Zoomup:

I have seen many local cases of damage due to long sustained overvoltages when an S.P.D. probably would not have helped. Perhaps they are good for short transient overvoltages but for a long term fault I do not think so.

I don't think anyone is claiming that type 2 SPDs are intended for anything other than for very brief (~ 10 microsec) transients of the sort generated by e.g. lighting strikes on or near the distribution system further upstream

whjohnson:

Next question - The new Landlord regs apply to long term domestic tenants, but what applies to holiday lets? Is the frequency of inspections the same - I rather suspect that they are less onerous.

The 2020 Regulations apply to "specified tenancies" (R.1), which by definition (R.2) "grant[s] one or more persons the right to occupy all or part of the premises as their only or main residence" so holiday accommodation is excluded. Other H&S legislation may be applicable.

wallywombat:

Zoomup:

I have seen many local cases of damage due to long sustained overvoltages when an S.P.D. probably would not have helped. Perhaps they are good for short transient overvoltages but for a long term fault I do not think so.

I don't think anyone is claiming that type 2 SPDs are intended for anything other than for very brief (~ 10 microsec) transients of the sort generated by e.g. lighting strikes on or near the distribution system further upstream

That is exactly my point. They are overpriced, over rated, and of very limited merit.


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davezawadi (David Stone):

That is true Zoomup, we have heard nothing on the alleged incidents to plastic CUs in the London FB area. I rather think they may have stopped, or largely so because the meter installers have been told to be more careful. More information would be interesting, anything John P?

Are you suggesting David that meter installers disturbing meter tails but not checking the tightness of main switches inside consumer units afterwards,  may have been a contributory factor for fires around the intake position in houses?


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Chris Pearson:

whjohnson:

Next question - The new Landlord regs apply to long term domestic tenants, but what applies to holiday lets? Is the frequency of inspections the same - I rather suspect that they are less onerous.

The 2020 Regulations apply to "specified tenancies" (R.1), which by definition (R.2) "grant[s] one or more persons the right to occupy all or part of the premises as their only or main residence" so holiday accommodation is excluded. Other H&S legislation may be applicable.

The other reason for having an annual (or regular) E.I.C.R. produced is purely financial. Many holiday letting agencies that many holiday home owners use, insist upon an E.I.C.R. before accepting and promoting a listing.

Electrical safety regulations for holiday lets | Coast & Country Cottages (coastandcountry.co.uk)


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whjohnson:

That article you link to Zoom, is one of the best examples of  risk transfer scare tactics I have ever seen!

They quote the Electricity At Work Act 1989 in an attempt to frighten the owner! Oh yes, they may state that currently there are no regulations requiring EICRs on Holiday Lets but they damned well have a bloody good go at getting home owners to splash out regardless.

My take would be that the owner should be responsible for a good visual walk round post -let to ensure that no physical damage has occurred to any accessories or appliance flexes, but outside of that, there should be no other requirement save the usual 5 year checks..

I also agree with checking the functionality of any fire detection apparatus, even if this is just pressing the 'Test' button on the smoke alarms.

Risk management transfer is also called covering your ar*e. Obviously  the holiday letting agents do not want any chance of any future legal claims. The five year inspection and test is the minimum requirement and is insufficient in my opinion, especially if you are renting out a property to many diverse groups of users who may get up to all sorts of mischief. Within five years hundreds of different groups may have used the facility. God I'm sounding American. I blame it on the box set of "Sex and the City"" that I am working through.


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