EICR Coding query

[SG_Electrical]

Hi all, I have recently carried out an EICR on a big house and am struggling with coding on quite a big issue. The main tails & earth's are connected into Henley blocks, then looped into 2 separate consumer units right next to the service head/meter etc. Then there is a 3rd set of tails which go into a 100a DP main switch. Connected to the load side of the switch is a 16mm Swa which runs underground into another Consumer unit in an extension of the house. There is no connection from the MET to the swa feeding this 3rd consumer unit, hence there is no main earth connection at this board. The problem is, although it is a relatively simple fix, I have been asked to only do a report & not touch any remedials yet.obviously I know the issue needs resolving as a matter of urgency, however, as far as reporting it I am struggling to find a reg. number and code. Any help much appreciated

 

[radiohead]

No earthing provision to a DB? Code 2 if the DB has no fault readings. Code 1 if it does.

 

[SG_Electrical]

No earthing provision to a DB? Code 2 if the DB has no fault readings. Code 1 if it does.

No fault readings on dead tests, however the lack of earth connection to this DB means no Ze/Zs and also that the RCD is serving no purpose

 

[Deleted account]

Is the armour of the SWA earthed?
is the SWA 3 core?
what does the separate db supply?
Is separate db on a TT system?

pictures would help.

 

[Deleted account]

No fault readings on dead tests, however the lack of earth connection to this DB means no Ze/Zs and also that the RCD is serving no purpose

If that’s the case I’d probably not re energise the board after doing the tests.

remember you do not have the authority to disconnect someone’s electric supply. But you can chose not t9 re energise after testing.

 

[westward10]

Did you actually actually carry out a Zs at this third board to confirm the absence of an earth.

 

[SG_Electrical]

Is the armour of the SWA earthed?
is the SWA 3 core?
what does the separate db supply?
Is separate db on a TT system?

pictures would help.

No, the swa isn't earthed at either end. Yes it's a 3 core with the 3rd core connected to the earth bar at the consumer unit and connected to the enclosure of the 100a dp switch at the other end. The DB supplies the lighting/small power in the extension and isn't on a TT. It's literally just missing an earth from the MET to the steel enclosure of the 100a dp switch. Like I said it's a very easy fix but I have to find the reg this contravenes and code it before doing any remedials. I'm starting to wish I'd just connected it and kept quiet ?

 

[Deleted account]

As for reg number. You do not have to supply this as part of an EICR. Remember it is the customer who reads the report they need to understand it. Reg numbers are meaningless to them.

 

[westward10]

So did you Zs it.

 

[SG_Electrical]

Did you actually actually carry out a Zs at this third board to confirm the absence of an earth.

Yes, and as I say i know exactly what needs doing to put it right. I just have never come across a board with no main earth connection so am struggling to find the appropriate reg/code.

 

[Deleted account]

I would C1. Either fix it there and then or do not re energise.

 

[westward10]

What Zs did you get.

 

[SG_Electrical]

What Zs did you get.

Couldn't even get tester to run a test as there was no connection to earth. No bonding from that board so couldn't even get a reading using parallel paths

 

[pc1966]

The Best Practice Guide #4 has C2 for missing/ineffective earth:

• Absence of a reliable and effective means of earthing for the installation
• Absence of a circuit protective conductor for a circuit, other than a lighting circuit, supplying Class I equipment
• Absence of earthing at a socket-outlet
• Absence of effective main protective bonding of extraneous-conductive-parts entering the premises

They only have C1 for exposed live parts or incorrect polarity.

But it is something that has to be put in writing to the client (and occupier, if different) as it is clearly a high risk of any additional fault being potentially fatal.

 

[westward10]

What do think it should be Coded as.

 

[andyb]

Yes, and as I say i know exactly what needs doing to put it right. I just have never come across a board with no main earth connection so am struggling to find the appropriate reg/code.

You need to forget the fact that it's a board, you have a circuit (the supply to the board) without a cpc. Therefore ADS is not being met. The Zs is too high and there is no earth fault protection. Code 2.
None of the final circuit from the board will have acceptable Zs or disconnection times. All code 2.

 

[Pretty Mouth]

and also that the RCD is serving no purpose

The RCD will still provide additional protection where required. You still need a CPC to meet requirements for ADS

 

[SG_Electrical]

Thanks for the replies gents, much appreciated. I've coded as a c2 and written on the report that it needs to be rectified as a matter of urgency. I was probably overthinking the reg. number aspect rather than just calling a spade a spade. Much appreciated ?