Is loose trunking C2 or C3

[Car123]

I had an EICR done in 2014. Some loose trunking on a wire to the showers self isolator based on the wall was graded C3. In an EICR done this week the same trunking in the same condition was graded C2. This seems a bit over the top please advise

 

[DPG]

What do you mean by loose trunking? Is it not secured to the wall? If not then can you just glue it?

 

[David Prosser]

What do you mean by loose trunking? Is it not secured to the wall? If not then can you just glue it?

He had six years to do it, so no rush !!

 

[Car123]

Well

 

[Car123]

I expect you can just glue it. I rent the house. But the electrician is quoting for work as a C2 and my question is whether it should be graded C2 or C3

 

[DPG]

I expect you can just glue it. I rent the house. But the electrician is quoting for work as a C2 and my question is whether it should be graded C2 or C3

Doesn't matter what code, just get it secured. Take less time than finding out what the code should be!

 

[Car123]

Doesn't matter what code, just get it secured. Take less time than finding out what the code should be!

Well I don't argue with that. But nonetheless I would like some advice about this coding. The trunking is not hanging off its just not attached solidly to the wall. By grading it C2 the electrician does not pass the EICR and I have to pay him to come back. I am looking for guidelines on this grading

 

[David Prosser]

If it's the only C2 why do you have to pay him to come back? Just fix and let him know it done. If needed you could send him a picture.

 

[Julie.]

There was a change in the 18th edition, associated with premature collapse of wiring, under this all cables must be properly secured with fire resistant fittings (or other physical means), if this is not present, then it's a C2.

Just gluing it will not satisfy the regs.

 

[David Prosser]

There was a change in the 18th edition, associated with premature collapse of wiring, under this all cables must be properly secured with fire resistant fittings (or other physical means), if this is not present, then it's a C2.

Just gluing it will not satisfy the regs.

Would that only apply to a new installation ?

 

[Julie.]

Would that only apply to a new installation ?

No.

If the failure to support against premature collapse could represent a danger, then C2, but if its out of harms way, it would be C3.

Both would be unacceptable for a new installation though.

 

[pc1966]

Sounds like you need it fixed with something that is heat-proof like a metal clip / stainless cable tie, etc. Any photos possible so folk here can suggest solutions?

If you are quoted under £50 to fix it probably simpler and easier to just get it done, as often buying a box of 100 clips, etc, will be the best part of that anyway.

 

[Baddegg]

May sound a bit harsh here but....if you are renting the place what do you care about c2 c3 et all?

 

[Car123]

Would that only apply to a new installation ?

When was the 18th edition brought in. This may explain the change in grading. Interestingly though the electrician who did the original EICR told me that it was not necessary to do anything. It looks quite stable to me

 

[DPG]

There was a change in the 18th edition, associated with premature collapse of wiring, under this all cables must be properly secured with fire resistant fittings (or other physical means), if this is not present, then it's a C2.

Just gluing it will not satisfy the regs.

True, but realistically it may just be a short length of cable above the bath in the corner of the bathroom. Never going to cause an issue with access.

 

[pc1966]

While opinions and advice differ and there is a degree of judgment in all cases, the best and most accessible guide to EICR coding is probably the Best Practice Guide #4:
https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/media/2149/bpg4-1.pdf

 

[DPG]

May sound a bit harsh here but....if you are renting the place what do you care about c2 c3 et all?

I rent a house out and take good care of it. Not all landlords are bad.

 

[Car123]

While opinions and advice differ and there is a degree of judgment in all cases, the best and most accessible guide to EICR coding is probably the Best Practice Guide #4:
https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/media/2149/bpg4-1.pdf

Thank you for this

 

[Baddegg]

I rent a house out and take good care of it. Not all landlords are bad.

Completely understand that mate, I’ve rented in the past just curious as to why so concerned....I’m with you for a decent landlord idve just stuck down and if I liked the client idve made good of whilst doing the EICR so it was never an issue ?

 

[pc1966]

The BPG#4 has this under C3:

• Wiring systems not adequately supported to prevent premature collapse in the event of a fire. Note: In locations other than in individual dwellings, such as communal areas forming part of an escape route, this would warrant a code C2 classification to be recorded)

The clarification is a bit convoluted to me, as it sounds like C2 only non-domestic but I think they mean (or maybe they should mean) C2 for any escape route or likely fireman access route.

 

[DPG]

The BPG#4 has this under C3:

• Wiring systems not adequately supported to prevent premature collapse in the event of a fire. Note: In locations other than in individual dwellings, such as communal areas forming part of an escape route, this would warrant a code C2 classification to be recorded)

The clarification is a bit convoluted to me, as it sounds like C2 only non-domestic but I think they mean (or maybe they should mean) C2 for any escape route or likely fireman access route.

Seems sensible. A code of C2 force cable in the corner of the bathroom seems harsh.

Mind you, we haven't seen a photo yet have we?

 

[Baddegg]

Bit of engineering judgement here surely...it’s been there years and isn’t in an escape route of any kind...c3 at worst surely? And it complies at the time of installation...

 

[Car123]

Completely understand that mate, I’ve rented in the past just curious as to why so concerned....I’m with you for a decent landlord idve just stuck down and if I liked the client idve made good of whilst doing the EICR so it was never an issue ?

Now that these EICRs have become mandatory none of the people doing them are doing any work at the time. Well not where my house is. So it seems to me a great money spinner. If it was done at the time it would be simplet

 

[Car123]

Seems sensible. A code of C2 force cable in the corner of the bathroom seems harsh.

Mind you, we haven't seen a photo yet have we?

I am not there as I live elsewhere. 350 miles away. The cable is in the kitchen on adjoining wall. Fridge freezer is about a food away

 

[Baddegg]

Lot of landlords are getting caught out with sparks treating eicrs as loss leaders.....£90 for a 3 bed house!....lovely till the report comes back ?

 

[SJD]

Now that these EICRs have become mandatory none of the people doing them are doing any work at the time. Well not where my house is. So it seems to me a great money spinner. If it was done at the time it would be simplet

Some of us are doing minor remedial works at the time, by prior agreement, as it saves the landlord time & money. Likely fixing a piece of trunking would fall into that category. However, there are some landlords who want a quote beforehand for everything however minor - those I am not fixing at the time, and it will eventually cost them more.

 

[Car123]

Bit of engineering judgement here surely...it’s been there years and isn’t in an escape route of any kind...c3 at worst surely? And it complies at the time of installation...

Well common sense tells me that. Believe me I have done everything to make the place safe including work that is not mandatory. For example a wired fire alarm system. It's not a house of multiple occupation. I have put in new lights, lots of points etc

Some of us are doing minor remedial works at the time, by prior agreement, as it saves the landlord time & money. Likely fixing a piece of trunking would fall into that category. However, there are some landlords who want a quote beforehand for everything however minor - those I am not fixing at the time, and it will eventually cost them more.

I would most certainly have been happy for the work at the time. I feel that I am being ripped off to be far. And I have used them before to do lots of things

 

[Spoon]

Bit of engineering judgement here surely...it’s been there years and isn’t in an escape route of any kind...c3 at worst surely? And it complies at the time of installation...

The 'escape route' part has been changed. It now applies to all wiring.

 

[Baddegg]

The 'escape route' part has been changed. It now applies to all wiring.

Yep...I was getting at the fact it didn’t when installed mate, don’t get wrong if that was in an escape route I’d c2 it but it’s a bit harsh considering it’s location

 

[Spoon]

Yep...I was getting at the fact it didn’t when installed mate, don’t get wrong if that was in an escape route I’d c2 it but it’s a bit harsh considering it’s location

As @DPG commented in post #20, I haven't seen any pics of the trunking so it's hard to say mate.