New Build Electrical Installation queries

[mstoker1990]

Good Morning Folks

I think I can pretty much answer my own question however some different opinions would be good and if anyone could quote the reg no.s for the answers that would be sound as mine is still boxed up somewhere.

I have just bought a new build property.

Issue Number one.
All Downlighters are fire Rated GU10 with twin and Earth Connected direct with cables stripped further back than the cable clamp....Single insulated cables on show....A Fail Yes?

2
Consumer unit is on a sub main fed via the cheapest looking switch fuse I have ever seen in the meter box with the 16mm twin and earth stripped as it enters the meter box with single insulated cores entering the switch fuse and a taped up earth going to the earth block. a seperate 10mm earth does accompany this.

3
The Smoke Alarms are on the same group RCD that powers Socket outlets, I always believed smoke Alarms should be on there own dedicated circuit or if RCD protection was needed either an RCBO would be needed or it could go on a group RCD not supplying Smoke Alarms.

Let me know your thoughts, the house is built by a well known builder and some of the workmanship from all trades is beyond shocking!!

 

[telectrix]

1 and 2, i agree. bad workmanship. non compliant with BS7671. as for 3. it's common to wire smoke detectors on a lighting circuit. you'll know if the feed is down as the lights won't work.

 

[Plonker 3]

Photos of 1&2 would be helpful.

 

[Octopus]

Not surprised about 1 & 2 - cutting corners and using cheap installation methods will always happen.

3 - absolutely nothing wrong with this - what makes you think otherwise?

 

[ImpededLoop]

1. A bit rough but very common.

2. Very rough.

3. Quite normal and if you get back from a long holiday and the power to the smoke alarms is off, you'll notice as the lights won't be working either.

 

[telectrix]

apprfopriate regs. for 1. and 2. would be 526.5 and 526.8, BS7671 (2011) green book.

 

[tazz]

As for 3. Smoke alarm with battery backup or Grade D, can be feed from RCD on lighting circuit only. Mains only smoke alarms or Grade E, must be on the own circuit with lockable isolation,

 

[mstoker1990]

apprfopriate regs. for 1. and 2. would be 526.5 and 526.8, BS7671 (2011) green book.

Many Thanks for your responses.

I've always been told since the 17th Came in to place that smoke alarms should not be put on the same RCD that supplies socket outlets, Dont know why, I suppose i maybe work to higher standards than those in the new build game.
I always put an RCBO next to the main sw on a board for smoke alarms.

If someone tells me how to put pictures on here I will upload them?

Many Thanks.

 

[Octopus]

Many Thanks for your responses.

I've always been told since the 17th Came in to place that smoke alarms should not be put on the same RCD that supplies socket outlets, Dont know why, I suppose i maybe work to higher standards than those in the new build game.
I always put an RCBO next to the main sw on a board for smoke alarms.

If someone tells me how to put pictures on here I will upload them?

Many Thanks.

I would never do that. It gives the residents the ability to switch them off. Stick them on a ligthing circuit!

 

[telectrix]

Many Thanks for your responses.

I've always been told since the 17th Came in to place that smoke alarms should not be put on the same RCD that supplies socket outlets, Dont know why, I suppose i maybe work to higher standards than those in the new build game.
I always put an RCBO next to the main sw on a board for smoke alarms.

If someone tells me how to put pictures on here I will upload them?

Many Thanks.

get image on desktop. then in reply box, 3rd icon from right "inseret image". select from computer, choose file upload. done.

 

[Engineer54]

How long is this 16mm T&E submain?? Never understood using T&E to supply Houses and flats in a multi dwelling supply set-up. It just smacks of a cheap and nasty install in my book!!

 

[R G]

Also if the T&E is buried anywhere in the walls , would also need RCD protection as well..

 

[TJ Anderson]

Also if the T&E is buried anywhere in the walls , would also need RCD protection as well..

This is very true. I have nearly always done subs in SWA since 17th came along for this very reason.

 

[Plonker 3]

Also if the T&E is buried anywhere in the walls , would also need RCD protection as well..

No, it needs to comply with 522.6.103

 

[R G]

No, it needs to comply with 522.6.103

True Which states if mechanical protection by earthed metallic conduit or trunking is not in place and cables are less than 50mm in walls or partitions then RCD protection is required..

BTW its , 522,6,203 in the BYB