fabric covered cables

[andekoch]

Just done a PIR and found the lights wired in old fabric covered cables. They passed the IR test but I have still marked them as a code 2 and told the home owner to replace them since the fabric disintegrates when moved and no double the insulation does the same. Was very tempted to mark it down as a code 1.
Also found metal switches (very old copper and brass) plus no cpc and put that down as a code 2 as well. Very tempted to have made that a code 1 though but already done the cert.

what would you mark them down as?

 

[mnmwill]

Not 2 sure about the cables m8 but I would have thought that no cpc on a circuit with class 1 fittings would be a code 1, thats what I would give it anyway.

 

[andekoch]

just read what I said and made a mistake. I did give the class I switches with no cpc a code 1.

 

[Des 56]

The possibility of a plate screw (or light fitting) becoming live ,then a person coming into contact with it, then conducting it through themselves to earth and getting a shock or being killed, is I believe, pretty long odds.
Thats the reason I would rarely think to give a light circuit without a cpc a code 1

The failing of the insulation may be another matter

If you haven't already seen it.there is guidance for us at the safety council for this,also how to test that light circuit for best possible safe use,with additional comment to recomend rewiring

Here is a link,if you want to compare your coding with them
Everybody codes things as they see danger themselves,but personally i would not code 1 your example

http://www.esc.org.uk/pdfs/business-and-community/electrical-industry/BPG4_08.pdf

Scroll to page 12

 

[ezzzekiel]

are they the old vir cables?

 

[nickblake]

Its not the fact that its got no CPC to worry about as ezzee has said they are VIR ,and they deteriorate rapidly these cables could be pre 1930's so im sorry to say the house is in need of urgent rewire , you must advise the house holder , and cover your back side , i would class this as a Code 1 ,if the cables are singles wired throught out in the loft it has a very hi possability for a fire , in fact not seeing the installation im asuming the cables are in the lofts , consideration should be given to serving a danger notification, i have seen these cables in Lofts no isulation as its all dropped off just fibre and bear wire scary, cover your self mate

 

[andekoch]

I did tell the home owner that this circuit (is only on the lounge and hall lights) was in need of a rewire. I refused to change ot touch anything connected to the cables in case they fall appart (the switch face plates could be removed without disturbing the cables).

the bit a saw in the cu seems to be 'reasonable' ie not crumbling insulation but the fabric outer is very brittle so one of the insulation layers is definately dead. could also be passing the insul resistance tests if not touching due to the excellent insulation propeties of air, hmm. just a pity air does not prevent contact.

the property is a ground floor flat in a converted house so cables will run in the floor void between the flats.