EICR unsatisfactory due to 'no RCD protection to lighting circuits'

[pc1966]

I just looked over BPG#4 and see it actually says:

• Absence of RCD protection for portable or mobile equipment that may reasonably be expected to be used outdoors

I have always interpreted that as applying to sockets that are likely to power outdoor equipment, as well as any permantly outdoor stuff that could be reached by hand easily.

 

[Pretty Mouth]

I just looked over BPG#4 and see it actually says:

• Absence of RCD protection for portable or mobile equipment that may reasonably be expected to be used outdoors

I have always interpreted that as applying to sockets that are likely to power outdoor equipment, as well as any permantly outdoor stuff that could be reached by hand easily.

I think the C2 for sockets likely to power outdoor equipment is implied by the 1st C3 example:

C3: Absence of RCD protection for a socket-outlet that is unlikely to supply portable or mobile equipment for use outdoors, does not serve a location containing a bath or shower, and the use of which is otherwise not considered by the inspector to result in potential danger.

 

[Lister1987]

I think the C2 for sockets likely to power outdoor equipment is implied by the 1st C3 example:

C3: Absence of RCD protection for a socket-outlet that is unlikely to supply portable or mobile equipment for use outdoors, does not serve a location containing a bath or shower, and the use of which is otherwise not considered by the inspector to result in potential danger.

Outdoors contains a shower or 2, thanks to our lovely weather ?

 

[John Stewart]

Hello everyone
I have a 1996 2 bedroom house which I'm about to let out as I lost my job due to COVID and need to relocate.
The NICEIC electrician I used for my EICR has given me a code C2 for 'no RCD protection to lighting circuits including bathroom lighting'. To put this right, he's proposing a new Consumer Unit, for about £450.
Would like some advice - should I query this given that the house was built in 1996, and came up to standard at the time?
Thanks

Hi herbiehowler
You are right, BS7671 is not automatically retrospective UNLESS ITS A SAFETY ISSUE.
the periodic inspection and report generated by it has to be based on engineering judgement at the time of the inspection. there are a number of different options to find solutions to the issues found, the report is not intended to tell you what needs doing, only to highlight the issues found, solutions and costs are proposed by the electrician offering to do the work.
there are many different things going on here, its not just a simple code 2 for a light fitting that doesn't comply with the current addition of BS7671
all electrical equipment in high risk areas like bathrooms have needed RCD protection for some time now, you are or I should say were about to let the house so you have responsibilities to ensure its safe under the landlord and tenant act, the fitting is not IP rated for it's location
I am well aware of the measurements of the zones in a bathroom but I hope common sense will prevail, all of the bathroom room is a high moisture zone so irrespective of the measurements, if its not appropriately IP rated for its environment, its not acceptable.

I hope you were able to bring the installation up to a safe standard, best regards

 

[Sparky704]

There is an oversight here.I think under the 16th edition regulations the entire bathroom had to have equal potential for fault protection. This would be achieved by cross bonding all extraneous conductive parts( bath, sink pipes, towel rail ect & interconnecting them with the CPC of any final circuit within using either a 4mm or 6mm earth cable.There was also a requirement to use an RCD for additional protection. Under these circumstances in my view a C2 is justified.

 

[littlespark]

18 month old thread. I would think it’s sorted by now.

 

[Sparky704]

18 month old thread. I would think it’s sorted by now.

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