But it doesn't, hence why checking the switch should be the first step. The OP could have done that in less time than he's spent so far typing stuff here....
Although such is how many people interpret them, the regulations do not explicitly require multiple lighting circuits - there is just a rather vague requirement (since 2008, I think) that the installation be separated in circuits so as to 'minimise inconvenience' in the event of a single fault. There is obviously a fair degree of scope for debate as to what satisfies that regulation. Even if (as commonly) one has separate 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' lighting circuits, other than for landing/hall lights, the availability of light on one floor won't really help much in rooms on the other floor.The electrician also discovered that the lighting throughout the property was on one circuit. He said the regulations require that there be at least 2 circuits for health and safety reasons to avoid total black out. Am I within my rights to go back to the electrician who wired up the flat from scratch a few years back to put right?
Well, splitting the lighting into more than one circuit would probably be more useful in a flat, since light in some rooms would probably mean that (with doors open) none would have to be in total darkness.As this is a flat with no other levels, I wonder if the requirement for more than one circuit is more important.
No such requirement/regulation existsThe electrician also discovered that the lighting throughout the property was on one circuit. He said the regulations require that there be at least 2 circuits for health and safety reasons to avoid total black out
Based on that it is not a regulation, No.Am I within my rights to go back to the electrician who wired up the flat from scratch a few years back to put right?
No. Go back to this electrician and tell him to read his book and get some common sense.Am I within my rights to go back to the electrician who wired up the flat from scratch a few years back to put right?
That makes sense. Two lighting circuits for a 1-bed flat would seem a bit OTT!In my building, smaller flats (1/2 bed) tend to have single circuits and larger flats (2/3 bed) tend to have two circuits.
No such requirement/regulation exists
Indeed. The current version of 17th says "Every installation shall be divided into circuits, as necessary, to ... (i) avoid danger and minimize inconvenience in the event of a fault" .... (iii) take account of hazards that may arise from the failure of a circuit such as a lighting circuit...". However, that is all pretty vague and is open to a wide range of opinions/interpretations ... one man's "inconvenience" is another man's excuse to take his partner to bed earlyThen in subsequent 15th 16th & 17th Eds, something like: Every installation shall be divided into circuits as necessary to avoid danger in the event of a fault.
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