EICR Consumer Unit

N

Nagsed

Member
I asked an electrician to quote for an EICR test.
He took a look. and said he would have to replace the consumer unit because "it doesnt have a cover over the busbar (or busbars?)"
He wants £360 plus VAT for fitting, but the EICR testing is relatively cheap at £25 + VAT per circuit.
Is it not possible to obtain these busbar covers? Im not sure what he means exactly.
The switches are numbered NB30 / Type 2.
I would add an image of the consumer unit, but I can't work out how to add an image from my downloads (its asking here for the URL (?))
 
12.5 mm is the limit for a hole size of a standard finger, so any missing MCB/RCBO needs a blank, and the blank must be designed so can't be removed without a tool or key.

But most will turn a blind eye with push in blanks, but best is a picture.
 
Regarding the bus bar cover, my local wholesalers has a room full of old boards etc I could probably find one to fit so could most sparks I'd imagine.
 
If you need a tool to get the cover off the consumer unit, the busbar doesn't need a further cover. It's better with one, but not essential.

However, you mentioned an NB 30 Type 2. This means the board is over 30 years old and probably needs replacing. Make sure the EICR is done before the board is changed.
 
Good idea, but no. The RCD's that are now used are of a different Type. The new ones would not fit into an old board. Also it's better not to have RCD protection from one device. Plus SPD's are required. Good thinking though
 
SPD? Ah, Surge Protection.
So my Consumer Unit would need an SPD to pass an EICR test?
Can you have an add-on SPD seperate from the consumer unit?
 
Last edited:
It would, but there is a big issue. Your main switch is rated for a through current of 100A, the rcd you have discovered is rated for a through current of only 63A. Your other problems are does it work (it looks second hand), and these days a type “A” is required for new work, not a type “AC”.
 
Nagsed said:
He took a look. and said he would have to replace the consumer unit because "it doesnt have a cover over the busbar (or busbars?)"
Click to expand...

It is time to consider replacing the consumer unit completely, because it is very dated and not to current standards.

But, please consider getting a different electrician who doesn't make things up.
 
If you think £25:a circuit is cheap then replacing the consumer unit should be a bargain, get it changed its a no brainer
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top