Branched Sockets PIR Code Help

[T0M0]

Hi All,

Just done a PIR and could do with help with a couple of codes.

3 dual sockets are all branched from CU. There is a 2.5mm T&E from 16A breaker to junction box below CU. Each socket is then wired directly to this JB. If they were on a radial it would not be a problem but does the branching cause a problem? If so what code? I’m tempted to code 3.

Upstairs light switches are missing backboxes! Switches screwed into plaster lats. Code 2?

Loft lights and switches are missing earth (snipped off). Class 2 equip so code 3?

Any help appreciated and thanks for reading.

T0M0

 

[malcolmsanford]

If the cable from the junction box to the sockets are capable of carrying 16amps then no code

The light switches does fall foul of 530.4.2 and a code 4 for the minimum. Is there any danger as in exposed wiring , any sign of heat damage or mechanical stress ........... how old is this installation.

Loft lights class 2 equipment code 4 for that.

IMO I would include a letter with my report stressing the regluations regarding these and advising the customer of the best course of action.

 

[IQ Electrical]

Hi All,

Just done a PIR and could do with help with a couple of codes.

3 dual sockets are all branched from CU. There is a 2.5mm T&E from 16A breaker to junction box below CU. Each socket is then wired directly to this JB. If they were on a radial it would not be a problem but does the branching cause a problem? If so what code? I’m tempted to code 3.

Upstairs light switches are missing backboxes! Switches screwed into plaster lats. Code 2?

Loft lights and switches are missing earth (snipped off). Class 2 equip so code 3?

Any help appreciated and thanks for reading.

T0M0

The sockets depend on the mechanical and electrical integrity of the 'JB' is it a secure connection with 4 X 2.5mm conductors in a terminal?

No backboxes-propagation of fire, code 2

Loft lights missing cpc but class II current best practice says code 4 and a label at the consumer unit warning of no cpc's.

 

[T0M0]

Thanks for the prompt reply Malcolm.

The installation is 23 years old and the house is being sold so they aren't interested in remedials. I think to cover myself I'm going to code 3 for the backboxes. IMO it should be corrected but that's just me.

Regarding the loft lighting cpc. Is there no issue with lack of continuity even though class 2? e.g. plastic backboxes for light switches - should the earth not be connected through at least?

Thanks again - great info.

 

[IQ Electrical]

Thanks for the prompt reply Malcolm.

The installation is 23 years old and the house is being sold so they aren't interested in remedials. I think to cover myself I'm going to code 3 for the backboxes. IMO it should be corrected but that's just me.

Regarding the loft lighting cpc. Is there no issue with lack of continuity even though class 2? e.g. plastic backboxes for light switches - should the earth not be connected through at least?

Thanks again - great info.

How can it be a code 3?

What further investigation might you need to carry out?

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Depends on the rating of the JB, and the total loads connected to the socket-outlets.
If the JB is rated at 16A or higher, then no code.
If the connected loads exceed 16A then code 4 with a recommendation to upgrade the wiring and circuit protection to an appropriate rating.
Code 2 for the lack of back boxes.
As for the snipped CPCs, it would depend on whether the CPCs are at the CU.
Either a code 4 or a code 2.

 

[malcolmsanford]

The loft light will most likely be a parallel of a bedroom light and therefore the last leg and so the CPC will be continous except for this area, so are the CPC continous throughout? As long as there are no class I fittings on the system then it's a 4. class I then yes a 2.

The back boxes I see IQ as coded them a 2, and thinknig about it then yes you could issue a 2 under regulation 527.1.

 

[IQ Electrical]

I could make a half decent case for a code 4 on the back-boxes but I feel that if it were my report, I would not be happy to issue a 'satisfactory' assessment knowing that those switches were screwed straight to timber etc.

You can't 'cover yourself' by coding the boxes as a 3, it just proves that you were aware of the defect but didn't code it correctly.

The client's 'interest in remedials' should have no influence whatsoever on the outcome of your report.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Code 3 is for situations where further investigation is required, and that level of investigation is not within the extent of the PIR, or has been limited.

 

[IQ Electrical]

Code 3 is for situations where further investigation is required, and that level of investigation is not within the extent of the PIR, or has been limited.

Exactly, I'm not too keen on seeing any code 3 observations in a domestic situation and the above scenario regarding back-boxes certainly doesn't sit well with the definition of a code 3 defect.

 

[T0M0]

Thanks All - great info and very prompt.

Seems I rattled a few cages with code 3 on backboxes. Just wanted to go beyond code 4 by not complying with 530.4.2. I will code as 2 now that I have been made aware.

Yes the loft light is last on circuit so no issues with dropped earths later in circuit. I just seem to remember that even if class 2 equip, the cpc must be joined out for continuity just in case someone adds class 1 at some point. Maybe it was just best practice but that's what I have always done.

Thanks all for the help - appreciated.