Is it now a requirement to loop in at the switch?

[spud1]

Hiya!

Is it now requirement under the 18th to loop in at domestic light switches to provide a neutral at the light switch for electronic or indication functions on switches, or did I dream it?

If so I take it/hope this would only apply in new build?

Cheers

Spud.

 

[littlespark]

A recommendation rather than a requirement.

 

[Ian1981]

That particular recommendation was also present in the 17 th edition so it’s nothing new

 

[spud1]

A recommendation rather than a requirement.

Phew! Can you point me in the right direction as to where the recommendation is made in the regs so I can have a read pls?

 

[Andy78]

You don't have to loop in at the switch to get a neutral there either. Can be a nightmare doing it that way if you have not prepped for it properly.

 

[Ian1981]

Phew! Can you point me in the right direction as to where the recommendation is made in the regs so I can have a read pls?

Section 559 luminaries

 

[spud1]

You don't have to loop in at the switch to get a neutral there either. Can be a nightmare doing it that way if you have not prepped for it properly.

True, you could run 3 core and earth as your switch wire, Durh should have thought of that!

 

[spud1]

Section 559 luminaries

Thank you Ian

 

[Nigel]

Anyone else frustrated by the increased use of the term ‘recommended’?

I thought all of BS7671 was recommended???

 

[spud1]

Anyone else frustrated by the increased use of the term ‘recommended’?

I thought all of BS7671 was recommended???

Amen to that. Its a non statutory document, but oddly titled 'Requirements for Electrical Installations'. So which is is it, a requirement or a recommendation? Its a bloody riddle is what it is

 

[Andy78]

Anyone else frustrated by the increased use of the term ‘recommended’?

I thought all of BS7671 was recommended???

The wording of this particular reg is "consideration should be given to provision of the neutral at switches" If that helps ?

 

[cliffed]

Years ago everyone hated the thought of neutrals @ a switch,I was actually told off by the Niceic,talking about the late 70’s & 80’s.
It’s a much better way now especially for light fittings etc,& fault finding too.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Years ago everyone hated the thought of neutrals @ a switch,I was actually told off by the Niceic,talking about the late 70’s & 80’s.
It’s a much better way now especially for light fittings etc,& fault finding too.

Indeed, it was frowned upon until fairly recently, I've even had another trade on site telling me he was told it was 'illegal'!
I think this stems from the days of round pattern switches with no back box where clearly there was nowhere to terminate a N. Eventually it dawned upon the trade that there was no valid reason for a N at a switch being frowned upon, but the prejudice still persists with some old stalwarts. The usual argument is that there is no reason for it to be there, which rather ignores the fact that a 3 plate ceiling point has a permanent live which has no reason to be there. E54 would be turning in his grave at the thought that Bs7671 actually recommends such an aberration.

 

[Boing89]

Anyone else frustrated by the increased use of the term ‘recommended’?

I thought all of BS7671 was recommended???

I distinctly remember when completing my 16th edition being told it was a non-statutory document, but if someone got hurt and I ended up in court non-conformity to this non-statutory document would most likely see me in jail.

 

[bill01803]

I stopped 3 plate ceiling roses when I got vari focal glasses some years ago, much easier in the switch!