Just got back from my mother-in-laws where I have discovered that they have just had the house rewired. They live in the Welsh Valleys and are both in their 80's. I believe thats this was done by/for the local council and has been funded by a Grant - the house is owner-occupied, not rented.
I only had a chance for a quick inspection - and am NOT an electrician - though I have a passing interest in things electrical.
I am confused - and worried - by some of what I have seen.
Are there any guidelines/regulations about the number of socket outlets and where they should be sited.
As a result of the rewire they have had a number of gains and losses.
GAINS:
One double socket in the kitchen - in addition to the double, triple and cooker switch associated one previously there.
One double socket in the lounge - up from one to two.
One double socket on the landing - none before.
Doubles in each of the three bedrooms - from singles before.
One smoke/fire alarm - mains powered from battery one before.
LOSSES
Socket in under-stairs cupboard - next to the consumer unit - so easy to fit.
One double in their dining room - incidentally a room approximately 12 by 24 ft - down from two doubles to one.
Second switch (pull type) above the bed in the second bedroom.
Outside security light by the back door - actually the main entrance.
Two wall lights in the lounge
No Change
No sockets in Hall.
I have had a quick look at some of the work and feel that if I had done it as a DIYER many of you would make nasty comments about my abilities. I have attached a photo that I hope shows some of this. It is the main light switch in the second bedroom. The back box is metal but I could not see any earth terminal. The earth wire is loose with in this back box and is partly sheathed in G/Y with both ends of the CPC visible and lieing totally free. The light plate itself is plastic and the plate srews seem to go into plastic to attach the plate to the box.
Any comments to allay my concerns would be very appreciated.
Many thanks.
I only had a chance for a quick inspection - and am NOT an electrician - though I have a passing interest in things electrical.
I am confused - and worried - by some of what I have seen.
Are there any guidelines/regulations about the number of socket outlets and where they should be sited.
As a result of the rewire they have had a number of gains and losses.
GAINS:
One double socket in the kitchen - in addition to the double, triple and cooker switch associated one previously there.
One double socket in the lounge - up from one to two.
One double socket on the landing - none before.
Doubles in each of the three bedrooms - from singles before.
One smoke/fire alarm - mains powered from battery one before.
LOSSES
Socket in under-stairs cupboard - next to the consumer unit - so easy to fit.
One double in their dining room - incidentally a room approximately 12 by 24 ft - down from two doubles to one.
Second switch (pull type) above the bed in the second bedroom.
Outside security light by the back door - actually the main entrance.
Two wall lights in the lounge
No Change
No sockets in Hall.
I have had a quick look at some of the work and feel that if I had done it as a DIYER many of you would make nasty comments about my abilities. I have attached a photo that I hope shows some of this. It is the main light switch in the second bedroom. The back box is metal but I could not see any earth terminal. The earth wire is loose with in this back box and is partly sheathed in G/Y with both ends of the CPC visible and lieing totally free. The light plate itself is plastic and the plate srews seem to go into plastic to attach the plate to the box.
Any comments to allay my concerns would be very appreciated.
Many thanks.
