What is a 17th edition consumer unit?
Following the 2008 changes to the wiring regulations most circuits are now required to be RCD protected and a new type of Consumer unit has become popular for use in domestic properties. This is commonly called a 17th Edition Consumer Unit.
Do consumer units have to be metal now?
Do consumer units have to be metal? Since regulations changed in 2016, all domestic consumer units must be either enclosed in a non-combustible material or housed in a cabinet made from a non-combustible material.
Do I need to change my consumer unit?
There is no need to replace EXISTING consumer units unless defective or otherwise unsuitable for continued use. You do not need a metal consumers unit unless you are replacing the entire old one for some reason e.g full rewire. You can still make alterations to the existing wiring and leave the old board alone.
Does SWA need RCD protection 18th edition?
swa’s steel armour is NOT accepted as sufficient protection for the cable when buried. there is no requirement to afford rcd protection to cables buried outside. socket circuits that COULD be used outdoors MUST have RCD protection, when this is a domestic installation.
Do you need to fire seal a consumer unit?
You do not need to fire seal the entry holes. The cable entries should be done as you would previously have done it with other CUs. This has been a requirement for many years. There is no requirement to fire stop the holes, as confirmed by the NICEIC.
What certificate is needed for new consumer unit?
It should have been certified by a part p registered electrician, what you should do now is get a registered electrician to carry out EICR ( electrical installation condition report ) formerly a PIR ( periodic inspection report ) to make sure everything is safe.
Is no RCD a fail on EICR?
If the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is Satisfactory then you do not need to replace the consumer unit, even if it does not have RCD protection. RCDs are only required by law in new builds, additions/alterations or rewires.