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We sometimes fit sockets if faulty when repairing washing machines,
Somebody mentioned it might not be legal without electricians qualifications, what’s the law say ❓Re: Is it legal to fit 13amp sockets
Replacing a 13amp wall socket is perfectly ‘legal’. You don’t need to be qualified in anything in order to replace it.
Re: Is it legal to fit 13amp sockets
As long as your employer’s liability insurance covers you for this work and you comply with relevant legislation, eg building regulations Part P and safe isolation procedures for proving dead and locking off supplies.
Re: Is it legal to fit 13amp sockets
Going back 10years ago when i was working for BG we did a weeks training in home electrical, at the time a minors works certificate had to be written out after small home electrical repairs, that was before part p arrived so im not sure if things have changed? …. 1.can anyone clarify what electrical repairs to a customers home us appliance engineers are allowed to do with being competent electrical engineers? and 2. i take it part P is the new code of practice that has to be followed?… iv seen a course advertised for part P competence, but i take it thats not mandatory in proving competence?
Re: Is it legal to fit 13amp sockets
Replacing a damaged accessory like for like e.g light switch, socket etc. anywhere including special locations – not subject to Part P regulations
Re: Is it legal to fit 13amp sockets
It is always advisable to check the socket with a Martindale plug tester before if possible and after fitting a new socket.
I visited an old cottage once where the customer moved her fridge and it touched an old gas cooker it sparked and burnt a hole in the side of the fridge no circuit breakers fitted in the cottage.
I checked the fridge and all the pcb was burnt out.
The cottage only had electricity on the ground floor and every socket was wired wrong live wires on earths neutral wires reversed this was found by just plugging in a Martindale tester.
A kind neighbour had wired it up for her and as fuse’s kept blowing he had put thick copper wire instead of fuse wire.
I do not know how the cottage had not gone up in flames.
I arranged for a friend of mine who is an electrian to give her a price for a complete rewiring of the property and advised her not to use any electric until he had checked it for her.
He said it was the worst he had ever seen and under the flooring the old rubber insulated wiring had no insulation on the wires and new wires had been joined to it just up to the three pin sockets.
He said it looked correct at the sockets but was wired to dangerous old wiring under the floor the insulation had perished on the old wiring so who ever connected the wires just connected to any wire so neutrals lives and earths mixed up and no ground connected to earth wires.
I know this is a rare case but it is advisable to check especially if no trips are fitted or the wiring is old as you cannot tell if all circuits are connected to the trips or wired correct.
If you check with a Martindale then you have shown you took all reasonable steps in replacing the socket and then no come back on you.
Bob
Re: Is it legal to fit 13amp sockets
Bob is right as although certification under Part P is not required for repairs, you still need to be sure your work complies with the required safety standards. Ignorance is no defence in the law.
Re: Is it legal to fit 13amp sockets
stratfordgirl wrote:you still need to be sure your work complies with the required safety standards. Ignorance is no defence in the law.
Oh come on now, enough of the “required safety standards” bull s h i t. The guy changes duff sockets, we all change duff wall sockets as a matter of course, it’s part of the job. He was only asking if he was still OK to do that. The answer is yes, this competent person, safety standards c r a p is all to ‘health and safety, hi viz, hard hats should be worn at all times nonsense.
“Ignorance is no defence in the law” yeah right, mind how you go!
Re: Is it legal to fit 13amp sockets
It’s still best to check with a Matinedale it just plugs in to the socket and shows it is wired ok.
Just takes a few seconds and you have covered yourself you have tested it.
You know how some customers can be and it only takes one to cause you hassle.
Simples
Bob
Re: Is it legal to fit 13amp sockets
Martin, one minute your post are all high and mighty and “you must abide by the rules”, the next your all “never mind abiding by the rules as long as you’re close”.
C’mon man , make up your mind!Re: Is it legal to fit 13amp sockets
bazza500 wrote:C’mon man , make up your mind!
“Rules?” What are you on about Barry? There are safety procedures yes, but rules, nah!
Re: Is it legal to fit 13amp sockets
You use a Martindale though don’t you Martin ? If we come across a burnt socket we do tests on the appliance fit a new mains lead and tell them to get the socket replaced by a spark as they can test the integrity of the circuit that the socket is on.
Re: Is it legal to fit 13amp sockets
Lawrence wrote:You use a Martindale though don’t you Martin ?
Yes of course, that’s the first and most important part of the job. Especially so as many appliances are switched on the neutral.
Lawrence wrote:If we come across a burnt socket we do tests on the appliance fit a new mains lead and tell them to get the socket replaced by a spark as they can test the integrity of the circuit that the socket is on.
Ah, well that’s where I go beyond. Having done a quick Martindale test then it’s out with the loop tester checking that all important integrity. Any issues there and I recommend my spark check it out, otherwise I change wall switches and sockets as a matter of course. But then I’m old school, been there done that and implement all necessary procedures in the process.
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