Q & A of the Day - Consumer unit replacement

Question: I am a little confused by SELECT's answer to Derek Wheeler's original question (ie: 'When installing a replacement consumer unit, does the whole installation have to be inspected after replacement?'). SELECT's original answer to that question was: 'When replacing a consumer unit, you should test every circuit that has been disconnected and re-connected and verify that earthing and bonding are OK. On completion, you should issue an Electrical Installation Certificate. You do not have to carry out a periodic inspection on the whole of the installation, but any deviations identified during testing should be noted on the certification. Of course, if there were any problems with main earthing or bonding and the like, then these should have been rectified before proceeding with replacement of the consumer unit.'

Firstly it was my understanding that an Electrical Installation Certificate should not be issued unless the installation is 100% satisfactory, and that there is no scope for listing any deviations from BS7671, unlike on a Periodic Inspection Report.

Secondly, can you please explain why 'you do not have to carry out a periodic inspection on the whole of the installation'? What would you not have to do on an Electrical Installation Certificate for a new consumer unit, that you do in the case of a PIR?

Answer: There is no legal requirement, and no regulation in BS 7671, requiring an electrical installation to be upgraded to current standards. However, it should be ensured that an installation should not be left less safe than it was prior to the installation or modification work. This applies to the replacement of a consumer unit.

Before replacing a consumer unit, a risk assessment should be carried out which will involve some inspection and testing. If the risk assessment reveals an unsafe condition, then the installer should advise the customer that they cannot carry out a replacement until further investigation and remedial work has been carried out. If necessary, the customer should be advised in writing that a danger exists and that the equipment must be disconnected from the supply.

If the risk assessment reveals no dangerous faults and you have proceeded with installing a replacement consumer unit, then you should issue an Electrical Installation Certificate detailing the work you have carried out. You can advise on the non-compliances section of the Certificate any non-urgent deviations noted and state that a full periodic inspection and test of the whole installation has not been carried out. You can of course advise that such a PI & T be carried out.

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