DIY disasters

[GaryMo]

After changing a consumer unit today I completed an electrical installation certificate to cover all final circuits.
Along with the normal defects like incorrectly sleeved cables, missing grommets etc I came across what looks like a typical DIY disaster!

Behind a dryer I found a single socket. Due to the depth of the dryer it needed to push tight against the socket for the cupboard doors to close so how do you lose the depth of a plug top?

And inside the socket.........

Nice

Next disaster involved a light fitting in the kitchen. Notice the left over ceiling rose termination block along with a nice brown insulated conductor to the metal cap. Thank god it was actually a cpc!

Lastly was a problem with the kitchen sockets. Phase and neutral had ring continuity, CPC didn't After a while I narrowed the problem down to between two sockets on the opposite wall to each other so off into the loft I went (it's a bungalow) to be met with this......

Inside the junction box, notice the where the cpc is

And insulation tape peeled back.....

This section of cable between the two sockets also contained a neutral to earth short!!

Good isn't it?

 

[ebee]

After changing a consumer unit today ...................................................................................Along with the normal defects like incorrectly sleeved cables, missing grommets etc I came across what looks like a typical DIY disaster.

You mean you didn`t Inspect test and rectify before changing the consumer unit?

 

[GaryMo]

No, consumer unit was changed first, all circuits were then inspected and tested one by one and reconnected.
The property is empty at the moment and will be for the next three weeks. We had time and permission to do what was needed.

 

[ebee]

OK then (assuming it wasn`t powered up or being capable of so being by the unwary).

Yes the wiring is a bit of a DIY disaster or something, but sadly not unusual. That`s one reason Part P once gave some a bit of hope.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Hmm. The correct procedure is to do a full PIR first.
Repair the items that need to be rectified and retest
Then you can go ahead with CU change.

 

[ebee]

So long as he corrects any faults to a circuit before reconnecting it and any such circuits can not inadvertantly be energised by anyone then I see no problem.

 

[GaryMo]

House empty for three weeks, only me and my colleague had access.
Am I going to perform a PIR first?
Why, when at the end of the day it was having a new consumer unit and a full EIC, even a re-wire if it was needed?
Have I breeched any regs? Paperwork all in order and more importantly a safe electrical installation.



I am aware that a PIR would in fact be a good idea if the house was occupied!

 

[GaryMo]

So long as he corrects any faults to a circuit before reconnecting it and any such circuits can not inadvertantly be energised by anyone then I see no problem.

Exactly. I'm totally aware of my responsibilities and how to carry out my job (kitchen fitter) <<<JOKE
I even installed supplemetary bonding between the bathroom lighting circuit and associated pipework

 

[GaryMo]

Forgot to mention, found a 10mm equipotential bonding conductor dangling behind the sink cupboard with clamp still attached. [Naughty] kitchen fitters
Safety electrical connection - DO NOT REMOVE, can't they read?

 

[megawatt]

GaryMo wrote:

I came across what looks like a typical DIY disaster!

And what makes you believe that this was a DIY job then?

 

[GaryMo]

GaryMo wrote:

I came across what looks like a typical DIY disaster!

And what makes you believe that this was a DIY job then?

Just a hunch

 

[ricicle]

So long as he corrects any faults to a circuit before reconnecting it and any such circuits can not inadvertantly be energised by anyone then I see no problem.

I agree, as long as the installation is up to scratch when finish the job then no problem.