No RCD domestic lighting

[Daveh36]

Firstly sorry if this has been asked before. Carrying out alot of EICRs because of the new rental laws. Keep coming across boards with just one RCD. Lighting circuits not protected normally I issue a C2 for this and had no problems but one landlord who thinks he knows everything has queried my decision today What would you guys give it C2 or C3

 

[Baddegg]

C3 at best.....is it dangerous?

 

[dodger421]

Why do you normally issue a C2?

Surely if the circuit hasn’t been altered or extended, tests ok and there are no obvious signs of damage to fixtures and fittings then it’s a C3, improvement recommended?

 

[Daveh36]

Well has the potential to be otherwise why change the regs in the first place
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I issue C2 as that is what I was advised by Stroma when I was with them before I changes that is

 

[dodger421]

I don’t have the BBB here, but I’m pretty sure there’s a statement right near the front from the HSE about older installations installed to previous editions not being inherently unsafe just because the regulations have changed to improve safety.

Obviously some things that were allowed were dangerous and hence became banned, but additional protection by RCD is just that, additional protection.

 

[Baddegg]

I’m with stroma and don’t c2 no rcd....regs arnt retrospective and I don’t think the point of this legislation is to hammer landlords, just to ensure the installation is safe for continued use?

 

[Daveh36]

So not retrospective take a bathroom with a pendant light or a batten lamp holder clearly not IP rated would you just leave it and say it's fine. An outside socket fitted before RCD were fitted would that be ok. Think I'm just going to stick to my guns on this one. If they dont like my comments they can go else where. When its safety I always ere on the safer side just for the sake of a a few quid

 

[westward10]

Well has the potential to be otherwise why change the regs in the first place
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I issue C2 as that is what I was advised by Stroma when I was with them before I changes that is

What was your opinion before the brains trust at Stroma gave their unconsidered opinion. Any electrical system has the potential for danger.

 

[Daveh36]

Like I said for the sake of an rcbo or additional rcd in the board for a few quid is it really worth taking unnecessary risks. We wouldn't fit things with out an rcd today would we.
My opinion right or wrong is it could be potentially dangerous

 

[Baddegg]

Like I said for the sake of an rcbo or additional rcd in the board for a few quid is it really worth taking unnecessary risks. We wouldn't fit things with out an rcd today would we.
My opinion right or wrong is it could be potentially dangerous

That’s why I’d c3 it, make the owner aware...end of the day all it comes down to is the inspectors opinion ?

 

[radiohead]

Once again it is very hard to justify something that was compliant just 3-4 years ago now being deemed potentially dangerous.
I C3 domestic lighting circuits without additional protection but always include a written recommendation that RCD protection be provided in the summary.
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We wouldn't fit things with out an rcd today would we.
My opinion right or wrong is it could be potentially dangerous

I would and indeed do where an RCD is not required. Remember RCD's are a relatively recent requirement in the history of electrical installations ( and were purely used on TT when I started out)...and I dont recall any more reported deaths then than now, although I would admit thats only my recollection.

 

[littlespark]

C3. Improvement recommended.
You make the customer aware and they take an informed choice to undergo the improvements.
Mister landlord had a board change a couple years ago.... a nice plastic one with RCD's in the sockets, but not the lights... You going to tell him he suddenly needs a metal board now?

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

C3 all day long.
Nothing wrong with a baton lamp holder in a bathroom either out of Zones?

 

[Bradbury.john]

Firstly sorry if this has been asked before. Carrying out alot of EICRs because of the new rental laws. Keep coming across boards with just one RCD. Lighting circuits not protected normally I issue a C2 for this and had no problems but one landlord who thinks he knows everything has queried my decision today What would you guys give it C2 or C3

C2 mate your the qualified electrician here not the landlord ?

 

[Zerax]

Think I'm just going to stick to my guns on this one. If they dont like my comments they can go else where.

I assume you mean that he can employ a different electrician who's read the Regs properly ? And of course refund him anything that you've charged ?