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Socket Outlets

Scott Seedell

Hi,

I'm sure this has cropped up before but how far should we go regarding minimum numbers of socket outlets on an EICR?

As far as I can see, there is nothing in BS7671 regarding this, though the OSG presents a table which seems to be based on recommendations from Electrical Safety First and the Electrical Installation Forum.

I'm not sure insufficient numbers would ever be a C2 (there's nothing potentially dangerous about it unless there's swathes of trailing leads everywhere) and seemingly as it isn't a contravention of anything in BS7671 then it would be a hard push to record this even as C3. 

Interestingly the OSG quotes a regulation number (553.1.7) next to their table (H7) which doesn't correlate to the table at all.

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  • 0

    Hi Scott,  according to guidance I have read it's regulation 553.1.7. Which applies. If extension leads are utilised due to insufficient sockets outlets - C3. same but signs of overheating then C2. same apples for multi adapters. So any signs of overheating- C2. 

  • 0 in reply to AMK

    I agree that where excessive extension leads are used, it should be recorded and coded appropriately. However, as an example - what if it is an empty room with just a single socket outlet and no extension leads? Are we to deem that as acceptable, despite the OSG giving clear minimum numbers required for each room and local authorities clearly deeming it to be unacceptable? Or do we code it, and how - correlating it to which specific reg in BS7671?

    Perhaps either the OSG or BS7671 need to be amended so they actually say the same thing!

  • 0 in reply to Scott Seedell

    Yes I can’t find anything on the initial inspection check list. Do we go back to regulations 132; 134 ?

  • 0 in reply to AMK

    There are some relevant items on there, though centred more on initial design and verification than an EICR. Perhaps in their wisdom, the IET assume that every electrical installation will have been designed properly in the first place and that minimum numbers of sockets will have been installed originally? It just seems bizarre that the minimum numbers required are so brazenly published in the OSG when there isn't a correlation to BS7671 which can be applied. 

  • 0 in reply to Scott Seedell
    Scott Seedell said:
    Perhaps in their wisdom, the IET assume that every electrical installation will have been designed properly in the first place and that minimum numbers of sockets will have been installed originally?

    No, see my earlier reply. As to whether it's safe, that will need to be taken on its merits for the particular installation, and the current homeowner.

    What is acceptable for private homeowners wouldn't be the case for rented.

  • 0 in reply to AMK

    Guidance notes 1 refers to regulation 553.1.7 and shows a table with minimum number of twin socket-outlets (page 158)

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