Old original period light switches , condition report.

[Guest569]

Doing an CR on a very old period property with some very expensive original features. It has been rewired around 10 years ago but they have reused the old original switches, some of which I believe to me 70-80 years old!

A few of the switches are clearly arcing when moved so C1 noted.

What about the others that are (or appear to be) functioning ok?

These switches are pretty special but Im not prepared to put them as acceptable. A basic toggle switch won't cut it in terms of replacing them so bespoke switches likely to cost a few bob.

Replacing them is going to be a real mess/expense.

Thoughts?

Im inclined to have them down as C2.

 

[micknew]

Yes, it could be fine at the time of testing but due to its age its far more likely to fail in the near future Id say. Would you reuse these switches in a rewire and issue an installation certificate based on good resistance readings at the 100 year old switches?

Yes, but they're not new so you cannot guarantee them.

 

[Geordie Spark]

Yes, it could be fine at the time of testing but due to its age its far more likely to fail in the near future Id say. Would you reuse these switches in a rewire and issue an installation certificate based on good resistance readings at the 100 year old switches?

The MOT Inspector will issue your car / van with a satisfactory MOT Certificate IF the vehicle tested satisfactory at the time of the test.

If the wheel fell of next week would that be his fault?

Would he be in some way be to blame or be liable for that?

It is what it is at the time of the test.

 

[Plonker 3]

Yes, it could be fine at the time of testing but due to its age its far more likely to fail in the near future Id say. Would you reuse these switches in a rewire and issue an installation certificate based on good resistance readings at the 100 year old switches?

Lets say something goes on fire and you were the last guy to pass these 100 year old switches as "safe"? Id rather cover my --- and issue a C3.

With that mentallity, every item on a EICR would be a C3 minimum by default.

 

[Guest569]

The MOT Inspector will issue your car / van with a satisfactory MOT Certificate IF the vehicle tested satisfactory at the time of the test.

If the wheel fell of next week would that be his fault?

Would he be in some way be to blame or be liable for that?

It is what it is at the time of the test.

Agreed, but the customer is asking me to then produce a "satisfactory" report following remedial works and upgrades where necessary. So its not a case of doing the report and buggering off.

 

[Guest569]

With that mentallity, every item on a EICR would be a C3 minimum by default.

I think that mentality is called covering your arse. The courts would come hammering down on you if anything goes wrong, so why take the chance?

 

[Plonker 3]

Its your call, but EICRs are also about common sense and well as electrical safety.

 

[Guest55]

i really dont see the point in starting a thread asking for advice , then completely ignoring it cos no-one agrees with your intial assessment.

just a waste of everyones time in contributing.

 

[Geordie Spark]

Agreed, but the customer is asking me to then produce a "satisfactory" report following remedial works and upgrades where necessary. So its not a case of doing the report and buggering off.

IF it's "satisfactory" when you tested it then issue a "satisfactory" report !!!

You can buy and fit a brand new switch today and issue a "satisfactory" report on it and that same switch can still fail next week - and it DOES happen !!!

Where does that leave you and your "satisfactory" report??

It's the same with the light in the netty.

Yesterday you switched it on and you could see clearly enough to get most of the pee into the pot, but today when you switched it on it didn't work and you peed on the floor.

That is because yesterday the bulb performed to specification and the little bit of wire inside glowed with great incandescence worthy of earning a satisfactory report, but that was yesterday. How the hell could you know then that you were going to pi$$ in your shoes today ??

It is what it is at the time and that all there is!!

 

[Guest569]

i really dont see the point in starting a thread asking for advice , then completely ignoring it cos no-one agrees with your intial assessment.

just a waste of everyones time in contributing.

Your first post was hardly "advice"?

 

[Geordie Spark]

Your first post was hardly "advice"?

Eric Clapton - Knock on Wood - YouTube

 

[Guest569]

Anyway, Ive took all the "advice" issued. Thanks.

Im off to quote on replacing 17 period lightswitches ;p

 

[Geordie Spark]

Yes, it could be fine at the time of testing but due to its age its far more likely to fail in the near future Id say. Would you reuse these switches in a rewire and issue an installation certificate based on good resistance readings at the 100 year old switches?

Lets say something goes on fire and you were the last guy to pass these 100 year old switches as "safe"? Id rather cover my --- and issue a C3.

Then why don't you go and do just that and stop faffing about wasting everybody's time??

You ask for "advice" and when you get it you reject it and go your own sweet way anyway so why are you bothering asking in the first place??

 

[Guest55]

Your first post was hardly "advice"?

no , but my second post was constructive yet you ignored that anyway.

 

[jaypp]

came across 'bakerlite' toggles recently, some appeared brand new and all were deemed ok. loose connections could also cause 'arc'. had modern switch that 'lit up' when operated. old might not mean unsafe.

think i've still got pics (of toggles), will try to add later

what was more concerning than toggles was a 'cotton' type material lamp shade' hung directly on an incandescent lamp in a 2yr olds bedroom. this was sorted immediately and i didn't care if 'okayed' by gaffer or not!

 

[Guest569]

Then why don't you go and do just that and stop faffing about wasting everybody's time??

You ask for "advice" and when you get it you reject it and go your own sweet way anyway so why are you bothering asking in the first place??

To hear you ranting on?