Electrics - Part P

[jenlcoop]

I am about to have a new kitchen fitted and have been told that the fitters will not install the appliances unless my fuse box complies with the new Part P regulations.  Does anyone know how I can tell if the fuse box needs changing?  (At present the box uses fuse wire.) 

Thanks in advance.

[jake-the-peg]

Sounds like your kitchen fitters are doing work under the part of the regs that allows them to do work undere their area of expertise.

They're probably covering themselves because they're not allowed to do work if the consumer unit is some old pre-war bakerlite thing with a wooden back and no RCD.

Providing your fusebox has an RCD, is reasonably modern and is undamaged you'll probably be OK. If they had wanted an inspection certificate they'd have asked for one at this point.

Having said that if they turn up say it's not up to scratch and offer to fix it at a price then politely decline and get a local electrician to come and do an inspection. 

[JSB]

Would have thought that if it uses fuse wire it won't have a RCD (which cuts the current if you stick your fingers in a socket).  Personally I'd rather have an RCD than a new kitchen!

[jenlcoop]

Thanks both of you for your replies, I'm pretty sure it needs updating so i'll get an electrician on to it.