Advice on Electricians Work and Replacing Consumer Unit and Insulated Single Cable Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[mdemetri2]

Hopefully someone can help.

Current having some renovations, electrician in to do some work (power for a shower, move some light switches, add security lights) but also replace consumer unit.

Just had a call to say that the lighting in the house is single insulated cable , so can’t replace consumer unit and sign off on it (certification) without rewire of lights or leaving old consumer unit in and putting new work on new consumer unit and signing off on that.

Seem right?

[ericmark]

I will guess wiring pre-1966 and no earth on the lights? There are some PDF advice leaflets which do detail what to de when the existing system is not to standard.

The main problem is old copies of wiring regulations are not freely available. There was a option to say complies with previous edition, however if you don't have a previous edition how would one know?

Going back one BS7671 number OK not so bad, think first one was around 1996, then 2001, then 2008 with numerous small upgrades, So I have a copy some where of 16th Edition so could check if allowed in 1998 but would not have a clue what was permitted pre-1966.

The big problem is the RCD, the 30 mA RCD protects the house and is clearly good, but with old wiring it does tend to trip, so likely the best option is a separate board. Nothing says you must have one, but it is likely the best option.