CCU upgrade testing

[alchemist]

When upgrading a CCU, it's a good idea to test everything before you start in case there are problems that might be an issue when, say introducing RCDs.

My question is, do you do the full suite of tests on all circuits before the CCU upgrade or just after, for the certificate?

What testing would you recommend before the upgrade? I'm thinking continuity and insulation resistance, then test everything and document afterwards?

 

[Andy™]

i often do a quick IR before ripping out the old board. otherwise all other testing done on completion

 

[Theorysparky]

I test before

any faults found can be rectified or notified to customer and extra monies agreed.

more to the point,,,if you rip the old board out and put new one in and you discover lots of faults your a bit stuck,,,you cant put the old one back in

you could also get the argument from the customer 'it was alright before you started'

everyone has their own way.....

 

[gordy71]

do a few zs tests and insulation, just cut the tails from the meter end twist together and test to earth. will tell u if u will have problems before you start.

 

[Evans Electric]

Its a good question , Alchy , as Theo says , we all see it differently.

I'm not keen on doing what is ,basically, a PIR on the wiring for nothing. But, on saying that, almost every board change I've done the RCDs have shown up problems with the wiring .

The last one was fine, the one before had an earth fault on the ring , a borrowed neutral between the light circuits and an earth fault on the Imm.Htr element. Retired couple , the bloke thought I was making up problems because ..... "it was OK before you put that new box there".....his missus did understand though.

I explain beforehand that the new board may show up faults and sorting them will be extra .

 

[sparky b]

do a few zs tests and insulation, just cut the tails from the meter end twist together and test to earth. will tell u if u will have problems before you start.

Not sure I'm reading this correctly, can someone explain please?

 

[Andy™]

Not sure I'm reading this correctly, can someone explain please?

global IR

 

[m4tty]

Just make sure the mainfuse is pulled or your cutters might have a nice big hole blown in them lol

 

[spinlondon]

Just make sure the mainfuse is pulled or your cutters might have a nice big hole blown in them lol

Not if you cut them singularly, and wear rubber boots.

 

[cadspark]

I'm doing a board change and have spent all day today sorting out all manner of problems before I even start on it. Mr Kitchen Fitter, his brother Bathroom Fitter and Mr Conservatory Installer have had a field day. I believe Mr DIY has been at it as well.

 

[switch10]

i generally do a IR test, and all other tests on completion. i allways word my estimates that upon replacement the new board may find faults that the old unit was not showing, due to addition of rcd etc etc. which would then require further investigation resulting in further charges. this allways makes them aware there may be problems or otherwise a fair few customers have asked me to a full test before so they know where they stand in which case its chargeable

 

[tom1]

have not done loads of cu change but there is usualy a problem or two, then investigating them tends to open up a few cans of worms. so i am toying with the idear

say

 

[kme]

If you go to the ESC website (esc.org.uk?? maybe), they have the downloadable "best practice guides"; one of which is devoted to this subject. Worth reading / or even providing to customers.......

 

[Voltimax]

It's very simple really.

When any potential customer approaches me to price for a fuse board change I cover my rear 100%. I provide a written estimate and I clearly state that I will first carry out a full test of the installation. If upon doing this I find there are potential problems i.e. code 1's etc, then I will provide extra costings to put these right before continuing with the installation of a consumer unit. If the customer should refuse to have these corrected, I will issue a PIR and expect payment for the time I have spent there. All this is put into an agreement to which the customer has to sign before I start.

Testing has to be done either way, I prefer to do it in the first instance to save me having to put right problems which might end up coming out of my coffers. Doing it this way even if they refuse the extra work, at least they're getting a PIR out of it and I get payed.

 

[wozz]

i price for four hours testing, basic testing ze, rings, ir, few zs give it a inspection and then taking findings into account price for a fuseboard change. not the cheapest way but i nearly always fit rcbo boards anyway so i dont expect to be the cheapest.

take it or leave it, i dont want to be messing about till silly hours chasing faults and bumping up the price on the day. ive never just done a fuseboard change theres always other bit to tidy up while there replace broken fittings, ip light in bathroom and so on.

 

[Theorysparky]

For info i did the testing today for a board change

8 way metalclad board in a 1900's three storey terraced house

downstairs lighting circuit IR readings

L-N 900

L-E 368

N-E 0.136

All metal fittings

45mins later found it ,,,crushed neutral against metal fitting.

showed customer and charged for repair

if i had changed cu first then tested and there were other faults time would have been tight to get it all done.

as it is i have otherwork to do in the property and therefore no real issues

change the board over later in the week

 

[Larnacaman]

Not sure I'm reading this correctly, can someone explain please?

This was the system of testing IR on domestic boards, reccommended by the Regs for many years in the past. Personally, i always prefered testing every cicuit individually.

Come to that, i think it, apart from ring polarity (R1/R2) it was the only testing done on domestic and small installations, until the loop test equipment became available.... Times have changed, ...What!!!

.