Existing wired in doorbell - is it safe/ ok for Part P?

[leonlikestrees]

Hi there,

I'm slowly going around my house channelling in plug sockets that are currently installed in plastic boxes on the skirting boards. As far as I know, it's fine to do this without getting an electrician involved.

One I've come across is a spur, and then from the spur, a 12v transformer for a door bell is also wired in as a spur (if that's still the right terminology).

First question: is this safe to leave as is?

Second question: If I'm aware of it, but just sink in the socket and wire back up as-is, am I contravening Part P regulations?

Thanks,

Leon

 

[ericmark]

Part P covers nearly everything in a house but the requirement to register work does not. You can replace like for like without registering work and work in the house not involving new circuits to consumer unit and not in kitchen or bathroom.

However you are required to follow BS7671 even when work is not registered which includes all the calculations and inspection and testing. Also of course if a wire runs concealed in a wall less than 50mm deep then RCD or special cable protection is then required.

So before burying any cables likely you will need to change a consumer unit so all cables have RCD protection.

I think fools rush in where angles fear to tread.

 

[dingbat]

I think fools rush in where angles fear to tread.

The Saxons are pretty wary as well!

 

[Chri5]

It would be prudent to have the transformer via a fuse spur for isolation so you can turn it on and off and limit the supply amps by fusing at 1 or 3 amp.

The remedial work you are doing is allowed, but you do need to consider some basic testing post work- testing via function (ie plugging in an appliance or table lamp) isn't really enough.

Might be an idea to buy one of these

http://www.socketandsee.co.uk/product25.html

 

[Chri5]

Part P covers nearly everything in a house but the requirement to register work does not. You can replace like for like without registering work and work in the house not involving new circuits to consumer unit and not in kitchen or bathroom.

However you are required to follow BS7671 even when work is not registered which includes all the calculations and inspection and testing. Also of course if a wire runs concealed in a wall less than 50mm deep then RCD or special cable protection is then required.

So before burying any cables likely you will need to change a consumer unit so all cables have RCD protection.

I think fools rush in where angles fear to tread.

Eric your posts are always informative, but I think your comments above need clarification.

As you know there is no necessity to update an installation to BS7671 17th July 2008 for simple updates to socket faces and switches, replacing like for like.
The requirement is only valid for new circuits and new boards.

I fully accept that the best work will always be to the new standard, but in terms of the work content (simply changing surface to sunk boxes) why does the OP HAVE to work to 17th ?

 

[leonlikestrees]

Thanks all.

My consumer unit has RCD protection, and I think my electrician said 100mA (although I can't see that written anywhere) - is that enough?

Cables are not 50mm into the walls though, that's for sure. I'm just extending them upwards from where they are (by pulling existing cable through, not joining). I'm covering in plastic trunking, and then plastering.

I actually have a 'proper' electrician coming next week to do some work on my bathroom (new lights and fan), and add some new sockets (that I will sink in in advance to save labour costs. He'll test it afterwards, and I guess he'll sanity check what I've done too.