Will a new metal CU be mandatory or advisory

[Bob Minchin]

I've just moved into a flat and want to get an electric shower fitted. The installation has passed a recent EICR done by the seller but warn that the current CU is a plastic type. There is sufficient room to fit extra breakers.

So that I can be best prepared when meeting the electrician, is it mandatory to have the CU changed for a metal one because of the new circuit being added or just advisable.
Money is tight after the purchase and I don't want to pay out if I don't have to. Thanks

 

[Fleeting]

No provided it is suitable it is fine. Can you show a pic?

 

[Bob Minchin]

No provided it is suitable it is fine. Can you show a pic?

Thanks I'll try and get a pic when I get back home. What do you define as 'suitable'? obviously no damage and room for an extra breaker anything else? It possibly original from when built in 1997. It has an RCD

 

[Fleeting]

Suitable is as you say and the pic to see the nature of any RCD protection and whether protective devices are still available.

 

[Andy™]

no need to change it just because its plastic. may need changed if the new circutis can't be fitted, either no MCB's or RCBO's available etc, although that would apply to any consumer unit plastic or metal

 

[Bob Minchin]

These are the breakers which seem to be still available. there are 4 empty slots and 2 more with unused breakers so a total of 6 slots. So a shower RCD and a suitably rated MCB ought to fit and be OK?

Fingers crossed

Thanks for your responses guys.

 

[Fleeting]

You just need an RCBO (combined RCD and MCB) unless the spare ways are already RCD protected in which case just an MCB.

 

[Andy™]

you can get RCBO's for that board

 

[Bob Minchin]

you can get RCBO's for that board

Thanks guys look like i wont have to spend a fortune then

 

[Bob Minchin]

I plan to have an 8.5kw shower which is ~35 amps I think.
Will a 40A RCBO be adequate or would I be better to go for a 50A type for a bit more headroom?

 

[Murdoch]

Could you post a photo from further out ?

 

[Bob Minchin]

Could you post a photo from further out ?

Does this help?

 

[ProDave]

I am surprised it got a satisfactory EICR with a missing blank. I am willing to bet there is a busbar finger waiting for an inquisitive finger next to the main switch.

Because there is only one RCD, for the shower I would fit an rcbo next to the main switch.

Then that leaves another missing blank at the left hand end to be filled.

Looking again, there has been some buggering about with that CU. Labels suggest it used to be dual RCD but not any more? And what's with the left hand rcbo already fed from the RCD.

 

[Andy™]

well that's a bit crappy. missing blanks. RCBO on the RCD side. everything on one RCD so a single fault will take out everything

 

[Murdoch]

What did the EICR say

That’s not ideal to say the least

 

[Fleeting]

If that is the correct lid then an RCD has been removed.
Edit, just checked the Part No and it should be dual RCD so that has been doctored.

 

[Bob Minchin]

If that is the correct lid then an RCD has been removed.
Edit, just checked the Part No and it should be dual RCD so that has been doctored.

Ive got no history. Previous owner died. It was an executor sale. The unmarked items on the left have nothing connected to them. Just space fillers.

 

[Murdoch]

Your OP says there was an EICR done

What did it say / recommend

 

[Fleeting]

Be interesting to see the inside.

 

[Andy™]

What did it say / recommend

don't stick your finger in the gap otherwise someone else will be getting the house