Eicr codeing

[Maxstone89]

Hi,

What code would people put for a lighting cable going along skirting board with no trunking ect, its in a really old building so not sure weather this complied then or not as its in an exposed position, i want to put c2
But is it c3

Would be thankful for your input

Regards Kurtis Randle

 

[gnselectricals]

Twin and earth etc no code as mechanically protected by the sheath, unless there are signs of damage then code 1/2. If it's singles then prob code 2

 

[Dave OCD]

As long as it's on the top rather than front of the skirting and clipped properly then no code needed I'd say

 

[Maxstone89]

Its clipped on from ceiling to floor going over the skirting board some of it, i would say it in a exposed position

 

[Maxstone89]

And some clipped all along the front of the skirting board in a position where it can be knocked ect

 

[Maxstone89]

And most of it has been painted over at least 2-3 times

 

[HandySparks]

C3, unless there's signs of damage or an obvious specific risk. After all, you'll find loads of flexible cable lying around on the floor of most properties and that generally survives.

 

[Maxstone89]

Flexible cables are a lot tougher and designed for it, but i see what you mean

 

[gutterball]

Unless there's obvious signs of damage i wouldn't code it. does it pass all the tests?

 

[Dave OCD]

As it does sound a bit vulnerable I'd say C3 with a comment that additional mechanical protection is recommended.

 

[davesparks]

No code as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Leesparkykent]

^I agree ^

 

[davesparks]

As it does sound a bit vulnerable I'd say C3 with a comment that additional mechanical protection is recommended.

What particular mechanical protection do you recommend?

 

[Maxstone89]

As it does sound a bit vulnerable I'd say C3 with a comment that additional mechanical protection is recommended.

I would agree with this at least.

 

[Andy78]

I would agree with this at least.

Which regulation will you be citing as justification for the C3 seeing as clipped direct is an acceptable installation method for this type of cable ?

 

[Maxstone89]

C3 states improvement recommended , and as i would not install clipped direct in a vulnerable position unless mechanically protected eg trunking ect
More common sense, there is a reg stating any cable clipped direct must be mechanically protected unless in a non vulnerable position, not 100% sure where or how its worded but i have seen it, i will take a look later

 

[Andy78]

C3 states improvement recommended , and as i would not install clipped direct in a vulnerable position unless mechanically protected eg trunking ect
More common sense, there is a reg stating any cable clipped direct must be mechanically protected unless in a non vulnerable position, not 100% sure where but i have seen it, i will take a look later

Then you need to be quoting that reg if you feel it is appropriate to the installation. For your reference it is reg 522.6.1.
Remember that an EICR is a report based on BS7671 and any coding must be able to be justified with a regulation. Your personal opinion and common sense is not a part of BS7671 so has no place in the report. You need to keep this in mind to save yourself from producing potentially fraudulent documents, especially if you are quoting for remedial work on the back of your report.

 

[Maxstone89]

Fair play, what i meant though was common sense normally falls into a reg anyhow if that makes sense. Cheers i will have a look now

 

[Andy78]

Fair play, what i meant though was common sense normally falls into a reg anyhow if that makes sense. Cheers i will have a look now

Yeah you are right, but there a few instances where the regulations do not fall into line with what we expect. Remember that BS7671 is a minimum standard and sometimes not up to our personal standards, but only the minimum standard applies to the report.

 

[davesparks]

C3 states improvement recommended , and as i would not install clipped direct in a vulnerable position unless mechanically protected eg trunking ect
More common sense, there is a reg stating any cable clipped direct must be mechanically protected unless in a non vulnerable position, not 100% sure where or how its worded but i have seen it, i will take a look later

Just because you would not install it that way doesn't necessarily mean it is wrong.
What do you perceive this T&E to be vulnerable to? Are there any signs of damage? If it has been there for a number of years and not suffered yet I would say that it's not particularly vulnerable. Especially considering that older T&E is a damn sight tougher than modern stuff

 

[Maxstone89]

Fair point. Newer stuff is seams a lot more weaker, I've been a sparky for 3 years now so still learning.
took 3 years in collage to pass aswell.

 

[7029 dave]

Surface work is still okay, no code, unless subject to damage.

 

[7029 dave]

Why do people frown upon surface work.?

 

[Dave OCD]

I don't frown upon it, in fact I take great pride in clipping cable VERY neatly,trunking is always mitred on corners too with no ugly external corner pieces etc,but it's not good practice to run cable unprotected down the front of skirtings as it is vulnerable to getting walloped with furniture or vacuum cleaners etc, in my opinion.