Consider it Done Electrical Services

What are the common signs a consumer unit / fuse boards needs to be replaced?

I think the phrase common signs may not be appropriate to describe why a consumer unit needs to be replaced. This piece of electrical equipment has constantly evolved and is continuing to do so with many changes to regulations on what is required. But from the point of view of the householder, if the consumer unit has signs of damage, such as cracks or breaks in the casing of whatever is fitted, or burn marks when you have a fuse board or parts no longer functioning correctly; these are signs it is in need of attention. From your personal point of view, a change would mean a much higher level of safety for the electrical installation in your property. It is worth remembering that the old re-wireable type of fuse box is still recognised as an acceptable unit. But it offers the minimum level of protection. So, as we enter the 2nd amendment of the 18th edition of wiring regulations, there are even more protective measures becoming a standard: surge protection, arc fault detection as well as the established residual current protection. These need explanation in their own rights but are all improvements. As con be seen without the aspect of damage or loss of functionality it is purely a choice to upgrade. The only time it is a must to replace an outdated consumer unit, is if you are having major alterations to the electrical installation. These are generally additional circuits often including supplies to outbuildings or extensions. But even additions to existing circuits will require an upgrade. If it is more than maintenance, swapping switch or socket plates, changing light fittings; then a change is needed.

Is it a legal requirement to have an electrical inspection carried out every 5 years?

The need for an inspection of the electrical installation every five years is a legal requirement only in the private rented sector. This comes with a couple of other asides too! The law changed to ensure private rented domestic properties were inspected more regularly. An unfair slant is that it doesn’t apply to domestic properties owned by councils, housing associations or corporations. The two asides for more frequent inspections is that of change of occupancy and change of use. So if during the five year period between inspections a tenant leaves and another is due to move in, then the installation has to be inspected. One other point worthy of mention. If the installation is regularly maintained and records kept up to date. The inspections aren’t required. So in essence lots of ifs, buts and maybes. A private domestic property has no legal requirement to be inspected but it has been deemed that a recommendation not exceeding 10 years between inspections is advised. The only compelling point maybe, if your insurance company specifically state on your policy, that you must have had an inspection in the last ten years.

What is an electrical installation condition report?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a document created following a periodic inspection of an electrical installation. The report records a series of visual checks including a sample of the internal wiring of sockets, switches light fittings etc. There are also a full schedule of tests of supply and circuits recording results of tests relating to such things as earthing, how fast an RCD will trip and such like. The report records any observations made that relate to how safe the installation is and if it's safe for continued use. The lowest level of observation is if something is not compliant with current regulations. The other level are: requires further investigation, likely to cause danger, immediate danger. It's overall purpose is to give an overview of safety. I have heard it described as like an MOT for an electrical installation.