pvc trunking caulk cowboys?

[hamish mcchlery]

Iv just seen a whole flat rewired with surface mounted pvc trunking at coveing and skirting height. they have used no elbow or t joints, no small-to-large connecting pieces, no collars at surface boxes, and no end caps. all joints have been smeared with standard decorators caulk. the end holes, mainly 16x40 trunking, have simply been stuffed with caulk. big gaps everywhere, up to 6mm at some connections. IS THIS IN COMPLIANCE WITH IEE? the wiring itself seems fine.

I am a joiner to trade but work closely with excellent electricians all the time, in commercial and residential properties, and i am sure they would never leave a finish of that kind. I can get 2 fingers inside the trunking at some points, without trying to force them. IS THIS RIGHT?

cheers Gents.

 

[hamish mcchlery]

its all standard t&e cable. the trunking itself doesnt penetrate through any walls ceilings or floor. the trunking is cut short where the cables pass through walls and caulk used to fill the gap occasionally. the largest gap in the trunking is a mini-to-big junction where i can get all 4 fingers up inside and touch the cable.

the only time iv ever seen work like this in my trade is either when the guys were total muppets or when they were under major pressure to complete and get out. Im beginning to think the latter is the case cos the guys looked knackered and stressed out of their minds. they were younger blokes, the sparks i work with day to day are mainly older and would NEVER leave a finish like that.

I left tea, coffee, biscuits galore milk& sugar for them. nothing was touched. their boss said "they dont take breaks". (sound of alarm bells)

 

[somersetsparks]

silly thing is, in one of the pictures, if they cut the vertical to the skirting and butted the other up to it they wouldn't be am end to plug anyway, Most would call it common sense.

 

[somersetsparks]

I left tea, coffee, biscuits galore milk& sugar for them. nothing was touched. their boss said "they dont take breaks". (sound of alarm bells)

Sounds like the company rather then the workers then, I would hate to work for a company like that.

 

[rocker]

As has been said, if it's twin then it's fine regs-wise.

If you can get a finger into any of the accessories, such as light switches or socket outlets, then there's a problem.

Just out of interest, what was your reasoning to get it done in trunking rather than chased into the wall?

EDIT: and yes, it sounds like their boss was a right tool. Problem is that these guys are going to go it alone one day and think this kind of thing is acceptable.

 

[hamish mcchlery]

these guys are definitely sparks. this is one of the last flats in the last block in a row of four blocks with 150 households per block. this is public money bejeezus!!
heres photos of the worse bits.

 

[RWJ]

That's pretty rough!!! Even by some of the DIY standards I've seen!!!!
We recently sacked an 2nd year apprentice who was rubbish at trunking (and most other things, apart from texting), even he did better than that!

 

[rocker]

Yep, rough as a badger's botty but all looks pretty legal. That unsecured flex is a bit iffy but I don't think you could make a case out of it.

 

[Paul.M]

If its all t+e and not going through walls etc it is within the regs as people before have said. It's a shame that the company doesn't have pride in their work. Let me guess, its a council contract rewirering one flat per day and the young lads are on peanuts whilst working their little cotton socks off?

 

[hamish mcchlery]

exactly, youv got to feel sorry for them.

 

[hamish mcchlery]

Exactly correct, u must be psychic!

 

[RWJ]

Rough but I've seen worse lol. Stelmax is good for filling gaps, it's like liquid plastic and bonds PVC, it goes off rock solid and stays white not like chaulk which becomes grubby. I hate seeing trunking in houses however neat!

Stelmax 1961 Sealant

Where does one buy said wonder stuff from??

Got the site up looks impressive and better than chalk / silicone

 

[pennywise]

the first search that came up on google sure there are cheaper places

http://www.sealfix.com/index.php?option=categories&category_id=131826

The Anglian guys left me a few tubes when they did the conservatory

 

[RWJ]

the first search that came up on google sure there are cheaper places

http://www.sealfix.com/index.php?option=categories&category_id=131826

Shame our wholesalers don't stock it but it is aimed towards window fitters so maybe local builders merchant that stock double glazing might sell it??

 

[pennywise]

They probably do, they gave me the impression it's a bit of an industry standard. some of the websites sell in bulk think the one I linked to sells it in a 20 tube box set

 

[Phil]

if it`s a council or housing association job i would get the clark of works in there as although it may not be against the regs im sure the clark of works will have plenty to say on the matter.