What you can/can't do on a EIC

[james KEI]

Hey all,

Probably not worded the title very well. Had my NIC first annual visit yesterday. Have got a fuse board swap coming up and the house has sockets mounted in the skirting board with no metal back box.

I was under the impression I'd have to, whilst doing te board swap, make sure everything else was up to scratch.

I've read variuous things about sockets in skirting. What is the actual say so with this matter???

But anyway, any defects like this I was told I could list on the EIC but as long as the all the circuits tested ok.

Opinions please....

Thanks,

James

 

[Andy™]

only your work needs to be done to regs (the CU). but if i found anything dangeorus then it would be either repaired or left switched off

 

[Doc Hudson]

You are always only signing for the work you have done, otherwise we would all end up doing a near re-wire every time someone wants a new plug or light fitted. Any serious dangers or hazards should be isolated / made safe, other anomalies just noted and advise customer of possible remedies to improve the defect.

Doc H.

 

[Manator]

If your assessment is with the NICEIC then your certificates will have a box for any comments on the existing installation, this is where you should put anything you find down, sometimes it will be acceptable to just put requires improvement. Also just a note when replacing the consumer unit, I have seen most people ticking the box that says NEW, well yes, the CU is new, but it is always going to be at the least and alteration to the installation. There are two problems with sockets in skirting, one is the extra strain on any cable plugged into them if close to the ground, and second, there is a risk of fire under any fault or overheating due to demand. Most wiring done in skirting is coming to the end of its life expectancy, but as always should only be replaced if failed on any tests.

 

[Andy™]

There are two problems with sockets in skirting, one is the extra strain on any cable plugged into them if close to the ground,

solution is very simple.... put the socket upside-down. looks odd at first, but does the job