Help … Is this really compliant work?

[SamSeaborne]

Hello all …

New member here as a last resort. Had a loft conversion done late last year. Leaking roof and both party walls now wet. However, received a Electrical Certificate from the contractor (FWIW). But I am not really sure the work is compliant … please see the pictures which I have uploaded.

Is this really Building Control compliant? Or is this just another thing for me to sue him over?

Thank you all …

Untitled

• SamSeaborne
• 27 Aug 2014
• 1

Untitled

• SamSeaborne
• 27 Aug 2014
• 1

Untitled

• SamSeaborne
• 27 Aug 2014
• 1

 

[sparkwright]

Is this a bathroom?

Presumably a toilet is going there?

Switches could get urinated on??

What makes you think it may not be compliant?

 

[SamSeaborne]

Thanks for replying Sparkwright!

It's an ensuite shower room with a basin & toilet…the loft conversion consisted of two bedrooms - one of which has the ensuite. We have had so many problems with the rest of the conversion (both of the party walls leak and the flat roof is shocking) that all trust has evaporated. It just seems a really bad idea that there are wires running to the circuit breaker for the entire loft, over the waste pipe for the toilet. Isn't that asking for trouble?

 

[JohnW2]

Is this a bathroom? Presumably a toilet is going there? Switches could get urinated on?? What makes you think it may not be compliant?

Quite - we clearly need a lot more information. If that's a loo cistern, the flush pipe appears to go through the wall, in which case the loo must be on the other side of the wall.

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

It just seems a really bad idea that there are wires running to the circuit breaker for the entire loft, over the waste pipe for the toilet. Isn't that asking for trouble?

What sort of trouble did you have in mind - toilet waste pipes don't shoot water upwards, even if they break (which they don't). It would probably be worse (but still not really a problem) if the cables went under the soil pipe. In any event, modern PVC cables are 'happy' outdoors and even (although this obviously should not be done!) perform OK if submerged in water!

In sounds as if you have plenty of reasons for being dissatisfied with your builder, but I don't really think there is anything here for your list of complaints.

Kind Regards, John

 

[Jackrae]

Sewage in sealed plastic pipe and electricity in separate sealed double layered PVC. What do you consider is the problem - apart form your ongoing concerns with the building works.

As has already been queried - what are the two RCD units for and what, if any, plumbing facilities are in proximity to these units.

 

[SamSeaborne]

Hi JohnW2

You're correct in all your assumptions….the bowel is in the bathroom (!), but the cistern is on the other side of the wall. The wall separates the ensuite from the landing.

However, my question relates to the wires…surely it's not acceptable to run the wiring which supplies all the loft lights and sockets so close to water …

 

[JohnW2]

Hi JohnW2 ... You're correct in all your assumptions….the bowel is in the bathroom (!), but the cistern is on the other side of the wall. The wall separates the ensuite from the landing.

Thanks for confirming.

However, my question relates to the wires…surely it's not acceptable to run the wiring which supplies all the loft lights and sockets so close to water …

I think I've already answered that - had you perhaps not seen my second post when you wrote this? As I said, even though it's very unlikely to happen, anyway, PVC cable does not really mind getting wet. If there were water getting near those cables (which would not do any harm, anyway), you'd have a major flood/whatever to draw your attention to the problem!

Kind Regards, John

 

[sparkwright]

As far as I know the regs don't take into account possible leaks, only splashing and submersion. It's good practice to keep electrical things away from anything that could leak, though then again anything can leak anywhere.

What do the RCDs serve?

It is a bit odd having RCDs there. One would expect RCD protection at the consumer unit. It looks like you MAY have concealed wiring less than 50 mm from the wall surface that isn't RCD protected.

More photographs please. Photos of everything!

 

[SamSeaborne]

Hi Jackrae and JohnW2

Sorry for being a spack! The RCDs are for the lights and sockets in the loft rooms ...

 

[SamSeaborne]

Seems there is a little delay in my replies being posted!

Will post more photos...

 

[ban-all-sheds]

the bowel is in the bathroom

I keep mine with me.

Where I go, it goes.

 

[SamSeaborne]

It was a typo! But good spot!

 

[JohnW2]

It was a typo! But good spot!

Oh - I thought it was intentional, since you put " (!) " after it!

Kind Regards, John

 

[SamSeaborne]

Nah … might normally have been sharp enough to do so, but this sodding loft conversion has killed off any spare grey cells!