Would this be a C3 on next EICR

[Dave Williams]

Hi all,
I have a rental flat with two consumer units as it has eco 7 for storage heaters, etc. The main CU was upgraded in March 2021. The EIC for this states: "Off peak consumer unit has no RCD protection which met the regulations at time of installation and would be classed as a C3 on an EICR which is satisfactory". All circuits were tested.
Can I expect this to still be the case when it is inspected for the EIRC when it is next due, (5 yrs was recommended on the EIC), or has anything changed in the regs to require this to be upgraded?
Thanks.

 

[NozSpark]

It’d only be a C2 if one of the circuits supplies a heater in the bathroom, or if the supply is TT,,,,, but only a C3 if supplying a heater anywhere else

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

There is an element of individual interpretation when assessing immediate or potential risks and dangers for coding onto an Electrical Installation Condition Report, EICR, following periodic inspection and testing of a property..

So its not uncommon to find that the same observation may be given different codes by different electricians!!

And unfortunately there a far too many more recently qualified electricians, who may have an inspection & testing qualification..
But little or no historic experience or knowledge of previous editions of BS7671 wiring regulations...
So they can sometimes be a bit over zealous and trigger happy with coding their observations!!!

However to try and establish some standardisation of common observations there is a free download PDF "best practice guide" available from the Electrical Safety First website..
https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/media/tmpm33hr/best_practice-guide-4_issue_7-2.pdf

If you download a copy then scroll down to page 22 there are various examples of observations relating to "Absence of RCD protection"... The guide suggest these are "C3" codes.

Other guides are also available https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/professional-resources/best-practice-guides/
including one relating to electrical safety in private rented accomodation..
which may also be a useful read?

Hope that helps.

And welcome to the forum.