80mm hole in bathroom light

[chopper76]

Exactly mr Skelton, good call

 

[Amp David]

and i always thought silicone was for ----.

Like the one posting the OP

 

[Sharpend]

The problem only exists if the 'new' IP fails, an alteration to manufacturers design will invariably dissolve all responsibility of the manufacturer and will put the installer solely responsible for the new design. This will then be a deviation from BS7671 as we are required to follow manufacturers instructions, therefore your insurance may well be effected?

If you are confident that you can provide an equal degree of IP rating then the choice is yours.

 

[Amp David]

What's the IP rating of a modular fluorescent then? Anyone can shove their finger in one of them!

It doesn't matter if you cut a hole out, so long as you can preserve the IP rating afterwards. By fitting the light flush to the ceiling, the hole could be 1000mm and it would still be only the gap between the fitting and the ceiling that would determine the IP rating.

The gap between ceiling and fitting still wouldn't be the same as the fitting he mentioned in terms of the IP rating. IIRC they are at least IP 44

 

[Thefailsafe2012]

Or join the good guys team and take the old light off first, what happens if there's a leak from the floor above? Your 80mm hole is gonna let a lot of water through eh? (not that I reckon those flimsy 20mm grommets would hold up for long)

 

[Amp David]

IP rating ain't there in case of a leak from another floor dude!

 

[D Skelton]

This will then be a deviation from BS7671 as we are required to follow manufacturers instructions

I've not yet seen manufacturers instuctions that state: "Do not drill 80mm holes in the back of this fitting"

The gap between ceiling and fitting still wouldn't be the same as the fitting he mentioned in terms of the IP rating. IIRC they are at least IP 44

The IP rating wouldn't be IP44 if it wasn't fitted in the manner intended, ie.. On the ceiling.

The way I see it, you can get your finger and indeed water inside a 20mm hole just as easily as an 80mm hole. I'm not condoning drilling 80mm holes in everything we install but let's be realistic here, is this really the end of the world???

 

[Thefailsafe2012]

D'oh :blush5:

 

[Amp David]

Think you'll find they are rated for that, hence why they are supplied with a closed grommet and not just a 20mm opening. Sounds to me as though its on a ceiling

 

[chrish_1977]

But the ip rating is based on the fitting not being altered, no matter where it's fitted, an 80 mm hole is still making the ip rating null and void, regardless if its fire flush to the ceiling, what about steam, condensation, dust, I know it's not a 1mm gap, but its still modifying the manufacturers product cause you can't be bothered to fit the light according to the instructions

 

[Sharpend]

Well if the ceiling height is above 2.25m then is higher IP rating required as outside of zone? The facing of the light will retain its IP rating!

 

[Sharpend]

For the record, my own preference is to fit the light correctly(in accordance with manufacturers instruction) fit it once then move on.

 

[D Skelton]

IP rating ain't there in case of a leak from another floor dude!

But the ip rating is based on the fitting not being altered, no matter where it's fitted, an 80 mm hole is still making the ip rating null and void, regardless if its fire flush to the ceiling, what about steam, condensation, dust, I know it's not a 1mm gap, but its still modifying the manufacturers product cause you can't be bothered to fit the light according to the instructions

So how many domestic plastic DBs do we see with cables entering through a 100mm knockout to the rear? How many of these are rated over IP00 at the rear?

The argument in my opinion is non sensical.

 

[Hawk81]

Ok guys. What are your thoughts on this.

My foreman has kicked off about 80mm holes being drilled in the Back of thorn leopard IP rated bathroom fittings.

I've been doing this because they fit nicely over the existing batten holder and then wire from that to the light fitting.

He suggests the ip rating will be effected and I can't see it.

Any options out there guys??

My opinion your only option is do it right. I am with your foreman. Sounds like a real rubbish lazy job the way you are doing it.

 

[Geordie Spark]

Regardless of what happens to the IP rating, the foreman may not always be right, but he IS always the foreman!!!

I still remember stepping out our front door to go to my very first day at work many years ago. My Father said to me: "Remember to do exactly as you're told no matter how stupid you think it is as long as it's not dangerous and if you do think it is dangerous, ask them to put their instructions in writing and sign it".