Shower Installation

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Hello,

Was wondering if anyone can help me. I've recently had a well known DIY company install a bathroom which has been a joke from start to finish. I have a couple of concerns with the electrical side.

An electrician fitted an RCD then "peformed some tests" saying the certificate would now be issued. He then left. The new shower had not been fitted at this point.

The bathroom fitter then fitted the shower and asked me to connect the shower as he "wasnt sure about electricity". I refused so he asked if I could show him where the 3 wires go. He then proceeded to wire the shower without proving dead (I knew it was but he didnt).

My questions are:-

1. When are certifcate of installations issued?
2. Can a certificate be issued without the new shower unit having being being connected when the electrician did his tests?
3. Is there anything in the 17th edition about "proving dead" before commencing work?


Appreciate any help on this matter.
R

[Central Scrutinizer]

Hello,

Was wondering if anyone can help me. I've recently had a well known DIY company install a bathroom which has been a joke from start to finish. I have a couple of concerns with the electrical side.

An electrician fitted an RCD then "peformed some tests" saying the certificate would now be issued. He then left. The new shower had not been fitted at this point.

The bathroom fitter then fitted the shower and asked me to connect the shower as he "wasnt sure about electricity". I refused so he asked if I could show him where the 3 wires go. He then proceeded to wire the shower without proving dead (I knew it was but he didnt).

My questions are:-

1. When are certifcate of installations issued?
2. Can a certificate be issued without the new shower unit having being being connected when the electrician did his tests?
3. Is there anything in the 17th edition about "proving dead" before commencing work?


Appreciate any help on this matter.
R

Ok, answer 1, generally on completion of the job, although the only rules for issuing certificates are relating to building completion certificates under Part P, the regs just say that certificates must be issued for all installation work, but do not specify when

Answer 2, assuming its a new circuit, than an Electrical Installation Certificate could be issued, with a note saying that the appliance had not been fitted. The test results (which relate to the circuit) would be still be valid

Answer 3, no there is nothing in the (non-statutory) wiring regs about specifically proving dead, but there IS in the (statutory) Electricty at Work Regs, where is says, 'no work must be carried on live systems unless there is no other way to carry out the work, reasonable precautions etc etc' (obvioulsy not quoted!)

So, if the installer carried out the work live, when he COULD have (and should have) carried out correct isolation procedures, he was in direct contravention of the EAWR's. However, because nothing happened (i.e he didnt get a shock) i cant really see how anything would come of it

your angle would really be the Part P route - was the installation company a member of a Competent Persons scheme? (If they were get the scheme involved) and if they werent, they should have notified the work to building control, so get them involved

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Thanks for the prompt reply. I've drafted a letter of complaint stating my concerns and have queried if they are a member of the competent persons scheme.

Help much appreciated.