Refusing to take on a job

[elec2012]

Hi, Im new to the game and just trying to get my head around all the rules and regs...

I have heard storys of electricians which walk into a job and say 'i cant touch anything unless i change to cu' which is fair enough if the system isnt up to standard but how far do you go with this?

If i come across for example a system where all circuits are fine apart from a ring main which is in poor condition but the CU isnt protected by an RCD do you replace the ring main or do you say you cant touch it unless you change the CU for an RCD protected unit?

Same situation if you get asked to do work on a final circuit supplied by a 'old fuse wire type' CU do you attend to the required work or say you cant touch it unless the board is changed at the same time?

Sorry if some people think this is a silly question, cheers

 

[Sidewinder]

Depends what work you are doing TBH

 

[m4tty]

If you work on a circuit with cables sunk in wall less than 50mm which is majority or circuits then you'll need to rcd protect that circuit. There are other ways other than changing the board ie splitting the tails and putting a small cu in with rcd protection hth

 

[sparkytim]

There is NO requirement to bring an existing installation up to current regulation standards.

All new work that is done MUST meet current standards and this MAY include main Bonding and earthing of the NEW.

It is possible to install a NEW circuit without touching the existing installation, making it in effect a seperate installation with its own CU, Bonding and Earth Conductor.

It is often a good time to UPGRADE the existing installation and this is often RECOMMENDED but can not be insisted apon.

 

[elec2012]

That all makes sence, thank you for your helpfull replies

 

[Evans Electric]

Every situation is different Elec, for instance, (this is how I interperate it) if you went to install a new socket with the cable flush , your work would need to comply with the latest Regs .

So, if the Zs was OK for the BS 3036 fuse you could add an RCD for your radial and down the road like a big dog!!

If people don't want to pay to have their CU upgraded you have various choices (1) Walk away muttering (2) supply and fit a board free of charge (3) Install your Shower/ plug to the current Regs ,get paid, go to pub.

Option (3) is the way that pays the bills.

 

[Doc Hudson]

Hi, Im new to the game and just trying to get my head around all the rules and regs...I have heard storys of electricians which walk into a job and say 'i cant touch anything unless i change to cu' which is fair enough if the system isnt up to standard but how far do you go with this?

If i come across for example a system where all circuits are fine apart from a ring main which is in poor condition but the CU isnt protected by an RCD do you replace the ring main or do you say you cant touch it unless you change the CU for an RCD protected unit?

Same situation if you get asked to do work on a final circuit supplied by a 'old fuse wire type' CU do you attend to the required work or say you cant touch it unless the board is changed at the same time?

Sorry if some people think this is a silly question, cheers

Table 41.2 and 41.4 still both have the maximum permissible Zs for BS3036 fuses. As such it is still possible to have work complying with 17th edition supplied by these protective devices. The stories you refer to typically involve less knowledgeable or cowboy electricians. On some occasion a customer may be able to afford an upgraded CU in other situations they cannot. But that does not mean there are not other ways to meet compliance requirements.

Doc H.