DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

The extractor fan in our bathroom has recently ceased working, probably due to age. I have bought a replacement and intend to fit it but I have a few questions.

Firstly is this something which would have to be Part P checked? Secondly the fan is on a timer so it remains live once the light is off, it currently has no isolator switch but this is something I would install, if part P doesn't complicate things. I have checked the wiring to the fan and it is the old colours of yellow, red and blue.

daddydisco,
Just replace the fan and forget fitting an isolation device, once you start messing with the existing circuit the whole circuit must comply with new regs. Since you have 3 wires to the fan you probably already have a permanent live. Do turn off the electrical supply before starting work and make sure the permanent live is dead.
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Thanks stoneyboy. Yea there is already a permanent live so I will swap it out for a like for like. You may be able to help me with another question. I have a Hager consumer unit, which has modules where you slide in fuses. One of these has snapped so it makes it hard to replace the fuse as it won't pull down. If I replace the module with a 6amp type B MCB (its for upper lighting circuit) would this need a part p check or is it again a like for like repair?

To answer your question regarding Part P.
Part P must be complied to within all special locations, which the bathroom is one.
KB[/quote]

daddydisco,
As far as I'm concerned if you are not modifying a circuit you can replace like for like equipment connected to it without infringing the requirements of Part P.
I do not think the fuse replacement is controlled by part P but in order to do this you would have to delve into the innards of the CU and unless you are absolutely sure what you are doing I would get an electrician to do the replacement.
Remember some work you can carry out which is not covered by part P still has to conform with the relevant version of BS 7671
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The issue of Part P is one of NOTIFICATION of the work. How that can be infringed (apart from not doing it) I do not know.

Aside from Part P I'll think you'll find that the work will have to be done to the 17th and AFAIK that requires an Isolator which will be a circuit modification and therefore notifiable under Part P as its in a special location.

Stoneyboy - IMHO you are treading on very dangerous ground to suggest that the OP ferret about inside the Consumer Unit and ignore Part P. ANYTHING to do with the CU is notifiable under Part P.

Now the OP can do the work himself IF he can satisfy the BCO that he is a "competant person", details of the planned work are submitted to the BCO for approval in advance and he is prepared to pay the exhorbitant fees that the BCO will require to issue the necessary certificate.

Its not worth the grief - get yourself a sparks.

daddydisco,
It would be interesting to see what reply you received if you asked your BCO whether the work you propose is notifiable.

Here is a quote from the pages of the Approved Part P Document.
"Replacement, repair and maintenance jobs are generally not notifiable, even if carried out in a kitchen or special location ……"

Although replacement of your consumer unit would be notifiable under Part P replacing your Cartridge fuse with an MCB of the same rating could well be considered replacement and therefore not notifiable.

You should however still carry out the tests specified for the issuing of a minor works certificate ie comply with BS7671.
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Stoneyboy and I do not agree on the Part P issue and that's fair enough.

Whether he is right or I am right about Part P in this case you'll still need to work to the 17th as I have already advised which will require a Minor Works Certificate as end has acknowledged. Do you have the test equipment and knowledge to perform those tests? Theres a very real possibility that the bonding at your CU will also need upgrading to comply with the 17th.

I would suggest that you get yourself a sparky in.