I have a detached house that was built in 2001.my NICEIC certificate expired this year, I had an inspection carried out by a NICEIC approved contractor and was told that 4 of the ten circuits on my fusebox were not RCD protected and it is now a requiremen

[molowton]

that all circuits are RCD protected. Can you confirm that this is the case. If so, does it mean that all fuseboxes pre 2008 has to be upgraded even though they complied with the regulations when installed.

Many thanks

[The Builder]

Another can of worms here, Molo..............

As usual with these things, it all depends.
In short, no.
It IS a requirement for new installations, AND alterations to a system. Think of it as with Building Regs. New houses, extensions & alterations must comply with today's regs, but every other building in the country? Hardly!

A "periodic" test must take note of the safety of the system. If any circuit is found to be incapable of functioning safely, then the electrician has to explain this, and give advice on remedies. If you decide to NOT have the remedial work done, then you don't get your certificate, and the system is marked and recorded as unsafe.

It may be possible that he found such problems with the four circuits. If so, protecting them with an RCD may be a solution.

From what you say, I guess not. Assuming all circuits are sound. That's the end of it ............ certificate issued but noted to advise on upgrading.

Many electricians are honestly confused over the requirements. Some are exploiting this confusion by recommending, and making work for themselves.

What they're afraid of is that their work is occasionally inspected by whoever approves them (NIC or whatever) ......... so they play safe.

[buildersmate]

But it begs the question as to why you decided to have the property re-inspected just because the NICEIC certification expired? - in a domestic property I am not aware of any automatic requirement to have an in-force certificate unless you are letting it.
Rest of the question, I agree with TB - the contractor had to report on the condition of the property against the latest Regs, but there is no obligation for a property to satisfy current Building Regs unless it is modified / extended.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

We are now finding that insurance companies are requesting evidence of a satisfactory inspection cert before providing full cover.You cant blame them really...its a bit like claiming on your car insurance if the mot is five years out of date.IMO the introduction of the full 30ma rcd cover in domestic properties is one of the few regs that make good sense.