Legal aspect of Electrics in a commercial setting

[Aragorn84]

Have you considered that the existing circuit may not have 26A worth of spare capacity?

Have you also considered that its unwise to connect a large load such as that you propose to one point on a ring main, assuming ofcourse thats what it is, and furthermore such loads really should have their own dedicated circuits?

 

[morg]

Have you considered that the existing circuit may not have 26A worth of spare capacity?

Have you also considered that its unwise to connect a large load such as that you propose to one point on a ring main, assuming ofcourse thats what it is, and furthermore such loads really should have their own dedicated circuits?

But this is not my duty is it? As we already got the electrical certificate - That certificate is telling me that the socket is rated upto 26A.

The only way for this socket to reach 26A is by plugging in 2 x 3.2kW appliances simultaneously. I'm not overloading the socket, so why is this a problem? Please explain,

 

[riveralt]

Have you considered that the existing circuit may not have 26A worth of spare capacity?

Have you also considered that its unwise to connect a large load such as that you propose to one point on a ring main, assuming ofcourse thats what it is, and furthermore such loads really should have their own dedicated circuits?

But this is not my duty is it? As we already got the electrical certificate - That certificate is telling me that the socket is rated upto 26A.

If you are altering the dynamics of the circuit then it is your duty.

The only way for this socket to reach 26A is by plugging in 2 x 3.2kW appliances simultaneously. I'm not overloading the socket, so why is this a problem? Please explain,

You should steer well clear of electrical installations especially if you do not understand the consequences of your actions. If the load is on a ring final circuit then look here,,,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_circuit

 

[morg]

Well, said twin socket must be suitable as it's been running 2 x 3kW heaters for years (simultaneously).

Was looking forward to the task at hand, but it's proving to be more trouble than it is worth.

Thanks anyways for the posts

 

[Aragorn84]

Well that fact was never mentioned until now?

If the circuit was designed to run a pair of heaters, and has done so successfully upto now then why didnt you mention that previously?

 

[morg]

Well that fact was never mentioned until now?

If the circuit was designed to run a pair of heaters, and has done so successfully upto now then why didnt you mention that previously?

I'm not saying that this specific socket was wired in mind for 2 x Portable 3kW heaters. These 2 are the only 'plug in' heaters.

I don't know how these are connected, all I know we run:
2 x 3kW in one room
2 x 3kW in one room
1 x 3kW in one room
1 x 3kW in one room

Thanks

It would be real handy if I could be able (legally not uncapable) to replace the heaters when they die as they only last a few years...

 

[morg]

Under the Electricity At Work Regulations:

Can I fit suitable flex and plug to a appliance?
Can I plug it in and switch it on?

 

[EFLImpudence]

What exactly is your job, morg?

If you are a maintenance engineer and authorised and insured to do such work then it may be acceptable.

However, if you are not in such a position and want to to the electrical work 'just because you like doing it' I would advise against it.

Further to my first reply I would add that, should anything go wrong, your boss may 'forget' that he said you could do it and it will be all down to you.

 

[morg]

What exactly is your job, morg?

However, if you are not in such a position and want to do the electrical work 'just because you like doing it' I would advise against it.

Further to my first reply I would add that, should anything go wrong, your boss may 'forget' that he said you could do it and it will be all down to you.

So In other words I am allowed to go to Argos and buy a 3kW heater with a plug already fitted, take it back and plug it in... But not allowed to fit my own flex and plug to a unit bought with no flex or plug??? - Please answer this question.

cheers[/u]

 

[EFLImpudence]

No, I'm talking about your workplace where, if you do work that could affect your colleagues' safety and something goes wrong, you will be held responsible.

So, if not authorised and insured by the company, you should not do it - whether competent or not.

We still don't know what type of company it is, for all we know you may be a salesman or gardener who just likes tinkering.

 

[morg]

not a skumbag! I earn a genuine crust

Just a diy enthusiast, manual worker, courier, handyman

But I see your point regarding blame/responsibilty in fitting said unit but I do not see the difference in 'adding a appliance' to a workspace regardless of whether or not flex/plug requires fitting?

 

[EFLImpudence]

not a skumbag! I earn a genuine crust

That will cheer up salesmen and gardeners.

Just a diy enthusiast, manual worker, courier, handyman in a small business less than 4 personnel.

Ok - still not sure - if handyman is part of your duties it could be alright.

But I see your point regarding blame/responsibilty in fitting said unit

Good.

but I do not see the difference in 'adding a appliance' to a workspace regardless of whether or not a plug requires fitting?

I haven't mentioned plug.

Is this still the same post as - running and glanding conduit, drilling trunking, connecting 26A of heating to one double socket?

 

[morg]

...

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Thanks

Q: With no electrical Certification; I am able to:

0) Isolate Mains.

As this point I've only skimmed the rest of this thread.

But for now I'll ask how you propose to verify that the supply is isolated and how you propose to ensure that it is not re-energised while you are working on it?

2) Drill through trunking in order to add compression glands (top and bottom) or add steel conduit to trunking circuit(top) and add compression gland to bottom.

Why do you think that compression glands are the optimum solution?

Do you think that drilling into trunking already containing cables is the best way to make holes that size?

4) Run flex from heater via cable clips to compression gland/trunking or through steel conduit to trunking.

Have you found a way to terminate steel conduit into the body of the heater?

6) Fit plug and switch on Heater.

So no testing then?


As I said, I've not really read the rest of this topic, but my immediate reaction is that no way are you competent enough to be doing any sort of electrical installation work in an environment where competence is required, e.g. places of work.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Already got certification that sockets are capable of running upto 26A.

From whom?

BS 1363 sockets are not necessarily capable of passing up to 26A, and BS 1363 does not require them to. The rating steps for BS EN 60309 sockets are 16A and 32A, so I'm not sure where a figure of 26A could have originated.