UK Plastic chrome light switches

[philipbg]

Carried out an EICR where the lightning circuit is not earthed but like normal the customer has fitted metal chrome light switches.
The lights have the bit of 1.5 G&Y from the CU but don't go down to the switches.
Does anyone know of a manufacturer that makes plastic switches that have a painted chrome effect.

 

[philipbg]

i do understand your point but surely in the real world, the original installation was indeed intended to be class 2 by design and although not strictly compliant with the current regulations
By removing a potentially hazardous situation and returning it to its original design, from a probable C2 situation to a likely C3, you would be hard pushed for someone to have issue with you doing so, ensuring you include the necessary caveats in the paperwork

I would be happy to proceed with this line under the circumstances that a full circuit rewire is either not practicable and/or not affordable

Rather than just walk away from the issue

Especially when I’m dealing with regular customers that I have a good working relationship with

As is the case with many of the EICRs and CU changes that throws up this issue for me

The inspection came backnas unsatisfactory because of the chrome switches.
In most cases i would recommend a rewire as i have on the cert but of course the owners have spent thousands on redecorating & then decided on an EICR.

 

[timhoward]

Does that extend to the sparkies that fitted it?

Certainly not - they will be the most experienced in the land and I enjoy learning from them!

 

[suffolkspark]

The metal flush boxes from back in the day when cpcs weren't always present, had threaded plastic blocks for the faceplate screws to screw into, so the problem didn't arise.
When I've come across all metal boxes, where no cpc is present, I've also used plastic screws, but wasn't there a thread recently where the conclusion was that unearthed metal fixing screws don't present a danger because they can't be grasped?

Yes i remember this, somebody found a reg that said it didnt matter for the screws. Ive just done an EICR on a house with all lights earthed, but switch back boxes arent, and the house has all exposed oak beams and floor boards and no real voids to re wire it without being very destructive. Havnt yet decided what to do

 

[Welchyboy1]

I see, so this could be the original setup.
I can't help thinking that while your comment is fair about modern standards and thinking, 'modern' does now encompass the last 67 years and it's probably about time some of this wiring was retired, earthed or not!

From reading the post I interpreted it that the original wiring was 1960's odd, PVC two core only and at a later date an additional single core CPC has been run in to earth the ceiling lights, the OP says G&Y, if it was existing it would of been bare wire with no insulation

I fully agree that this is old wiring from a bygone era and should be replaced when ever possible, but its not always possible in a real world scenario and sometimes you have to be a little realistic and pragmatic

 

[Welchyboy1]

Yes i remember this, somebody found a reg that said it didnt matter for the screws. Ive just done an EICR on a house with all lights earthed, but switch back boxes arent, and the house has all exposed oak beams and floor boards and no real voids to re wire it without being very destructive. Havnt yet decided what to do

Do they have class 1 switches

 

[Midwest]

Yes i remember this, somebody found a reg that said it didnt matter for the screws. Ive just done an EICR on a house with all lights earthed, but switch back boxes arent, and the house has all exposed oak beams and floor boards and no real voids to re wire it without being very destructive. Havnt yet decided what to do

Not aimed at your post specifically, these clients with oak beams and expensive flooring, but with 60 + year old wiring, most realise at some point it has to be done.

I don't understand people who spend small fortunes on new kitchens & bathrooms, panoramic sliding doors, extensions etc etc, but don't want to pay to upgrade the infrastructure of a property.

I agree with @westward10 not withstanding you need to earn a crust, some times we are just pandering to these people.

 

[suffolkspark]

Not aimed at your post specifically, these clients with oak beams and expensive flooring, but with 60 + year old wiring, most realise at some point it has to be done.

Theyre both late 70's and are totally happy for me to do whatever is required to make it safe.

Do they have class 1 switches

Theyre all plastic, but the back boxs dont have the plastic lugs, so screw heads are exposed, somebody definitely found a reg on this ages ago though as brianmoore mentioned further up this thread.

If i could confirm that that would be good

 

[brianmoooore]

Thread was in the last few weeks, not ages ago.
You could fit plastic screws (mine came from RS ), but check that they are metric and not BA, if the boxes are equally old

 

[Pretty Mouth]

Theyre both late 70's and are totally happy for me to do whatever is required to make it safe.


Theyre all plastic, but the back boxs dont have the plastic lugs, so screw heads are exposed, somebody definitely found a reg on this ages ago though as brianmoore mentioned further up this thread.

If i could confirm that that would be good

410.3.9 (iii)?

 

[suffolkspark]

410.3.9 (iii)?

Thats the one spot on cheers other half is now looking at me funny pulling the regs book out at 11pm on a friday night better than watching naked attraction anyway

 

[EricMark]

I was rather surprised to read the pre-1966 regulations.

(ix) Lighting fittings using filament lamps installed in a room having a non-conducting floor, mounted at such a height that they cannot readily be touched and are out of reach of earthed metal.

So you can't use LED lights without an earth even before 1966, and the switches clearly still needed an earth.