What can the electrician do?

[Anonomoose]

On certain jobs sometimes you come across problems. was wondering what we can do/ are allowed to do about it.

e.g
Bonding problems.
If someone wants a CU change but their bonding is not up to scratch can we do the change without upgrading the bonding as obviously clients dont always want to pay out for it. Can we just mark on the forms that the bonding isnt up to scratch and we have informed the client.

Earthing.
Again if we do a CU change and the lighting circuit for example doesnt have and earth can we still do it and mark it on the forms?

Undersized tails/ main fuse?
do we contact Energy supplier or the client? can we do the work before they have it rectified?

 

[Mac]

Before an addition or alteration can be made to an existing installation it must be ascertained that the earthing and bonding arrangements comply with the current version of BS7671 and any existing equipment including the incoming supply is adequate for the proposed addition or alteration.BRB Reg 131.8.

 

[ezzzekiel]

however bs7671 is a non statuory document

 

[Mac]

however bs7671 is a non statuory document

So it isWhat regulations do you follow then

 

[sparks1234]

On certain jobs sometimes you come across problems. was wondering what we can do/ are allowed to do about it.

e.g
Bonding problems.
If someone wants a CU change but their bonding is not up to scratch can we do the change without upgrading the bonding as obviously clients dont always want to pay out for it. Can we just mark on the forms that the bonding isnt up to scratch and we have informed the client.

Earthing.
Again if we do a CU change and the lighting circuit for example doesnt have and earth can we still do it and mark it on the forms?

Undersized tails/ main fuse?
do we contact Energy supplier or the client? can we do the work before they have it rectified?

I take it they have asked you in because you are the proffessional, the big red book is there as a guideline but as said is non-statutary but its what all pro's follow. Is it really worth putting the client at risk, your business at risk? not for me, do the right thing, give them the information you believe is correct and stick to that.

As for the earth on the lighting, yes you can change the board but make sure all you have is plastic ceiling roses etc and nothing that requires an earth and put it on the form what you have done

 

[johnnyb]

Bs7671 is a guide

 

[ezzzekiel]

Bs7671 is a guide

If it said jump off a cliff after completion of install im fairly sure there would be a lot less electricians

 

[sparks1234]

Bs7671 is a guide

It is a guide but its what 99.9% work to. apart from the cash boys I guess

 

[ezzzekiel]

If someone wants a CU change but their bonding is not up to scratch can we do the change without upgrading the bonding

Like you said its not up to scratch what you choose to do about it is entirely up to you Bs761 as stated is purely a guide and a non stat one at that, however like also stated a good spark follows it best he can, however i draw the line at jumping off cliffs.

 

[johnnyb]

I don,t know any cliffs around here i could jump off, but yeh yer right 99.9% do go off the guide, we gotta go off summet have we not.
One thing just struck me though, has there been amendments to the 17th already, as if the has i could do with knowing actually, i think if you are JIB graded we should have some info sent us or at least from somebody.

 

[drywax]

I'd probably look at the job and decide whats important

is the main bonding important ?

are the tails important ?

if yes then just explain to the customer these things will need addressing if you want the works to commence and price it in with the job.

In the initial assement if you find any cat. 1 probs ie immediate action required then I wouldn't touch it unless they agree to pay as its your reputation on the line

 

[roukel01]

Take a look at the Electrical Safety Council Website. They have some very good best practice guides which you can download for free. All the questions you have asked are covered in these guides.

Best Practice Guides | Electrical Safety Council