What would you do?

[scotteng]

Hello,

Did a periodic inspection today, found that the smoke alarms didnt have an earth (being class 2, they dont need to be earthed) but isnt it a requirment to have the earth present in the cables?? Means i cannot test zs also.

What would you class this as on a PIR? your advise would be very helpfull! cheers

 

[kfelec]

i always find that when im doing pir tests.

the cables to the smokes should be earthed

what i normaly do is get a bit of slack on the cables and redo them

 

[oharaf]

common thing i'm afraid!!!

 

[scotteng]

what code would you put down on the PIR? code 2?

 

[SparkyNinja]

How have they been wired?
What circuit are they on?
What cable has been used?

 

[Paul_C]

I'd say code 4 so long as the devices are double-insulated and do not require earthing. No different than lighting circuits without an earth.

 

[scotteng]

How have they been wired?
What circuit are they on?
What cable has been used?

run on their own circuit, 1.5mm twin and earth (earth snipped back), rcd proctected same rcd as lighting circuit

 

[SparkyNinja]

run on their own circuit, 1.5mm twin and earth (earth snipped back), rcd proctected same rcd as lighting circuit

Is the earth disconnected at the C.U.?

 

[scotteng]

yes snipped back, no slack and looks like it will be a pain to cripmp and extend too!! so should be fun re-instating

 

[1john]

code 4, i have never seen a domestic smoke alarm that requires a CPC connection, there is a reg that stipulates that an earth should be provided at each accessory although I would treat this instance as a properly installed class 2 lighting circuit, it doesn't comply but it isnt dangerous.

 

[Adam_151]

I'd lean towards a code 2 myself, but can see how it could be justified as code 4, but don't think i'd be happy about saying such an arrangement does not have to be corrected in order for a satisfactory judgement

 

[Spark123]

It is still poo that there is a CPC there which isn't connected and left floating so I'd err towards a code 2 also.
If there wasn't a CPC in the cable then I'd look at the circumstances, either a 4 or if the installation is supervised then no codes at all (protection by DI).

 

[PrinceofDarkness]

I wouldn't give this particular situation a 'code' at all, but I'd mention it in the section for additional comments - or on an appended sheet.

I hate to see snipped cpc's. I can't think of a reason for doing so, when that cpc could just as well be sleeved and tucked away safely.

My main concern with smoke detectors is that they should work properly in order to save lives. So the issuing of a 'code' seems rather petty to me. It's a different matter with other fixed points in wiring, where a Class II item might be replaced by a Class I item - but that's hardly likely to be the case with smoke detectors, unless they start to make them of cast-iron.......

Lucia.

 

[scotteng]

Thankyou everyone, thats been really helpful!! nice one

 

[RF Lighting]

I'd code 2 it.