Is this a C1?

[LeeJC]

What’s the difference though really?
A bit of masking tape I can pull off or a blanking plate I can err….. pull off.
The only ones that fit are the unsecured pull off type and masking tape I already had.
As the only occupant of the house I’ll try and remember not to pull it off, but then again sometimes I forget where I left my pants.

 

[LeeJC]

Think I’m covered

 

[oldbutnotdead]

I've made blanking plates (and covers for spare or oversize cable holes) from random bits of white pvc and glued them on with silicon. They take more than a fingernail to pull off so more child resistant than the standard plates.

 

[JohnW2]

OK fitting a blank from another make may not comply with type testing ....

How does one 'type test' a "blank", other than making sure that it fits securely?

Kind Regards, John

 

[bsr]

I want the consumer unit replaced but the 3 electricians I’ve asked to quote have said no problem once you’ve had an isolator fitted.

This seems unusual to me, in the past electricians I have used have pulled the fuse and got on with it.

 

[chivers67]

Yes but it's sometimes tagged so ideally requires a DNO visit and an Dual Pole isolator.

 

[JohnW2]

.... in the past electricians I have used have pulled the fuse and got on with it.

...many have, and I imagine that a good few, maybe still 'many', (and a good few non-electricians!) probably still do.

However, I don't really see why an electrician should do something that the DNO says is 'not allowed' as part of 'paid work'. Apart from anything else, it might well invalidate his/her insurance.

Kind Regards, John

 

[ericmark]

With some distribution units the bus bar tags can be turned off, so even without a blank, there is nothing live one can touch with a standard finger. So a clip in place blank is OK, and some clip in blanks are so tight it would need a screwdriver to lever them off again, so need a tool to remove again, so again OK.

Many blanks you need to remove the cover to fit or remove, and cover held in place with screws.

There is no need for a new EICR when faults are corrected, but it does require a minor works or installation certificate raising to say the work has been completed, and clearly should the repair not be to standard the person signing would be libel.

Clearly in a switch room which is only accessible by trained staff you can have live parts accessible, the whole room is the enclosure. But the door has to be locked, etc.

Comments like only I live here may be valid, as long as warning signs are erected, but then why would anyone get an EICR done when clearly not required.

I have wondered about fire, police etc going into the home, in my case I must allow radio inspection as a condition of my licence, so the shack (my house) needs to be safe for the inspector, also ambulance men etc. So can't really use only I live here as an excuse.

 

[Risteard]

This seems unusual to me, in the past electricians I have used have pulled the fuse and got on with it.

The problem is that that's actually illegal.

 

[JohnW2]

I have wondered about fire, police etc going into the home, in my case I must allow radio inspection as a condition of my licence, so the shack (my house) needs to be safe for the inspector, also ambulance men etc. So can't really use only I live here as an excuse.

It is implicit, and hence presumably 'accepted', that those working for the emergency services will not infrequently enter premises, of become involved in situations, which are potentially hazardous, and one imagine that they are expected (and trained) to be as vigilant as possible in protecting themselves from the risks posed by those hazards.

However, I don't think the fact that such people may be called on to enter a building is relevant to the coding of things such as a missing blanking plate in a CU within the building - because I can envisage no situations in which a policeman, fire-fighter or paramedic would poke their fingers through a gap between two devices in a CU !

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

The problem is that that's actually illegal.

It is certainly 'forbidden' (in the absence of permission having been granted) by DNOs, but is that 'forbidding' actually backed up by actual law? (that's not a rhetorical question, since I don't know the answer).

However, even if it is truly 'illegal', I think you would probably struggle to find any case of someone having been prosecuted for breaking that law!

Kind Regards, John

 

[Risteard]

It is certainly 'forbidden' (in the absence of permission having been granted) by DNOs, but is that 'forbidding' actually backed up by actual law? (that's not a rhetorical question, since I don't know the answer).

However, even if it is truly 'illegal', I think you would probably struggle to find any case of someone having been prosecuted for breaking that law!

Kind Regards, John

It's unauthorised tampering with their equipment, so it's certainly my understanding that it's unlawful. But we can categorically state that you're not allowed to do it, leaving legalities/lawfulness aside.

 

[bsr]

It is certainly 'forbidden' (in the absence of permission having been granted) by DNOs, but is that 'forbidding' actually backed up by actual law? (that's not a rhetorical question, since I don't know the answer).

Breach of the ESQCR I believe, secondary legislation.

Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations FAQs - Electrical safety

HSE answers some frequently asked questions on electrical safety in the workplace.

www.hse.gov.uk

Historically no-one cared did they? I'm wondering why the change. Have new trainees been told it's verboten, or there is more enforcement from DNO? Just wondering why less domestic sparkies are willing to do it.

 

[JohnW2]

It's unauthorised tampering with their equipment, so it's certainly my understanding that it's unlawful.

That's what many people seem to think - but, as I asked, is there actually any such law? (I personally don't know).

But we can categorically state that you're not allowed to do it, leaving legalities/lawfulness aside.

Hmmm. That makes little sense. If it were not unlawful, in what sense would it be 'not allowed'? If the owner of the electrical installation did it, then they might be in breach of their implicit contract with the DNO, but a third party (such as an electrician) has no contract with the DNO to breach.

Anyway, as I've said, it must have happened literally millions of times over the years (and continues to happen), and (unless you can prove me wrong) I very much doubt that anyone has been penalised (by prosecution or any other process) for doing it.

Kind Regards, John

 

[Risteard]

That's what many people seem to think - but, as I asked, is there actually any such law? (I personally don't know).

Hmmm. That makes little sense. If it were not unlawful, in what sense would it be 'not allowed'? If the owner of the electrical installation did it, then they might be in breach of their implicit contract with the DNO, but a third party (such as an electrician) has no contract with the DNO to breach.

Anyway, as I've said, it must have happened literally millions of times over the years (and continues to happen), and (unless you can prove me wrong) I very much doubt that anyone has been penalised (by prosecution or any other process) for doing it.

Kind Regards, John

Even if it weren't unlawful (which I absolutely contend that it is), then it would still be contrary to your supply agreement. As such, you still aren't allowed to do it.

Interestingly, the ESB (the DSO in the south of Ireland) have never tolerated the practice and it is unheard of for someone to do it. They would instantly issue a €1,000 fine for it (and it's probably more now).