Bit of confusion regarding downlights

[Megamegger]

Hi all,

I am a practicing electrical maintenance engineer but my background is electrical installation/inspection and testing however im a little out of touch (I do have 18th however!) don’t use it, you lose it and all that.

so my friend has recently had a EICR done ready for the imminent house sale but the condition report has identified a C2 on the living room downlights stating no earth to metal fittings. I’ve had a look and these are indeed metal covers (horrible brass looking things) however they are ELV. The covers come with no facility to bond them but that also defeats the point of SELV does it not?

I am torn as to what to advise, can anyone clarify the situation for me? I know running a 4mm single between each fitting an option and then back the the cpc of the incoming side of the transformer perhaps? The whole installing is RCD protected may I add.

cheers and sorry for it being so long winded!
Connor

 

[Pete999]

Hi all,

I am a practicing electrical maintenance engineer but my background is electrical installation/inspection and testing however im a little out of touch (I do have 18th however!) don’t use it, you lose it and all that.

so my friend has recently had a EICR done ready for the imminent house sale but the condition report has identified a C2 on the living room downlights stating no earth to metal fittings. I’ve had a look and these are indeed metal covers (horrible brass looking things) however they are ELV. The covers come with no facility to bond them but that also defeats the point of SELV does it not?

I am torn as to what to advise, can anyone clarify the situation for me? I know running a 4mm single between each fitting an option and then back the the cpc of the incoming side of the transformer perhaps? The whole installing is RCD protected may I add.

cheers and sorry for it being so long winded!
Connor

Is it you doing the EICR????

 

[westward10]

If they are supplied by way of transformers and they are extra low voltage they do not require an earth.

 

[SJD]

if these are 12V MR16 fittings, they are usually not required to be earthed, and I'd query why they were given a C2 code.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Is it you doing the EICR????

The OP says their friend has had an EICR done and that he’s had a look and they are indeed metal covers. So it strongly suggests that the OP hasn’t done the EICR himself.

 

[Pete999]

The OP says their friend has had an EICR done and that he’s had a look and they are indeed metal covers. So it strongly suggests that it he OP hasn’t done he EICR himself.

OK OK OK

 

[Sparky5473]

Are the lights on one large transformer or does each light have its own transformer? If they have their own has someone cut out the cpc of the twin and earth feeding the transformers?

 

[Pete999]

The OP says their friend has had an EICR done and that he’s had a look and they are indeed metal covers. So it strongly suggests that it he OP hasn’t done he EICR himself.

You would hope so wouldn't you.

 

[Megamegger]

Is it you doing the EICR????

No, my friend had one done. I’ve just looked over it and obviously had a look.
[automerge]1576776376[/automerge]

Are the lights on one large transformer or does each light have its own transformer? If they have their own has someone cut out the cpc of the twin and earth feeding the transformers?

One transformer feeds the entirety of the downlights
[automerge]1576776462[/automerge]

if these are 12V MR16 fittings, they are usually not required to be earthed, and I'd query why they were given a C2 code.

Exactly, when I looked myself I was very bemused. Upon googling the company used they have 1 singular review of 1 star. Says it all.

 

[Midwest]

Hi all,

I am a practicing electrical maintenance engineer but my background is electrical installation/inspection and testing however im a little out of touch (I do have 18th however!) don’t use it, you lose it and all that.

so my friend has recently had a EICR done ready for the imminent house sale but the condition report has identified a C2 on the living room downlights stating no earth to metal fittings. I’ve had a look and these are indeed metal covers (horrible brass looking things) however they are ELV. The covers come with no facility to bond them but that also defeats the point of SELV does it not?

I am torn as to what to advise, can anyone clarify the situation for me? I know running a 4mm single between each fitting an option and then back the the cpc of the incoming side of the transformer perhaps? The whole installing is RCD protected may I add.

cheers and sorry for it being so long winded!
Connor

Defno elv? Someone's not swapped out the MR16's and put in some luberly new lv LED's, using the existing cans?

 

[littlespark]

The cpc should be continuous between the downlights, although not required at the actual light, they shouldn’t be cut out and ignored.

 

[Leesparkykent]

The cpc should be continuous between the downlights, although not required at the actual light, they shouldn’t be cut out and ignored.

One transformer feeds them all so the wiring from the secondary side of the transformer is ELV.

 

[littlespark]

One transformer feeds them all so the wiring from the secondary side of the transformer is ELV.

Yes you’re right, I missed that.

No earthing needed at the fittings then. Whoever did the EICR is mistaken.

 

[Megamegger]

Defno elv? Someone's not swapped out the MR16's and put in some luberly new lv LED's, using the existing cans?

Definitely normal GU5.3 lamps
[automerge]1576777627[/automerge]

Yes you’re right, I missed that.

No earthing needed at the fittings then. Whoever did the EICR is mistaken.

I thought as much, obviously had me confused. Thanks a lot guys

 

[littlespark]

2 courses of action.

1. Get electrician to explain the C2 and remind him they are SELV fittings.

2. Leave it and hope buyers don’t notice/ understand the report.

 

[westward10]

If the information given is correct then the Report needs amending.

 

[Megamegger]

If the information given is correct then the Report needs amending.

Thanks for that, I’m going to pursue this, wonder if it’s a case of man and his lad and his lad has got it wrong. Many thanks everybody, didn’t expect such a large response. Much appreciated