Landlord - Electrical Safety Certificate

[David Steel]

just as a note.the bathroom lights IP rating depends on whether or not they are within Zone1 or zone 2. a lot of sparks miis out the fact that if the ceiling is > 2.25m above floor level, then they are outside zones unless directly above the bath/shower.

Many thanks for this info.

I can confirm the spotlights are 2.3m from floor to ceiling. However, they are also above the bath/shower and this is less than 2.25m.

 

[David Steel]

just as a note.the bathroom lights IP rating depends on whether or not they are within Zone1 or zone 2. a lot of sparks miis out the fact that if the ceiling is > 2.25m above floor level, then they are outside zones unless directly above the bath/shower.

Many thanks for this info.

I can confirm the spotlights are 2.3m from floor to ceiling. However, they are also above the bath/shower and this is less than 2.25m.

 

[David Steel]

did he charge for that initial inspection?

Yes he did. He charged £100.

I wasn't in at the time of the inspection, I had someone awaiting him at the flat so he could carry out the inspection. There were two of them, and I'm told they were at the flat for a few hours and were very thorough.

I was told that I would receive a certificate for this inspection, which I never got. I was told that the EIC for the fuse/distribution installation would supersede everything.

 

[David Steel]

did he charge for that initial inspection?

Yes he did. He charged £100.

I wasn't in at the time of the inspection, I had someone awaiting him at the flat so he could carry out the inspection. There were two of them, and I'm told they were at the flat for a few hours and were very thorough.

I was told that I would receive a certificate for this inspection, which I never got. I was told that the EIC for the fuse/distribution installation would supersede everything.

 

[telectrix]

then those need changing to IP44 or better. if it were me, i'd measure the holes first so as to be able to replace easily with the same size ( or at worst, enlarge the holes if necessary).

 

[Midwest]

What actually are the 'spotlights'? Most sealed down lights are IP65 rated, or are you referring to another kind of luminaire?

 

[David Steel]

What should have happened was that he carry out an Electrical Inspection Condition Report which he should have then sent a copy to your sister. This Report would then itemize any issues which are Coded to indicate their priority at which point it could be discussed with him any remedial works which were required and the financial cost. He should explain the possible ramifications of not having remedial works done because saying a fuse box is old and a new one would meet current Regulations is not good enough.

Thank you. This makes perfect sense to me.

 

[telectrix]

Yes he did. He charged £100.

I wasn't in at the time of the inspection, I had someone awaiting him at the flat so he could carry out the inspection. There were two of them, and I'm told they were at the flat for a few hours and were very thorough.

I was told that I would receive a certificate for this inspection, which I never got. I was told that the EIC for the fuse/distribution installation would supersede everything.

£100 is cheap for a thorought test/inspection, but nevertheless, he should have provided you with an EICR. that's what you contracted him to do and failing to give you an EICR means he's in breach of contract.

 

[Midwest]

Yes he did. He charged £100.

I wasn't in at the time of the inspection, I had someone awaiting him at the flat so he could carry out the inspection. There were two of them, and I'm told they were at the flat for a few hours and were very thorough.

I was told that I would receive a certificate for this inspection, which I never got. I was told that the EIC for the fuse/distribution installation would supersede everything.

Think if I paid £100 for an 'inspection', I would like to have a certificate for that. And if I paid £450 for a CU change, I would expect a separate certificate for that. I'm sure if you speak to Napit, they would suggest the same, although they will refer you back to your electrician.

 

[David Steel]

then those need changing to IP44 or better. if it were me, i'd measure the holes first so as to be able to replace easily with the same size ( or at worst, enlarge the holes if necessary).

I am concerned about the lights. I did ask him on more than one occasion about the bathroom lights.

How can the 'EIC' for installation of fuse box, cover the safety of the entire flat, if the lights in the bathroom are not the correct IP rating?

I have asked him this question on email too. He states that because of the circuitry in this 'all singing' fuse box, then this covers the safety of the bathroom lights.

Which begs the question, why did he quote to fix the bathroom lights in the first place, if the new fuse box covers this aspect?

 

[David Steel]

Think if I paid £100 for an 'inspection', I would like to have a certificate for that. And if I paid £450 for a CU change, I would expect a separate certificate for that. I'm sure if you speak to Napit, they would suggest the same, although they will refer you back to your electrician.

I agree.

Just to clarify, I did get a EIC for the installation of the fusebox.

I did not get any certificate (EICR?) for the initial £100 inspection. Which I feel a tad stupid.

 

[Midwest]

I have replaced several CU's without carrying out an EICR, but only if the existing installation appeared suitable, and I did carry out some initial tests first, something which is (I) included in the cost of replacing the CU. It is not a requirement to issue an EICR, before replacing a CU issued with a EIC.

That said you specifically ask for an 'inspection' certificate, and paid separately for that service. So that's what should be seeking from your electrician. If he/she declines, then you could approach Napit, but schemes do not normally get involved in contractual matters, but they may advice.

 

[David Steel]

What actually are the 'spotlights'? Most sealed down lights are IP65 rated, or are you referring to another kind of luminaire?

These are the lights. I have no idea what IP rating they are. I have a feeling you will spit your red wine all over your carpet when you see the attached pic...

 

[Midwest]

Hmmm, not quite sure. You can only be sure if the back of the luminaire is inspected for a suitable IP rating label.

 

[Midwest]

Is that what was supplied & fitted?