Electrical safety certificate and downlights

[tom1972]

What @Murdoch is getting at is your electrician can't just say "he needs to replace all of them before he can issue the certificate" unless he specifies what electrical regulation the original lights are not complying with. This will have a regulation number.
As @Murdoch says, email your electrician and get them to explain why they all need replacing and what electrical regulation they are going against. State that you would like the reply in an email so that you have written proof of this conversation.

That's very helpful - thank you both

 

[Midwest]

The electrician said he needs to replace all of them before he can issue the certificate so I have no code at this point. I'm not sure what you mean about the reg number in this context?

Out of interest, how many down lights (non fire-rated) do you have?

 

[tom1972]

Out of interest, how many down lights (non fire-rated) do you have?

18

 

[Spoon]

The certificate is not required, but as its a rented property I like to know there isn't something lurking in there.

I thought Electrical Installation Condition Reports were required for properties that are rented out?

 

[tom1972]

I thought Electrical Installation Condition Reports were required for properties that are rented out?

No gas is required but electrical is optional

 

[Midwest]

18

Have you been given a quotation for the replacements (fire-rated)?

 

[tom1972]

Have you been given a quotation for the replacements (fire-rated)?

Yes. £50+vat per light

 

[telectrix]

for £50/light i'd fit integrated JCC V50 's . selectable colour temp and IP rated for bathroom zone 1 and 2.

 

[Midwest]

Yes. £50+vat per light

That seems a bit steep to me, bearing in mind its just replacement, depending on the particular down light selected.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Yes. £50+vat per light

He's having a laugh. Thats £1300 for something that doesn't need doing.

You haven't said what "certificate" you have asked for.

If it is an EICR (note that the R stands for REPORT, not CERTIFICATE)
An EICR only reports on the installation and where there are deviations from BS7671 (The Wiring Regulations).
So, as above, if he states a non-compliance, then he must state the BS7671 regulation that it contravenes. And there isn't one.

 

[Toneyz]

It could be that the existing downlight has thermal damage from excessive heat from the halogen lamps. What sort of lamps have you got fitted at present?

 

[tom1972]

He's having a laugh. Thats £1300 for something that doesn't need doing.

You haven't said what "certificate" you have asked for.

If it is an EICR (note that the R stands for REPORT, not CERTIFICATE)
An EICR only reports on the installation and where there are deviations from BS7671 (The Wiring Regulations).
So, as above, if he states a non-compliance, then he must state the BS7671 regulation that it contravenes. And there isn't one.

That's a good question. The managing agent organised it but I believe its a "report". I have emailed them for the details of the regulation they are concerned about.

 

[tom1972]

It could be that the existing downlight has thermal damage from excessive heat from the halogen lamps. What sort of lamps have you got fitted at present?

That's a very valid point, they are standard halogen bulbs. That isn't what they said in the initial email though. I will get more clarification.

 

[tom1972]

for £50/light i'd fit integrated JCC V50 's . selectable colour temp and IP rated for bathroom zone 1 and 2.

I have a feeling he thinks I was born yesterday

 

[Toneyz]

That's a very valid point, they are standard halogen bulbs. That isn't what they said in the initial email though. I will get more clarification.

If they are halogen then the heat produced is around 200 degrees C and could be a source of ignition if they are installed next to a joist or something combustible. Seen this so many times. reminds me when I was a Q.S. and the electrician drilled out part of a joist to get this halogen downlight in "well it's fire rated isn't it".