PIR on a Church

edrobbo8 · Jul 14, 2011

Hi guys and girls,

Been asked to quote to carry out an inspection on a local church's electrical system, is there anything special to look out for? Haven't done anything on very old buildings, and would lightning protection come into it?

Thanks in advance.

Ed

mogga · Jul 14, 2011

Lightning protection comes insofar as YES there is or NO there isnt page 3
as for things to "Watch out for" extensions and alterations done by "Congregation members" as churches dont normaly spend money when they dont have to
possibly some VIR and very old equipment as again churches dont like spending money except for on the roof

Good Luck with it
PS Under pew heaters similar to tube heaters seen them in a few old churches and MICC cable possibly

Guest123 · Jul 14, 2011

May also be a split phase 230\460 supply.Common in older churches where all the heating is electrical.

Deleted member 9648 · Jul 14, 2011

Lightning protection may require main bonding,....411.3.1.2.....I've never seen it done though and it's a grey area.
On a church PIR I always list it as a code 3 and state that a lightning protection company should be consulted about main bonding.....Then I'm covered and have passed the buck!

edrobbo8 · Jul 14, 2011

Thanks for that useful information everyone, going to have a look next Wednesday before quoting for PIR cost, as they also want to look at adding some more items such as sockets and lighting in the near future, and asked for a quote over the phone as to what it will all cost :juggle: I politely said it would be nigh on impossible to say without having a look.....well do you have a rough price they asked? No, see you Wednesday!

Farmelectrics · Jul 15, 2011

done a pir on a church my self about 12 months ago priced it wrong my own fault most circuts were in pyro and there were lots of limitations ie working at height so be carefull when pricing way up and go over every thing twice worth spending good few hours of your time walking job good luck

Deleted member 26818 · Jul 15, 2011

It always makes me chuckle, that churches have lightning protection.
You'd have thought they of all places wouldn't need it.

mogga · Jul 16, 2011

its gods way of keeping congregations on their toes Spin a wee Flash now n then keeps them alive

edrobbo8 · Jul 20, 2011

Went to have a look this morning, they have a 100A single phase supply, split into two consumer units with 80A main switches on each, the 2nd unit only has 4 x 6A breakers for lights, but a bit strange! Looks like both boards were installed at the same time. There are under-pew heaters but all pretty new with nice neon-FCUs, lots of lights that are very high so some long long ladders required! The lightning protection system is not included in the test as they get a specialist in to test it.

Another question is, there is some exposed RSJ steel work that isn't bonded, it is right up in the bell tower so unlikely to be reached by anyone. Would this require bonding? Or could it be classed as out of reach?

No gas, water or oil services so no main equipotential bonding anywhere, I can't see this is a problem.

As for pricing, well it will take a good day, a long one at that, but I was thinking of around £20 per circuit, 12 circuits in total. Any thoughts on the price?

Thanks for your help and advice, Ed.