Unable to access any (but can see) of the round type screw terminal joint boxes EICR

[flyingsparc]

Unable to access any(but can see most) of the round type screw terminal joint boxes.


Hello,


I carried out anEICR last week, and the entire house is filled with SELV recessed downlighting.


All of the (78fittings) have been skimmed around/over at some point, and the(dangeling) round type screw terminal joint boxes are two large topull down through the lamp aperture.



I have pointed thisout to the customer, and explained that unless he accepts materialdamage to the ceiling/s so that I can access the terminals, this willbe entered on the report as a limitation (inspection and testing).

Iwas able to get acceptable R1-R2 continuity at switch drops & extractor fans.



My dilemma is,... ifthis many joint boxes are inaccessible, I feel that even with thestated (and agreed) limitation it still warrants a code 2, (526.3 &14.5.2-5), and so resulting in an unsatisfactory outcome, (all of theother circuits/ancillaries are now ok), it just seems to be harsh,but ultimately I do not know, and can not tell, if these lightingcircuits are either good or bad.


What do others do inthis situation please?



Many thanks.

 

[Baker1988]

Re: Unable to access any (but can see) of the round type screw terminal joint boxes E

Cant you get ya hand in the hole to unscrew the top off the jb and check it

 

[flyingsparc]

Re: Unable to access any (but can see) of the round type screw terminal joint boxes E

Hello Baker1988,

Thanks for your reply, no the hole (without dropping the fittings) is the MR16 size +/- 50mm approx., and I have big'ish hands!

 

[telectrix]

Re: Unable to access any (but can see) of the round type screw terminal joint boxes E

do you mean the muppet who installed them used JBs bigger than the 2" round ones?

 

[dingledong]

Re: Unable to access any (but can see) of the round type screw terminal joint boxes E

Then screwed them to the joist

 

[shanky887614]

Re: Unable to access any (but can see) of the round type screw terminal joint boxes E

do you mean the muppet who installed them used JBs bigger than the 2" round ones?

sounds like they have used 3/5 terminal 20amp jb's, i dont like it when they do this, if you must do it leave plenty of slack on the cables and use 5amp jb's or better yet a proper mf joint

 

[HandySparks]

Re: Unable to access any (but can see) of the round type screw terminal joint boxes E

Sounds like the actual fittings have been 'plastered in'. :shocked3:

 

[telectrix]

Re: Unable to access any (but can see) of the round type screw terminal joint boxes E

that's OK then. can lay the blame on the DIYer or the muck spreaders. code D0 ( for do'nut )

 

[flyingsparc]

Re: Unable to access any (but can see) of the round type screw terminal joint boxes E

You are all correct, fittings have been skimmed over, and then 'cleaned up', joint boxes (dangling not fixed or MF) are much bigger than lamp aperture. The skimmer I imagine did not have consider future maintenance/testing issues.

So, any opinions about EICR outome?

 

[telectrix]

Re: Unable to access any (but can see) of the round type screw terminal joint boxes E

it's between a c2 and a c3. you have to decide if you think it's a potential danger(C2) or not (C3). either way, i'd put a comment saying " further investigation advised"

 

[Andy78]

Re: Unable to access any (but can see) of the round type screw terminal joint boxes E

I think I would C3 inaccessible connections and could not justify any higher code just for being inaccessible, but this might rise to a C2 depending on test results.

 

[Octopus]

Re: Unable to access any (but can see) of the round type screw terminal joint boxes E

Certainly "LIM" the inability to confirm R1 + R2, and recommend further investigation.

Submit invoice and walk away.

 

[flyingsparc]

Re: Unable to access any (but can see) of the round type screw terminal joint boxes E

Thanks for responses so far, test results are -

Lighting up -
Cont. R1-R2 at switch drops and extractor only highest = .98 ohms (1.5/1 t&e, 6A type B cpd)
IR = R1+RN-R2 at 250v DC (unable to disconnect transformers) 63 Megohms

Lighting down -
Cont. R1-R2 as above = 1.26 ohms
IR = tested as above = >199 megohms.

Code 2 or 3?

 

[flyingsparc]

Re: Unable to access any (but can see) of the round type screw terminal joint boxes E

Hello, Just wanted to thanks every ones input and comments, and leave a little feedback.

I decided to code as C3, provide a separate sheet to detail extent of operational limitations, and recommend further investigation.

After issuing EICR, Client is considering having all lights replaced with 230v LED's, this will coincide with new carpets, and greatly reduced electricity and maintenance bills!