Building Regulations breached?

[adriana]

Can anyone please, tell me is there any sign of breach of Building Regulations here? My new build has been built with space for a single meter box, however, a second one was installed at a later stage. The latest borescope inspection has revealed that there is no lintel above the second box and DPC or cavity tray is missing, also the second box is installed a lot higher than 1100mm from Gr.level. I have also noticed that there multiple unnecessary holes incorrectly cut (sharp edges) to cable entry position.

please, if is any qualified Electrical Engineer to give me some advice, I will much appreciate it.
Just a quick note: The house is still under NHBC warranty.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Standard new build I’m afraid , some of the stuff I seen on new builds in recent years is truly shocking

 

[adriana]

Standard new build I’m afraid , some of the stuff I seen on new builds in recent years is truly shocking

Hello Sir.
Would this issue qualify as a breach in Building Regulations? I assume it will, but better check with a qualified Electrician before contacting NHBC.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Hello Sir.
Would this issue qualify as a breach in Building Regulations? I assume it will, but better check with a qualified Electrician before contacting NHBC.

Missing lintel supports , missing DPC , fire barrier breaches , any potential structural defect will fall under building issues not electrical problems

 

[Midwest]

Can I ask why the second meter box was installed and who requested it, bearing in mind this is a new build.

 

[adriana]

Can I ask why the second meter box was installed and who requested it, bearing in mind this is a new build.

Hi
I will never know why the 2 nd Box was installed, this is the way we got the House from new.

 

[davesparks]

Can I ask why the second meter box was installed and who requested it, bearing in mind this is a new build.

It looks like it was installed to house the DP MCB protecting the SWA submain.

 

[Midwest]

Hi
I will never know why the 2 nd Box was installed, this is the way we got the House from new.

Where is your consumer unit (fuse board) located in relation to these meter boxes?

 

[adriana]

It looks like it was installed to house the DP MCB protecting the SWA submain.

Is there any chance to explain to me in other words, please. Im not an electrician, Im just a poor desperate woman Who tries hard to understand what is right and what is wrong. So far I spent 6 months reading the Building regs, but it's still a lot to learn. All I know is if something is not right with a New Build, then We must be protected by NHBC. Sadly is not always the case.
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Where is your consumer unit (fuse board) located in relation to these meter boxes?

my consumer unit is on the other side of the house, 5 meters from the Meter box.

 

[PEG]

Hi,who is the builder?
This may give us an indication of how much help you may receive?

I don't need any further information,however,to inform you that the NHBC will be zero help.

 

[Midwest]

Even a lay person can see that both these boxes have not been installed with any professionalism. Have you asked the developer to comment on the installation method and the various holes that have been left?

I don’t seem to notice any cavity insulation either. Is that not a requirement.

 

[adriana]

It looks like it was installed to house the DP MCB protecting the SWA submain.

This is something I dont understand, space in the 1st Box permitted to install everything in only one box.

 

[Midwest]

Is there any chance to explain to me in other words, please. Im not an electrician, Im just a poor desperate woman Who tries hard to understand what is right and what is wrong. So far I spent 6 months reading the Building regs, but it's still a lot to learn. All I know is if something is not right with a New Build, then We must be protected by NHBC. Sadly is not always the case.
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my consumer unit is on the other side of the house, 5 meters from the Meter box.

That’s poor design then; because your CU is over 3 metres away from the meter, it will require a switch fuse to provide protection to that black cable. Something you don’t have, and something that should of had better design in the first place.

Do house of the same style of yours have the same set up?

 

[davesparks]

That’s poor design then; because your CU is over 3 metres away from the meter, it will require a switch fuse to provide protection to that black cable. Something you don’t have, and something that should of had better design in the first place.

Do house of the same style of yours have the same set up?

Whilst it is a poor design choice the DP MCB in the top meter box will provide adequate protection.
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This is something I dont understand, space in the 1st Box permitted to install everything in only one box.

In theory yes there is space, but in reality the equipment in the top box would have been fitted before the meter was installed and the meter fitters would likely have created a fuss if it had been installed in the bottom box.

 

[adriana]

Even a lay person can see that both these boxes have not been installed with any professionalism. Have you asked the developer to comment on the installation method and the various holes that have been left?

I don’t seem to notice any cavity insulation either. Is that not a requirement.

Yes, you are absolutely right, the insulation is missing. The developer can no longer be involved as 2 years have passed, this could only classify as 3-10 years BuildMark Warranty Cover from NHBC.

 

[Midwest]

Whilst it is a poor design choice the DP MCB in the top meter box will provide adequate protection.
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In theory yes there is space, but in reality the equipment in the top box would have been fitted before the meter was installed and the meter fitters would likely have created a fuss if it had been installed in the bottom box.

It is a poor design, seems almost like an after thought, or the designer was unaware of DNO requirements.

 

[adriana]

Whilst it is a poor design choice the DP MCB in the top meter box will provide adequate protection.
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In theory yes there is space, but in reality the equipment in the top box would have been fitted before the meter was installed and the meter fitters would likely have created a fuss if it had been installed in the bottom box.

The other Houses within the same development have only one meter box, but it is located to the front elevation, much closer to the consumer unit.

 

[Midwest]

The other Houses within the same development have only one meter box, but it is located to the front elevation, much closer to the consumer unit.

Someone dropped a clanger then, and placed the electrical supply cable in the wrong place!

Have you made contact with NHBC? Just because the 2 year developers warranty has passed, doesn’t negate them from responsibility for poor workman ship.
I would consider getting some legal advice at this late stage; did you buy this house from new, or are you a subsequent owner?

 

[adriana]

Someone dropped a clanger then, and placed the electrical supply cable in the wrong place!

Have you made contact with NHBC? Just because the 2 year developers warranty has passed, doesn’t negate them from responsibility for poor workman ship.
I would consider getting some legal advice at this late stage; did you buy this house from new, or are you a subsequent owner?

I purchased the House from new.

 

[PEG]

They are on for a 30%+ fall in profits,come January....maybe they started cutting costs way before....
Not much joy in saying that,going off pictures and experience,you will be stuck with the current arrangement,unless rectified at your own expense.