Nigel Dalton asks about a lighting circuit test and what departure Code to apply. His question has been answered by the NICEIC (Theme – Regulations & Legislation):
Question: I'm in the process of completing a periodic inspection report on a two-bedroom house, which is served by only one lighting circuit feeding both upstairs and downstairs lighting points which include a mixture of pendant roses, 230V and 12V downlighters.
The total number of points on the circuit is 22. The circuit is wired in PVC/PVC 1mm cable protected by a 6A type B MCB.
Having completed a load test with all lights switched on and running, I obtain a reading of 2.6A. As there is no overload condition to the circuit, I have attributed a Code 4 recommendation on my report with respect to the lighting not being split into adequate individual circuits.
Am I right in using this Code, or does this departure warrant a more serious recommendation Code?
Answer: This does not pose an electrical safety issue on the installation.
However, it would no longer comply with Regulation 314.1 'division of installation', and therefore a Code 4 outcome would be acceptable.
To see many more Q & A in Voltimum UK's Experts Area, please click on the link:
www.voltimum.co.uk/consult.php?universe=consult.index.questions