Published: 10 July 2008
Category: Q&A
Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This one, concerning lost earthing in a bedroom circuit and how to report it, is answered by SELECT:
Question: In carrying out an inspection and testing in a first floor flat, I found that a bedroom circuit has lost its earthing. The circuit hasn't been touched since the original installation approximately twenty years ago. In the periodic inspection report, under Observations & Recommendations, how should I report this? At present, what I may do is replace the light backbox from metal to plastic. To trace the problem would be a nightmare.
Answer: The Regulations are not retrospective, and under some previous installations it was not a requirement to provide an earthing terminal at connection of a lighting point.
However, it should be ensured that, under these circumstances, only Class 11 lighting accessories are installed - this would include the back box.
You should probably report this as a Deviation Code 4 - it does not comply with current regulations.
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