Need help with cracking those EICR codes? The technical team at NAPIT, with the help of the brand new 18th Edition Codebreakers publication, answers your coding queries.
DAN TRIMBELL: The panel said ‘not in use’ but it was still live with 240V, no grommet, no containment for single cables, not double insulated cable and the supply was ropey too. The whole placed needed ripping apart!
CODEBREAKERS: This is a common sight, sadly, in many commercial premises. To start off the IP rating on the top surface of the controls enclosure is not at least IPXXD or IP4X, there is a likelihood of access to live parts, which would give a C1 Code. Cables with only basic insulation are not taken into an enclosure, or contained in an adequate conduit, trunking or duct. There appears to be no cpc, which means the source of the supply and equipment being fed would need to be investigated, to ascertain the full risk to life from this circuit, in any case a C2. The cables are not supported adequately to ensure there is no strain on terminations. Where the cables seem to emerge from between plastic mini trunking and a wall, there is a risk of mechanical damage to the conductors. Given the cable colours of the conductors, it’s very likely that this supply and apparent modification has been in place and operating for a number of years. It shows just how vital the correct upkeep, maintenance and periodic inspection of electrical systems is, to ensure these poor methods are found and made safe.
MICHAEL COATS: I came across this when investigating a stair lighting fault in Edinburgh. The fuse wire in the fuse carrier had been re-wired with a bit of 1.5mm copper.
CODEBREAKERS: A very common observation during EICRs. Although the butt of many jokes this is incredibly dangerous and is the unseen killer, that can only be discovered during an in-depth and thorough inspection. Other than the obvious failure to operate for overload, these modified devices are unlikely to operate within the requirements of Chapter 41 under fault conditions and therefore will not provide protection from electric shock. Given there seems to be a history of this, evident from there being more than one BS 3036 semi-enclosed fuse carrier with the same modification, it would be prudent to recommend that all similar devices in this installation are checked.
To find out how you can order your copy of the updated 18th Edition Codebreakers publication visit: www.napitdirect.co.uk
