EICR on commercial unit

[JohnS888]

Hi all



Doing an EICR on a commercial unit. Last time done was 2002. No rcd protection whatsoever and plastic board. All circuitry testing out fine, complete ring, c.p.c's present at all lighting points and other appliances. One thing am unsure on is how to code lack of rcd protection on sockets. From any guidance material read for domestic premises this is now advised C2 but C3 in commercial why would this be? I understand if risk assessment and maintenance plan put in place for circuits where loss of data a concern can be applicable but a potential safety hazard is a potential safety hazard surely. The other thing concerns me is on testing bonding to all pipework test results good upto connection but then after all pipes heavily painted and resistances shoot upwards of 2-3 ohms should this be a concern to me? Also there is a non continuous link from one pipe to another in 6mm although reading up to this clamp is good would others have any concerns with this? Thanks

 

[westward10]

Plastic boards are irrelevant for installations outside of domestic. You must use you own judgement for the lack of additional rcd protection for socket outlets and cables in walls without earthed containment not take the word of a guide book. As long as your main protective bonds are sound in their connection, ie not clamped onto a painted section the fact the pipework is painted is probably irrelevant. Your resistance shooting up is probably a poor connection through the paintwork.

 

[JohnS888]

Plastic boards are irrelevant for installations outside of domestic. You must use you own judgement for the lack of additional rcd protection for socket outlets and cables in walls without earthed containment not take the word of a guide book. As long as your main protective bonds are sound in their connection, ie not clamped onto a painted section the fact the pipework is painted is probably irrelevant. Your resistance shooting up is probably a poor connection through the paintwork.

Thanks Westward always good to get thoughts/experiences of others

 

[Vortigern]

Think from what you say it sounds like a "satisfactory" for the report. No damage to fittings everything secure tests ok etc. I would say C3 for no rcd and recommend fitting them as "additional protection" What kind of commercial is it though? I mean if it is a car wash I might take a different view.

 

[JohnS888]

Think from what you say it sounds like a "satisfactory" for the report. No damage to fittings everything secure tests ok etc. I would say C3 for no rcd and recommend fitting them as "additional protection" What kind of commercial is it though? I mean if it is a car wash I might take a different view.

Thanks Vortigern. C3 is what I went with. All circuits in surface mounted trunking. No bathroom areas, just standard office layout. Double insulated fluorescents. Recommended metal clad board an rcd protection atleast covered self there

 

[westward10]

You cannot Code a plastic board in a non domestic installation it does not apply.

 

[JohnS888]

You cannot Code a plastic board in a non domestic installation it does not apply.

I didn't code it Westward but added it as a comment and recommendation. The way I see it is that if plastic boards have been found to not provide great protection in event of fire starting within them, then in commercial this must surely still be applicable. There maybe less likelihood of loss of life but still a hazard nonetheless

 

[Vortigern]

Who is coding a plastic box? Anyway why not? Not that that was what I was alluding to. But if something could significantly improve safety there is no reason not to include it surely.

 

[westward10]

It is not applicable outside of domestic. I see where you are coming from but commercial installations should be less prone to non skilled tampering. On an EICR stick to facts and not your personal feelings.

 

[davesparks]

As far as the plastic board goes what type is it and what is the enviroment it is fitted in?

If it is an IP rated board fitted in a location where that is required then replacing it for metal would likely be making it less safe.
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I didn't code it Westward but added it as a comment and recommendation. The way I see it is that if plastic boards have been found to not provide great protection in event of fire starting within them, then in commercial this must surely still be applicable. There maybe less likelihood of loss of life but still a hazard nonetheless

Non-metal boards are sometimes required in non-domestic situations because of the nature of the enviroment or the nature of the use of the building.