Exposed copper wire under the floorboards after rewire

[mattg4321]

OP have you received any test certificates?

 

[123]

Worth noting that even if you post a very good standard of work on this forum its going to get some criticism.

That said, that doesn't look like a very good standard of work at all from any of the photo's so far, it'll be interesting to see what actions, if any, the scheme takes.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Worth noting that even if you post a very good standard of work on this forum its going to get some criticism.

That said, that doesn't look like a very good standard of work at all from any of the photo's so far, it'll be interesting to see what actions, if any, the scheme takes.

A lashed joint like that with all the cores hanging out has never been acceptable , even rough old electricians would have wrapped it in some tape

 

[ipf]

That trunking at the top of the consumer unit is rough.

Not as rough as the tails.....with T&E clips....well, perhaps not.

 

[Dave OCD]

I'd love to see inside that board but not worth the OP risking taking the cover off . Work of this standard really infuriates me ,I genuinely feel sorry for the OP, particularly with the history and sentimental value of the house.

 

[Dustydazzler]

What makes it worse is the OP hired an 'electrician' to do the re-wire and this is the dogs breakfast they got.

I could understand the mess if they hired a builder or plumber to do the re-wire but not from a trained electrician.

This industry especially the domestic sector has gone to the dogs and the rough work I see on a regular basis done by so called cps sparks is terrifying.
I even saw a bypassed rcd the other day done by a so called cps sparks. This has to be an all time low for the industry.

I have tried reporting these imposters to the scams in the past but nothing ever happens and the homeowner just ends up paying me or someone else to re-do the work.

Shame

 

[nicebutdim]

What makes it worse is the OP hired an 'electrician' to do the re-wire and this is the dogs breakfast they got.

I could understand the mess if they hired a builder or plumber to do the re-wire but not from a trained electrician.

This industry especially the domestic sector has gone to the dogs and the rough work I see on a regular basis done by so called cps sparks is terrifying.
I even saw a bypassed rcd the other day done by a so called cps sparks. This has to be an all time low for the industry.

I have tried reporting these imposters to the scams in the past but nothing ever happens and the homeowner just ends up paying me or someone else to re-do the work.

Shame

I'm inclined to agree but, no matter what sort of training this 'electrician' undertook, they'll have known full well that such work is unacceptable.

 

[baldelectrician]

You can ask the NICEIC to perform an inspection (they may ask you to pay initially but you can use their inspectors report as evidence in court)

Did the contractor give you a written quote with a 14 day cooling off period (if not you can ask - through court -for your money back)

 

[Markyd]

Absolute crap work....Report them..Name and shame and dont pay...Threaten them with court and make sure no other poor unsuspecting person uses them ever again ....This has to stop

 

[pc1966]

A close up if the bottom of the consumer unit would also be interesting, to see what sort of a gland or grommet they have used - hopefully it is not cables resting on the sharp edge of the metal.

That was also my though. If the exposed joints are typical of the "workmanship" then a lack of proper cable protection/support is not going to surprise me

 

[SagaCU29]

Of course everybody is assuming that the exposed terminals are part of the rewire and not the original wiring.
Just saying.

 

[James]

Agreed but even if they are original and now unused cables, I would expect to see them in an enclosure

 

[Dustydazzler]

Of course everybody is assuming that the exposed terminals are part of the rewire and not the original wiring.
Just saying.

Even if by some twist of fate that birds nest joint was the original wiring , Imo any sparks worth their salt during a full rewire should of at very least put it all in a choc box or adaptable box

 

[Dustydazzler]

£2.50 from any wholesalers

Problem solved

 

[nicebutdim]

Of course everybody is assuming that the exposed terminals are part of the rewire and not the original wiring.
Just saying.

OP states full rewire and connectors pictured look to be 'Ideal' brand, which would place them in the last few years.

 

[123]

£2.50 from any wholesalers

Problem solved

That's not really suitable for a joint under the floorboards either though

 

[Dave OCD]

That's not really suitable for a joint under the floorboards either though

Agreed - and I also think Dusty must be using a very expensive wholesaler !

 

[Jim_e_Jib]

Agreed - and I also think Dusty must be using a very expensive wholesaler !

The wholesaler knows how much his hourly rate is

 

[timhoward]

The wholesaler knows how much his hourly rate is

I reckon wholesalers in that neck of the woods must serve caviar on toast, canopes, and Pimms, not digestive biscuits and instant coffee...

 

[Dave OCD]

That must be the same wholesaler frequented by Artifarty electrics eh ?

 

[telectrix]

£2.50 from any wholesalers

Problem solved

is that relic mushroom free without a cable tie and bare cpc's twisted oiutside the box??

 

[Dustydazzler]

is that relic mushroom free without a cable tie and bare cpc's twisted oiutside the box??

I save JBs for the Rolls Royce Jobs , normally I just twist the wires together and sling the whole mess under the floor boards....


Isn't that what every one does ???

 

[littlespark]

Joint boxes….. floorboards….. I sense a monty python sketch coming…

Luxury…. Bloody luxury

 

[MJPD29]

I have to say after reading through the thread from the start until the picture of the consumer unit, I was fully expecting to see a BG split load board.

 

[catdog1121]

I have to say after reading through the thread from the start until the picture of the consumer unit, I was fully expecting to see a BG split load board.

Haha I was going to say the exact same thing, as soon as you see a BG split load board with no SPD on a new consumer unit you know its gunna be rough... Cheapest consumer unit Screwfix sell.

Personally I just don't give customers the choice, I fit Hager, if they want something cheaper they can go with someone else, clearly this is the result.. Worst thing for the OP is I bet they weren't cheap either.. I know as electricians we always moan about other peoples work as we all like to do things our own way etc but I think we can unanimously all agree that is as rough as old boots, how have these people been allowed to continue in the industry, I blame the CPS's, NICEIC should not be suggesting the customer make an official complaint to the company, with such poor workmanship they should be coming out and checking and then chucking that company out of their scheme and banning that person from joining and telling NAPIT about him so he cant join them.. But of course they just want their money..

 

[pc1966]

Haha I was going to say the exact same thing, as soon as you see a BG split load board with no SPD on a new consumer unit you know its gunna be rough... Cheapest consumer unit Screwfix sell.

Just reading the Toolstation flyer that arrived by post offering "18th edtition" Contactum CUs dual RCD without SPD. Really?

 

[telectrix]

1. SPDs are optional,not mandatory.
2. I've fitted dozens of BG dual RCD CUs and they've been fine. only gripe is cover can be a bit awkward to fit.

might not be the best quality, but ranks high on the value for money scale.

 

[telectrix]

another small gripe is the internal tails feeding the RCDs. in the wqy. i usually take them out to wire in the circuis, then refit them after. sometimes i even get them in the right order.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Just reading the Toolstation flyer that arrived by post offering "18th edtition" Contactum CUs dual RCD without SPD. Really?

DIY market , it is huge. A few months ago I looked at a job where the retired home owner attempted his own board change purchased on sale from Toolstation but one of his RCDs kept tripping out. He couldn't find the borrowed N on the lighting

 

[pc1966]

1. SPDs are optional,not mandatory.

True, but if not fitted there should be a risk assessment to justify it. Which I doubt happens in most cases.

My gripe is more about the stupid "18th edition" naming. You could argue that "17th amendment 3" makes sense for the metal CU that became a requirement then, but if calling it "18th" then what was added if it is not the SPD?

 

[DPG]

True, but if not fitted there should be a risk assessment to justify it. Which I doubt happens in most cases.

My gripe is more about the stupid "18th edition" naming. You could argue that "17th amendment 3" makes sense for the metal CU that became a requirement then, but if calling it "18th" then what was added if it is not the SPD?

Absolutely. It just causes more confusion calling them 17th or 18th edition units. Doesn't help anybody. Sparkies don't need it, and the average DIY guy probably going to think his work is 18th compliant because it says so on the box.

 

[Markyd]

Just reading the Toolstation flyer that arrived by post offering "18th edtition" Contactum CUs dual RCD without SPD. Really?

So whats the problem?.......

 

[Dave OCD]

another small gripe is the internal tails feeding the RCDs. in the wqy. i usually take them out to wire in the circuis, then refit them after. sometimes i even get them in the right order.

This is where a Sharpie is your friend Tel, saves 10 seconds thinking time.

 

[James]

This is where a Sharpie is your friend Tel, saves 10 seconds thinking Drinking time.

Corrected that for you dave.

 

[telectrix]

Corrected that for you dave. rodney.

re-corrected, Trigger.

 

[DPG]

This is where a Sharpie is your friend Tel, saves 10 seconds thinking time.

Top tip.

 

[Rockingit]

This is where a Sharpie is your friend Tel, saves 10 seconds thinking time.

Off topic, but does anyone else sharpie the internal tops of MCB's with the cct details so that you can ident them with the panel off?

 

[timhoward]

Off topic, but does anyone else sharpie the internal tops of MCB's with the cct details so that you can ident them with the panel off?

I do sometimes number them on the top during an eicr if it's a particularly bad rats nest.
If I'm doing a label print for the outside cover, I normally just do a 2nd label for the bus bar cover inside.

 

[Rockingit]

If I'm doing a label print for the outside cover, I normally just do a 2nd label for the bus bar cover inside.

Genuine question, not a challenge.... apart from the expense, does adding a label internally comply with fire retardancy requirements for a type tested unit?

 

[timhoward]

Genuine question, not a challenge.... apart from the expense, does adding a label internally comply with fire retardancy requirements for a type tested unit?

Interesting question!

 

[loz2754]

Genuine question, not a challenge.... apart from the expense, does adding a label internally comply with fire retardancy requirements for a type tested unit?

I would say not a problem, as there are already paper labels on the inside of the consumer unit (terminal labels for earth and neutral bars for example).

 

[DPG]

Strictly speaking I imagine you probably shouldn't add any paper or plastic based labels to the inside of any manufactured product. Not that there would ever be any comeback.

I can only think of issues in really odd cases such as someone sticking a label near mains voltage terminals, and it gets damp and tracks across.

 

[timhoward]

Plenty of 3 phase units have an identical label inside and on the outer cover. Of course they are provided that way by manufacturer so that's a bit different. Just for fun I might try setting fire to a brother label later....
I wouldn't have thought it would provide much fuel for long in a metal unit.

 

[DPG]

Plenty of 3 phase units have an identical label inside and on the outer cover. Of course they are provided that way by manufacturer so that's a bit different. Just for fun I might try setting fire to a brother label later....
I wouldn't have thought it would provide much fuel for long in a metal unit.

Yeah absolutely. Should be no real world issues.

Mind you, don't use the metallic foil tape

 

[timhoward]

Mind you, don't use the metallic foil tape

oh you're no fun at all....

 

[telectrix]

so the legend on the B&H packet is a no-no? wrote smoke, but some AI dipstick turned it to smokes. F£G FFS

 

[James]

I doubt that a label makes much difference compared to all the pvc you add when cables are installed.

 

[Rockingit]

I doubt that a label makes much difference compared to all the pvc you add when cables are installed.

I think a pedant would probably say that the cables are already accounted for in a type test by virtue of the various standards and compliances, whereas the added label has no known BS EN standards materials, adhesive, ink...

 

[James]

I think a pedant would probably say that the cables are already accounted for in a type test by virtue of the various standards and compliances, whereas the added label has no known BS EN standards materials, adhesive, ink...

That probably applies to all the screwdrivers I have left in various panels over the years too.
couple of torches have been lost in the same manor I think.
thankfully they have not caused any spontaneous combustion as far as I know!

 

[timhoward]

That probably applies to all the screwdrivers I have left in various panels over the years too.
couple of torches have been lost in the same manor I think.
thankfully they have not caused any spontaneous combustion as far as I know!

The opposite applies too (Confession) - I’ve had a neutral link bar for an Mk split load board in my toolbox for years. I first noticed it after a frantic week and thought ‘someone will phone up and say 50% of things aren’t working’. No one ever did!