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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.

  • 0

    perspicacious:
     I am not going to endorse them by testing them.


    If you've issued a "satisfactory", you have already endorsed them................................


    Regards


    BOD




    "The following observation are made (see below)."


    Z.

  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    "The following observation are made (see below)."

    is or observations?


    Notwithstanding any possible other observations, regarding the switch observation, what classification code was it given?


    Regards


    BOD
  • 0
    I would always code an un-earthed light fitting or metallic light switch as a Code 2 which would make an EICR "unsatisfactory ". That is my engineering judgement and also risk averse as a frequent visitor to the witness box over many years as a witness I have no desire to go there as a defendant. I only mak e observations and recommendations it is very much up to the client to act on these as I cannot compel them to do anything.


    So come on Zoom how did you code this non-compliance and what was the outcome of the EICR?
  • 0

    perspicacious:
     I am not going to endorse them by testing them.


    If you've issued a "satisfactory", you have already endorsed them................................


    Regards


    BOD




    "Satisfactory." adjective. Acceptable, but not outstanding or perfect. 


    Compact Oxford English Dictionary.


    Z.

  • 0

    John Peckham:

    I would always code an un-earthed light fitting or metallic light switch as a Code 2 which would make an EICR "unsatisfactory ". 




    The flat does contain unearthed metal ceiling and wall lights, but these are new and definitely Class 2 in design and require no earth.


    Z.

  • 0

    John Peckham:

    I would always code an un-earthed light fitting or metallic light switch as a Code 2 which would make an EICR "unsatisfactory ". That is my engineering judgement ...




    John, what about an ordinary ceiling rose and pendant? The lamp holder isn't earthed and unless the loop is at the rose, the CPC just stops in its terminal. The same goes for a non-metallic switch on a non-metallic box.


    I'd give them a C3, partly because a householder might (as appears to have been the case in the OP) change them for metal fittings.


    I agree that an unearthed metal fitting is a C2, RCD-protected or otherwise.

  • 0
    As part of the risk assessment testing:


    10.5.4. An insulation resistance test should be applied between line and neutral connected together and the exposed-conductive-parts of every Class I lighting fitting and metal switch plate found to not be earthed by the continuity testing described in Section 10.5.2. The resistance should be at least 1 MΩ.

    Electrical Safety First. Best practice guide one.


     Andy B.


  • 0
    Of course we must not ignore the wording of the E.I.C.R. form.


    "OVERALL ASSESSMENT of the installation in terms of its suitability for continued use....SATISFACTORY/UNSATISFACTORY"


    Z.


  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    I agree that an unearthed metal fitting is a C2, RCD-protected or otherwise.


    Even one marked Class II?


    I'll get my coat!


    Regards


    BAD
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    So come on Zoom how did you code this non-compliance and what was the outcome of the EICR?


    Hmm, strangely quiet................


    Regards


    BOD

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