Old Wiring what can I get away with.

[james the spark]

Got called to a job and asked to change two light fittings in the bathroom but there is no RCD all the earthing is undersized and no sleeving on the earths, also its a old rewireble wylex DB what is the least i can get away with to change the lights Im thinking RCD on the tails and earthing.

 

[telectrix]

if you are replacing fittings, like for like, there is no obligation to upgrade the installation. obviously, you would ensure earthing and sleeving were present on the fittings you put in. you can nadvise the client of the shortcomings of his installation. then it's up to them.

 

[malcolmsanford]

You really don't have to do anything but change the fittings. As long as your not altering or extending the existing lighting circuit and just replacing 2 old luminaries with 2 new ones the you have no obligation to do do any more.

Of course if the customer is asking you to fit class I fittings and there is no CPC available you can't do that.

It is difficult to sometimes stride a line of "duty of care" and "touting for work"

I always use to give the customer the downloads from the ESC concerning old installations, RCD safety, PIRs etc and advised them that you are available for any advice/ work they may want.

 

[telectrix]

i only beat you to it there, malcolm, because you gave a fuller answer. LOL.

 

[james the spark]

Thanks guys very helpful.

 

[james the spark]

One other thing with it being in a bathroom do i need to issue a minor works.

 

[telectrix]

no you don't need to. only if you are altering the circuit. however, if you were to do a MWC, you could comment on the non-compliances of the installation. CYA.

 

[Octopus]

One other thing with it being in a bathroom do i need to issue a minor works.

Issuing a MWC is certainly something worth doing and you can mention the lack of RCD/bonding on it. Sure they may see this as touting for business but as its noted on the certificate all you are doing really, is drawing the customers attention to the facts as you see it.

 

[ezzzekiel]

what is the least i can get away with

shouldnt you be asking "what must i do to make it right?"

 

[GLENNSPARK]

If the main bonding is undersized (which is what i think you mean) could you not bring this to the clients attention as regards an upgrade to comply with the current edition of BS7671......bit of extra work maybe....(but not scamming of course as bonding needs to be up to standard)......

 

[Knobhead]

shouldnt you be asking "what must i do to make it right?"

There are two answers to that:

• As little as possible
• Screw the client for every penny you can

Which side of the fence are you on?