Being an expert after an expert is employed?

Being an expert after an expert is employed?

9:14 AM, 7th February 2022, About 3 years ago 13

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You have an EICR done by a NAPIT registered professional – it raises a few C’3. The report actually states ‘ There are no items adversely affecting electrical safety, and the C’s listed are categorised and listed as ‘Improvement recommended’.

What does this actually mean?

Yes, I have legally ticked the box for the check to be done and got a copy of this myself, and a copy will also be sent onto the tenant for which they will acknowledge receipt.

I reiterate there is NO immediate or urgent action stated anywhere in the report and the professional has given an assessment that another check is to be done in 5 years.

The last page of the report states C3 coding…
Where an observation has been given a Classification code C3, the inspection and/or testing has revealed
a non-compliance with the current safety standard which, whilst not presenting immediate or potential
danger, would result in a significant safety improvement if remedied. Careful consideration should be
given to the safety benefits of improving these aspects of the installation. The NICEIC Approved Contractor
issuing this report will be able to provide further advice.

Do I now have to be an expert myself in interpreting the level of risk that a C3 poses against any work to correct this ‘recommendation’?

Surely if the issue were a real ‘this needs doing now’ which is itself if based on the professional electricians own analysis it would be a C1 or 2?

DSR


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Saul Smart

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21:27 PM, 7th February 2022, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by DSR at 07/02/2022 - 17:29
I would suggest more than likely. It's as I said earlier the regs since 2008 have been ammended or brand new editions brought out at an amazing rate of every 2 or 3 years- 2008 17th edition, 2011 amm1,2013 amm2, 2015 amm3 (where your metal fuseboards came in), 2018 brand new 18th edition, june 2020 amm1, march 22 amm2. And this will continue.

My own residence was built in 2006. Come 2008 and 17th edition brought in it gained C3s and has contiued to gain more to this day even though I have CHOSEN to do some of the upgrades. Its a C3 so its my choice and I've chosen the ones that really do add to safety and not done others that I personally feel unworthwhile.

All installations are going to pick up C3s as they age purely through reg changes. My personal feeling is that some people overthink this, worry too much and can be 'fodder' for the less than scrupulous to take advantage of.

Saul Smart

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22:10 PM, 7th February 2022, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Luke P at 07/02/2022 - 13:07
This is a good question and one without a simple answer- I've been thinking about it all day. Theoretically you have lawfully discharged your responsibilities by gaining a satisfactory report- albeit with a few C3s.

But if the proverbial did hit the fan as you suggest and for example someone was injured or worse then that as I see it would lie with a judge.

For example when we are fitting fire alarm systems to BS5839 the legal requirement (minimum) is an LD3. But 5839 says this is a minimum to discharge your duties but LD2 or LD1 level should be considered. In a court that would be held against. If a client will only go to an LD3 then I always get them to sign that I advised a higher standard and they chose not to. Not money making- I honestly believe that an LD2 should be a minimum. And also putting ACE into practice (ar*e covering exercise). In todays culture someone is always being sought after to be held to account and it's not going to be me with someone going against what I put forward. This is advice given on a new alarm installation not an inspection by way.

I give the fire reg situation as an example of a principle that 'may' apply in your wiring too.

As an example if a plastic (C3 coded) board was fitted in the under the stairs cupboard and caught fire with people trapped above and bad things happened. You could argue that you had a pass cert but it can be argued back that if a metal board been put in as recommended then the fire would have been contained and self extinguished with lack of oxygen in the unit and an incident avoided.

AND I'M NOT SUGGESTING WE ALL SWAP OUT OUR PLASTIC BOARDS before anyone jumps on me. I haven't replaced one in my rentals.

I'm just showing how something simple can also be more complex. It's a difficult area and there is no black and white.

By the way the OP seems a little confused- they start off talking about their NAPIT report and then quote their report as being from an NIC inspector? Im not with NIC so dont know what exactly they say but I am fully aware of what exactly the BSI form says should be quoted regarding a C3. As part of the report we are required to report and code as we find only and not give out personal advice in the report. The choice is left with customer as to where to seek advice and what to implement. This was put in place to stop the bad practice of unscrupulous inspectors making up work.

Badger

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16:59 PM, 12th February 2022, About 3 years ago

As a landlord that knows full well that the regs do not require plastic boards to be replaced I have nevertheless given in to this kind of pressure on occasion precisely because I do not ever want to find myself in the position of having to explain to the beak why I chose not to.

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