Incorrect SWA glanding/bonding

[Gary Knights]

Hi all,

I've just moved into a rented property and found the attached photo outside the conservatory. It spurs from an inside socket and goes down the garden to an outhouse. I've tried using the 18th edition to find some evidence that this is obviously the incorrect method, as I'd like to go to the agent with some good evidence.
There's also no RCD protection as the house has the old Wylex fuses.
Can anybody find something in the regs book that I could use? Is this even a pass on an electrical certificate?

Cheers all.

 

[Chivers]

That's incredibly poor workmanship section 526 Electrical connections

RCD is a requirement too since it is highly likely to be used outdoors too 411.3.3

Where is that "Earth" attached to the Armour going?

 

[JBW175]

Jesus, that’s a different type of special. Whoever did that job should be embarrassed with themselves. ?‍

 

[Sintra]

Makes you wonder why some folk even bother with SWA in the 1st place.

 

[Gary Knights]

Thanks all. Just wanted to confirm it was really poor before going back to the agent. I take it this shouldn't have been deemed passable? Especially if the property is being let to tenants?

 

[telectrix]

that is not just poor, it;s potentially lethal. needs disconnecting immediate,

 

[westward10]

Can you show a pic of the consumer unit, just out of interest.

 

[Gary Knights]

I didn't think they were supposed to be enclosed in wood either, but could be wrong?

 

[westward10]

The main switch is an rcd hard to make out if it is 30ma but probably is. Press the test button see if it trips.

 

[davesparks]

I didn't think they were supposed to be enclosed in wood either, but could be wrong?

It's not encased in wood, it's a metal board. It's the plastic boards of that age which had a wooden backing plate.

 

[Gary Knights]

It's not encased in wood, it's a metal board. It's the plastic boards of that age which had a wooden backing plate.

Oh I meant the closure around the entire incoming supply, not the ccu.
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The main switch is an rcd hard to make out if it is 30ma but probably is. Press the test button see if it trips.

It's 100ma and yes it does trip everything.

 

[littlespark]

Is the swa cable actually energised?
If it’s not powered up, and disconnected at source, then it’s not deemed to be dangerous.
Just redundant

 

[davesparks]

Oh I meant the closure around the entire incoming supply, not the ccu.

That's a cupboard, it can me made of any suitable material, the wiring regulations have no bearing on what a cupboard is made of.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Makes you wonder why some folk even bother with SWA in the 1st place.

At least the armour is earthed, that's not always the case!

the outside sockets must be protected by a 30mA RCD. There’s a 100mA, so that’s downright dangerous and does not comply.
I agree, disconnect until it’s done properly.

 

[westward10]

Are you sure it is 100ma and not 100A.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Gary said

It's 100ma and yes it does trip everything.

@Gary Knights
can we have a better photo of the main switch please ?

 

[Robson689]

Gary said

@Gary Knights
can we have a better photo of the main switch please ?

It is the Wylex WEM 80/2 100mA RCD (80A rated)

 

[Taylortwocities]

It is the Wylex WEM 80/2 100mA RCD (80A rated)

Thanks. As I said, that does not meet the (long required) need for outside sockets to be protected by a 30mA RCD. That should be provided on that garden SWA circuit too.
These days ALL circuits are required to have 30mA RCDs. The landlord may consider updating the whole fuse board. But regulations are not retrospective.

PS does your house have an earth rod somewhere outside with an earth wire connected to it?

I didn't think they were supposed to be enclosed in wood either, but could be wrong?

Whoever the muppet was that fitted the cupboard around the fuseboard did no think about the need to remove the front panel for maintenance!
A carpenter needs to remove sufficient wood to allow the front panel to be removed. No electrician will work on the installation without full access to the innerds!
Especially when/if landlord decides on an up to date consumer unit.
PS does the house have an earth rod somewhere outside with an earth wire connected to it?

 

[Gary Knights]

Is the swa cable actually energised?
If it’s not powered up, and disconnected at source, then it’s not deemed to be dangerous.
Just redundant

Yes it's energised, the socket to the outhouse is functional.
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Gary said

@Gary Knights
can we have a better photo of the main switch please ?

Here you are.

 

[richy3333]

Doesn’t BS951 specifically state those comps are for pipes?!