EICR for flat built in 2007: downlights deemed as C2

[se1landlord]

Hello friendly electricians!

Just before the deadline (...) I commissioned an EICR report that came back as unsatisfactory. The only thing that I can see in the report that points to that is a C2 observation mentioning that "All lights need to be changed to fire rated". No specific regulation mentioned.
The electrician has quoted around £900 to replace 21 downlights.

I'm finding contradictory reports online around this and the quote seems pricey, but what do I know. The electrician said it'll take between half a day and a full day.

Do you have any feedback on whether this is would be likely to be a C2 and whether the quote is reasonable?

Thanks a lot in advance.

 

[sinewove]

Hello friendly electricians!

Just before the deadline (...) I commissioned an EICR report that came back as unsatisfactory. The only thing that I can see in the report that points to that is a C2 observation mentioning that "All lights need to be changed to fire rated". No specific regulation mentioned.
The electrician has quoted around £900 to replace 21 downlights.

I'm finding contradictory reports online around this and the quote seems pricey, but what do I know. The electrician said it'll take between half a day and a full day.

Do you have any feedback on whether this is would be likely to be a C2 and whether the quote is reasonable?

Thanks a lot in advance.

Sounds pricey,if fittings are £10 that's nearly £700 labour inc vat if any.Some scheme/scam operators say C2 if there,s a room above the fittings and C3 if on a first floor with no room above.
Regards, S

 

[bill01803]

Depends if it is a fire ceiling.
KSR cans are £6 and good lamps £4 so that is £210 half a day to fit, max £250 so £460 would be reasonable.

 

[Pete999]

Hello friendly electricians!

Just before the deadline (...) I commissioned an EICR report that came back as unsatisfactory. The only thing that I can see in the report that points to that is a C2 observation mentioning that "All lights need to be changed to fire rated". No specific regulation mentioned.
The electrician has quoted around £900 to replace 21 downlights.

I'm finding contradictory reports online around this and the quote seems pricey, but what do I know. The electrician said it'll take between half a day and a full day.

Do you have any feedback on whether this is would be likely to be a C2 and whether the quote is reasonable?

Thanks a lot in advance.

Do you have any pics of the downlights you could post up please

 

[pc1966]

Also remember the you don't have to get the same electrician in to do any remedial work. Though some of the less scrupulous companies play on that myth.

So if needed due to fire regs (don't know myself) you should at least ask for another electrician's quote to see what is the likely cost in your location, and if the existing quote is a bit over the top (which it is looking like from above estimates, but hard to price stuff without seeing the job).

 

[se1landlord]

By the way, this is what the observations page of the report says.

 

[se1landlord]

Sounds pricey,if fittings are £10 that's nearly £700 labour inc vat if any.Some scheme/scam operators say C2 if there,s a room above the fittings and C3 if on a first floor with no room above.
Regards, S

Thanks @sinewove. There is a room above, but it's a different flat. Mine is on 4th floor and there are two more flors above.

 

[telectrix]

if the room above is another flat, different tenant/owner, then fire rated downlights are required. C2 is the correct coding. however that quote is excessive. even for london.

 

[westward10]

Is this a purpose build block of flats and not a converted building then each flat is a fire compartment and fire rated is not required so it all depends on the Building construction.
As a note to the observations there is no such thing as an 18th Ed consumer unit.

 

[Dartlec]

I don't suppose there is any certificate from the build of the flat?

My understanding is that "Fire rated" downlights are only needed in a fire rated surface (normally a ceiling) to maintain the required fire rating of that surface.

Where there is a property above then the ceiling may be required to have a fire rating - in which case the lights must maintain that rating.

Many purpose build plats flats are built with concrete frames etc to avoid fire spread, so the plasterboard ceilings do not necessarily need to be fire rated - though it can be difficult to be sure.

If the flat was built to the building regulations at the time relating to fire, then I would assume that was considered when the original downlights were installed. Having said that, I'm not sure how wise it is to assume anything with flats and large builds, given more recent experiences...

Regardless, the quote sounds excessive, so I would be looking for quotes and second opinions. There are other options, such as fire hoods, (though they can take longer to install properly than new fittings...)

 

[Dustydazzler]

I’m surprised that the lights installed in a new flats just 13 year old are open back down lights. I stopped buying open backed lights around 2004/2005. Are you certain they aren’t can type downlights ?

 

[se1landlord]

Is this a purpose build block of flats and not a converted building then each flat is a fire compartment and fire rated is not required so it all depends on the Building construction.
As a note to the observations there is no such thing as an 18th Ed consumer unit.

Yes, purpose built and not converted.

The electrician is certain they need replacing:

Your lights are not fire rated
As per BS7671 you’ll need ip 20 fire rated ones.
Don’t have the book front of me but you can get one and check yourself
It’s called the 18th editor BS8671 book.
It’s in there.

 

[Dustydazzler]

F/R down lights £7 , Led lamp £3 x 21 = £210 (call it £250 if you buy dearer lamps)

£350 days Labour

£600 absolutely tops

even with London rate £900 is a rip off price

 

[Zerax]

Best to allow an extra £70 for a PCN (parking ticket)

 

[Dustydazzler]

If that job was on my door step , I would do it £500

trouble is everyone is trying to get rich quick it seems and well over quoting on jobs , I did a small job the other day for someone changed an old pendant in an en-suite to 2 down lights. Charged £100 + materials.
they told me another electrician quoted them nearly 5 x that.

no wonder I got the job...