Shower isolator

[yellowvanman]

EICR observation - Electric shower does not have an isolator (pull cord or switch). Circuit can be isolated and locked off in the consumer unit which is in the nearby airing cupboard. (This is 1st floor flat).

Is there a reg that says a shower should have a local isolator?

 

[7029 dave]

But you wouldn't would you? Most people, even those not remotely electrically aware, would, in the event of the shower throwing a wobbler, look to isolate it locally? Like most of them are?

Read my post 5, all in flavor of local isolation , my post 13 was just stating a fact.

 

[Andy78]

I would like to C3 such a thing but could not as there is no specific reg being breached that I could think of.

 

[westward10]

I would like to C3 such a thing but could not as there is no specific reg being breached that I could think of.

Agreed unless the manufacturers instructions suggested so.

 

[sparksburnout]

I would like to C3 such a thing but could not as there is no specific reg being breached that I could think of.

But you could let common sense override it? After all they are not Statutory, surely you are at liberty to use your experience to make recommendations? The way I see it, you are not going to get into any trouble are you? A C3 is part of a satisfactory report. I suppose you could always attach a separate written note? In such circumstances I would feel obligated to draw it to the customers attention.

 

[bigspark17]

Isnt there a reg that states instantaneous water heater, immersions ect had to have 2 pole isolation or was that just for TT.? If no1 would install it this way then there should be a reg no against it or whats stopping people wiring to showers , cookers, imersion heaters, ground source pumps, ect ..straight from cu.?

 

[sparksburnout]

Read my post 5, all in flavor of local isolation , my post 13 was just stating a fact.

Yup, nice one.

 

[westward10]

Most sparks reading a Report with it as a C3 would think nothing of it.

 

[Andy78]

But you could let common sense override it? After all they are not Statutory, surely you are at liberty to use your experience to make recommendations? The way I see it, you are not going to get into any trouble are you? A C3 is part of a satisfactory report. I suppose you could always attach a separate written note? In such circumstances I would feel obligated to draw it to the customers attention.

A note with no code would be the furthest i would go.

I use the logic that the EICR is a technical report as to the safety of an installation based on BS7671. If it is compliant with BS7671 in all ways it cannot warrant a code.
If I put a code based on my opinion against something that is compliant with BS7671 , the report ceases to be based on BS7671 and becomes open to abuse.

 

[sparksburnout]

Isnt there a reg that states instantaneous water heater, immersions ect had to have 2 pole isolation or was that just for TT.? If no1 would install it this way then there should be a reg no against it or whats stopping people wiring to showers , cookers, imersion heaters, ground source pumps, ect ..straight from cu.?

A note with no code would be the furthest i would go.

I use the logic that the EICR is a technical report as to the safety of an installation based on BS7671. If it is compliant with BS7671 in all ways it cannot warrant a code.
If I put a code based on my opinion against something that is compliant with BS7671 , the report ceases to be based on BS7671 and becomes open to abuse.

Good point. Personally, I have not come across this scenario. As you say, there is no actual contravention. Also, as Westie says, no other Spark reading it is going to get in a stew. At the end of the day the report will be Satisfactory so the Landlords and agents won't look any further. Maybe a written recommendation, attached to the report would be the best way to do it as you say.

 

[Pat H]

As others have said if its BS7671 compliant then you can't issue a code, even a C3.
I'd probably verbally suggest an isolator and email that as well as a recommendation but not include it in the EICR

 

[Octopus]

As the inspector you can offer your opinion of the installation, and in this box I would include such a comment

 

[sparksburnout]

Nice to see the OP coming back with some comments or constructive thoughts......

 

[Octopus]

Nice to see the OP coming back with some comments or constructive thoughts......

At the time of posting this he was viewing this very thread 6 minutes ago.... maybe he's composing an update!

 

[yellowvanman]

Not sure what you guys want me to add. I've said what I will probably do in post #10. Didn't quite manage to complete all tests yesterday so have to return one day next week, which gives me time to ponder some more!

Will probably include it in the observations but without a code. That way I've mentioned it but it won't affect the satisfactory/unstaisfactory conclusion.

Could extent this discussion further by the fact that the installation only has RCD protection on 1 circuit - on the shower which appears to have been added after the refurb was completed about 20 years ago. Flat is on the first floor. Discuss!

 

[sparksburnout]

At the time of posting this he was viewing this very thread 6 minutes ago.... maybe he's composing an update!

Oh hold on