dodgy electrics - anything i can do

BertieUK

Mr_Ted wrote: »

:rotfl:Prob got the idea and info from an MSE "EXPERT" originally:rotfl:

Thats the problem with this place, TOO much advice to incompetants, ITS DANGEROUS :mad:

I think that tampering with electrics by those people who have not got a clue is so dangerous they may as well play a game of 'Russian Roulette' the end result would be very similar.

I sometimes question the advice given on here by so called 'experts' and the dumb questions asked some should never be replied to with anything other than call in the experts, it's cheaper and safer in the long run.

ey_up

antrobus wrote: »

No, but there is a law that says that if you do so, you are supposed to notify your local authority's building control department who will then come and inspect the work. Since 2005 all electrical work carried out in a dwelling needs to be certified; either by a qualified electrician who member of one of the self-certification schemes, or by building control.

If a homeowner does their own electrical work and doesn't notify building control, they're committing an offence. (I think you can be fined up to £5k.) .

What is the law on this? Can you give me the appropriate paragraph references to this in the regulations? You state all work but isnt some permitted? I do not know much about electrics but I am a reasonably sensible person of reasonable intelligence and resourcefulness. Two months ago I did not know how to replace a light fitting, light switch or a socket. I picked up a book, read it, read some additional internet guides and have done the work on my property and everything is working fine. Should I now notify building control of these items?

I will admit I am not an expert on building regulations or electric regulations. I have not read nor do I intend to read the regulations but so much on here is spouted about readers cannot get a clear answer. So is all work notifiable or is some not?

Thanks

antrobus

ey_up wrote: »

What is the law on this? Can you give me the appropriate paragraph references to this in the regulations? ...

I believe it is all now covered by the Building Regulations 2010.

See the following summaries:-
http://www.cluttoncox.co.uk/site/library/residential/newlawsonelectricalwork.html
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/electrics/

ey_up wrote: »

You state all work but isn't some permitted?

Depends on what you define as "electrical work". As far as I understand it, simple repair and replacement doesn't qualify as "works"; 'works' means changing something. In the OP's case putting in "spot lights" would (I believe) qualify as 'works' no matter what hub you ran them off.

ey_up wrote: »

... I do not know much about electrics but I am a reasonably sensible person of reasonable intelligence and resourcefulness. Two months ago I did not know how to replace a light fitting, light switch or a socket. I picked up a book, read it, read some additional internet guides and have done the work on my property and everything is working fine.

Well I rewired my whole house twenty years ago. It's not that difficult, it's not as if it was something really complicated like brain surgery or plumbing.

ey_up wrote: »

...Should I now notify building control of these items?

Don't know. What did you do?

ey_up wrote: »

...
I will admit I am not an expert on building regulations or electric regulations. I have not read nor do I intend to read the regulations but so much on here is spouted about readers cannot get a clear answer. So is all work notifiable or is some not?

Thanks

Well neither am I. I just read stuff. The Planning Portal says that you don't need to tell building control about "repairs, replacements and maintenance work or extra power points or lighting points or other alterations to existing circuits (except in a kitchen or bathroom, or outdoors)" and that if you are "unsure" to "contact your local authorities building regulations department".

ey_up

Thats a pretty good summary antrobus which is similar to my understanding also.

I am sure someone will be along in a minute to dispute it all though.

keystone

So much fluff on this thread. The only times you need to notify the work to LABC is when work has been done in a special location (ie bathroom, kitchen or outdoors) or when the work has involved the Consumer Unit eg replacement of same or adding additional circuits. Otherwise its all fair game. However, don't forget Edn 17 of the Wiring regulations to which all work should be done. Hacing said that adding a spur or replaceing a liught switch will almost inevitably result in compliance by default.

Cheers

keystone

Hello Ted. Nice to see you are being your usually pleasant self. Get out early this time did we?

Cheers

Mr_Ted

:rotfl:Feel right at home here with all the "confused" and "Psycho anal ists"

keystone

If the cap fits, old son, if the cap fits.

Cheers