number of points served

[Des 56]

I think that statement assumes using a screwdriver to do so

 

[chris gray]

oh - temination/connection - my bad

 

[Doug]

The way I've looked at it is that a switch is:

• another point to be earthed
• another point where tests can be taken
• another accessory for the customer to choose

I thought that the number of points was recorded for the benefit of the next electrician to work on the circuit. What if a circuit has no CPC & a switch gets changed for a metal one? The electrician must be made aware of all these switches on the circuit and ensure their safety.

Maybe this is the wrong way to interpret the regs, but it is what I have been doing.

As Chris said earlier, you could interpret 'connections of current using equipment' as meaning a triple socket is three points and a light fitting with five bulbs is five points. Like lots of things in the regs, this is open to interpretation. I suppose I'll need to dig out the OSG.

 

[chris gray]

i had a look in the brb and started with definitions:
point(in wiring) a termination of the fixed wiring intended for the connection of current-using equipment.
so a light switch has a temination of the fixed wiring for the connection of current - using equipment:
that current - using equipment being; the lamp holder?

 

[Doug]

According to Kitcher in 'Practical Guide to Inspection, Testing and Certification of Electrical Installations',

Number of points served: How many outlets or items of fixed equipment are on the circuit?

Just realised that this isn't asked for on the IEE forms, so it doesn't feature in the OSG or the regs.

 

[pevvers]

so a light switch has a temination of the fixed wiring for the connection of current - using equipment:
that current - using equipment being; the lamp holder?

I would say no, a switch is just that, a switch. Just the same as a contactor, PIR, emergency stop button. The connection of the current using equipment would be at the rose etc...

Just realised that this isn't asked for on the IEE forms, so it doesn't feature in the OSG or the regs.

Yes, it's not asked for in the forms, but the term "point" is still defined in the regulations as stated above on page 27.

 

[slocm3105]

i had a look in the brb and started with definitions:
point(in wiring) a termination of the fixed wiring intended for the connection of current-using equipment.
so a light switch has a temination of the fixed wiring for the connection of current - using equipment:
that current - using equipment being; the lamp holder?

You don't connect any current using equipment to the switch, you connect it to the light fitting.(If ofc its a light switch). Therefore you count the light fittings, not switches. As for the OP, i say 1 point for a double socket, single socket, triple socket, makes no difference.

Cheers