Is this a C2 or C3

[pokrok]

Official Use ONLY

 

[MJPD29]

Hard to see but I would say c2 basic insulation outside of enclosure

 

[westward10]

What do you think.

 

[Dartlec]

Is that standard electrical tape? or self-amalgamating tape?

Assuming that the sheath has been removed beneath it, then it is not suitable as replacement insulation (despite the name), so the issue would be basic insulation visible outside of enclosure, which is usually a C2.

However, if this was up in the ceiling, and there were no metal parts that it might touch, I might well consider this a C3, as it's not accessible to touch...

Pretty much every new build in the last 20 years probably has this in every downlight though (usually without the tape).... unless they've since been replaced by someone with the time to do things properly....

 

[westward10]

The tape makes no difference it is not suitably enclosed.

 

[LukeD]

As it stands C2 . But the reality is there will be millions like this in the Uk !

 

[westward10]

As it stands C2 . But the reality is there will be millions like this in the Uk !

The UK is a C2 then?

 

[Dartlec]

The tape makes no difference it is not suitably enclosed.

Agreed - though if it was self amalgamating tape (that couldn't be removed without a tool), that would make things slightly different would it not? Looks more like tape I agree....

 

[Dartlec]

From BPG4:

(C2) Sheath of an insulated and sheathed nonarmoured cable not taken inside the enclosure of an accessory, such as at a socket-outlet or lighting switch, where the unsheathed cores are accessible to touch and/or likely to come into contact with metalwork. (Note: Code C3 would apply if the unsheathed cores are not accessible to touch nor likely to come into contact with metalwork)​

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[Dustydazzler]

Typical builders installation job, i guess atleast they joined the earths and didn’t just cut them off like 99.9999% of builders normally do

inspectors hat on C2

real work hat on C3 as it’s up in the ceiling void and under normal circumstances unlikely to ever be touched by anyone

 

[telectrix]

From BPG4:

(C2) Sheath of an insulated and sheathed nonarmoured cable not taken inside the enclosure of an accessory, such as at a socket-outlet or lighting switch, where the unsheathed cores are accessible to touch and/or likely to come into contact with metalwork. (Note: Code C3 would apply if the unsheathed cores are not accessible to touch nor likely to come into contact with metalwork)​

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so that makes it a C2 as shown in the OP's pic., but a C3 when shoved back in the ceiling? push it back up andvcharge £100 for remedial work.

 

[Dartlec]

so that makes it a C2 as shown in the OP's pic., but a C3 when shoved back in the ceiling?

Guess so! Though there is the argument that if the downlight itself is metal (and not earthed), then maybe it should be a C2 if either of the live conductors could touch it....

There is also this:

Unenclosed electrical connections, such as at luminaires. (Such a defect can contribute to a fire, particularly where extra-low voltage filament lamps are used)​

Which would mean always a C2 if the terminal blocks were outside the enclosure I guess....

I don't think I've ever seen a new build with downlights that aren't like this picture (minus the tape) though

 

[brianmoooore]

so that makes it a C2 as shown in the OP's pic., but a C3 when shoved back in the ceiling?

As above, unless the fitting should be earthed (and as appears to be the case, isn't), then back to C2.

 

[littlespark]

Not sure if it’s the same model of fitting, but the little black jointbox should be clipped to the metal plate sticking out to the left. This plate may also have a threaded hole that should take an earth terminal screw.

So by design, the fitting should have been earthed.... but isn’t. C2

Other fittings may be double insulated (look for a square within a square logo)
If so, then C3, basic insulation outside enclosure.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Isn’t basic insulation outside of the box a C2 , potentially dangerous as their is not mechanical protection on the single cables