Welcome to the forum, why do you say the fuseboard should be changed? what work were you actually quoting for? BS3036 wire fuses are still a compliant form of protection providing Zs is met. Is the fuse box physically damaged with exposed live parts? or blanks missing exposing bus-bar? It is only your new work that has to comply to current regulations. There are no obligations to the existing installation not affected by your alterations, unless the client has requested you to bring it all up to current standards.Looked at a job yesterday had a old fuseboard but someone had put a RCD in front of it. Where do i stand its an old fuseboard that should be changed but it has got RCD protection.
In these situations it can sometimes be best to just do the work you are asked to do, but advise the customer that their old CU whilst not unsafe, is not as safe as a modern fuse box with convenient MCB switch fuses. Suggest it would be prudent to consider getting it replaced in the next 12 to 18 months and ask if they would like you to provided an estimate or quote for replacement. Are you aware that the lighting in the kitchen will be notifiable Part P work as a special location, and if the spot lamps are 12v they are also notifiable as a special installation.Thanks for the answers .The fuses are 3036 and the RCD is double pole 80 amp so i can see where your come in from if the Zs is met,it just seems an old board to a young lad like me.All im doing is adding some spots in kitchen off the old circuit I just thought i would have to use a new MCB.THANKS GUYS
It is! You have to check these things, imagine if there was no main earth, nails for fuses and the customer killed themselves when changing a lamp? It would be you for the prison showers.So much to think about just for some downlights
You can also include the point that a single upfront RCD will interrupt all ccts, and they may prefer a dual RCD, or even hi-integ board, to avoid nuisance trips.........In these situations it can sometimes be best to just do the work you are asked to do, but advise the customer that their old CU whilst not unsafe, is not as safe as a modern fuse box with convenient MCB switch fuses. Suggest it would be prudent to consider getting it replaced in the next 12 to 18 months and ask if they would like you to provided an estimate or quote for replacement. Are you aware that the lighting in the kitchen will be notifiable Part P work as a special location, and if the spot lamps are 12v they are also notifiable as a special installation.Doc H.
Enter your email address to join: