Some people just don't appreciate the lengths you go to

[Lip.82]

Anyone else been in this situation, if so how did you handle it?

Get called out to someone who has a living room light that isn't working. Turn up on time, put boot covers on, dust sheet down, I'm polite, the light fitting is class 1 (and also faulty) getting power to it but not working. The problem is no earth at the light. I explain to customer what the problem is and that I'm not prepared to put another class 1 fitting up and recommend a class 2 fitting. For obvious reasons to all on here. Then she starts having a right go at me saying that I have to do as she says because it's her house and she's paying me. I tried my hardest to explain it wasn't safe and why. To which I got the famous saying 'well it's worked for years'
End result I put a pendant up and left with her saying she will get someone else

 

[telectrix]

agree^^. OP has done the correct thing. pity the customer is a ---.

 

[The Ghost]

I just hope you have put it in writing to her, maybe send a MEIWC with a statement regarding the lack of CPC to cover your arse. If she gets in a cowboy or helpful neighbour who fits a Class I fitting and she gets a shock you could well be implicated in it as neighbours saw your van...Personally I have lead a blessed life it seems as in forty four years I have only had three unreasonable customers.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Agree with Vortigern, send a MW cert in.

 

[Dannyg8810]

Some people just don’t listen and can’t be pleased unfortunately

 

[Squid]

Coat the underside of her cars door handles with dog poo.........

 

[Lip.82]

Cheers for the replies. Good idea to send in a MW cert, I will get that sorted tomorrow

 

[streamer]

It can't be class 1 if there is no earth on the circuit. Probably class 01.
Although not permitted since the 13th Edition (i.e. banned since the 14th in 1966) I don't believe there have been that many electrocutions from Class 0 (or 01) luminares ("fittings" in the old regs.) installed out of reach over non-conducting (carpeted+underlay on floorboard) floors. The customer wanted it to be repaired to its previous (i.e. working but not to current, as in previous 51+ years) standard and you wanted to do it to current standards. I can understand both points of view (and am glad that I'm not a practising electrician.)

Looking at the time you posted this I'm guessing you were just home from a night of heavy drinking.

 

[Lynne]

Sometimes people just get stressed dealing with things they don't know. They have no idea of the dangers. You did your best! As a lighting retailer we are constantly explaining that electricians have to follow regulations and can't do anything that is unsafe. Sometimes you can't win.