Just a couple of questions....

[roukel01]

Hi All

Just been to an inspection, I'd appreciate your thoughts on the following observations..

1) Main equipotential bonding. There was only 1 x 10mm Earth which was looped from the Gas and then to the water, the 10mm isn't cut, simply looped from one to the next. Is this ok?

2) I found a Switched fuse spur directly above the sink (not the drainer but the actual sink) usual height above the work surface, what code would you give this? should it be changed to a splash proof one? I don't think they'll want it moved because its all tiled.

Thanks for your help
Lee

 

[Des 56]

The 10mm unbroken is ok,

There is only recomendations regarding distances from sink units/draining boards, the 300mm of the building regs may be the one to compare it to
The other requirement is that the accessory should be suitable for the environment,I woulkd consider the switched part of the spur to be unsuitable so code 2

Perhaps it may not be such an issue if it was possible to be swapped out for an un switched spur

 

[Mark.W]

10mm should be ok as long as the conductors aren't cut. You could also do a continuity test on the pipework to confirm.

Code 2 for me also, it should be replaced with a suitable IP rated accessory, either that or it should be moved.


Mark

 

[roukel01]

so, are there any suitable IP rated accesories I can use in a kitchen?? or will a fused spur be ok? I'm not sure they'll want an MK Masterseal slapped on the wall!!

Interesting, I pay ELECSA £400 a year so I thought I'd give Technical a call (never done it before) he wasn't bothered about the Fused Connection unit, told me not to worry about it, as he put it, "chances that the thing would get splashed were quite remote so don't worry!"

 

[steamboatwilly]

....told me not to worry about it, as he put it, "chances that the thing would get splashed were quite remote so don't worry!"

Interesting...actually, I agree that it's low risk especially if it was un-switched but since it IS switched surely the risk isn't only splashing but wet hands?

I've only phoned the NIC helpline once and then I was quite surprised at how easy going they were.

 

[Eggster71]

Bonding I agree with the above. Change the switched spur for an unswitched on... removing a fuse is classed as safe isolation by the electricity at work act.

 

[andyb]

Bonding I agree with the above. Change the switched spur for an unswitched on... removing a fuse is classed as safe isolation by the electricity at work act.

I think it depends on what you are isolating,
Any rotating machinery such as a waste disposal unit will need d/pole isolation.

 

[Eggster71]

I think it depends on what you are isolating,
Any rotating machinery such as a waste disposal unit will need d/pole isolation.

Granted.

 

[Des 56]

I think it depends on what you are isolating,
Any rotating machinery such as a waste disposal unit will need d/pole isolation.

Just trying to justify the reason that could be given for using the unswitched spur
The case could be made that the means of isolation could be the double pole switch at the consumer unit,or the socket outlet feeding the appliance, accessability being another issue

 

[Eggster71]

It'd help, I suppose, to know what the spur's supplying wouldn't it! If it's the control for a waste disposal then I doubt an unswitched spur would be very good......you'd need a screwdriver to mash up your teabags!

 

[roukel01]

Its for the boiler

 

[Des 56]

Its for the boiler

Double pole isolation required then,
Is it practical to joint and blank plate the existing switched spur and re install at the boiler locally or fit fused spur and do the same if a ring or undersized cable is involved ?

 

[roukel01]

Cheers for the advice Des, but if ELECSA aren't bothered by it being there, then I'm gonna leave it alone, although I think it should be moved.