I was lead to understand any additions to a circuit require to be to BS7671:2008 but where a like for like replacement is used you may still comply with previous edition.
Yes - additions do.
But the requirement is for bathroom
circuits to be RCD protected, not accessories or appliances in the bathroom.
So if you add a
circuit to a bathroom, your
new circuit needs to be RCD'd, but if you add items to an
existing bathroom circuit then that existing bathroom circuit can be left as it was.
So if you add a socket the new socket will need to be to BS7671:2008 but old sockets can still be to BS7671:2001
I'm glad you mentioned that, as I was going to use it as an analogy anyway.
You see your position there is logical and consistent with mine regarding the bathroom, but not with yours.
The requirement is for all socket
outlets to be RCD protected, not socket
circuits, so when you add outlets to an existing circuit your new additions need to comply but you don't need to bring the existing outlets up to the current standard.
Likewise because it is bathroom circuits that now require an RCD, unless your new addition is a new bathroom circuit you don't have to add an RCD.
Because of the problems with 522 and cables in a wall a spur from an existing socket which is not RCD protected would have to use Ali-tube cable and be RCD protected.
Yup - again that's a case of your new additions which have to comply - hence my comment above about new cabling, on the assumption that it would be concealed, and therefore need an RCD because of its concealment, not because it was in a bathroom. If it were surface mounted then it wouldn't need an RCD, even though in a bathroom because it's not a new
circuit.
If the fan in the bathroom is a replacement then it can be to BS7671:2001 but if new then has to be to BS7671:2008.
Fine.
Find me what the regulations are for bathroom fans in the 17th.
Not bathroom
circuits - one of those is not being added - bathroom
fans.
The adding of items in line like switches is a little uncertain
Not if you clarify your thinking and ask yourself "what am
I adding, and what are the regulations which apply to
that alone?"
but looking and for example changing a consumer unit and having to ensure all after the consumer unit complies with BS7671:2008
You can't possibly do that, so if you really believe you have to then you can no longer change CUs. Actually, you could never have done so, because you could
never ensure that an existing installation complied with the version of the regulations current at the time you were changing the CU.
I would think the same applies when adding an switch or isolator.
The regulations which apply to switches and isolators are to be followed in respect of any switches and isolators you install.
However having said that the "Electrical Safety Council" still instructs on how to deal with lighting circuits with no earths which goes a lot further back than previous edition and points out some common sense must be used and where to correct it would require a re-wire then some lee way is permitted.
A position predicated on there being no requirement to update anything already installed. If there were an explicit regulation requiring an update then they could not give that advice, could they.
But it is a bathroom with will require a completion certificate under part p
That's a red herring, for as we all know Part P does not require compliance with any version of the Wiring Regulations.
for any alterations only a like for like replacement is allowed without first going through LABC
Please show us where the phrase "like for like", or an equivalent thereof, appears in the Building Regulations.
and to swap light switches for double pole
Replacing switches is exempt - it says so in Schedule 2B.
or add isolators inside the bathroom would require either a part p registered electrician or LABC involvement.
Yes - that is so.
I would assume the isolator would be outside the bathroom so one could get away with that. Light switch pull cord inside bathroom would not get away without Part P completion cert being required.
If there was one already there then replacing it would not be notifiable - it says so in Schedule 2B.
However I was reading it as a direct replacement
So was I, so replacing it would not be notifiable - it says so in Schedule 2B.
and the only point was manufacturer asking for 3 amp rather than 5/6 amp protection which on the last time this was raised was intended only when not being powered from light circuit and on a phone call the manufacturer confirmed when being run from the lights the existing 5/6 amp protection was OK. So first step is a phone call and only if the manufacture says 5/6 amp protection is not allowed would any of the measures be required.
I'd advise a letter or an email, so as to get the response in writing, as I sometimes wonder if the manufacturers stipulate a 3A fuse knowing that people won't bother and they'll have a way to slide out from any warranty commitments.
Also there's 134.1.1 - it would be good to have a written amendment to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the equipment.....
I do like the idea of double pole switch and I had started to write my reply before you had posted yours so only after I posted did I see what you suggested.
Sorry - been there myself....
And full marks it would work well for you who can sign his own completion cert
I can sign EICs, but not Building Regulations completion certificates.
but I have not got that ability and neilcmitchell is also unlikely to be able to issue a completion cert either!
Just replacing a switch doesn't require one...
