Replacing External Photocell

[Brunel]

I live in a small flat complex that has a number of external lights that are controlled by "SS4" type plug in photocells.

One of the cells has failed permanently on, as they normally do.

Is it ok for me to change the cell, without incurring the wrath of any regulations or building inspectors etc.

I shall NOT be disturbing any wiring or inserting my fingers into any live sockets.

Nor climbing any ladders, as it is accessible from an adjacent window.

Thanks.

 

[Pete999]

Is the "complex"maintained by anyone? if so get them to change it. You could be infringing on their responsibilities if you change it yourself.

 

[Brunel]

We are self managing, normally unless it is a dire emergency, small problems such as this will be ignored for several months.

When it is such a simple job to replace.

 

[telectrix]

simple job to replace the head. nothing to stop you doing it yourself. for complete safety, isolate the circuit before changing the head.

 

[Andy_G]

I live in a small flat complex that has a number of external lights that are controlled by "SS4" type plug in photocells.

One of the cells has failed permanently on, as they normally do.

Is it ok for me to change the cell, without incurring the wrath of any regulations or building inspectors etc.

I shall NOT be disturbing any wiring or inserting my fingers into any live sockets.

Nor climbing any ladders, as it is accessible from an adjacent window.

Thanks.

Under no circumstances should you attempt to change the photocell,you may not be qualified,competent or insured and you will certainly cause yourself trouble if you go changing parts of an electrical installation without the permission of the owner. How can you even consider changing the part when you have no way to isolate the circuit? And if things go wrong and you end up tripping the lights then there will be less lights working until the genuine maintenance personnel arrive. If you touch any part of that installation you are begging for trouble

 

[Barry White]

I agree with everything said so far on the thread. Its a simple job.If anything went wrong or you got found out there could be trouble.
Why even bother do you pay the bill? the lights are on in the evening.

 

[Rpa07]

The sky is not falling in - don't worry! If the photocell 'dusk til Dawn' is indeed the SS4 type then it is as easy as changing a bayonet. As Tel says, if you can isolate then do but if you can't and have the new 'press and turn head' then plan the job and go ahead as long as you are confident to do it and not putting yourself or others in any danger.
If it is easier to make the call and someone to come out and do it in the New year then so be it.

 

[telectrix]

this forum sometimes gets like a nanny state. next thing we'll see is the comment " call a niceic registered electrician in to replace a blown light bulb".

 

[Midwest]

Whilst I agree its a simple job, the OP seems to doubt whether he/she should be doing it. I have the vision of them hanging out a first/second floor window to change it!

I would keep pestering the landlord, if only just to pee them off. My eldest has a new flat, where he's reported his outside light faulty months ago, because it's filled up with water. Yet when I parked my van there, with his parking permit in it. Had a note pinned to it in a second, to move it 'cos it's a 'commercial vehicle'.

Don't see why you should pay expensive rent, to carry out their maintenance for them.

 

[buzzlightyear]

is the block of flats maintained by management company, ring them .
and leave it alone,its like rubbing a another man rhubarb.

 

[westward10]

Have they failed to on or has someone switched the override, assuming there is one.

 

[rolyberkin]

Plausible denial is the key here.....................................

 

[Pete999]

Plausible denial is the key here.....................................

What#s this a new Watergate?

 

[Toneyz]

I bet the occupiers are paying a bit each year for this maintainance I bet they are wondering what they are paying for,depending if the the lights are stuck on or off should reflect upon the responce time

 

[davesparks]

Under no circumstances should you attempt to change the photocell,you may not be qualified,competent or insured and you will certainly cause yourself trouble if you go changing parts of an electrical installation without the permission of the owner. How can you even consider changing the part when you have no way to isolate the circuit? And if things go wrong and you end up tripping the lights then there will be less lights working until the genuine maintenance personnel arrive. If you touch any part of that installation you are begging for trouble

Getting a bit over-excited aren't we?
It's no more technical than changing a Bc lamp!