Here is another question. In my bedrooms 1 light is earthed and two are not. The lights are pendants..All plastic fittings. I have been told there needs to be further investigation. The investigation apparently needing to get up in to the loft to look for the earth. This is a problem for me as the loft is looked and choker block with my stuff. Loads of it. The loft is locked and I am not sure where the key is. (Lockdown intervened(.Anyhow I have asked the electricians why they need to investigate further. I said I thought it was okay that bedroom lights are not earthed with plastic fittings. They just dont answer. I am feeling a bit desparate about it as I have 28 days to complete the work
 
considering the new law for new tenants this year ,and next year all rented will need a test cert
either you let them do investigation has F1 ,has it failed .
Well I know that. My question is about understanding why and what they need to investigate. My understanding was that bedroom lights do not need to be earthed if they are doubly insulated. I have asked the electricians twice to explain why and have had no reply
 
I reckon your stuck on this one mate, if there’s no cpc then it’s not rcd’d so depending on inspector you are probably getting a C2 regardless...so it’ll need sorting and that will involve accessing the loft
I don't really understand. I thought perhaps incorrectly that bedroom .lights did not need an earth if doubly insulated.
 
It seems strange that one of the bedrooms has an earth though? Are the other bedrooms not wired in twin and earth? Maybe the electrician thinks the cpc must be tucked away in the loft- probably could have dropped the ceiling rose to have a look though and they should be able to see if it's t&e without even doing that.

You're right though that if the lighting circuit has no cpc then it must only have class 2 fittings and plastic switches and would then warrant a C3 and a notice not to connect any class 1 fittings as circuit has no cpc.

I know the loft may have no access right now but considering one light has no earth it would be a quick and easy upgrade to have the remaining lights earthed in the future to improve safety (and wouldn't cost much).
 
I don't really understand. I thought perhaps incorrectly that bedroom .lights did not need an earth if doubly insulated.
No lights need an Earth if double insulated.....right up until the 18th When all circuits need rcd protection in a domestic setting...which can’t happen with no cpc, I would say that if the others have cpcs you may have them there and they’ve just been cut out (not uncommon) which is why they’ll want to access the loft to rectify.....in fairness to the sparks if they can find it that’s a cheap fix for you
 
Last edited:
Well I know that. My question is about understanding why and what they need to investigate. My understanding was that bedroom lights do not need to be earthed if they are doubly insulated. I have asked the electricians twice to explain why and have had no reply
i love people saying it worked before so why should it change ,answer tenant council heath and safety and a man with big hammer ,stop and go to jail. no free card then .
 
No lights need an Earth if double insulated.....right up until the 18th When all circuits need rcd protection in a domestic setting...which can’t happen with no cpc, I would say that if the others have cpcs you may have them there and they’ve just been cut out (no uncommon) which is why they’ll want to access the loft to rectify.....in fairness to the sparks if they can find it that’s a cheap fix for you
Well 1) the bathroom is not earthed but that's okay I am told as it has a doubly insulated light fitting. I understood originally from the electrician who did the test that it was okay that the lights are not earthed as they are in bedrooms and have plastic pendant fittings. At the 2014 EICR it passed. So I am confused.
 
I think it would be useful to post a copy of this report if you have a couple of things on it you would like clearing up.

just remove the personal details first.
 
Well 1) the bathroom is not earthed but that's okay I am told as it has a doubly insulated light fitting. I understood originally from the electrician who did the test that it was okay that the lights are not earthed as they are in bedrooms and have plastic pendant fittings. At the 2014 EICR it passed. So I am confused.
how thing have changed since 2014 ,hey Marty . so where did i leave the the DeLorean car .
 
Lighting circuits installed before 1966 did not require a circuit protective conductor (cpc) to be run to and terminated at every point and accessory of a lighting circuit, as is currently required by Regulation 411.3.1.1 of BS 7671. my version .
 
I think it would be useful to post a copy of this report if you have a couple of things on it you would like clearing up.

just remove the personal details first.
Well I don't have the report as they will not be issuing it until the work is done. I have a number of points sent to me by email.. 1).The wrong fuse was put in the consumer unit by an electrician who fitted new lights. This has been changed. C2).The light in the bathroom highlighted in last EICR was changed then..But they put the wrong one in. This too has been rectified.C2 3 ).There is loose trunking. This was raised on EICR in 2014. I did not see the report at the time as agent had it. I have now got hold of it and it was registered as C3. It is now graded as C2. I think that I now understand that since Edition 18 this grading may have changed. Though the electrician who did it in 2014 says its still C3. But whatever. 4) There is no label on the gas to show the water And gas are earthed C2. I think this needs a clamp?. Don't understand this at all but .. 5).The investigation regarding The lights
 
411.3.1.1

A circuit protective conductor shall be run to and terminated at each point in wiring and at each accessory except a lampholder having no exposed-conductive-parts and suspended from such a point
Well you sound like you know what you are talking about. Problem is being ignorant I don't understand what all this means. What does this involve? Has this changed since 2014
 
Well I don't have the report as they will not be issuing it until the work is done. I have a number of points sent to me by email.. 1).The wrong fuse was put in the consumer unit by an electrician who fitted new lights. This has been changed. C2).The light in the bathroom highlighted in last EICR was changed then..But they put the wrong one in. This too has been rectified.C2 3 ).There is loose trunking. This was raised on EICR in 2014. I did not see the report at the time as agent had it. I have now got hold of it and it was registered as C3. It is now graded as C2. I think that I now understand that since Edition 18 this grading may have changed. Though the electrician who did it in 2014 says its still C3. But whatever. 4) There is no label on the gas to show the water And gas are earthed C2. I think this needs a clamp?. Don't understand this at all but .. 5).The investigation regarding The lights
4) main protective bonding connections should have a tag or label with the wording “safety electrical connection do not remove”. Missing labelling on its own is a C3, but if the clamp is missing or not properly connected to the MET it is a C2 as main protective bonding is not in place.
 
If you have paid for a report, they should not be withholding it.

After all, you asked them to do a report, not give you a list of things you must do before they will give you a report.

Write them an email, along the lines of.

I have ordered and paid for an EICR to be done at 123 any avenue.
I have now waited x days for it and find this unacceptable.
please provide the report as ordered as soon as possible and in any case within 5 days or i will seek advice on how to recover the money paid to you for a service i have not received.
 
4) main protective bonding connections should have a tag or label with the wording “safety electrical connection do not remove”. Missing labelling on its own is a C3, but if the clamp is missing or not properly connected to the MET it is a C2 as main protective bonding is not in place.l
What does the clamp.do? Again this was not picked up at the 2014 testing. Could it have fallen off. The bonding was done in the 80s
 
Well you sound like you know what you are talking about. Problem is being ignorant I don't understand what all this means. What does this involve? Has this changed since 2014
In layman’s terms an earth (CPC) needs to be run to every switch, ceiling rose, socket, outside light, shower pump, extractor fan etc etc that’s connected to fixed wiring. That applies even if the items are double insulated and don’t actually need an earth connection. The earth (CPC) should be terminated in a suitable manner, not folded back or left dangling.

The only exception is the (normally) flexible cable attaching a double insulated lamp holder to the ceiling rose. That would be the pendant with either the bayonet or Edison screw lamp holder. The earth (CPC) must still be present at the ceiling rose.
 
Well 1) the bathroom is not earthed but that's okay I am told as it has a doubly insulated light fitting. I understood originally from the electrician who did the test that it was okay that the lights are not earthed as they are in bedrooms and have plastic pendant fittings. At the 2014 EICR it passed. So I am confused.
The 18th edition happened..
 
What does the clamp.do? Again this was not picked up at the 2014 testing. Could it have fallen off. The bonding was done in the 80s
BS951 clamps provide a mechanically secure and electrically sound connection for the main protective bonding conductor. They’re unlikely to fall off, but often get removed by other tradesmen during their works. I’ve come across a good number where the clamp is physically connected to a bit of copper pipe that’s been cut off after springing a leak.
 
How can you know all this stuff if you havnt got a report youve paid for??.....if they’ve completed the report which it sounds like they have and you’ve paid them for that service the report is now yours....what you choose to do bout it is on you as well.....there is nothing stopping you from ripping it up MF geyting nother one from different spark.....I would stress that is no Guarantee of a more favourable report though,
 
Last edited:
BS951 clamps provide a mechanically secure and electrically sound connection for the main protective bonding conductor. They’re unlikely to fall off, but often get removed by WETPANTS during their works. I’ve come across a good number where the clamp is physically connected to a bit of copper pipe that’s been cut off after springing a leak.
corrected that for you mate ?
 
If you have paid for a report, they should not be withholding it.

After all, you asked them to do a report, not give you a list of things you must do before they will give you a report.

Write them an email, along the lines of.

I have ordered and paid for an EICR to be done at 123 any avenue.
I have now waited x days for it and find this unacceptable.
please provide the report as ordered as soon as possible and in any case within 5 days or i will seek advice on how to recover the money paid to you for a service i have not received.
Well I get your point. But to be honest I don't want to up the ante at this point. I am 350.miles away locked down and much as I am dismayed I need to be pragmatic..They have sent me a list
 
Just to add to the post about getting the report, at the moment you are worried about items in a report that will become a legal document once issued.

at the moment everything you are concerned about is not actually a problem because nobody has provided you with any document to say it is.

these issues MAY be a problem that the contractor is willing to write down on a legal document that could later be scrutinised, however they may Not appear on the report (if they are just trying to drum up a little extra work)

In any case once you have the report, you can give a copy to any local spark to quote for doing the remedial works, there is no obligation to stay with the same contractor.
 
Just to add to the post about getting the report, at the moment you are worried about items in a report that will become a legal document once issued.

at the moment everything you are concerned about is not actually a problem because nobody has provided you with any document to say it is.

these issues MAY be a problem that the contractor is willing to write down on a legal document that could later be scrutinised, however they may Not appear on the report (if they are just trying to drum up a little extra work)

In any case once you have the report, you can give a copy to any local spark to quote for doing the remedial works, there is no obligation to stay with the same contractor.
Will they accept the report. Or would they need to retest? I think it might prove more expensive and time confusing
 

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Electrician Courses Green Electrical Goods PCB Way Green 2 Go Pushfit Wire Connectors Electric Underfloor Heating Electrician Courses Heating 2 Go Electrician Workwear Supplier
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc

Advert

Daily, weekly or monthly email

Thread starter

Joined
Location
Cornwall
If you're a qualified, trainee, or retired electrician - Which country is it that your work will be / is / was aimed at?
United Kingdom
What type of forum member are you?
DIY or Homeowner (Perhaps seeking pro advice, or an electrician)

Thread Information

Title
Bedroom lights without earths
Prefix
N/A
Forum
UK Electrical Forum
Start date
Last reply date
Replies
127
Unsolved
--

Advert

Thread statistics

Created
Car123,
Last reply from
Car123,
Replies
127
Views
9,562

Advert

Back
Top