New Electrical Install Question

[Asosoon]

Hello,

I have an electrician installing a new light and ring circuit for a loft conversation. He has joined the cables using block connectors which are in turn covered with electrical tape. Some of the earth cables are exposed. Could someone please tel me if this meets UK regulations.

Kind regards

Asosoon.

P.S. I'm not an electrician.

 

[Andy78]

Where are these connector blocks located ? in a light fitting or on show and accessible ?

 

[Asosoon]

They will eventually be above the ceiling , coincidentally in the bathroom.

 

[Andy78]

Then they should be in an enclosure of some sort, and the earths should be sleeved for identification.
I'm sure this will be corrected if you ask.

If they are screw terminals then this joint in the cable needs to be also available for future inspection. If it will not be able to be accessed from below the ceiling then there must be access made to get to it from above. Either that or a different type of joint known as maintenance free will be required.

 

[Asosoon]

Andy, thank you for the advice .

Regards

 

[westward10]

I'm sorry but I would have serious concerns about using block connectors wrapped in tape, I would seriously question their competence.

 

[Pete999]

I'm sorry but I would have serious concerns about using block connectors wrapped in tape, I would seriously question their competence.

Me as well, choc block and tape, do you have to feed his horse as well

 

[Andy78]

It's a loft conversion. Much like a kitchen fit,I find that the chances of an actual electrician being involved are dramatically reduced in these cases.

 

[westward10]

It's a loft conversion. Much like a kitchen fit,I find that the chances of an actual electrician being involved are dramatically reduced in these cases.

I would take a stab that these block connectors are used for spotlights with the cpcs floating about.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Or a temporary joint to maintain power whilst circuits are being altered.

 

[westward10]

Or a temporary joint to maintain power whilst circuits are being altered.

Temporary joint with block connectors, not on my shift.

 

[The Ghost]

What scheme is the electrician with as a matter of interest. e.g. NICEIC Stroma Elecsa

 

[Leesparkykent]

Temporary joint with block connectors, not on my shift.

Yes not ideal but wrap a choc box round it which gives the connections strain relief......job done for a temporary connection.

 

[westward10]

Yes not ideal but wrap a choc box round it which gives the connections strain relief......job done for a temporary connection.

I wouldn't give choc boxes van space.

 

[Leesparkykent]

I wouldn't give choc boxes van space.

Take those rose tinted glasses off mate

 

[Midwest]

It's obviously been a quiet weekend on here to be arguing about connectors. Me & Andy could start disagreeing again about plate switches in bathrooms or I could start a thread about hot tubs

 

[Octopus]

Hello,

I have an electrician installing a new light and ring circuit for a loft conversation. He has joined the cables using block connectors which are in turn covered with electrical tape. Some of the earth cables are exposed. Could someone please tel me if this meets UK regulations.

Kind regards

Asosoon.

P.S. I'm not an electrician.

This does not meet the regs and you are right to question this. You should raise this with the builder and the spark.

If you are met with black looks or bs, then keep a watch on what they do next. Some of our eastern European colleagues seem to think that tape and hidden screw connector junction boxes are fine.... Which they are not in most cases.

I would also suggest that you check that they will be providing you certificates for all modified circuits and labc part p notification for new circuits and or fuse board changes

 

[Andy78]

It's obviously been a quiet weekend on here to be arguing about connectors. Me & Andy could start disagreeing again about plate switches in bathrooms or I could start a thread about hot tubs

If the hot tub's in a shed where it is unclear if there are parts which may or may not introduce an earth potential.....you're on!

 

[Midwest]

If the hot tub's in a shed where it is unclear if there are parts which may or may not introduce an earth potential.....you're on!

I was thinking more about one like this;

 

[E.E.I]

This may be a temporary measure until second fix stage to keep lighting/power on, but best speak to the electrician and raise your concerns

 

[westward10]

This may be a temporary measure until second fix stage to keep lighting/power on, but best speak to the electrician and raise your concerns

Temporary measure or not unenclosed block connectors are totally unacceptable.

 

[Pete999]

Or a temporary joint to maintain power whilst circuits are being altered.

Or a Cowboy

 

[Asosoon]

Sorry, I've had to leave the house and only just returned. The block connectors are being used to connect the spot lights, a ceiling lamp, the bathroom extractor fan and light switches. I I can seen two junction boxes which also appear to be connected to the light circuit. I'll try to post some pictures.

 

[westward10]

Sorry, I've had to leave the house and only just returned. The block connectors are being used to connect the spot lights, a ceiling lamp, the bathroom extractor fan and light switches. I I can seen two junction boxes which also appear to be connected to the light circuit. I'll try to post some pictures.

As I suspected, I think you need to have serious concerns about the work they are carrying out.

 

[Asosoon]

 

[Asosoon]

Westward10, this is where my ignorance in the subject defeats me. What should they be using?

 

[davesparks]

I think you'd have been better off getting an electrician to do the electrical work instead of the half brained monkey who did that.

I hope your house insurance is up to date, cos she gonna burn

 

[westward10]

My advice, stop them from doing anymore work and get qualified electrician in, that is scandalous.

 

[davesparks]

Westward10, this is where my ignorance in the subject defeats me. What should they be using?

In that application they should have used a maintainenece free connection, but the better option would be to wire it in such a way that there are no hidden joints of any type.
Also they should not have shifted the insulation out of place because it can lead to pockets of cold air being trapped there and causing condensation and damp problems.

 

[westward10]

Westward10, this is where my ignorance in the subject defeats me. What should they be

The person doing that work may call themselves an electrician but that is one thing they are not.