Spurred pump from lighting circuit

[spud1]

Hi all. I have had a query from a client.
We recently spurred a shower boost pump (400W) off of a local lighting circuit due to there being no local power circuit to connect to. We made an assessment of the lighting circuit loading, deemed it sufficiant to carry the additional load of the pump and installed switched fused isolation for the pump with the correct fuse in place. Can anyone give me good reason why this installation would not comply with regulations (My clients argument). A minor works certificate was issued on completion. Cheers !

 

[Octopus]

Why do they say it doesn't meet the regulations?

And was it notified?

 

[topquark]

Where is the pump located? Rules for special locations may apply, so may need RCD protection etc depending on where it is.

 

[spud1]

It is in a school so notification would not apply and it is in a cupboard so not a special location but is RCD protected anyway. Thier issue is the fact it has been spurred from a lighting circuit ?? OK in my eyes ?

 

[yellowvanman]

As long as cable is sufficient, I assume 6A overcurrent protection, then you've done nothing wrong! If you can hae a 500W flood on a lighting circuit why not a 400W pump.

May seem wrong to the untrained eye but they don't know what we know!

 

[PC Electrics]

Nowt wrong with what you have done, IMO. Presumably (since you don't mention it) your load assessment was good otherwise they'd be suffering MCB tripping.

Ask them to detail exactly which BS7671 regulations they believe are broken. I'd be interested myself, as I have put a couple of pumps on lights circuit over the last couple of years.

Do report back.

 

[MarkieSparkie]

I can see no issues with what you've done mate. Write to the client stating that to the best of your knowledge the installation complies with BS7671 and that if they still disagree to reply detailing their complaint in writing stating the regulation/s believed to be breached.

 

[nickblake]

be honest i cant see a problem its fused down presumably to 3 amp , i asked a question to elecsa technical regarding the heater/ light fittings which is a 750 watt load and they said they were not a problem so what you have done in my eye is fine

 

[topquark]

It is in a school so notification would not apply and it is in a cupboard so not a special location but is RCD protected anyway. Thier issue is the fact it has been spurred from a lighting circuit ?? OK in my eyes ?

Special location (still part of the wiring regs), not notification

As it's away in a cupboard then classed as a separate room anyway. As you've used appropriate cable then can't see an issue.

 

[Paul.M]

Soon as people here the words "lighting circuit" or see a 1.5mm cable or 6A mcb they automatically think its for lights only, not the case. You've done nothing wrong, infact it sounds like a spot on job. As above let them show you in the brb where it says that you can't do it? (long as you've labeled the cu for that circuit)

 

[Des 56]

Well there's about a kilowatt of spare capacity for the existing lights
You say its not overloading the circuit,so where's the problem

If the labelling of the circuit is up to date,then alls well

You would not hear cries off the client if there was a fan on a lighting circuit,so other than loading ask them whats the diffference