20A junction box on ring main??

[mrfussy]

A plumber recently added a spur to the ring main in the kitchen. He used a junction box rated at 20A though for 2.5mm cable. I've since read it should have been a 30A box so I'm a bit worried whether this is safe. I'd simply replace it myself except it requires unplumbing the sink and moving the base unit to get at it.

I think 2.5mm mains cable is itself only rated at 20A so presumably a 20A box is OK?

 

[holmslaw]

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[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

20A JB should be okay.
I would be concerned that the JB is not easily accessible though, if you have to dismantle the kitchen sink and move base unit to gain access.
Did you get a certificate off the plumber for this alteration?
Do you know if it was a MF (maintenance free) box?

 

[mrfussy]

thanks for the advice guys. I'll sleep a bit better for that.

Prentice Boy, I don't know if the box is MF or not but there were two of them identical and he left the other behind - it is a brown Contactum marked "BS6220 - 250v 20A - 2.5mm" on the back. Four brass contacts inside. Top revolves to cover unused entrance holes.

In retrospect the access issue bothers me too, I didn't really think whilst he was doing it.

 

[holmslaw]

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[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

He's a naughty boy!
Your JB should have been left in a location that is easily accessible for maintenance, inspection and testing.
It's a regulation and what your plumber has done does not conform.
The BS number is BS5733
The requirement is
Regulation 526.3 (vi) BS7671:2008 (amendment 1, 2011)
Call the plumber and inform him, I am sure they will be happy for the advice and while you are at it, ask them to replace yours with one that conforms!

 

[bernardgreen]

Is there any chance of water getting onto the junction box ?

Do not forget that condensation can form on the underside of a stainless steel sink and drip onto things below it.

 

[mrfussy]

it's fastened against the side wall - I don't think water is likely, but it is possible - it is within spray distance of some copper pipe. Looks like he'll have to come back!

Thought I might buy one of these, presume it is OK?....30A and waterproof.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/WK308B.html

I'll get him to fit it on the floor under the base unit - will be away from the piping and accessible by removing the board. Put it on a wooden patress to keep above any leaking water.

 

[EFLImpudence]

it is within spray distance of some copper pipe.

That's being over-cautious.

Thought I might buy one of these, presume it is OK?....30A and waterproof.
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/WK308B.html[/QUOTE]No, that's not suitable - just go with the previous suggestion.

I'll get him to fit it on the floor under the base unit
- will be away from the piping and accessible by removing the board. Put it on a wooden patress to keep above any leaking water.

Right.