Fitting RCD

thebullsback

If I remove my current (no pun) RCD and replace it with a new one then have my domestic electrical system EICR tested am I legal .

WIAWSNB

As I understand it, you'd be legal before the EICR. PartP regs allow for like-for-like replacements, and even some 'extensions' to an existing circuit.

What RCD is this? And why do you want an EICR?

Ectophile

Unless you're a landlord, there's never any legal requirement for an EICR.

thebullsback

Property was rewired 25 years ago , consumer box has MCB fitted the RCD is a stand alone unit .

I press the test button every 4 months and RCD trips but I'm thinking 25 years is probably time for. New one .

Private home so not landlord.

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82089864#Comment_82089864

If it still works then age alone doesn't mean you have to replace it. An electrician might advise upgrades to give the property a greater level of protection though.

Is there an isolator between the RCD and the DNO's main fuse? If not, then to change the RCD would involve getting the DNO to come out to pull the main fuse, as you wouldn't be able to safely change the RCD with it still live. I doubt a DNO would be willing to do this to allow DIY work without evidence of your competence and intention to complete the required testing and notification.

vacheron

If it still works, don't replace it. Wait until you need to replace the Consumer unit, add a circuit, rewire, or some other notifiable works and get the electrician to do it then if you want. Though a new CU would probably mean it can be removed anyway.

You could also borrow a RCD tester from someone if you wanted to confirm the RCD was still fully within spec. Many non-professionals may have one. It only takes a couple of minutes (it just plugs in to a socket like any other appliance, but will give you a lot more info on device reaction time (degradation) than the built in test button).

Heedtheadvice

Some things spring to mind especially as part P of the build regs ( for England and Wales only) are not the be all and end all of the requirements. If you are not conversant with the other requirements you should not be doing that work for starters.

Was the old RCD of the correct type for the current supply system? Has anything changed in the intervening period? A like for like replacement does not necessary meet latest regs or is now considered best practice.

Testing, record keeping and annotation. These should all be done. The Test button is not sufficient at first installation. The RCD maybe functioning correctly by the test button but is it properly protecting all the intended curcuits. Full functionality should be tested ( a calibrated test device) on each circuits...and any problems rectified. Insulation testing is a good way of ensuring tripping primarily comes from connected device. If insulation resistant is low then the RCD will still do it's job but you can be subject to nuisance tripping. Wiring insulation ought to be high enough to be insignificant rather than a continuous contributory factor.

Do you have all the necessary tools, equipment, knowledge and experience ( I.e. full competence ) to do the job?