gkenyon said:

As I said in an earlier post, if a domestic installation has existing occupants who appear to be happy with the existing provision (and to be using the installation safely), there is no problem ... but if there is a change of occupancy, particularly in rented accommodation, the objective of the EICR provides a different answer ?

So you have a nonagenarian who has a wired in phone and no PC, printer, or mobile (with charger), etc. He or she dies and suddenly the installation becomes unsafe. Difficult to see how that could be the case, but I do take the point.

That said, it may be that my work-place (in the public sector) has become unsafe. A couple of years ago, the papers were literally papers, but now they are digital, so that is 3 sockets for 3 PCs. There is equipment for remote dealings and recording equipment, so that is another 3 sockets. Some of the team plug in their own laptops. The end result is a tangle of cables at one's feet, which hardly seems safe, let alone comfortable.

Chris Pearson said:

and suddenly the installation becomes unsafe.

No, the installation potentially is unsuitable for continued service (without upgrades) for a modern family who move in afterwards to use safely ... at least without upgrades (hence potential C3, NOT C2)

I also pointed out that, depending on the purpose of the EICR, the person ordering it might actually want (or need) to know that there aren't as many socket-outlets as you'd expect these days ...

Chris Pearson said:

That said, it may be that my work-place (in the public sector) has become unsafe. A couple of years ago, the papers were literally papers, but now they are digital, so that is 3 sockets for 3 PCs. There is equipment for remote dealings and recording equipment, so that is another 3 sockets. Some of the team plug in their own laptops. The end result is a tangle of cables at one's feet, which hardly seems safe, let alone comfortable.

Yes, that does sort of demonstrate the point that it's down to circumstances.

... but it's all in the hands of the Competent Person who Carries Out the Inspection & Test.

(Unless we really do want a world with "computer says yes or no" type EICRs).

So how many sockets do you need on a football pitch?

So how many sockets do you need on a football pitch?

most of the time none. That one seems to be missing the IP restoring plastic bag.

Don’t think anything specific about number of sockets, but as a guide, if there are numerous extension leads around the home(due to shortage of sockets) then C3. If extension leads are passing through fabric of building then C2.

There is no regulation that a home has to have an electricity supply and there are off grid homes that don't, so how can there be a regulation regarding number of sockets?

so how can there be a regulation regarding number of sockets?

Well, there is. 553.1.7. Granted not a specific number, just a general requirement for the provision for a conveniently accessible socket for mobile equipment taking into account the length of flex normally fitted to appliances etc. It's part of the wiring regs, so only applies to places that have electricity (which a lot of off-grid homes do, if generated locally).

I suppose it's similar that other regs demand that cars have seat belts fitted, even though there's no requirement to actually own a car.

   - Andy.

Indeed, but there is no requirement to retro-fit seatbelts anymore than electrical installations have to be updated with each new edition of BS 7671.

whats your  Point here? if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it ? 

While it’s true that there’s no legal requirement to retrofit seatbelts in older vehicles or update electrical installations with each new edition of BS 7671, there are good reasons to consider doing so. Obviously seatbelts save lives and their absence in older vehicles increases the risk during accidents. Similarly, updating electrical systems to the latest standards can prevent fires and other hazards etc, making homes safer. Both car safety features and electrical standards improve with technology, and by not updating, we miss out on these advancements designed to protect us better. Regulations are updated based on new research and technology, so ignoring these updates means sticking with outdated practices that might not be as safe. while not mandatory, do you not agree that  retrofitting seatbelts and updating electrical installations are smart moves that can significantly enhance safety and align with the latest best practices ?

- Andrew