Comsumer unit - upstairs/downstairs ring mains

[taconite1]

Hello,

I bought a new build and noticed the upstairs MCB is controlling some sockets on the opposite floor, so if I flick the upstairs MCB it's also switching off a socket downstairs (I think it's a spur) in addition to all the ones upstairs

Is there anything within 7671 that states this is wrong?

I asked the contactor on site and they said it can be re-wired but it's down to my prefrence. Is this correct? Surely the regs have something to say on this.

P.S this same contractor didn't earth some of the metal faceplate light switches (including backbox) - so I don't trust them at all. Despite having a NIC form filled in and signed by two qualifed electricans!!

 

[brianmoooore]

Nothing wrong with having sockets on different floors wired on the same MCB as long as the labelling on the CU reflects this or doesn't mention 'upstairs' or 'downstairs' at all.
I've almost always grouped socket circuits in downstairs rooms with the rooms directly above, except for kitchens and utility rooms.

 

[taconite1]

Nothing wrong with having sockets on different floors wired on the same MCB as long as the labelling on the CU reflects this or doesn't mention 'upstairs' or 'downstairs' at all.
I've almost always grouped socket circuits in downstairs rooms with the rooms directly above, except for kitchens and utility rooms.

Hi nope it has stickers for upstairs and downstairs

 

[brianmoooore]

Hi nope it has stickers for upstairs and downstairs

That can easily be corrected with a pen.

 

[taconite1]

Hi nope it has stickers for upstairs and downstairs

Probably! Problem is where this offending socket is it's next to two other sockets on the opposite ring main.

Which brings me onto my next question - how was the house signed off?

 

[westward10]

It is an odd thing to do but nothing wrong with it, might gave been done if the other circuit failed you still have one close by working. Metal switch front plates not being earthed is a big issue.

 

[taconite1]

It is an odd thing to do but nothing wrong with it, might gave been done if the other circuit failed you still have one close by working. Metal switch front plates not being earthed is a big issue.

Even if the backbox isn't earthed either?

 

[westward10]

Even if the backbox isn't earthed either?

They should both be earthed. I wonder if the other properties are the same, this sort of thing is fundamental.

 

[taconite1]

They should both be earthed. I wonder if the other properties are the same, this sort of thing is fundamental.

I asked that question but they wouldn't answer!! It would open a can of worms regarding rework!

Our house was probably the 15th built on site so if they got this far and are making mistakes like that - it does make you wonder

 

[brianmoooore]

They should both be earthed. I wonder if the other properties are the same, this sort of thing is fundamental.

I always fit a fly lead on both switches and sockets, but the last time I looked it was apparently considered acceptable to earth the plate and rely on the fixing screws to earth the box, provided one of the fixings in the box is 'fixed' and not the adjustable (to level the fitting) type.

 

[pc1966]

Even if the backbox isn't earthed either?

These days it is not uncommon to earth just the faceplate, and not the back-box, but not all accessories actually earth via the fixing screws.

Of course, with plastic back-boxes its a bit moot...

 

[brianmoooore]

Of course, with plastic back-boxes its a bit moot...

Checked over a mobile home a few weeks ago. Plastic back boxes, earth wires tucked in the back in choc block, and unearthed metal plated switches!

 

[taconite1]

These days it is not uncommon to earth just the faceplate, and not the back-box, but not all accessories actually earth via the fixing screws.

Of course, with plastic back-boxes its a bit moot...

I realise that - problem was neither were earthed....

 

[pc1966]

I realise that - problem was neither were earthed....

Ah, that is an issue!

 

[westward10]

I realise that - problem was neither were earthed....

Are the building company still on site?

 

[taconite1]

Are the building company still on site?

They are. I asked one why it wasn't earthed correctly and he said it was an "oversight". It's fixed now (I basically told them to go around with a tester and touch each light switch for earth) but as a homeowner why am I picking these things up? Hence my concerns now with the MCBs on the consumer unit.

 

[taconite1]

They are. I asked one why it wasn't earthed correctly and he said it was an "oversight". It's fixed now (I basically told them to go around with a tester and touch each light switch for earth) but as a homeowner why am I picking these things up? Hence my concerns now with the MCBs on the consumer unit.

Pic attached - found 6 more like this

 

[brianmoooore]

I realise that - problem was neither were earthed....

So what did they actually do with the earth wire?

 

[taconite1]

So what did they actually do with the earth wire?

Choc block - see pic above

 

[westward10]

I couldn't have connected that any worse if I'd tried. That screams unskilled incompetence.