Is this Considered Acceptable?

[S1VWL]

Hi...

I've just had some work done from a company that has charged top money. One item fitted was a PIR sensor that I dropped down to change the delay setting. On doing so I found this...

PXL_20211219_142603213

• S1VWL
• 21 Dec 2021

PXL_20211219_142607579

• S1VWL
• 21 Dec 2021

The connections appear to be made using WAGO's. Is this considered to be acceptable?

Thanks

 

[JohnD]

when you say "a PIR" do you mean an extra-low voltage intruder alarm detector?

Or do you mean a mains voltage lamp?

Wagos are OK but it looks like the installer has used sticky tape around his work, which is not.

 

[S1VWL]

Thank you.

It's a bathroom PIR that triggers a low voltage LED strip light at night so there is no need to turn on the bathroom's main lights.

I would have expected the connections to be placed in a WAGO junction box, rather than just wrapping tape around them hiding in the ceiling recess.

 

[JohnD]

is it switching mains voltage?

it looks like the sheathing of (some of?) the cables has been stripped back. In this case they must be enclosed in something giving equivalent protection. Sticky tape does not do this.

 

[S1VWL]

That's a good point and I guess it must be switching MV. I'll check later.

I find work like this so disappointing, but sadly it is all too commonplace.

Thank you for your comments.

 

[BlueLoo]

Wagos are OK but it looks like the installer has used sticky tape around his work, which is not.

Do you have a reference for this?

I'd like to catch up on the latest regs and rules as i notice my house has "sticky tape" in most of the sockets.

I'll read up on the nuances and refit if required.

Cheers.

 

[ericmark]

To access low voltage (50 - 1000 volt AC) it needs a tool or key, with the exception of a ceiling rose, insulation tape can be removed without a tool, so not permitted.

412.2.2.3 Where a lid or door in an insulating enclosure can be opened without the use of a tool or key, all conductive parts which are accessible if the lid or door is open shall be behind an insulating barrier (providing a degree of protection not less than IPXXB or IP2X) preventing persons from coming unintentionally into contact with those conductive parts. This insulating barrier shall be removable only by the use of a tool or key.

 

[JohnD]

412.2.4 Wiring systems
412.2.4.1 Wiring systems installed in accordance with Chapter 52 are considered to meet the requirements of Regulation 412.2 if:

i. the rated voltage of the cable(s) is not less than the nominal voltage of the system and at least 300/500 V, and

ii. adequate mechanical protection of the basic insulation is provided by one or more of the following:

a. The non-metallic sheath of the cable

b. Non-metallic trunking or ducting complying with the BS EN 50085 series of standards, or non-metallic conduit complying with the BS EN 61386 series of standards.

 

[JohnD]

@BlueLoo

you might like to read this article

or https://professional-electrician.com/technical/the-importance-of-enclosing-electrical-connections/

 

[BlueLoo]

@BlueLoo

you might like to read this article

or https://professional-electrician.com/technical/the-importance-of-enclosing-electrical-connections/

So this has me thinking i need to revisit some of my earlier attempts at electrical wiring. Not that i know I've left joints in boxed (i haven't) but some light fittings really don't allow for the clamping of the sheath.

I'll be redoing the lights soon so good link, thanks. I'll do a survey of the house actually, see if anything stands out.

But that didn't mention taping. I think because it depends where and how, doesn't it? If you've taped up in an enclosure, thats ok? Taping is ok as a back up, not primary defence?

Hmm.

 

[SFK]

Yes should have been in a Wago Box or even a Choc Box.
https://www.toolstation.com/choc-box-ip20/p86064

As a DIYer I would have used one of these:
240V Live, Switched Live, Nutral and Ground to the PIR unit.
https://www.toolstation.com/greenbrook-lighting-connector/p13165

Not an issue (expect there is now more chance of the cable snagging the ceiling space) but I do wonder why they used such a long length of cable from the juction to the PIR.

 

[conny]

To assess low voltage (50 - 1000 volt AC) it needs a tool or key, with the exception of a ceiling rose, insulation tape can be removed without a tool, so not permitted.

Eric, no offence meant, but I think you mean access not assess.