Incorrect SWA glanding/bonding

[Gary Knights]

Hi all,

I've just moved into a rented property and found the attached photo outside the conservatory. It spurs from an inside socket and goes down the garden to an outhouse. I've tried using the 18th edition to find some evidence that this is obviously the incorrect method, as I'd like to go to the agent with some good evidence.
There's also no RCD protection as the house has the old Wylex fuses.
Can anybody find something in the regs book that I could use? Is this even a pass on an electrical certificate?

Cheers all.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Gary said

It's 100ma and yes it does trip everything.

@Gary Knights
can we have a better photo of the main switch please ?

 

[Robson689]

Gary said

@Gary Knights
can we have a better photo of the main switch please ?

It is the Wylex WEM 80/2 100mA RCD (80A rated)

 

[Taylortwocities]

It is the Wylex WEM 80/2 100mA RCD (80A rated)

Thanks. As I said, that does not meet the (long required) need for outside sockets to be protected by a 30mA RCD. That should be provided on that garden SWA circuit too.
These days ALL circuits are required to have 30mA RCDs. The landlord may consider updating the whole fuse board. But regulations are not retrospective.

PS does your house have an earth rod somewhere outside with an earth wire connected to it?

I didn't think they were supposed to be enclosed in wood either, but could be wrong?

Whoever the muppet was that fitted the cupboard around the fuseboard did no think about the need to remove the front panel for maintenance!
A carpenter needs to remove sufficient wood to allow the front panel to be removed. No electrician will work on the installation without full access to the innerds!
Especially when/if landlord decides on an up to date consumer unit.
PS does the house have an earth rod somewhere outside with an earth wire connected to it?

 

[Gary Knights]

Is the swa cable actually energised?
If it’s not powered up, and disconnected at source, then it’s not deemed to be dangerous.
Just redundant

Yes it's energised, the socket to the outhouse is functional.
[automerge]1575876688[/automerge]

Gary said

@Gary Knights
can we have a better photo of the main switch please ?

Here you are.

 

[richy3333]

Doesn’t BS951 specifically state those comps are for pipes?!

 

[Taylortwocities]

Doesn’t BS951 specifically state those comps are for pipes?!

Hmm. Not just for pipes

“Other means of earthing” could include the armour of the SWA. So maybe it complies with BS951?
NO IT DOES NOT
Note 1 Specifically says that these clamps are not intended for the connection to the armour or sheath of a cable. !!!

probably contravenes 512-05-01 too.

 

[Gary Knights]

A chap called Mark from the IET kindly provided me with this breakdown:


BS 7671:2018 requires that all equipment is suitable for the environment in which it is installed; the following regulation is explicit:

522.3.1 A wiring system shall be selected and erected so that no damage is caused by condensation or ingress of water during installation, use and maintenance. The completed wiring system shall comply with the IP degree of protection (see BS EN 60529) relevant to the particular location.
NOTE: Special considerations apply to wiring systems liable to frequent splashing, immersion or submersion.

The relevant IP rating is AD4 and IPX4:
As examples, the following special locations, i.e. similar outdoor environments exposed to the elements, have IPX4 requirements:

Caravan Parks:
708.512.1.1 Presence of water (AD)
Equipment shall be selected with a degree of protection of at least IPX4 in order to protect against water splashes (AD4).

Electric vehicle charging installations:
722.512.2.201 Presence of water (AD)
Where installed outdoors, the equipment shall be selected with a degree of protection of at least IPX4 in accordance with BS EN 60529 in order to protect against water splashes (AD4).

The BS 951 clamp around the cable is likely to damage it due to the pressure exerted:

522.8.1 A wiring system shall be selected and erected to avoid during installation, use or maintenance, damage to the sheath or insulation of cables and their terminations. The use of any lubricants that can have a detrimental effect on the cable or wiring system are not permitted.

Summary

• The installation method in no way protects the cable and protective earthing connections from damage by exposure to water. Corrosion of the connections and armourings of the cable will occur very quickly in this type of situation. Loss of connection to the means of earthing is extremely dangerous and users of the connected equipment could be at risk of electric shock.
• The steel-wire armoured (SWA) cable has been installed without the correct gland and shroud. Pressure exerted by the BS 951 clamp will, eventually, damage the cable’s insulation in this type of installation. Due to temperature, in summer the components expand, in winter the components contract. Failure of the insulation will mean that users of the connected equipment could be at risk of electric shock.

I hope this helps.

 

[Dustydazzler]

When I did my apprenticeship in the late 1990s you would never EVER have used an earth clamp on Swa cable like that in the picture... You would have been slung off site.
But in recent years I have noticed a heck of a lot of newly registered Sparks using earth clamps on Swa cables. Especially on park sites.
But imo its still rough as a badgers...

 

[Midwest]

Not withstanding, its not its intended design use by the manufacturer.

 

[Strima]

Using a 951 clamp like that runs the risk of damaging the insulation and the problems associated with having no insulation...