lighting circuit

[ngoodson1969]

Hi All,

I changed a CU yesterday and discovered that the lighting circuit had no CPC, just twin cable. Anyway, I duly noted this on the certificate and advised him to have circuit rewired.
He now wants me to add some downlights to this circuit but doesn't want it rewired. I'm gonna walk away as I won't be able to test properly and dish out the cert. Just checking I'm doing the right thing????

Cheers
Nick

 

[Guest123]

This guide form the ESC has a lot of useful info on this very subject.

http://www.esc.org.uk/pdfs/business-and-community/electrical-industry/BPG1_08.pdf


You would need a label on the CU stating that the lighting circuit has no earth, and also make sure that all accessories on that circuit are NOT class 1, i.e - chrome/brass switches, chandeliers, downlighters etc.

Any that are you should change to class 2 (plastic).

As for installing more....unless the circuit is rewired then definately not.

 

[rocker]

You're certaoinly doing thr right thing by walking, but as far as the circuit as it stands goes, on one hand you are only changing the unit, but on the other hand you are energising a circuit that has no CPC.... tricky. Is it the whole circuit that doesnt have an earth, or just the switch wires or part of the circuit or what?

EDIT Ignore me, listen to Lenny

 

[darking]

Changing a consumer unit can cause disruption to the coductors supplied by the old CCU. This requires the installation of a new CCU to be treated as an alteration and so an Electrical Installation Report must be completed and the entire installation inspected and tested for safety with current (17th) Regs.

Once you have completed your shedule of inspections and schedule of test results you can advise your customer of any requirements or reccomendations.

you can download the best practice guide for this situation from ESC Best Practice Guide: Replacing a consumer unit in domestic premises where lighting circuits have no protective conductor - Voltimum UK - Electrical Installation Products and Contracting I hope this helps you as you obviously want to get it right

 

[m4tty]

cash job

 

[monkeyelectric]

I done a periodic on a house a little while back and there was no cpc on the lights, the guy would'nt have it rewired and had 2 metal chandeliers in the living room which he did'nt want taken down as he was renting the house out an they were a 'main feature' according to him. Anyway in the best practice guides it says that metal fittings can be left as long as its rcd protected, not near another metal part, and you label the consumer unit accordingly, don't know if that would apply to fitting new fittings mind

 

[ngoodson1969]

I have already issued an EIC as I changed the CU. Job done. Just wondering whether he'll get back to me to quote for re-wire.......

 

[acat]

You could always be very helpful and point out that under the circumstances his insurance company may not pay out in the event of a claim as he knew the earth was missing

That just might get you the rewire and a pat on the back for being helpful



Chris