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Can I still install a 17th edition consumer unit?

Can I still install a 17th edition consumer unit?

Under the 17th Edition requirements it is still possible to install some circuits in domestic premises that are not fed via an RCD. Different wiring systems would need to be used.

Do plastic consumer units need to be replaced 2021?

Old style plastic consumer units no longer meet new regulations, however they don’t need to be replaced. So long as their safety features are up to date (such as old MCBs updated to RCBOs) and they are fully enclosed in a non-combustible casing, they can remain in the property.

Do new consumer units have to be metal?

Metal Consumer units have been a requirement in ‘NEW INSTALLATIONS’ since Amendment 3 to the 17th edition of the wiring regulations. This is not that new, it actually became a requirement for new consumer unit installations as of 1st Jan 2016.

Is a consumer unit change a new installation?

It’s an alteration to an existing installation so that’s the box that gets ticked. Doesn’t matter if circuits are actually added.

Can you change consumer unit without rewire?

Yes, as all the circuits will be tested, new & old.

Can I still fit a plastic consumer unit?

Compliance. For the remainder of the year either plastic or metal consumer units can be installed in a domestic premise, although there is nothing precluding earlier compliance with the amended regulations. From 1 January onwards plastic consumer units can still be fitted but only in non-domestic installations.

Do I have to change my plastic consumer unit?

Old consumer units, including rewirable fuse boxes, do not need to be changed so long as they still provide adequate protection, even if they are plastic, although in the case of rewirable fuse boxes it is highly recommended that they are changed for a modern consumer unit as circuit breakers offer faster reaction …

Can I put my consumer unit in a cupboard?

If the cupboard is freestanding then it falls short of the regs if the c/u is fitted to the cupboard itself. If it is fitted to the building inside a cupboard then all is ok.

Are old fuse boxes illegal UK?

Old Style Fuseboxes But they are not illegal unless you intend to rent the property, it would be a huge job to check and change every single one, so authorities rely on local contractors to keep up to date with current requirements and advise homeowners when things need to be changed.

How much does it cost to rewire a house UK?

Rewiring a 3 bedroom house costs between £2,500-£4,500 and typically takes between 6-10 days….How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?

Size of House Price Time to Complete
1 Bedroom £1,900-£3,000 4-7 days
2 Bedrooms £2,300-£3,500 5-8 days
3 Bedrooms £3,000-£4,500 6-10 days
4 Bedrooms £3,700-£5,500 1-2 weeks

Does a full rewire include a new consumer unit?

A total rewire can cost several thousand pounds for a small property and significantly more for a bigger dwelling. However, a full rewire can often be avoided if the existing cabling is sound and able to carry any additional loads. Older installations can be updated by adding a modern consumer unit.

What are the regulations for replacing a consumer unit?

The work MUST be notified to local building control under Part P of the building regulations and a full Electrical Installation Certificate (3 pages) must be issued with all the test results for the completed job.

Can a consumer unit be placed in a cabinet?

From 1st January, consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies installed in domestic premises must either have their enclosure constructed from non-combustible material or be housed in an enclosure or cabinet constructed from such material.

Do you need a new consumer unit for a landlord?

I am hearing from a lot of landlords that they are having electrical safety tests completed and they are being told that they need a ‘new metal consumer unit’or an ’18th edition consumer unit’fitting to pass the test.

Do you need an EICR before replacing a consumer unit?

The electrical contractor should always encourage the customer to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which should be carried out before replacing the consumer unit.