mcerd1
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| posted on 22/5/13 at 01:41 PM |
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OT - house wiring - earthing ?
I've been fitting a few new lights in the house and discovered that there is no earth cable
instead its connected to the steel conduits (which I've no idea what they are connected to  )
the house was rewired about 30 years ago (by the council) so I assume its been like this the whole time.....
Will this will be ok ?
Should I be tring to test how good an earth its giving ? (and how would I do that ? )
[Edited on 22/5/2013 by mcerd1]
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whitestu
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| posted on 22/5/13 at 01:59 PM |
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Nothing wrong with steel conduit as an earth as long as it has been done properly. I'd be surprised if that was done 30 years ago. My last house
had steel conduit and singles and that was original from about 1935. What type of insulation is on the singles in the conduit?
You need an earth loop impedance tester to check it out, plus a physical inspection.
Unless you have the kit I'd get someone in to check it out for you.
Stu
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mcerd1
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| posted on 22/5/13 at 02:21 PM |
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its looks like twin PVC cable pulled through the existing conduit (probably as old as the house, so ~1948)
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whitestu
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| posted on 22/5/13 at 04:09 PM |
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If cabling is PVC then it should be OK assuming it has been installed properly and not overloaded.
Getting a spark in to do a periodic inspection & test is the best bet unless you have access to the kit to do it yourself.
It's likely not to comply with current regs which isn't a problem but worth making sure your earth arrangements are up to scratch.
Stu
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mcerd1
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| posted on 22/5/13 at 09:41 PM |
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cheers I'll add it to the list of things to check - my quote already fills a sheet of A4
at this rate the electrics alone are going to be well over £1k to sort - this is really hurting my dax build fund 
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