Lighting - No CPC continuity

[ADS]

Hi,

Doing a board change and, during testing, found there is no continuity of CPC on any of the upstairs light fittings/accesories.

The downstairs are all fine.

I know the ESC Best Practise guide gives guidance on what to do for older installations, when there is no CPC present - but can you apply the same guidance to this scenario, when the CPC is present, but there's no reading off it.

It's an EIC for the CU only (no PIR), so can't code it.

There's been quite a bit of DIY at the property - I've already had to down-grade an MCB on one of the ring-finals - just wondering what to do about this.

I've obviously looked for any simple explanations, but there's nothing obvious, and I can't see the customer shelling out more money for fault finding.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Manator]

I am sorry but this is not a case for connect and forget, the loss of cpc should be investigated. If there was no cpc at all then a simple notice on the CU and the fitment of class II fitings could be used, but this should only ever be used as a temporary solution. If there is evidence of DIY work, then finding the break could be more difficult, usually a jb with the earth cable cut off so they can get all the wires in. I am sorry but there is not an easy fix for this, it should not be ignored as it is a fault that should be put right. I would have a word with the client and perhaps share the cost if you have given a quote. Less profit for you, but the job will be done right. Method 2 from fitting to fitting will find the break, if possible just rod a new cable to link them rather than lift flooring or boards in the attic.

Good luck.

 

[gordy71]

Agree with Manator, any faults should be fixed before commisioning. Have you tried testing to all lighting circuits? Know it sounds obvious but i did a C/U the other day and one of the bedrooms was fed off the downstairs lights- reminded me of why inspection should always precede testing! Start with r2s then hopefully you will have an earth up there then just a case of running new cables or connecting up misplaced earths. Can you find the feed from the CU?

 

[ADS]

It's all one lighting circuit - but no continuity upstairs at all.

I think Manator is right, it needs finding.

I also think Manator might be right about the hidden JB - some switches downstairs have been moved futher along one of the walls, so could be JB and extended cables - done DIY!!

Looks like I'm going a 'wandering', so to speak.

 

[Theorysparky]

It's all one lighting circuit - but no continuity upstairs at all.I think Manator is right, it needs finding.I also think Manator might be right about the hidden JB - some switches downstairs have been moved futher along one of the walls, so could be JB and extended cables - done DIY!!

Looks like I'm going a 'wandering', so to speak.

There is your clue !!!!!

find the route to the upstairs first light and start from there

if need be do r1+rn checks from the board to find the closest fitting

 

[Dunx]

Yea its a bummer but you have to find it.....but not at your cost. Are there any class one fittings? You 'just' have to find the break, you may be lucky and find it where someone has put up a new light fitting.

Dunx

 

[Theorysparky]

you are also lucky its upstairs

i bet you find it in 30 mins

 

[gordy71]

you are also lucky its upstairsi bet you find it in 30 mins

Yeah will see it straight away when you look again, everything is 10x easier when you have a clear head. I tend to clutch at straws when fault finding which just gets you wound up. Doing it methodically will save you time, 9 times out of 10. good luck mate!

 

[Manator]

Yeah will see it straight away when you look again, everything is 10x easier when you have a clear head. I tend to clutch at straws when fault finding which just gets you wound up. Doing it methodically will save you time, 9 times out of 10. good luck mate!

What wise words, I always find if I think I know where the fault is, it takes twice as long to find it, doing the tests methodically I find them much faster.

 

[Theorysparky]

I always find writing down what you know,what the tests tell you and a diagram

while having a brew !!!!!!!

who hasnt chased their tails before ?????

 

[ADS]

Thanks, everyone - find it I will! ray

 

[Ali]

Don't forget to tell us how it works out.

Good luck