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Shock Likelihood at Switch.

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Mornin' All,


I have just inspected and tested a renovated  old flat's wiring. The original lighting wiring in places has no circuit protective conductor. The owner has installed metal plate light switches to two positions with wooden back boxes. At these two positions there is no circuit protective conductor. The flat has a new R.C.B.O. consumer unit and all other wiring is good.


I have recommended that the switches have a C.P.C. installed (difficult and disruptive) or be changed to all insulated types.


Just what is the shock risk at these two switch positions? What is the likelihood of the metal plates becoming live due to a fault? Has anyone every seen a metal plate switch break down so that the plates becomes live?


Thanks,


Z.

Parents
  • 0
    Mornin All,

                         I can see that I have been remiss in my duty. I regret that deeply. The new metal ASTA certified plate switches, made to BS EN 60669 are not up to standard, even with the self extinguishing all plastic encapsulated live switch parts just mounted onto a metal plate. The switch mounted onto a wooden box in a brick wall is wrong. I have told the flat owner that the switches need to be earthed. So worrying.


    So I am going to contact the flat owner and say that as live parts can be accesses without the use of a tool I shall regard the installation as "Danger present. Immediate remedial action required" C.1.


    The live parts (as another forum member pointed out) accessible without a tool can be touched and a shock risk is present. The risk of burns or worse is present, and the R.C.D. will not even notice it. I shall advise the removal of all pendant lamp holders. I shall disconnect the lighting circuit and the flat viewers and letting agent can view in the dark. The stairs are narrow and steep though, so perhaps torches will be needed.


    C.1. it is.


    Z.


Reply
  • 0
    Mornin All,

                         I can see that I have been remiss in my duty. I regret that deeply. The new metal ASTA certified plate switches, made to BS EN 60669 are not up to standard, even with the self extinguishing all plastic encapsulated live switch parts just mounted onto a metal plate. The switch mounted onto a wooden box in a brick wall is wrong. I have told the flat owner that the switches need to be earthed. So worrying.


    So I am going to contact the flat owner and say that as live parts can be accesses without the use of a tool I shall regard the installation as "Danger present. Immediate remedial action required" C.1.


    The live parts (as another forum member pointed out) accessible without a tool can be touched and a shock risk is present. The risk of burns or worse is present, and the R.C.D. will not even notice it. I shall advise the removal of all pendant lamp holders. I shall disconnect the lighting circuit and the flat viewers and letting agent can view in the dark. The stairs are narrow and steep though, so perhaps torches will be needed.


    C.1. it is.


    Z.


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