal of seal if it is ever noticed by power company, meter man etc... must of been missing when you moved in(edit - just read it is an offense to remove the seal. I guess that answers my question)
Edited by garycat on Wednesday 20th May 11:20
Brite spark said:
garycat said:
The house we have just moved to has a very small (3 way) fuse box. It looks like the only way to isolate the incoming supply is to remove the 100A fuse by the meter, but this is sealed with a wire.
(edit - just read it is an offense to remove the seal. I guess that answers my question)
cut wire, remove fuse, deny all knowledge of seal or removal of seal if it is ever noticed by power company, meter man etc... must of been missing when you moved in(edit - just read it is an offense to remove the seal. I guess that answers my question)
Edited by garycat on Wednesday 20th May 11:20
Failing that ask around someone may have the kit to reseal the wirelock, or dependant on how visible the fuse is cut then replace wire, act dumb when / if it is pointed out, also get kit that is or was available prior to you moving in, assuming you are worried, after all claiming it is older than part p when it is obviously a brand new model won't fool anyone.
PH5121 said:
It may be an offence, but every house which has ever had a new consumer unit will have had the fuse pulled.
I couldn't possibly condone you doing something such as that, but I would, (and may or may not have done such a thing when I replaced my board) if it was my house.
Just leave the main isolator in the off position when you put the fuse back in.
Changing it dead is for big girls.I couldn't possibly condone you doing something such as that, but I would, (and may or may not have done such a thing when I replaced my board) if it was my house.
Just leave the main isolator in the off position when you put the fuse back in.
Edited by finlo on Wednesday 20th May 21:07
Simpo Two said:
mk1fan said:
Replacing a consumer unit requires notice to Building Control.
B17NNS said:
If you are using a qualified electrician then there is no need to notify building control.
Forums are great aren't they 
mk1fan said:
Simpo Two said:
mk1fan said:
Replacing a consumer unit requires notice to Building Control.
B17NNS said:
If you are using a qualified electrician then there is no need to notify building control.
Forums are great aren't they 
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