Replacing Consumer Unit

[nathanynysddu]

Morning chaps,

Im going to be replacing an old Fuse type consumer unit with a new MCB one. Im fine with the work becuase its just going to be basically a straight swap Im just not 100% sure what to do with the live side.

Do I have to contact the supplier? Remove the main fuse?

Any advice would be great thanks

 

[GaryMo]

The right thing to do would be to contact the supplier for a fuse pull, the wrong thing to do would be to remove the fuse yourself.

If you choose the wrong option then first have a good look around the fuse carrier for evidence of damage, cracks etc as you wouldn't want it to break apart on you!

 

[bongos]

Pay some attention to the testing - even if it is a 'straight swap' otherwise you might find you spend your life reseting RCD's...

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Or MCBs if there are loads which don't cause a fuse to operate but will cause an MCB to....

 

[nathanynysddu]

thanks for the advice guys, ill contact their supplier, im not qualified for the inspection and testing but i am pretty confident on the wiring side of it. what tests could i run to check it for myself?

 

[ricicle]

what tests could i run to check it for myself?

If you don't know what tests are required then you shouldn't really be doing the work !

Also:-


//www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:part_p

 

[GaryMo]

I'd suggest you invest in a copy of Guidance Notes 3 (GN3).

 

[ban-all-sheds]

While you wait for GN3 to come from Amazon (other sellers are available), you might like to read this, as it's a free resource. It's from a guide to the 16th, but still valid.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Book/8.1.1.htm

 

[flameport]

Im fine with the work becuase its just going to be basically a straight swap

Replacing a fusebox or consumer unit involves far more than that.
The entire installation should be inspected and tested first, as there are always items which require minor (or major) repairs.