Additions to circuit

[hightower]

Mr X has phoned, he wants 2 new sockets adding to his ring (oi oi). What do you do in terms of checks on the current installation to make sure it's suitable for the addition? Hypothetical question, I know what the book says, asking what happens in real life.

Know it's a strange question for a trainee, but just curious as to what people's procedures are typically.

 

[telectrix]

earthing and bonding need to be checked and if not present, you need to install. then the circuit you're adding to needs to be tested (IR and Zs as a minimum). is RCD protection on that circuit? if not, you'll need to install at least for the addition.

 

[Simonslimline]

I would also carry out the 3 stage ring final test to ensure it was a proper ring with no interconnections.

 

[hightower]

And all this is even before you accept a job or is it accepted on the agreement these checks need to be carried out? I'm guessing 9 out of 10 test OK anyway and can be worked on safely?

 

[hightower]

So in the case of lighting circuits for example, which don't need rcd protection when installed correctly, would you mark on the minor works cert that it was without rcd protection even though the wiring complies with not needing rcd?

 

[newtothis]

Mr X has phoned, he wants 2 new sockets adding to his ring (oi oi). What do you do in terms of checks on the current installation to make sure it's suitable for the addition? Hypothetical question, I know what the book says, asking what happens in real life.

Know it's a strange question for a trainee, but just curious as to what people's procedures are typically.

I suspect in real life Mr X gets another quote from Dave down the pub, who says,all that testing and paperwork is overkill nonsense, and you're trying to bump up the price, and does the job for £50 cash in hand. lol

 

[telectrix]

So in the case of lighting circuits for example, which don't need rcd protection when installed correctly, would you mark on the minor works cert that it was without rcd protection even though the wiring complies with not needing rcd?

no note required except maybe for light/s in a bathroom.

 

[Pete999]

Tell your customer at the initial visit what is required prior to actually quoting for the job, make them aware that these tests are necessary to ensure safety and just banging in a couple of extra points could be inherently dangerous.

 

[hightower]

Thanks fellas, all very helpful, appreciate it

 

[newtothis]

Thanks for asking this question Hightower, I've always been confused what you're responsible for when doing an addition.
Soz about my stupid reply - festive season - drink taken. That's my excuse !

 

[hightower]

So continuing on from this theme - mrs y wants an accessory changed (like for like) because it's damaged. What would you test and would you complete a mwc for it? If you test and it doesn't comply what is your next step as a 20 quid job has potentially just turned in to a rewire.

 

[rolyberkin]

So continuing on from this theme - mrs y wants an accessory changed (like for like) because it's damaged. What would you test and would you complete a mwc for it? If you test and it doesn't comply what is your next step as a 20 quid job has potentially just turned in to a rewire.

I think I may be doing similar on Saturday for a friend who has damaged an outside socket! I was around there last week sorting all of his electrical niggles out and after he pays me he then tells me he has another job for me, I think he wanted to see what my rates were!?

 

[Simonslimline]

So continuing on from this theme - mrs y wants an accessory changed (like for like) because it's damaged. What would you test and would you complete a mwc for it? If you test and it doesn't comply what is your next step as a 20 quid job has potentially just turned in to a rewire.

Replacing like for like does not warrant a certificate strictly. However There is nothing wrong with issuing a MEIWC and it is even mentioned in GN3 with regards to this situation. In theory you are not making the installation any worse by carrying out the swap, in fact it will be making the installation safer if the old accessory is damaged etc.

So certainly no harm in doing one, and if the installation is unsafe as it stands then it would be a good idea to make the client aware in writing perhaps to show you have acknowledged the issues.

Others may a different approach so i am interested to hear.

Thanks.

 

[hightower]

Replacing like for like does not warrant a certificate strictly. However There is nothing wrong with issuing a MEIWC and it is even mentioned in GN3 with regards to this situation. In theory you are not making the installation any worse by carrying out the swap, in fact it will be making the installation safer if the old accessory is damaged etc.

So certainly no harm in doing one, and if the installation is unsafe as it stands then it would be a good idea to make the client aware in writing perhaps to show you have acknowledged the issues.

Others may a different approach so i am interested to hear.

Thanks.

Thanks, that's pretty much what I suspected - but then I thought, what happens if I issue a MWC and carry out the tests that go with it, and the test results aren't up to standard - I'd then be issuing a MWC with a non-compliant test result. Is that ok? Or would it then be on me to rectify the circuit to make sure it does comply?

 

[Simonslimline]

Thanks, that's pretty much what I suspected - but then I thought, what happens if I issue a MWC and carry out the tests that go with it, and the test results aren't up to standard - I'd then be issuing a MWC with a non-compliant test result. Is that ok? Or would it then be on me to rectify the circuit to make sure it does comply?

In that case i would suggest just issuing the client some written proof that you have acknowledged the installation is not up to standard and get them to sign something to cover yourself.

I expect one of the more seasoned members will be able to give a more definite answer though mate.