Plumbing for new bathroom

BobProperty

sillymum wrote:

..... The reason he can do it so cheaply is that he will be doing it as a foreigner in the evenings or weekends (we didn't ask him to do this, it's just what he does). He works for a big plumbing firm during the day. He was also the only plumber who took the time to look in the loft and under the floor to see the state of the pipes etc. And he is Corgi registered too, so that is reassuring.....

Just be aware that there is no guarantee there except his personal concience. CORGI registration is irrelevant to the work unless it involves gas. If it does involve gas, he is not covered or insured as he is "doing it as a foreigner".

BobProperty

mpython wrote:

Err... its a bathroom, water conducts electricity....otherwise rocker switches would be allowed.

You haven't read that .pdf link, have you? Here's the other relevant one for everyone's benefit:
http://www.niceic.org.uk/downloads/NL139supp.pdf
Neither have you answered my question. You quoted potential problems in bathroom installations. I want to know how the metal bath tap will get live in your series of situations, something which you have yet to explain. It is no use quoting bits of your coursework if you don't understand what is being asked.
My bathroom mirror is on metal clips, do they need earthing?

mpython wrote:

Err... yes I do mean that - maybe this picture will help?

copper pipe plastic pipe copper pipe
=============================
| |
|__________________________|
earth bonding

You said, and I quote again "we were taught and assessed on bonding across any plastic pipe". I understand what you are talking about now (maintaining continuity), but anyone reading what you wrote previously would not.

mpython wrote:

Err... I wasn't justifying the organisations, just answering your original question about registered plumbers?

And I was pointing out there is no universal list of "registered plumbers". The term is a nonsense especially as far as the consumer is concerned. It is not like, say, certain states in the US, where all plumbers have to be "licensed".

mpython

BobProperty wrote:

You haven't read that .pdf link, have you?

'fraid I did, I think I said in an earlier post "I accept what you say about the IEE, they seem to say you only need earth bonding on plastic pipe to a metal bath that's attached to the metal frame of a dwelling."

BobProperty wrote:

I want to know how the metal bath tap will get live in your series of situations

In the same way a rocker switch would pass on a belt; moisture or a leak could form a conductor, in this case between the break and the tap. By bonding the tap it would go to earth instead of through a person.

BobProperty wrote:

I understand what you are talking about now (maintaining continuity) but anyone reading what you wrote previously would not.

Thank you, I thought I was losing my marbles: not sure others have had the same take out though?

BobProperty wrote:

And I was pointing out there is no universal list of "registered plumbers". The term is a nonsense especially as far as the consumer is concerned. It is not like, say, certain states in the US, where all plumbers have to be "licensed".

I'm not disputing your views, I was firstly trying to help Sillymum and then answer your query.

BTW, I agree with your advice about the work being done as a foreigner. I can't imagine there's gas involved in moving a bath & basin but if its done privately and the guy hasn't got 3rd party liability as he's normally covered by his firm ...........

BobProperty

mpython wrote:

'fraid I did, I think I said in an earlier post "I accept what you say about the IEE, they seem to say you only need earth bonding on plastic pipe to a metal bath that's attached to the metal frame of a dwelling."

But you don't need earth bonding on a plastic pipe. That's the whole point. If I ever find (and I've never seen it) an earth clamp on a plastic pipe I know it's been done by someone who shouldn't be touching either plumbing or electricity. (or perhaps even use a bathroom without supervision)

mpython wrote:

In the same way a rocker switch would pass on a belt; moisture or a leak could form a conductor, in this case between the break and the tap. By bonding the tap it would go to earth instead of through a person.

I have yet to see mains powered bath taps. You have already stated that rocker switches aren't allowed in bathrooms, so why are you using them for a comparison to bath taps?
How is the electricity going to get from a "break" to the tap? (which is what I asked in Posts #4 #7 and #13)

mpython

I think we're getting closer. I perfectly respect what you are saying & your sources.

BobProperty wrote:

But you don't need earth bonding on a plastic pipe. That's the whole point.

Absolutely, its from the metal (tap, bath)to earth.

BobProperty wrote:

If I ever find (and I've never seen it) an earth clamp on a plastic pipe I know it's been done by someone who shouldn't be touching either plumbing or electricity. (or perhaps even use a bathroom without supervision)

:rotfl: couldn't agree more, they'd only be allowed in a bathroom with their carer:rotfl:

BobProperty wrote:

I have yet to see mains powered bath taps. You have already stated that rocker switches aren't allowed in bathrooms, so why are you using them for a comparison to bath taps?
How is the electricity going to get from a "break" to the tap? (which is what I asked in Posts #4 #7 and #13)

Because rocker switches aren't allowed due to the risk of electric shock. The most likely way electricty would pass via a rocker switch in a bathroom is from the live cable, through moisture or water to the person touching the wet surface of the switch to earth. The same kind of sequence could apply to bath taps (though as your IEE source points out it is unlikley), so, from a break, through moisture or water to the tap to the person.

handyman.

people are really good at doing quotes on this thread.......well done all

orainsear

Here's a couple of links for you guys

http://www.iee.org/Publish/WireRegs/EarthingPlasticPipes.pdf

http://www.borpin.co.uk/sbfaq/faq51174.htm

BobProperty

handyman. wrote:

people are really good at doing quotes on this thread.......well done all

mpython's just ruined it :rotfl:

BobProperty

mpython wrote:

.....The most likely way electricty would pass via a rocker switch in a bathroom is from the live cable, through moisture or water to the person touching the wet surface of the switch to earth. The same kind of sequence could apply to bath taps (though as your IEE source points out it is unlikley), so, from a break, through moisture or water to the tap to the person.

"Right, stop this - this sketch is getting too silly"

but there isn't a live cable in a bath tap.....

"Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is the probable reason why so few engage in it." - Henry Ford

mpython

No, I give in first.