Is my installation to the regs?

[JamesAsus]

Hi All,

First time here, signed up as im keen to do projects in my own house but do occasionally need of advice.

I recently fitted a new light fitting in the kitchen, the existing wiring was rather short so i left the ceiling rose in, bought some new electrical cable (2.5mm stupidly but im given to understand itll be ok as its only a short length so not much resistance and as it can carry 6amps it aint going to catch fire?) And connected this cable to the new light fitting.

My question is, is it ok the light fitting has been placed over the ceiling rose and is it ok the extra wire is also sitting within the light fitting? Its all sleeved obviously.

 

[OwainDIYer]

Probably, although you're in Italy and probably have to bribe the local council before doing any work on your house ... hm same as the UK really ... the only real concern would be if the inside of the fitting gets hot.

 

[JamesAsus]

Probably, although you're in Italy and probably have to bribe the local council before doing any work on your house ... hm same as the UK really ... the only real concern would be if the inside of the fitting gets hot.

It should say uk i must change that lol. The lights get hot but the casing doesent seem to

 

[ericmark]

There are two regulations. One is the IET/BSi one which has been about for years and is updated quite regular and the other is Part P or equivalent which alters between England, Wales, Scotland etc. The second is law and often refers to the first. The IET/BSi does take some reading and on this forum you will see arguments as to what it means in practice.

It is near impossible for the DIY guy to comply with IET/BSi regs mainly because they have not got the test equipment and even for a house wired in 2008 likely today there are parts which do not comply because the regulations have been updated. However there is no requirement to update wiring to comply with latest regs it is only new stuff which needs to comply with current regs.

So in the main for the DIY it is forget the regs just ensure what you do is safe. So using over size cable is not a problem except the getting it into terminals so there seems to be nothing wrong with what you have done. You seem to have grasped the main points it does not get hot etc. But do get location correct as said it varies through the UK and look at is it safe rather than does it comply unless you are going to have it inspected and don't want a failure on some silly point.

 

[JamesAsus]

If it does not meet regulations though (despite it being safe) could it not void buildings insurance?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

If it does not meet regulations though (despite it being safe) could it not void buildings insurance?

So to clarify, all you have done is install a short length of cable between ceiling rose and new light fitting?
And why do you think 2.5mm cable would be a problem, other than terminating it?

 

[EFLImpudence]

If it does not meet regulations though (despite it being safe)

I would think that is impossible to achieve.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

So what makes an installation where reasonable provision had been made in its design and installation in order to protect persons operating, maintaining or altering it from fire or injury by complying with Edition X Amendment N of BS 7671 suddenly become one where no such reasonable provision had been made the day that Edition X Amendment N+1 comes into force?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Are you asking me?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Are you asking me?

Yes, as you claim it is impossible to achieve something safe which doesn't comply with the regulations.

 

[securespark]

Is this inside a fluorescent fitting?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Are you asking me?

Yes, as you claim it is impossible to achieve something safe which doesn't comply with the regulations.

No, the other way round - impossible not to comply with the regulations if it is safe.

If it does not meet regulations though (despite it being safe)

I would think that is impossible to achieve.

 

[AndyPRK]

I just get this vision of the tube fitting an inch off the ceiling because of the rose.

Or maybe the rose is next to the tube ?

 

[securespark]

I'm not even sure if it is a flu...

 

[ban-all-sheds]

No, the other way round - impossible not to comply with the regulations if it is safe.

1. Was something which complied with BS 7671:2008 safe when it was installed in, say 2011?
2. Did it suddenly become unsafe on 01/01/2012?
3. If the same thing was installed today would it be unsafe?