Experts from SELECT answer a question from the Voltimum community.
Question:
This photo shows a socket for a light just to the side of the table I was sat at. This was a recent refurbishment of a chain restaurant. The socket is a metre off the floor and can be touched by children.
Would you view the cloth covering as adequate mechanical protection?
The cable pushed through the hole with no protection is an issue and the cables clamped in the socket is another issue.
Should a PAT have passed the light?
The work must have had an electrical certificate.
Is the installation an issue and who is to blame for passing the work off as acceptable?
Answer:
The socket in question looks like a 5A lighting socket. This would have required Electrical Certification when it was installed.
The light fitting would also have required In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment and looking at the label this appears to have happened.
The installation of the light could have occured after these tests, and looks like this has not been done professionally and certainly should be improved.
Bob Cairney, Stuart McKelvie, Keith Hagan, Neil Sim and Mark McLaughlin
Experts on all aspects of Electrical Installation Scottish Building Standards