No CPC in lighting - any plastic switches ok?

[ash_s3]

Found out the hard way on a job today the lighting circuit for the whole house has no CPC.
I understand its ok aslong as all light fittings and switches are class II, RCD protected, sticker on DB etc.. but what about the pins on switch plates? surely if the backbox were to become live so would the pins holding the switch to the wall!

Do i need to fit switches with covers over the pins?

Also the loft light is wired in bell wire (2 core 0.5mm) can i just disconnect it from where its taken from and advise customer its not safe. Or do i just fail it on the test sheet? Dont want to leave it in.

Thanks

 

[Sintra]

You can get nylon 3.5mm screws to use in these cases.

 

[ash_s3]

Didnt know that! Thanks bud.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Also, although the ESC don't mention this, this would be a departure, and as such should be noted on the Certificate.

 

[ash_s3]

Yep, ill be noting it on the Cert for sure.

Any advice on the dodgy loft light?

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Legally, you have no right to disconnect.
However you also have a duty of care.
If you can persuade the customer that it should be disconnected, all's well and fine.
If not, then make a note under comments on existing installation, and perhaps get the customer to counter sign your copy, or issue a dangerous condition notice.

 

[ash_s3]

Ok cheers for that pal, customer fine with me disconnecting it as she knows the wiring in the house is a bit of a state.
If ive disconnected it i dont need to note it on test sheet do i?

 

[Deleted member 26818]

That's up to you.
I'd make a note of it, and that it's been disconnected for safety.
Purely so that someone in the future doesn't re-instate it and then it comes back to bite you in the bum.

 

[nickblake]

some time in older installation the back boxes had nylon lugs could be worth checking so the screw would be insulated

 

[telectrix]

yeah, nick was up before me. usually you will find that the lugs in the switch boxes are nylon where the lighting was installed without cpc.

 

[ash_s3]

Jobs going from bad to worse! Some sockets are wired in rubber cable which has perished, no earth to outside lights, no earth to garage fluo lights!!!

 

[Paul.M]

Am I missing something here? CPC needs to run the full length of the circuit, not just at switches and fittings. This now sounds like a full rewire.

 

[Electro-tech]

Some Useful hints in Guide 1 .Electricity Safety Council

 

[Paul.M]

Thanks, I didn't have that one.

 

[westham_872]

Its alrite doing this until you drop a bloody screw !