Do I need a new consumer unit?

[Jamesp82]

Hi, having a loft conversion built at the moment and the onsite electrician has suggested that I might need a new consumer based on there not being enough circuit breakers. This is pretty annoying as we had a new one put in and certified 2 years ago. There are currently 6 slots in the unit, 4 are in use. The loft requires a mains ring, lighting ring and smoke alarms - so I’m one short. I’ve noticed that we have one downstairs light on it’s on ring/circuit breaker. Can this be moved onto the house lighting ring to free up a slot? Thanks for your help!

 

[Andy™]

personally id put the smokes on with the lights

 

[Murdoch]

Never put smoke alarms on a separate circuit.

How many RCD's does your fuseboard have?

 

[Jamesp82]

There are currently 4 in use with 2 blank slots remaining. Thanks. 

 

[binky]

what yu have is perfectly useable, and smokes are always better on a lighting cct. At worst add another mini board.

 

[Jamesp82]

Thanks. Great advice!

 

[Risteard]

the onsite electrician has suggested that I might need a new consumer

YOU are the consumer. Are you sure you want to be replaced?

 

[Murdoch]

There are currently 4 in use with 2 blank slots remaining. Thanks. 

How many rcds ?

i think you are referring to MCBs ?

 

[Jamesp82]

Think you are right. No RCDs then by the looks of it. 

 

[Murdoch]

Think you are right. No RCDs then by the looks of it. 

Best you get a refund from the previous installer - since 2010 fuseboards should have 2 or more rcds 

 

[Blue Duck]

a picture speaks a thousand words....

could be RCBO's but it wouldn't be the first time I have seen a "new" board with just mcbs....

 

[Evans Electric]

When you say loft conversion , is it just one bedroom ?      I'm wondering why a ring main is considered necessary .   

Agree with opinions on smoke detectors , always connected to lighting circuit .  

Also the loft light feed could be picked up from the bedroom lights  below  or even from a 3A spur of your new plugs . 

It could actually be done without going back to the board ....but every electrician has his own interpretation .     The amount of power consumed by a bedroom is very small.  

 

[Murdoch]

When you say loft conversion , is it just one bedroom ?      I'm wondering why a ring main is considered necessary .   

Agree with opinions on smoke detectors , always connected to lighting circuit .  

Also the loft light feed could be picked up from the bedroom lights  below  or even from a 3A spur of your new plugs . 

It could actually be done without going back to the board ....but every electrician has his own interpretation .     The amount of power consumed by a bedroom is very small.  

unless its for hydroponics ...........................