Is this wiring acceptable?

[DeeEyeAye]

No photo at the moment so I'll try to explain as best I can.

I have a set of spots in an upstairs bedroom. The switch is a slimline type installed on the architrave. Due to lack of space there is no back box, just a hollow space behind the architrave (about the thickness of the plasterboard).

A loop of twin+earth comes down to the switch. The outer (grey) insulation has been removed for about six inches. The neutral has just been tucked out of the way, uncut. Likewise the earth (which, not having been cut, couldn't be sleeved). The live has been cut, and connected to the switch.

Would you say this installation was unsafe, would fail regs, etc? I can't see anything wrong with it really, but it doesn't look 'right'.

 

[securespark]

No, the switch and wiring needs to be enclosed in a back box or pattress to British Standards.

Either flush,
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Images/Products/size_3/AP119.JPG

or surface mounted:
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CM1040.html

 

[pompeygit]

Are you saying there is only 1 cable attached to the switch? and yes this is a P8ss poor job

 

[RF Lighting]

Yes it is unsafe, and yes it does contravene regs.

Starter for 10

Non-flammable enclosure for the switch.

 

[RF Lighting]

Far too slow tonight

 

[DeeEyeAye]

Thanks guys!
I'll fit a surface mount box (no room otherwise), cut the earth, sleeve it, and clamp to the box- what about the neutral?

 

[flameport]

If the neutral can be completely enclosed in the box, then just leave as it is.
Otherwise cut, shorten and join using a separate connector.

However - surface architrave boxes are tiny inside, and you will find it extremely difficult to join anything inside one.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Do you actually know that it is a neutral, and it's not the case that the switch was installed by a numpty who knew nothing about the practice of using a single T/E for a switch drop?

 

[securespark]

Ban, I read it as the T&E running down to the switch and the neutral being left intact, same with the CPC.

So there is a LNE feed to the switch position and a SLNE feed out.

 

[dhutch]

I read it as the T&E running down to the switch and the neutral being left intact, same with the CPC.

So there is a LNE feed to the switch position and a SLNE feed out.

Ditto, but it still sounds far more sensable to have the junction in the ceiling and send a single T&E down to the swtich, LE down and SL rtn on the N which also solves the issue of having far more wire than you can fit in such a small box!


Daniel

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Ban, I read it as the T&E running down to the switch and the neutral being left intact, same with the CPC.

So there is a LNE feed to the switch position and a SLNE feed out.

Could be.

Or it could be a L and SL put in by a numpty who didn't know about using black/blue for SL.

Given the quite possible need to reduce the number of cables in an architrave pattress the OP should find out, as it affects how the changes need to be done.

 

[DeeEyeAye]

Thanks for the advice- calling in a sparky to sort it out next week!