Andrew Procter

Fri 30 Jan 2015 06:34pm

Hi Fiona, I prefer to test the entire installation prior to installing a new board. This way any faults in the wiring can be found before a new consumer unit with RCD's is fitted. Because otherwise the RCD will do its job very well, find the fault and trip out. Which may then leave you and the electrician with an unexpected problem late in the day, after the board change. I would allow half a day to a day for thorough testing, depending on the installation. Probably the same again for the board change.

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Russell Baron

Thu 29 Jan 2015 09:54pm

Hi Fiona Domestic electrical installation should be tested every 10 years but if your having a new consumer unit fitted the electrician will test all circuits whilst fitting this. He will give you an electrical installation cert for the job.He will then notify building control who will send you a separate cert to confirm it complies with Part P of building regulations. Fitting the consumer unit and doing all the testing properly will normally take most of the day dependent upon number of circuits Hope this helps Russ

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Alfie Jenks

Thu 29 Jan 2015 09:33pm

Hi, other way round, circuits need to be tested after the new board has been fitted. We have to confirm that the installation is safe, write a certificate then notify building control that the works have been completed. If the electrician is asking to test the circuits and he's NICEIC registered, chances are he's doing/quoting you exactly what needs to be done for your safety and to satisfy part p of the building regulations. Hope this helps.

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