BC3 Light fittings

[Shiveringinsuffolk]

I have a 500 y/o Grade 2 listed home that was totally re-wired, including sockets and light fittings, about 6 years ago. The electrician at the time installed numerous BC3 light fittings. He said this was to comply with new regs.

These light fittings are a pain as it is so difficult to get replacement bulbs and they are so expensive. I have two questions:

1) Can I change these for BC2 fittings without transgressing any regulations?

2) Did my electrician interpret the regulations correctly? I know it was a requirement for new builds, but was it neccessary in an older property that was just being re-wired?

 

[flameport]

1) Can I change these for BC2 fittings without transgressing any regulations?

Yes.

2) Did my electrician interpret the regulations correctly? I know it was a requirement for new builds, but was it neccessary in an older property that was just being re-wired?

Perhaps. At the time, a certain number of fixtures were required to only accept energy saving lamps. Whether those BC3 efforts were the best choice is another matter.
However as incandescent lamps are effectively banned now, the type of fitting is largely irrelevant.

You can actually get incandescent lamps to fit in those BC3 sockets, provided you don't mind them being bright red.