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.

 

[Geordie Spark]

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

Im off to quote on replacing 17 period lightswitches ;p

Good lad.

Take your time with it.

 

[Guest569]

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.

See the difference in this post ? This is genuine advice minus the smart arse comments...Thanks Jaypp.

 

[Geordie Spark]

To hear you ranting on?

FINALLY you admit to being a troll.

 

[Guest569]

Good lad.

Take your time with it.

Should I quote for 2 new RCD boards as the current 2 are non RCD ?

Cause I have !....I should say the customer has asked for me to "upgrade where possible"

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FINALLY you admit to being a troll.

lol defo not a troll, just don't appreciate the smart arse comments.

 

[jaypp]

I should say the customer has asked for me to "upgrade where possible"

rewire!!

 

[Guest569]

rewire!!

lol, it was old colours ?? rewire.

 

[Geordie Spark]

Should I quote for 2 new RCD boards as the current 2 are non RCD ?

Cause I have !....I should say the customer has asked for me to "upgrade where possible"

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lol defo not a troll, just don't appreciate the smart arse comments.

Then it's a good thing you didn't get any.

The advice you were given was sound albeit wrapped in a bit of gentle humour.

Suck it up or move on.

 

[Aindowsimon]

Are these the old switches where the covers are screwd on by Hand old Bakelite small round thingys ?
, if so that's an issue as potential access to live part without the use of a tool . I would code that as a 2 me thinks .
Funnily enough I'm doing a job in a old hospital witch is now a museum were I am using the old( looking ) bespoke switches on wooden backing fancy

 

[Aindowsimon]

one of these ??
I always keep them when I come across them , don't know why ???

 

[Guest55]

, if so that's an issue as potential access to live part without the use of a tool . I would code that as a 2 me thinks .

by your (demented ) reasoning every lampholder ever built is a C2 then ?

ffs , i give up.

 

[Geordie Spark]

Are these the old switches where the covers are screwd on by Hand old Bakelite small round thingys ?
, if so that's an issue as potential access to live part without the use of a tool . I would code that as a 2 me thinks .
Funnily enough I'm doing a job in a old hospital witch is now a museum were I am using the old( looking ) bespoke switches on wooden backing fancy

My Mum's house had those switches until I rewired it an I can assure you that they DID need a tool to access the live parts.

The tool I used was a hammer because there were so many coats of paint on them it was impossible to screw to covers off them without smashing them !!!

 

[Aindowsimon]

Ha when I think an electrical accessory may be open'd by hand by absolutely anyone like a child or anyone . If a lamp holder is accessible to a child via bunk bed I've changed them before I think someone is at risk as with these switches accessible live part without tool . And with lamp holder I consider the use of a ladder to access a tool only an opinion witch I have . You give up ohhh I'm gutted il miss you

 

[jaypp]

modern ones, place rewired about 10yrs ago, split load boards

 

[Geordie Spark]

Ha when I think an electrical accessory may be open'd by hand by absolutely anyone like a child or anyone . If a lamp holder is accessible to a child via bunk bed I've changed them before I think someone is at risk as with these switches accessible live part without tool . And with lamp holder I consider the use of a ladder to access a tool only an opinion witch I have . You give up ohhh I'm gutted il miss you

My cousin when he was a small child circa 1955 got out of bed during the night to go to the toilet - as you do.

He switched the light on and nothing happened because his mother had nicked the bulb (lamp??) to replace one that had popped, so he climbed onto the toilet seat and stuck his thumb into the bulb holder.

He's going on for 70 now and still has the 2 scars on his thumb.

Had he been holding onto the water pipe (high level cistern - chain pull job) with his other hand he would certainly have been dead.

 

[MDJ]

Are these the old switches where the covers are screwd on by Hand old Bakelite small round thingys ?
, if so that's an issue as potential access to live part without the use of a tool . I would code that as a 2 me thinks .
Funnily enough I'm doing a job in a old hospital witch is now a museum were I am using the old( looking ) bespoke switches on wooden backing fancy

A code 2 Really?