Some times I really feel sorry for some clients

[Octopus]

Today I got a call from a lady today, asking me if I could come and provide a price to move a socket.

So I duely turned up at the prearranged time.....

1. The had ordered a new cooker from Comet - who had turned up to install it and have refused due to the location of the socket above being "illegal"



2. They've marked the two tiles where a new socket would be OK as the new cooker is a gas unit and only requires a socket (13a plug) supply

3. No RCD protection in the house - so a single RCD socket in the kitchen would be required!

4. No bonding to the gas and water - and the CU is on the opposite side of the detached house - clearly didn't like hearing about the requirement to add this before I can do anything.


This couple are elderly, and judging by the home and their reaction to what I said, don't have much money.

So what would you do.....

1. Play by the rules, insist on the bonding, RCD socket, etc??

or

2. Bend the rules and forget the bonding and RCD's??

Oh happy days!

 

[telectrix]

how is the cooker to be connected, hard wired or on a plug?

 

[Octopus]

how is the cooker to be connected, hard wired or on a plug?

Plug, I've amended the original post to reflect this rather important point - it is Friday pm!

 

[ayjay]

i don,t think the socket is in an illegal place, its quite high up out of the heat

 

[Marvo]

Hmm, can't you just fit a stainless steel deflector plate under the socket or even something IP55 like one of these?

 

[Guest55]

robbing little old ladies now ? how could you.
option b.

 

[telectrix]

is there a low level socket to plug the cooker into?

 

[Octopus]

is there a low level socket to plug the cooker into?

On the other side of the room!

 

[telectrix]

the ideal remedy would to blank off the offending socket, extend the cables to a new socket below worktops, do the earthing and bonding, and fit RCD to the relevant circuit. obviously, cost is going to be a factor. if the clients are elderly, then there may be grant assistance from the local council.

 

[ipf]

What about changing the double socket for an rcd fcu and mt to socket behind cooker.
Not ideal but takes the plug and socket out of the frame. The bonding is another matter, but at least the new wiring is protected.

 

[Guitarist]

Surely we want the system to be as safe as possible for an elderly couple, not bend the rules because we "assume" they have no money.
Treat all customers the same as far as regs go imo. If you want to give them a special rate for your labour then obviously that's your call.
The socket needs moving.

 

[topquark]

Makes you wonder why the ignition system needs a mains connection, it ain't that hard to generate a spark from a battery source! Lazy manufactuers.

If they're an elderly couple I'd do the bonding for material cost only....coz I'll be there in a few more years

 

[Guest55]

as others have mentioned , blank off existing skt , then drop down in mini-trunking to new skt behind cooker - 20 mins max.

 

[telectrix]

as others have mentioned , blank off existing skt , then drop down in mini-trunking to new skt behind cooker - 20 mins max.

even so, bonding would need to be done. jury's still out on the RCD.

 

[imago]

Cheapest option:- Take the cable supplying the socket back to a safe position and blank it off. Give them a box of matches.