Please help. Sockets on wooden skirting.

[kjshier]

Hi all.
The important part is that the socket is not fitted on the skirting because you state the socket is on a plastic mount so it's not in contact with the softwood therefore is compliant. Years ago wood was actually used as an insulator and the regulations have been changed to clarify this in Part P. If the socket was mounted to the skirting without a plastic mount BUT the wood is hardwood like oak or mahogany then it could be compliant.
The inspector is wrong and you have grounds to have the report amended.

 

[telectrix]

Being close to the floor it places undue stress on the socket.

it's OK. the socket can enrol for counselling. all provided free if them labour idiots ( god forbid) win the election.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Some of the replies to this thread are complete guff

 

[Deleted account]

They would be wrong, as there is a Regulation expressly dealing with that stating that they must be mounted at sufficient height to prevent damage to the plugs. However, this was not the issue claimed which was that it was a fire hazard as it was mounted to a skirting board so isn't really relevant to the claims made by the survey (which normally preclude comment on the electrical installation!).

The regulation you refer to is 553.1.6

A socket outlet on a wall or similar structure shall be mounted at a height above the floor or any working surface to minimise risk of mechanical damage to the socket outlet or to an associated plug and it's flexible cable which might be caused during insertion, use or withdrawal of the plug.

I would say C2

 

[telectrix]

The regulation you refer to is 553.1.6

A socket outlet on a wall or similar structure shall be mounted at a height above the floor or any working surface to minimise risk of mechanical damage to the socket outlet or to an associated plug and it's flexible cable which might be caused during insertion, use or withdrawal of the plug.

I would say C2

maybe agree, but that's nothing to do with the surveyors report that it's a fire risk. he's missed the onlypossible fault and made up another one which does not have any basis in common sense,regulations, or fact.

 

[Deleted account]

maybe agree, but that's nothing to do with the surveyors report that it's a fire risk. he's missed the onlypossible fault and made up another one which does not have any basis in common sense,regulations, or fact.

True

 

[vjsmarwick]

Personally I would ask the person doing the survey to produce his qualifications for making assessments on wiring matters ? At the point he then informs you he has none I would then continue with in that case I would like you to amend your report to cover the facts he is qualified to assess and also make arrangements to compensate you for undue stress and extra expenses in having the matter looked in to by people far more qualified than he is ! And if you ever hear of him doing surveys in the future that he is not qualified to do you will take further action to have him further reprimanded via the courts. Guys that know nothing about what they are doing are better leaving the job to those who do know and these guys doing home assessments some know nothing about everything and charge the earth for writing absolute rubbish ! Having said that I know of at least one sparky that bought a Megger 1730 test meter and got a demo on how to use it he took notes of all the results and these were the results he then used on every house he tested ! He is now dead and gone and too late to do anything about it but it shows you there are chancers everywhere which is why I would welcome a regulation where as you can't test your own work !!

 

[Deleted account]

there are chancers everywhere which is why I would welcome a regulation where as you can't test your own work !!

Maybe a little harsh on the self employed sole trader.

It would also drive up legitimate electricians costs to the customer encouraging them to use an unqualified unskilled DIYer.

 

[vjsmarwick]

Maybe a little harsh on the self employed sole trader.

It would also drive up legitimate electricians costs to the customer encouraging them to use an unqualified unskilled DIYer.

I am self employed and would back someone else testing my work anytime as if your doing it right you have nothing to fear and if everyone had to have their work tested by someone else then everyone's price would go up by the same amount sounds fair to me

 

[Deleted account]

I am self employed and would back someone else testing my work anytime as if your doing it right you have nothing to fear and if everyone had to have their work tested by someone else then everyone's price would go up by the same amount sounds fair to me

I agree anyone can come and test or inspect my work , but I don't think it would be practical for the reasons I have given.

 

[vjsmarwick]

I agree anyone can come and test or inspect my work , but I don't think it would be practical for the reasons I have given.

I can see your reasoning and agree to an extent but in my eyes it's the one sure way to knock the halfwitts out of the trade that are one spark away from a fire lol

 

[Deleted account]

I agree in principle to your idea.
It would make everyone pull there pants up a bit. Metephorically speaking. And it would improve or get rid of the registered electricians who aren't up to scratch.
But it would have to be implemented along side another policy to get the unregistered/ unskilled DIYer to keep away from electrics.
So when our prices go up due to this extra layer of testing the customer cannot go to some numpty who does no test or inspect and is charging probably a quarter I am charging.

I think it's the second policy to keep numpty' away from electrics that will be the stumbling block.

We seem to have gone off topic a bit here.

 

[7029 dave]

IMO, it is too low putting strain on the flexes, no issue with mounting on the skirting, if it was 2ft wide like most Victorian dwellings . In this scenario I would like to see it sitting on top of the skirting board.

 

[shaneo]

Hi. I'm a currently selling my home, a Victorian Terrace house from the early 1900's.

The buyers have just had a survey completed which has highlighted a plug socket mounted on wooden skirting as a fire hazard.

We have been living here since 2013 and have had no issues, this was installed before our purchase of the house. I am keen to understand the regs and my options.

It is a double socket mounted on a plastic back box. It is not so close to the floor that the flex from a plug is severely bent.

I would be really grateful for some advice. I believe it's only because this is a '3' on the homebuyers survey. Can someone tell me when the regs came in and if they relate to installations prior.

Thanks all.

 

[shaneo]

It does seem abit OTT for that catergory alot of older properties especially of that era had pvc boxed sockets fixed to wooden skirting boards if the buyer wants to upgrade the sockets and consumer board i dont see it being a problem

 

[Wilko]

The regulation you refer to is 553.1.6 ...

Good find