Rob Webb asks about the changing of fittings in a 16th Edition lighting installation, and whether re-testing should be done according to the 17th Edition. His question has been answered by the NICEIC (Theme – Regulations & Legislation):
Question: We have a client that had its lighting installed to BS7671 (16th Edition) Wiring Regulations in 2006/2007. This client is now unhappy with the performance of the installation and is having it changed.
The contractor has proposed to change only the lighting fittings; nothing else - and then re-test the circuits to the old 16th Edition.
We (as consultants to the client) are advising that any circuit being altered after 1st July 2008, i.e. changing the light fittings and hence requiring a re-test, should be installed to meet the requirements of the BS7671:2008 (17th Edition), and hence in this particular case, the installation requires the fitting of RCBOs on the lighting circuit.
Could you please offer some clarity as to whether the circuits having lighting fittings changed should be installed to 17th Edition Wiring Regulation requirements, or remain to the 16th Edition.
Answer: The changing of fittings is generally seen as maintenance and not specifically within the scope of BS7671. New fittings will still need to be suitable for environment and not create excessive load.
It may also be the case that lighting circuits in a commercial setting to do require RCDs for cables in walls.
I have a similar question on socket-outlet replacement from ESC industry forum Q8. If an existing socket-outlet not having additional protection by RCD needs to be replaced, does such additional protection need to be provided for the replacement socket? No - such maintenance or repair work would not be classified as an alteration or addition - see Regulation number(s) 411.3.3.
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