EICR - Applying regs retrospectively

[Rockingit]

These are directly lifted from BPG 4 - EICR's

Items worthy of note that do not warrant a classification code (These comments should be recorded on the EICR in the observations section)

• Presence of a consumer unit or similar switchgear made from combustible material (e.g. plastic) that is not inside a non-combustible enclosure and which is NOT:
• Located under wooden staircase, or
• within a sole route of escape from the premises (Note: If unsatisfactory connections are found during inspection, this would warrant a code C2 classification to be recorded

Items that should not be listed as non-compliances with BS 7671 and do not require reporting (Mythbusting)

• The use of rewireable fuses (where they provide adequate circuit protection)

With regards to not paying, I think you can make a fairly sure-footed argument that the inspector was not able to demonstrate the skills required for the service under contract.

 

[buzzlightyear]

Me I would c2, cover not no the old wylex board. Seeing the pic.

 

[cireland]

Is it in the sole means of escape? I may have missed that.

 

[loz2754]

Just to note that the Napit guide "Codebreakers" indicates a C2 is warranted where there are cables buried in walls at a depth of less than 50mm, and no RCD protection for those cables. This would apply to the off peak consumer unit cables if there are any such buried cables. As a Napit member, your inspector may feel bound to follow their own guidance.

Then to add a note to counter that note, the BPG4 quoted above would disagree, recommending only a C3.

Unless you can get the inspector to be more specific as to the C2s given which could argue his case, I suspect he's being a little over zealous.

 

[davesparks]

The installation is sound and complies with regs. applicable at time of installation.

However an EICR is carried out to current regulations not the regulations that were applicable to the original installation.

One of the reasons an EICR is carried out is to identify things which, due to changes in regulations/technology/our understanding of what is safe, can be improved or need to be improved.

Anything which does not comply but would not offer any appreciable safety improvement if it was changed to make it compliant should not be coded on an EICR.
However anything which does not comply and changing it would improve safety should be coded, regardless of whether it complied at the time of installation.

There are multiple reasons why RCD protection is required for circuits and the different reasons can get different codes.
If one of those circuits feeds a heater in a bathroom or if the supply is TT then there could be a strong argument for a C2.

Also, as posted above, NAPIT's official guidance to their members is to give a C2 for a lack of RCD protection to buried cables. So your electrician may well be following guidance from NAPIT and so your complaint to them won't get you anywhere. Plus if course this information will help them immensely when they take you to court for non-payment.

 

[westward10]

Never employ someone to do an EICR who has a Guide in their back pocket.

 

[littlespark]

Never employ someone to do an EICR who has a Guide in their back pocket.

Easier to carry than the entire BBB in the back pocket!

(Big blue book, or big brown book)

 

[westward10]

Easier to carry than the entire BBB in the back pocket!

(Big blue book, or big brown book)

You shouldn't need any of them.

 

[littlespark]

Joking aside about the big books…. But doesn’t the title “ON SITE guide” mean you can carry it with you?

Whether you’re doing an EICR or not… it’s good to have the reference material there if you come across something that isn’t quite black and white.

 

[westward10]

Only had one OSG and that was the very first one.