Lead sheathed 2 core lighting circuits /EIC | on ElectriciansForums

Discuss Lead sheathed 2 core lighting circuits /EIC in the Electrical Testing & PAT Testing Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

Joined
Dec 11, 2018
Messages
16
Reaction score
9
Location
Scotland
Evening All,
I'm changing a CU from rewirable to 6 x RCBO in a Victorian flat. The two lighting circuits are lead sheathed 2 core, they appear physically undamaged though I've yet to test them but is this an automatic EIC fail?
The switches and pendants are all plastic.
Thanks for any pointers,
Pete
 
Evening All,
I'm changing a CU from rewirable to 6 x RCBO in a Victorian flat. The two lighting circuits are lead sheathed 2 core, they appear physically undamaged though I've yet to test them but is this an automatic EIC fail?
The switches and pendants are all plastic.
Thanks for any pointers,
Pete
Might want to think about warning your client that the lighting circuits need rewiring for safety's sake. Just saying it's your job Mate, you're the Sparks, your name on the EIC once the CU has been reinstated, and you issue the cert.
 
google says that cable type is between 65 and 85 years old.
i think you are seriously pushing your luck and judgement to claim that it is suitable for continued service.

they probably paid less than 2d per 100m so i think they have got their use out of it!!
 
I've tested the kitchen ring only so far, it's old colours but fine, as are the rest of the circuits but the case is closed on the lighting; rewire.
Thanks for your time people,
Best,
Pete
If there’s lead in the lights make sure there’s not some hidden amongst other circuits. 100% EICR before that board change.
 
I would not even consider a CU change, this material just crumbles away soon as you touch it, over 65 years old plus.
Explain to the client that it is way past its service and that rewiring these circuits should be addressed ASAP.
 
The weak link here is not the lead itself but the rubber insulation, and also the long history of wear and tear and damage on any installation that old (even if the cable itself is perfect). The airtight lead sheath actually helps to preserve the rubber but it will still deteriorate at the exposed ends just as fast. Rubber insulation ages in unpredictable ways due to subtle differences in the formulation and processing. Some might be OK for another 70 years, some might already be internally disintegrated to dust. I have some unused lead-sheathed rubber-insulated cable from the 1930s that is as good as new; the insulation is tough and supple and off the scale for IR, but there's no telling how long it will last.

Another problem with lead in domestic installations is that the sheath was normally used as the CPC (although there were a few types with a copper CPC). Continuity was maintained at junction boxes and fittings by screw clamps, but the lead tends to flow over time and the clamps become slack, resulting in uncertain continuity.

Lead-sheathed paper-insulated cables are still in widespread use, e.g. DNO distribution and service cables, which can be sound at 100 years old or more and might outlast plastic-insulated cables we're installing now. But those are sealed and impregnated with compound that acts as a preservative as well as an insulator.
 

Reply to Lead sheathed 2 core lighting circuits /EIC in the Electrical Testing & PAT Testing Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

News and Offers from Sponsors

  • Article
Join us at electronica 2024 in Munich! Since 1964, electronica has been the premier event for technology enthusiasts and industry professionals...
    • Like
Replies
0
Views
378
  • Sticky
  • Article
Good to know thanks, one can never have enough places to source parts from!
Replies
4
Views
951
  • Article
OFFICIAL SPONSORS These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then...
Replies
0
Views
1K

Similar threads

  • Question
As above you will probably find the originals where oriented the same way and your replacements are upside down to each other, or visa versa. I...
Replies
3
Views
2K
Hello What was the conclusion of your problem?
Replies
1
Views
825

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Electrician Courses Green Electrical Goods PCB Way Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Pushfit Wire Connectors Electric Underfloor Heating Electrician Courses
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc

YOUR Unread Posts

This website was designed, optimised and is hosted by untold.media Operating under the name Untold Media since 2001.
Back
Top