CPC/Earth feed to Light Switch Back Box

[BettyBoop44]

Hi
Just a bit of info required , just been checking all over the house checking for a earth feed to light fittings and switches , ( a friend informed yesterday that there friend have more or less sold there house , but an electrcal inspection has come up with no cpc to all the light switches ) .
I have found 3 light switch back boxes that do not have a earth feed to them , now the question is can I fit a plastic box inplace of the metal one that is in there and not need a earth feed to them ! .
All the light fittings have a earth feed to them ! , every circuit in the house is protected by a RCD .
cheers
BB

 

[SparkyChick]

Hi
Thanks for your reply , is there a need to check the Zs when there is a RCD in the circuit ! .
BB

Yes, you need to meet the Zs requirements of the over current protective device protecting the circuit. Using the RCD for fault protection is a last resort if you can't meet the Zs requirements of said device, but in my opinion this should only be considered if you have a TT supply.

 

[davesparks]

Hi
Thanks for your reply , is there a need to check the Zs when there is a RCD in the circuit ! .
BB

Yes there is, otherwise how do you know that ADS has been complied with. Even if you are thinking of relying on an RCD then you still need to confirm the continuity and resistance of the cpc.

 

[mrloy99]

Spellchecker?

 

[Paul mccullagh]

Hi
You must put this label on the consumer unit with the circuit details!

 

[Octopus]

Hi
Thanks for your reply , is there a need to check the Zs when there is a RCD in the circuit ! .
BB

Speak to your electrician...

 

[davesparks]

Hi
You must put this label on the consumer unit with the circuit details!

View attachment 36525

That has no basis in the regulations and achieves pretty much nothing at all.

 

[Octopus]

That has no basis in the regulations and achieves pretty much nothing at all.

BUT the likes of the NICEIC and Elecsa like them!

 

[DPG]

To be fair it might just make someone think twice before fitting metal gear. I know it's unlikely, but even if it makes the difference a couple of times it's better than nothing.

 

[Paul mccullagh]

Electrical safety first
Best practice guide 1
That's why I would put a label on the consumer unit!

 

[davesparks]

BUT the likes of the NICEIC and Elecsa like them!

Electrical safety first
Best practice guide 1
That's why I would put a label on the consumer unit!

Which has no basis in the regulations. Fitting a sticker instead of installing a cpc/rewireing the circuit doesn't comply with the regulations.

 

[Paul mccullagh]

Obviously installing a cpc/rewire would be the best option but if the client doesn't want you to do this then a warning label should be placed on the consumer unit !

 

[davesparks]

Obviously installing a cpc/rewire would be the best option but if the client doesn't want you to do this then a warning label should be placed on the consumer unit !

Which regulation is that then?
If the customer doesn't want the work done then walk away from the job, simples.

 

[DPG]

Which regulation is that then?
If the customer doesn't want the work done then walk away from the job, simples.

It's not a regulation, as has already been stated. It's from a best practice guide, and it is a reasonable option where it is not practical/affordable to rewire the lighting circuit.

 

[davesparks]

It's not a regulation, as has already been stated. It's from a best practice guide, and it is a reasonable option where it is not practical/affordable to rewire the lighting circuit.

How is it reasonable? A sticker on the CU does nothing to improve safety.

 

[Dave OCD]

How is it reasonable? A sticker on the CU does nothing to improve safety.

I'd say that's nonsense, in those circumstances if it prevents someone who doesn't know any better from installing a metal fitting which could become live then it certainly has done something to improve safety ! Just because something isn't stated in black and white in the regs doesn't automatically make it a bad idea.