I recently bought a house, and just today being inquisitive took a look on top of the cupboard/mirror unit where there are two spot lights.
The house was built around 1988, and going by the decor in that bathroom its probably not far from the original bathroom.
The bathroom has four spotlights that I assume are mains voltage (haven't checked yet), and the two spot lights over the mirror. The ones over the mirror are LV via a transformer sat on top of the cupboard. All the spots are controlled from the bathroom light switch.
There are two sets of wires emerging from the wall, all appear to be 1.0mm2/1.5mm2 and old wiring colours. The first cable feeds the transformer and is connected by a small terminal block, no earth. There is no insulation or other protection around this. The second wires are a pair simply connected to each other (2-core + earth) both cables entering the same side. This block is taped around covering the screws, but not the other side of the terminals. The LV connector block is also just laying on top, and all the HV/LV cables are mingled together. Just moving the wires caused one of the LV wires to fall out.
Given that the bathroom gets pretty steamy (no extractor fan yet and is used primarily by the kids who can't take short or low temp. showers) it feels like a recipe for disaster.
The question is, am I permitted to take this wiring and place it inside a couple of choc-boxes (https://www.screwfix.com/p/vimark-30a-chocbox-connector-box-90-x-30-x-50mm-white/194vt) or surface pattress boxes with a blanking plate. Would this be enough? Or is this so bad it needs more work (like the whole lighting setup needs replacing)? I'm not adverse to getting a spark in, just seems a waste if its just boxing up what is there, and we'll likely re-fit the bathroom in the next 6-12 months when funds permit anyway.
Also worth mentioning the CU has a single RCD, but that only covers the sockets/shower and not the lighting.
Thanks for any advice,
Barry.
The house was built around 1988, and going by the decor in that bathroom its probably not far from the original bathroom.
The bathroom has four spotlights that I assume are mains voltage (haven't checked yet), and the two spot lights over the mirror. The ones over the mirror are LV via a transformer sat on top of the cupboard. All the spots are controlled from the bathroom light switch.
There are two sets of wires emerging from the wall, all appear to be 1.0mm2/1.5mm2 and old wiring colours. The first cable feeds the transformer and is connected by a small terminal block, no earth. There is no insulation or other protection around this. The second wires are a pair simply connected to each other (2-core + earth) both cables entering the same side. This block is taped around covering the screws, but not the other side of the terminals. The LV connector block is also just laying on top, and all the HV/LV cables are mingled together. Just moving the wires caused one of the LV wires to fall out.
Given that the bathroom gets pretty steamy (no extractor fan yet and is used primarily by the kids who can't take short or low temp. showers) it feels like a recipe for disaster.
The question is, am I permitted to take this wiring and place it inside a couple of choc-boxes (https://www.screwfix.com/p/vimark-30a-chocbox-connector-box-90-x-30-x-50mm-white/194vt) or surface pattress boxes with a blanking plate. Would this be enough? Or is this so bad it needs more work (like the whole lighting setup needs replacing)? I'm not adverse to getting a spark in, just seems a waste if its just boxing up what is there, and we'll likely re-fit the bathroom in the next 6-12 months when funds permit anyway.
Also worth mentioning the CU has a single RCD, but that only covers the sockets/shower and not the lighting.
Thanks for any advice,
Barry.
I actually knew that, but something I always forget.
