PIR and cables under insulation

[sjm]

Hi guys, just a couple of questions.
First I seem to remember a local spark saying that you don't climb around in lofts whilst doing a PIR. Your thoughts on this please guys.
Secondly if you do go into the loft most houses will have 2.5 T+E for sockets on ring main probably under insulation. If the insulation is over 100mm what code should this be given?

Thanks in advance.
Steve

 

[malcolmsanford]

I certainly wouldn't be crawling about in a loft on a PIR, unless my testing showed up a problem that needed investigation. Reg 621.2 does mention not having to dismantle an installation, to me that would include looking in lofts.

To be honest I most likely would not code it anything, certainly not for lighting or socket circuits. If there were a cooker or a shower circuit that was covered I may draw that to the attention of the customer in a covering letter.

 

[Octopus]

I always look in the loft when doing a PIR.

 

[malcolmsanford]

May I ask why? Not saying that your wrong by any means, just curious.

 

[KEVINDOE]

I have a look around, just to see if anyones stuck a tv amplifier in to a socket spur, or just to see if there is a light fitted.

 

[Octopus]

May I ask why? Not saying that your wrong by any means, just curious.

When I first did a PIR, a mate who's been in the trade for 20 years came along and it was "his" way - and I think its right because I've seen all sorts of DIY and handyman bodges in lofts. Being thorough.

 

[Octopus]

When I first did a PIR, a mate who's been in the trade for 20 years came along and it was "his" way - and I think its right because I've seen all sorts of DIY and handyman bodges in lofts. Being thorough.

The attached photo is my latest "find" - a piece of choc block, wrapped in tape linking 6mm cable to 2.5mm cable - and in the CU, the mcb supplying was a 40A fuse!

View attachment 4112

 

[telectrix]

at least he's put the joint on top of the insulation to keep it cool.

 

[michaelw6]

at least he's put the joint on top of the insulation to keep it cool.

LOL that did make me chuckle!!!

 

[SirKit Breaker]

I always look into anywhere which is readily accessible. Not saying not looking into lofts is wrong, it is just what I do for the reasons stated in other replies. I only mean look, i don't get in and crawl about.

Cheers..........Howard

 

[pushrod]

Hi guys, just a couple of questions.
First I seem to remember a local spark saying that you don't climb around in lofts whilst doing a PIR. Your thoughts on this please guys.
Secondly if you do go into the loft most houses will have 2.5 T+E for sockets on ring main probably under insulation. If the insulation is over 100mm what code should this be given?

Thanks in advance.
Steve

Unless you are going to actually do the cable calcs for what ever cables are there i don't suppose you can code it because you don't know that it hasn't been correctly factored into the the current carrying capacity for that circuit.

 

[SimpleSimon]

I only go in the loft if it's easily accessible. Light up there, easy to get around. It's not disturbing if the loft was made for access. IMO

 

[mart8235]

I'd only be concerned about the insulation if spots were installed under it!

 

[mart8235]

But yes, have a look in the loft, but not crawl round!

 

[sparks1234]

Why not have a look in the loft?, all for the sake of getting a pair of steps out of the van. whats to say the cables up there arent being crushed by a mountain of suitcases etc etc, it may also be easier to look at lighting joints etc