Electrical cert for downstairs loo

[ipbentley]

Hi,

I've fitted a downstairs loo which has had the drains signed off by the BCO and I'm now in the process of getting someone to wire the light and extractor fan as I don't have the qual's to do this myself (even though it's a relatively easy job!)

The BCO when he came out told me that I should ask the Sparky for a full installation certificate, however everyone I've had out so far to quote can't understand why I can't get away with Minor Works stamp.

The lighting circuit is being extended and the fan will run off this circuit so there are no new circuits being installed.

Anyone know if I can convice the BCO to go with a minor works?

Cheers.

 

[mikric]

He should be more than happy with minor works cert

 

[DevilDamo]

Those works would be deemed as "non-notifiable", which would be carried out by a competent person who can then issue a Minor Works Certificate to you (the owner) upon completion of works.

Notifiable works would be carried out by a person who is a member of the Competent Person Scheme who can then issue an Installation Certificate. Or, you can submit a Building Notice to the LABC.

Just for your information...

Non-notifiable work

Work consisting of:

• Replacing accessories such as socket outlets, control switches and ceiling roses
• Replacing the cable for a single circuit only, where damaged, in otherwords by fire, rodent or impact
• Re-fixing or replacing the enclosures of existing installation components
• Providing mechanical protection to existing fixed installations.

Work that is not in a kitchen or special location and does not involve a special installation and consists of:

• Adding lighting points (light fittings and switches) to an existing circuit
• Adding socket outlets and fused spurs to an existing ring or radial circuit
• Installing or upgrading main or supplementary equipotential bonding

Notifiable work

Special locations and installations:

• Locations containing a bath tub or shower basin
• Swimming pools or paddling pools
• Hot air saunas
• Electric floor or ceiling heating systems
• Garden lighting or power installations
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems
• Small scale generators such as micro CHP units
• Extra-low voltage lighting installations, other than pre-assembled, CE-marked lighting sets

 

[ipbentley]

Thanks to both DevilDamo & mikric for replying.

I rang my BCO earlier today and to be honest has has confused me even more!
Apparently I need a full installation certificate because the work is being done in a 'wet room' however I only need the certificate to cover actual installation and not the whole house.

When I asked about the minor works he said that I would need seperate certs for each Installation (One for light and one for fan) so I'm not sure what I need any more.

I'm going to see if I can get my sparky to ring the BCO directly to find out what he wants but does anyone have any ideas about what he's going on about?

Cheers

 

[DevilDamo]

Ahhh I see. As the works are within a "specialist" area, this is why he will not accept a MWC for the whole works. He is therefore referring to the works being notifiable as they contain a wet room (i.e. Locations containing a bath tub or shower basin), hence why he is requesting an Installation Certificate. Or, you can just submit a Building Notice and have the LABC check and sign the works off?

 

[alan2010]

Regarding electrical works and BCO I discovered (through research) that DIYers are permitted to do any electrical works (inc new rings mods to existing etc) and that it is the responsibility of the BCO to ensure it conforms to all relevant regulations.

And what surprised me is that the electrical inspection by qualified electrician (a requirement of the building regs) has to be organsied AND paid for by the local authority!!!!

So I've done all my own works - and the LABC dept picked up all the inspection and test costs. Lovely. Got something back from all the Council tax I pay!

 

[mikric]

and the LABC dept picked up all the inspection and test costs. Lovely. Got something back from all the Council tax I pay![/quote]

Good for you but LABC are self funded, we don't get a bean from any councils budgets

 

[mikric]

and the LABC dept picked up all the inspection and test costs. Lovely. Got something back from all the Council tax I pay!

Good for you but LABC are self funded, we don't get a bean from any councils budgets [/quote]
Beware though, new nationwide legislation changes coming in soon to the charges ,if you dont use part P electrician will cost you extra £200 for B-Regs. Government are closing this loop hole in the system.

 

[alan2010]

Sadly I can see that just encouraging more DIYers to go it alone and circumvent the whole inspection and testing services that are available. I do my own electrics because I can - because it saves me a lot of money - because I know the job has been done to a high standard - and I enjoy the peace of mind the inspection/testing provides.

But if I and other DIYers are going to be stung just because we did not get a Part P sparks out to do the job, then for all the wrong reasons we'll go it alone. Just see how genuine sparks are reacting to Part P take a look at:

http://yourfreedom.hmg.gov.uk/cutti...ets-remove-part-p-of-the-building-regulations

Bit like charging for rubbish dumping at the local tip - does little to encourage good recycling - and often ends up encouraging fly-tipping.

If the local authorities WANT to encourage safe electrical works, then they need to offer an economic inspection and testing service to encourage those that want to do their own electrics to at least get their work inspected, slapping on a £200 surcharge will not encourage anything except more untested installations.

 

[mikric]

Agree Alan, unfortunately this is government thinking, Part p was only brought in after an MPs daughter got a shock