Non-bidirectional RCD/RCBO feeding sockets, should they get a code C2 with EICR?

[JohnW2]

here are a load of things which can be plugged in which do not even conform to BS 1363. Never seen one of these <image> marked with BS 1363, and I have seen a website called fatefully flawed where they point out the dangers, so all we can do it put them in a bag and present to owner to bin them.

Yes, we obviously all know that, since we've done the topic to death in the past - although it's not that easy to really get a proper feel for the issues/'dangers', since the material and arguments presented by "Fatally Flawed" are not exactly 'objective and unbiased'.

As to condemning sockets which had them plugged in as the socket could be strained as a result of fitting a non BS 1363 items, I think that is going too far.

Indeed, but that illustrates the folly of coding things on an EICR which 'might happen in the future' - in both cases (plug-in inverters and those plug/socket thingies) anyone could buy (and 'plug in') one of the items the day after the EICR, but one can't code every installation because of that possibility!

 

[SimonH2]

As to condemning sockets which had them plugged in as the socket could be strained as a result of fitting a non BS 1363 items, I think that is going too far.

Just because "not BS1363", I'd agree. But when you look at the size/shape of some of the "safety" covers, it's not hard to see how some of them could damage the socket.

 

[pete01]

those plug/socket thingies)

I test a church with a children's play centre on the side and as I go round I unplug all those plastic things and tell them to throw them away, when I go back they are plugged back in

 

[ericmark]

I watched a Jonathan Tracey YouTube called Is Plug-In Solar LEGAL in the UK? He links to Is Plug-In Solar Legal in the UK? The Complete 2026 Guide which says "Quick answer
Yes, plug-in solar is legal in the UK since 24 March 2026."

But then continues "The BSI product standard that certifies kits for DIY self-connection is expected summer 2026. Until then, the fully compliant route is to use a qualified electrician."!

It does seem it is legal, but does not comply with regulations, which seems to be splitting hairs, as that has always been the case, there was no real change to any law on the 24th of March 2026.

If using a FCU it is not plug in solar, simple, can you use plug in solar and comply with the regulations, the answer has to be yes, but not using a BS1363 socket, you would need to use an EV charging socket.

A reference to "The wiring regulations (BS 7671 Amendment 4) are live." seems daft, as it was BS 1363 which did not permit it, so that needs to be re-written before we can use a 13 amp plug.

OK, then why bother writing website?

So What you CANNOT do yet - Skip DNO notification — it's a legal requirement regardless. - Plug a kit into a wall socket yourself and be fully compliant.

So why say "Quick answer Yes, plug-in solar is legal in the UK since 24 March 2026."?

Either you can plug it in and be fully compliant or you can't, so quick answer it seems is No.
So why bother making the video? Every report I see is by someone who already has completed a G99 or G98 and can get paid for export, so for the people that plug in solar is aimed at, the person in rented accommodation who want to be able to move it home to home, the report is useless.

 

[SimonH2]

I test a church with a children's play centre on the side and as I go round I unplug all those plastic things and tell them to throw them away, when I go back they are plugged back in

Possible ways to change their minds :
1) Tell them they are opening themselves up to massive personal liability since it is (or should be) well known that both the NHS and Dept. for Education ban them on safety grounds - it's there at the top of the Fatally Flawed website, didn't realise that both announcements are now around a decade old If they then plug them in, having been told that they are dangerous, they open themselves up to claims that their insurance company will walk away from.
2) Next time, fail every socket that has one plugged in. Use a permanent marker or sticker that's going to be really hard to remove. They either spend ages scrubbing the markings off, or have the expense of replacing them.
3) Is this part of the church ? If so, inform the churchwardens (plus safeguarding officer, and incumbent priest if there is one) that the play centre is creating a real safety risk to the children and a fire risk to the building. With my churchwarden hat on, I would be intervening - although if such a centre was part of my church, you would not be finding them in use.