What code to give

[spark-doctor]

Doing a PIR on a office. Main call area has a suspended ceiling 40m square, all stainless steel frame. By the looks of things, when the original lamps were fitted the grid was bonded to the lamps (they are all class 1). Since then new lamps have been fitted with no provision for bonding so they were not connected.

Now, i understand that ceiling grids don't need to be bonded as there is very little likely hood of them inducing a potential, but if there is a provision for bonding and the original designer put this in his spec, does it need bonding and what code do i give it?

Many thanks

 

[EasyFox]

I wouldn't bother, as you say it's a pir & you are test/inspecting to current regs, bonding to suspended grid cilings isnt (from my quick flick through the book) as far as I see a requirement.

 

[greekislandlover]

I guess that's the beauty of the regs book. You can state that something complies with the regs that existed at time of construction OR current regs - whatever suits the purpose at the time

 

[Carter]

I think it comes down to the fact that whether the luminaires are class I or class II there will be no circumstances in which the grid can become live.

If populated with class I luminaires then it would require a simultaneous failure of all luminaire earth paths/cpc's (including fortuitous earths from pipe/ductwork) before that could happen.
If class II then the lack of exposed conductive parts means there's no chance of its metalwork and fixtures producing a voltage on the structure anyway so again no need to supp bond. Subject to correction, that's my take on it anyway, that grids aren't (and with correct installation confirmed by test can't be) construed as an extraneous conductive part.

 

[spark-doctor]

Thanks guys and girls.