I've just had a small house extension built. It was incredibly simple in that it just made 2 rooms slightly larger. Because it was so simple I was just able to move sockets and lights around the rooms extending the cable in between,essentially making a more spaced out version of what was there originally.
I've had an electrician out to inspect and sign off the alterations for me but he said that although everything seemed fine (it's all been working perfectly for 6 months now), he couldn't pass anything unless I upgraded the board to have rcd protection. The board was replaced about 7 years ago with what I assume was compliant at the time at a cost of £350. He's also talking about needing to check earthing on the water and gas mains which haven't been altered at all in the work.
So here's the question - do I really need to do all of these things just for moving a few sockets around? It seems like he's trying to give himself more work to do but I'm not familiar with the Scottish electrical regs and haven't been able to find any clear info that doesn't relate to rented properties. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Ta
Thing is the three things he says are things that make sense t do anyway!
I think he has to check earthing to the plumbing before he can sign anything off mind he is signing off the WHOLE system not just your wee bits.
As Josh says, you are asking him to take responsibility for the whole system (and other peoples work including your self confessed non qualified sparky work). He is taking his responsibilities seriously. He will no doubt be a member NICEIC or SELECT. He's doing what he is trained to do.
The installation will be covered by BS7671: 2018 wiring regulations (although not necessarily retrospectively). IIRC RCD protection has been tightened up, I'd imagine there's good reasoning for that...(but mainly in case some numpty puts a nail through a cable or the like).
IANAS (but I have my C&G for the 18th ed.)
I presume this isnt the person who did the work who is now inspecting it?
You should really have a Certificate from the original Installer.
What the new guy will give you is an Electrical Installation Condition Report.
If he gives you either a Minor Works Certificate, or, an Electrical Installation Certificate, he is committing fraud, as only the original Installer (or his Company) can issue those.
Back to your new sockets, yes, they should have RCD protection. That has been in the Wirings Regs since around 1995 (16th Edition) for downstairs sockets that may be connected to outdoor equipment. It was tightened in 2007, where (nearly) all sockets in houses need to be RCD protected. If they havent got RCD protection, your original sparky is useless, as it is one of the fundamental parts of house wiring now.
Gas water/other bonding must be up to current standards. That requirement has not changed for a long time.It is likely that yours is OK. Basically, it needs a 10mm cable to gas/water/other services entering the building. Some pipes do not need it any more (any plastic supply pipes). A 6mm cable may suffice for an existing installation.
The Inspector is not taking responsibility for the whole installation. He will write on his certificate, in the box marked Extent of I&T, he will write something like "extension of existing circuit 1 to supply new socket outlets in extension'.
He will not be liable for anything else in the house then.
I presume this is to get a Completion Certificate from the Council? What have they asked for? Is your new Guy registered with SELECT? The one who installed it should have been as they are the Body who regulate domestic electricians in Scotland ( I beleive NICEIC are also in on the deal too now, though not certain).
Anyway, an Electrical Installation Condition Report is usually enough for the Council to give out a Building completion certificate, if the original sparky has not given any paperwork.
Thanks all. I do appreciate that all of the things he suggested are good ideas and it is my intention to have them done but it was just a case of wanting to stagger the costs a bit and do only what was absolutely required at the moment. Looks like I'll have to bite the bullet though. A bit miffed that the box that was put in seven years ago should have had rcd by the sound of it?
A bit miffed that the box that was put in seven years ago should have had rcd by the sound of it?
Yes it should. It was introduced as an amendment to the 16th Edition Regs in 2005.
Put up a pic of your consumer unit, and if possible, if you can see them, the green/yellow wires going to it (they may be in the walls so not visible).
Cost wise, I cant see it being much more than £100, possibly less. A half hour to fit a RCBO, less than a hour to inspect the work, half hour to type out the report. A rcbo to fit into the consumer unit (if needed, post a pic) will be £25.
Think yourself lucky you don't want a full electrical safety cert! I had to put new CU in, change all my spotlights for fireproof ones, run new earths, fit a full interlinked fire alarm system, change all my lightshades for fire resistant ones.
It was in a rental and I wanted it to be 100% right
You've just had an extension built ergo building warrant ergo box must be up to date.
I had to get wired smoke alarms as well.
He's got to put his name on the sheet. Arse covering is arse covering.
