EICR - estimating dates of alterations and additions

[kingeri]

I find it relatively easy to judge the age of additions and alterations to installations with some degree of accuracy (I think). One useful clue can be the date stamp or sticker on accessories and MCBs etc.. My problem is I don't know how to read most of them. Is there a method I am unaware of? Different manufacturers seem to use different systems, or again am I imagining this?

 

[kingeri]

Did I say something wrong?? :24:

 

[jdd]

Not sure what your question is? Manufacturers do use different date stamp codes, never looked at these in detail to be honest. Just give an estimated age using your engineering judgement.

 

[Guest55]

A PIR / EICR doesnt actually ask for the age of alterations / additions , just an estimated guess on the age of the installation as a whole.
For this I always use the cables as the determining factor rather than the accessories.
just my 2p.

 

[Guest55]

Edit :
crap , just checked , it does ask for age of alterations , oops lol.

 

[imago]

I tend to put an age range, "2 - 10 years" or whatever seems appropriate when I look at the wiring. You can't rely on accessories as they can be newer than the alterations, or older if they've used second hand bits.

 

[kingeri]

All very true. I know you can usually go by type / condition of cables, fuseboard etc., but if all the accessories in a room that has clearly been added have the same date code, then it may be helpful to know what that date is, because you know it is likely that the addition was made after that date. Just something I was thinking about. No biggie!

 

[habitual]

I am a new member so be nice here, some good replies thus far. What sets you above others in deciding when any alteration is carried out is your competence, remember when doing any inspection the inspector is required to satisfy the requirements of BS7671. This would involve experience of past installation methods and working knowledge of BS7671 previous to those under inspection.
Most installations fail in this regard as we are often faced with testing an installation without any previous test results or EIC's.
Manufacturers details can be used as a guide. if dated, and the type of cables used and the diameter of those can be used to narrow down a date. Remember you have been given little information and the date you eventually give on the certificate is only your own educated guess, and is not going to be pulled during an assessment unless you are very off the mark.
So just use your experience and judgement to make an educated guess and you will be fine.

 

[RISElectrical]

I wouldn't go that deep into it tbh, have a look round and do the pir, at the end you'll be able to guesstimate it to within a 5 year period at the most