testing fault codes

[newblokeonthekid]

I've been testing for a couple of years but still have trouble deciding which fault code numbers should be applied to common substandard faults. It can be quite subjective but I'd be interested in what others condsider some of these faults as,

No RCD protection to ground floor sockets (that could be used to supply outside the house/flat)

No main equipotential bonding to gas, water, etc

No supplementary bonding in bathroom

No earths in lighting circuits

This last one can be very varied depending on various other factors, so feel free to comment

 

[Lectrician]

I've been testing for a couple of years but still have trouble deciding which fault code numbers should be applied to common substandard faults. It can be quite subjective but I'd be interested in what others condsider some of these faults as,

No RCD protection to ground floor sockets (that could be used to supply outside the house/flat)

No main equipotential bonding to gas, water, etc

No supplementary bonding in bathroom

No earths in lighting circuits

This last one can be very varied depending on various other factors, so feel free to comment

No RCD protection to ground floor sockets (that could be used to supply outside the house/flat) CODE 2

No main equipotential bonding to gas, water, etc CODE 1

No supplementary bonding in bathroom CODE 2

No earths in lighting circuits CODE 4 unless there is class1 kit connected, then CODE 1

Remember, any items coded 2, 3, 4 will still give a satisfactory result.

You will need to comment "no class1 fittings to be installed on circuit 4R" for example. (if no earth on that circuit).

CODE 3 is reserved for 'further investigation' (it is not a between 2 and 4 code!). Use this when you can't find a circuit destination etc, anything that requires a further, longer visit.

Hope that helps.

 

[newblokeonthekid]

Thanks for the info Lectrician, I had previously reserved code 1 for faults that were of a higher level of danger, eg 30A fusewire in lighting circuit fuses, unearthed sockets etc.
However I can see the advantage of using it to give a greater range of levels of fault. What I mean by that is if you apply code 2 to most inert faults where a couple of things have to happen for it to be dangerous (no main equipotential bonding), then it can sometimes lead to many code 2 faults from which you would really like to see something done about some of them, but being all code 2 it is difficult to express this effectively.
I am sure there could be (and has been) much debate on the subject as there is a lot open to opinion. I remember doing risk analysis and it's amazing the wide differences people can have on assessing danger and severity.

It would help if the IEE would prescribe certain codings, I have heard niceic does, any truth in that anyone?

 

[has]

The following are Typical defects which would warrant a Code 1 recommendation.
Access to exposed live parts.
Absence of means of earthing for the installation.
A water service pipe being used as the means of earthing for the installation.
Absence of circuit protective conductors for circuits supplying items of class 1 equipment.
Incorrect polarity.
Absence of main equipotential bonding.
Absence of local supplementary bonding where required (for example in bathrooms, shower rooms, swimming pools). However in the case of a lack of supplementary bonding to class 11 equipment within zones 1,2 and 3,(to provide for the equipment being replaced with class 1 equipment at some future time) of a location containing a bath or shower, a recommendation code 4 be considered.
Excessive earth fault loop impedance values.
Absence of adequate protective devices(e.g. residual current devices for TT installations).
Overloaded circuits.
Circuits with ineffective overcurrent protection.
Insufficient insulation resistance

This list is obviously not exhaustive but hopefully might help

 

[Lectrician]

That list is identical to one supplied by NIC

 

[has]

Thats what he was asking for

 

[plugwash]

the NICEIC have thier reccomendations but many sparks consider them hugely ott

bonding only became common fairly recently. how many lives did it really save?

 

[newblokeonthekid]

thanks for that extended list has......do they offer any other codings or would the list be too large?