what happens if EICR fail

[VickyBH]

Electrician came round to do a quote for partial rewire. Basically I need a lot more sockets, new consumer unit and an extra new circuit for ktichen. I was going to leave the lighting circuit as it is but I was told the lighting circuit might be unsafe and advised to have a full rewire or EICR first at least. I am very reluctant to do the lighting circuit mainly because we have concrete ceiling and I really don't want to lose any ceiling height.

I have opened up light fitting plates and switches and I can see cpc behind all the light fittings, but not all the light switches. So my questions is,
1. is there a legal requirement that I must have EICR when adding new circuit?
2. if cable tested ok, can EICR fail for not having a cpc behind the switches?
3. What are my options if EICR fail? is it a legal requirement to replace/update it to current standard?

Thanks in advance.

 

[EFLImpudence]

I was told the lighting circuit might be unsafe

Your car might be unsafe.


1. No.
2. There is no fail. It is a report.
3. No legal anythings. You do not have to do anything.

 

[opps]

Your car might be unsafe.

Car?

What about his bicycle?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

1. No, any new circuit would require an electrical installation certificate
2. It would depend on the code designated to the issue. Code 1 and 2 require attention, code 3 does not. If the switch plates were metallic class I, it would be considered unsafe/unsatisfactory.
3. As above for safety reason it required that code 1 and 2s are addressed. But that is up to you, logically you deal with any unsatisfactory and unsafe issues.

 

[JohnW2]

<various things>

Hi there - great to see you back! I hope that all is well with you.

Kind Regards, John

 

[flameport]

I am very reluctant to do the lighting circuit mainly because we have concrete ceiling and I really don't want to lose any ceiling height.

Depends on how the existing wiring is installed.
If it's in conduit, then rewiring would be very quick, easy and leave no mess at all.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Hi there - great to see you back! I hope that all is well with you.

Kind Regards, John

Thank you John, TBH I have been better, but will survive.
Hope you are also well and in good health.

 

[JohnW2]

Thank you John, TBH I have been better, but will survive. Hope you are also well and in good health.

Sorry to hear that, and hopefully the 'better' of the past will eventually return. I'm fine thanks, but that thanks for asking!

Kind Regards, John

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Sorry to hear that, and hopefully the 'better' of the past will eventually return. I'm fine thanks, but that thanks for asking!

Kind Regards, John

I am sure they will John, thank you very much for your concern.

 

[VickyBH]

Thanks for the replies, much appreciate it. It's a relief to know full rewire isn't the only option.

Will C1/C2/C3 code compromise the safety certificate for new circuit/socket installed?

What are other implications for having unsatisfactory codes besides the risk? unable to have insurance?

 

[flameport]

New circuits won't have any code, as they will be new, and installed to the regulations applicable at the time.
There may be some items which must be fixed before new circuits are installed, but only those which would affect the new circuit.

It's not a requirement to have an EICR or any other kind of report to obtain insurance, but there may be consequences of having a defective installation if a claim were to be made.

 

[333rocky333]

Why would a rewire affect the ceiling height, if the wires are in buried conduit, it may actually be a simple task to rewire the lighting via that conduit and possibly less work than the other stuff and fitting the new consumer unit.

 

[VickyBH]

Why would a rewire affect the ceiling height, if the wires are in buried conduit, it may actually be a simple task to rewire the lighting via that conduit and possibly less work than the other stuff and fitting the new consumer unit.

I have opened up 2 switches and 1 socket but can’t see any conduit yet, I am hoping perhaps it’s hidden behind the wall so I will have to unscrew the back box before know anything for sure.

 

[flameport]

I have opened up 2 switches and 1 socket

Post some pictures of the wiring.

Do not unscrew the backboxes.

 

[seasickstevie]

If the cable goes out / comes in through the top, bottom or sides of the box, then the conduit isn't going to be 'behind' the box.