SWA sheath, earthing and empty consumer unit space

[Defusion]

Hi all

I had some house rewiring undertaken on my house and have come across a few issues since painting.

First thing was damage to the rubber outer sheath of the SWA cable on the outer wall which I've rapped electrical tape around temporarily as the metal rods were visible and we had a lot of rain.

On looking at some skirting board under the cupboard of the consumer unit I saw some of the metal from the SWA cable visible from under the rubber gland cover. I pulled down the gland cover and saw nearly all of the metal rods not secure within the gland, most of which cut so short they could never have been secured within and at different lengths.

This SWA cable feeds an outer garage and runs for around 30 metres.

I noticed a large gap at the end of the consumer unit with no switches within also. Also one of the neutral cables is secured on the rubber sheath and not the copper cable.

I'm tempted to request the whole cable be replaced properly instead of cover ups but wanted expert opinion. Pics attached

Any advice would be great.

Thanks.

 

[Defusion]

It isn't great you shouldn't be able to remove that by hand, internally it is pretty poor showing little pride in one's work. I suspect the supply also has rcd protection at the first consumer unit negating selectivity. I don't want to judge a person I have never met but they appear to have limited skills. There is also a cable hanging through an unprotected open entry to the left of the cable gland, you could probably put a small object through that entry to touch the busbar.

Thanks, I appreciate your comments. It aids my next contact

 

[westward10]

I see you have a 2365 level 2, do you know any electricians who can give you an onsite evaluation.

 

[Defusion]

I see you have a 2365 level 2, do you know any electricians who can give you an onsite evaluation.

Afraid not, I did it a few years ago which is why I know the basics

 

[JBW175]

Absolutely shocking workmanship.

 

[Defusion]

There was one of thing I was unsure of. Can SWA be run this close to the gas pipe inlet to the house?

 

[westward10]

This is in BS6891 somewhere to which I have no copy. There is a required separation but I cannot quote it although 25mm may be cited. Whatever it is there is no gap of separation in your picture.

 

[john waters]

some very poor workmanship there if deffo needs sorting asap

 

[Spoon]

This is from the OSG pages 23 & 24.

 

[ipf]

At least it's 3 core cable....even if the black earth isn't sleeved g/y.
Disgraceful work throughout, though.
The 'loose' C type gland is for water ingress prevention....how solid is the actual 'earthed' gland connection?

 

[richy3333]

Absolutely awful workmanship and live accessible parts to boot! If thats the level of their work do you really want them back?

 

[westward10]

Absolutely awful workmanship and live accessible parts to boot! If thats the level of their work do you really want them back?

I'm afraid to say that will be the first course of recommended action from NAPIT. I concur though I am not sure I would entertain them again but any alternative is money.

 

[Defusion]

I must admit I'm not instilled with confidence and picked up on the lack of sleeving on second inspection.
I didnt inspect the earthing nut but have isolated the SWA feed on the consumer unit for now.

I really appreciate everyone's comments which I've addressed with them. Very helpful forum

 

[freddo]

What is that grey flex hanging through the hole by the supply cable feeding? It looks a bit small to be fed from a 20A MCB.

 

[Wilko]

Hi - sorry to say, but I too think the swa cable is best replaced as it has been exposed to weather. Try to find a route that avoids the gas supply crossing. If not, perhaps the swa could be passed through plastic conduit that was secured to the wall behind the gas line.

That N in the CU is a good find, well done .

 

[Defusion]

What is that grey flex hanging through the hole by the supply cable feeding? It looks a bit small to be fed from a 20A MCB.

I'd have to check but I think it's the feed for the sockets in the garage
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Hi - sorry to say, but I too think the swa cable is best replaced as it has been exposed to weather. Try to find a route that avoids the gas supply crossing. If not, perhaps the swa could be passed through plastic conduit that was secured to the wall behind the gas line.

That N in the CU is a good find, well done .

Thanks for this, I've requested the SWA to be fully replaced amongst other things