PIR Codes

[NoSparks]

What codes do you give to the following:


1) No RCDs - 15th edition installation
2) Only 1 RCD - 16th edition installation

3) CU inaccessable

Thanks

 

[roukel01]

go to the electrical saftey council website, they have a really good booklet giving advice on PIR codes.

However, for your questions:

NO RCD's whatsoever, if sockets could possibly be used outdoors then code 2

1 RCD protecting sockets etc, but not lighting, then code 4.

Inaccessable board code 4, unless you really can't get to it, then perhaps code 2.

 

[Guest123]

1 - Code 2

2 - Code 4

3 - I would say it depends on how "inaccessible" the board was i.e is it just loads of cluuter in a cupboard.....or is boxed in behind a wall .......It would need defining before anyone other than the inspector could attribute a code.

 

[NoSparks]

The CU is situated at the back of a "room" 600mm wide and about 3m long. The CU is situated at the back of this room. At the front of the room just inside the door is a megga about 580mm wide and 2m tall thus blocking all access to the CU without getting a pair of laders and climbing on top of the megga then passing ladders over the megga to get down the other side. I think I can justifiably call this inaccessable.

The secondary problem is of course that I can't even see the MCBs to know what sizes have been fitted to which circuits (probably 6 of them). I can take Rs measurements but how would I fill in the Schedule of Test Results.

Geoff

 

[Guest123]

I would say that this is a definate issue that needs addressing with your customer. It cant be recorded as a limitation I feel as it's too important. Accessibility to switchgear is on the schedules of items inspected in the cert and requires a pass, IMO this would warrant a fail.

Also testing needs to be carried out at this DB

You'll have to enlighten me........megga?????

 

[NoSparks]

Incidently, I posed questions 1 & 2 because they are not covered by the ESC guidence notes. There are 3 references to RCDs but the first specifically references a TT system, the second references socket outlets in a shower/bathroom. and the third is very "wishywashy" refering only to "protection against indirect contact) by RCD where required" (and again gives and example of a TTsystem. Well the 17th requires RCD for all wireing unless... so includes all sockets, 16th requires RCD for protection of sockets that can be used for external appliances. However when we do a PIR we are supposed to asess against the standard that pertained at the time of installation so to me it sounds as if both 1 and 2 would be code 4 !

Megga: A hot water tank connected directly to the water main. These require certified fiitters to fit them. I think these fitters ought to be certified!

 

[Guest123]

I see, meggaflow cylinder....

I believe it is in the ESC periodic guide it's a bit vague as it does not mention the socket outlet circuit just the equipment, P13 just above the photograph of the MK CU.

 

[Des 56]

. However when we do a PIR we are supposed to asess against the standard that pertained at the time of installation

Nosparks



I would re phrase that bit as
We assess against the current standards taking regard of the standards at the time of installation

Otherwise there is no coding of the Rcds to be concerned with
I'm playing with the meaning by twisting words again,sorry


I think the consumer unit would definitely be code 2
Clutter in cupboards is bad enough, but can be expected, but what is in effect a fixed installation appliance is a big no way

Again, no regard by other tradesmen and householders to things electrical