EICR Query

A domestic installation is partly wired using flexible cables. These flexible cables have been coded a C2 on a recent condition report, the inspector noting in section K of the report:

"Flexible cable has been used to wire installation which is a departure from BS EN 50565-1:2014".

However, 7671 permits the use of flexible cables in fixed wiring, as discussed in issue 95 of Wiring Matters. 

Replacing them seems pointless, but the code can't be negated, so how should this be handled in the remedial work?

Thanks.

  • The only info I've got is what's on the report, as copied and pasted above. The inpsectors issue simply seems to be that flexible cables have been used in the fixed installation, rather than the likes of T&E. I'm not too proficient with the use of this site, but in a reply to GK, have attached a couple of pictures I was given.

  • but that leaves a C2 unresolved, on paper at least. 

    I guess you can issue an EIC/MWC for the work done, mentioning that no change required to fix that particular "C2".

      - Andy.

  • It looks easy enough to earth the switches - at least the CPCs have not been clipped at the ends of the sheaths.

    The cables may be satisfactory for lighting, but they look rather small. If you do not know the conductor size, it is difficult to say whether they are fit for purpose or not.

  •  (4.4.10) Thermoplastic covered cables shall not be used for welding, this includes both industrial arc welding and hobby welding.
    Although my arc welder came with a thermoplastic mains cable fitted ... so it's OK for the equipment, not the installation?

    Do the mean anything to do with welding (e.g. including the supply lead) or just the final connection to the electrode and workpiece? - e.g. what "welding cables" (e.g. https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Cable_Index/Welding_Cable/index.html ) would normally be used for.

      - Andy.

  • The flexible cables used for two socket ccts are detailed in the report as being 2.5mm2, each cct being on 16A CB's, with a 30mA RCCB as the main switch.

  • Do the mean anything to do with welding (e.g. including the supply lead) or just the final connection to the electrode and workpiece? - e.g. what "welding cables"

    The standard doesn't specify

  • The flexible cables used for two socket ccts are detailed in the report as being 2.5mm2, each cct being on 16A CB's, with a 30mA RCCB as the main switch.

    The installation method is not clear. If they are in plaster, clear non-conformance as stated (whether this is a C2 is up to the inspector).

    Similarly, if they are in a stud wall with thermal insulation, 2.5 sq mm flex might not meet the current carrying capacity for 16 A OCPD ... at least according to the tables in BS 7671 ... that doesn't appear to align with the information reported in earlier posts (although it still may well be the case).

  • Welding is a process of  taking Two  separate metal processes, and melting both of them The specific channel  , and power Supply lead should match for A/c Low voltage, low current, secondary Law voltage high current 

  • That may not be a problem, but they don't look that big.

    Wiring in flex rather than T&E seems very expensive, but perhaps that was all that there was in the van?

  • Welding is a process of  taking Two  separate metal processes, and melting both of them The specific channel  , and power Supply lead should match for A/c Low voltage, low current, secondary Law voltage high current 

    Agreed technically, but please could you show where the standard makes this distinction.

    However, it doesn't have to ... thermoplastic cables are susceptible to UV, which is generated during welding ... so isn't that what the requirement is on about ???