Non standard accessories

[Andy78]

A customer has asked me to buy and fit one of these reconditioned vintage pull switches.
Crabtree Brown Bakelite Ceiling Light Switch 2 Way Fully Refurbished for re-use | eBay

I have initially refused as, where an accessory does not conform to a recognised product standard, I must revert to the general rules of the wiring regulations.

Referencing 416.2.4
I have said that having a removable cover that does not require a tool or key, and the internal live parts not being covered to IP2X therefore makes it not suitable.

The seller has argued that it is absolutely fine and that there are specific heights that make it ok as does the fact that it would need to be accessed by a ladder, and the regulations apply differently to switches as they do to ceiling accessories.

I'm pretty sure that's a right load of cobblers but would appreciate forum user's takes on this.

 

[Adam W]

A really tall person wouldn't need a stepladder.
If they're talking about 'placing out of reach' as a method of basic protection, it used to be that that only applied to skilled and instructed persons - not sure if that has been changed recently.

 

[Adam W]

The difference between this pull cord and, say, a ceiling rose which has a twist off cover, would be that if you twisted off the cover of a modern ceiling rose you still wouldn't be able to touch any live parts.

 

[Andy78]

A really tall person wouldn't need a stepladder.
If they're talking about 'placing out of reach' as a method of basic protection, it used to be that that only applied to skilled and instructed persons - not sure if that has been changed recently.

That's right. The methods of placing out of reach and obstacles for basic protection do not apply in a domestic environment.

The difference between this pull cord and, say, a ceiling rose which has a twist off cover, would be that if you twisted off the cover of a modern ceiling rose you still wouldn't be able to touch any live parts.

Ahuh. The removable cover must be supplemented by an IP2X shield over the live parts if it can be removed without a tool or key. Certain accessories are exempt if they are produced to certain standards, which my pull switch in question won't be.

I'm gonna fit it anyway and advise the owner of the unlikely hazard ...... even though it wont be right to the letter of the regs.


Thanks to all that offered their thoughts to this minor niggle

 

[Marvo]

Nothing wrong with a minor niggle makes life more interesting.

From a more holistic point of view I think you're the guy on site and you're certainly capable of making a risk assessment and judgment call in these cases. If you're not comfortable with it for any reason you'd be able to justify a decision not to install it by stating the regs are the minimum requirements for electrical safety and in some particular cases a higher standard is appropriate and just state the reasons.

 

[richy3333]

I am pretty sure they still make the twist off cover today, what is the difference.?

I couldn't see how the cover fits but, the Hager pull cord switches just push on/off