Codebreakers #89

Need help with cracking those EICR codes? The technical team at NAPIT, with the help of the 18th Edition Codebreakers publication, answer your latest coding queries. Click on the photos for a closer look!

PAULO ALVES: I FOUND THIS GEM ON A RECENT EICR. 2 X SHOWERS ON ONE MCB ALERTED MY FEARS ORIGINALLY, AND THIS IS WHAT I UNCOVERED – LIGHTING TAKEN OFF THE SPLICED IN SUPPLY. HE’D ALSO CUT THE 10 MM TO GET 2 X CONDUCTORS INTO ONE TERMINAL. WHEN I CONFRONTED THE INDIVIDUAL, I WAS TOLD THAT HE DOESN’T DO ELECTRICAL WORK.

Within BS 7671 there’s a requirement for equipment to comply with British or Harmonised Standards. Where they do not, the designer or other person responsible will confirm that it is to the same degree of safety. It is obvious that the person responsible for this poor installation has no knowledge or understanding of electrical safety.

The junction box used is not suitable for external use; even with the on-site modification, duct tape does not feature in the IP rating table. The use of either pvc conduit or pvc waste pipe for the cable containment, again utilising duct tape for securing, is not a proprietary installation method,

The joint in a shower cable to allow branching off for an additional shower will lead to overloading of the circuit. Reducing the copper of a conductor to allow termination into a terminal again will have the additional risk, which could lead to heat build-up and potential fire.

Using a shower circuit to feed a lighting circuit from within the shower enclosure fails to meet the requirements for overcurrent protection. The lack of provision for cable restraints and the damage to the bottom left of the shower will allow ingress of water to the electrical terminals of the shower.

Lack of circuit protective conductor sleeving and the method of connection shows a disregard for electrical safety.

Therefore, the classification code would be a C1, Danger present – Risk of Injury, immediate remedial action required, due to the exposed live parts within a special location.