Another I have seen a few times is strip connectors (choc blocks) in loft and floorboard spaces without an enclosure. Would that fail an inspection? 

JDW: 
 

 

Given the true load is fixed, and low, the rating of a lighting box is a bit of an irrelevance, as the real question relates to how many wires can be inserted without it failing to do up properly and is it in a sensible place to inspect. 

Do they ever get inspected, most seem to be under floorboards!

Traditionally they were made accessible by the fitting of a floor “trap” over them. This was screwed down and the work TRAP was scrawled on it in pencil or Biro. They need no inspection if initially correctly installed.

Z.

Another I have seen a few times is strip connectors (choc blocks) in loft and floorboard spaces without an enclosure. Would that fail an inspection? 

It should - screw terminals have to be accessible, and accessible terminals and places where the outer jacket of a cable is removed need an enclosure ?

Now that ‘enclosure’ may be the void behind a wall light or something, and the fitting forms the screwed access ‘cover’  and the brickwork forms the other 3 sides. However, some thought is needed as to if that is wise,  a dry brick wall is probably OK being fire proof and insulating, a hollow partition with duplex board or a hole in the plasterboard under a wooden floor really isn't so clever. 

Now in practice choc block flapping between floor and ceiling next to heating pipes etc are unlikely to pose an immediate danger, but it is very poor practice, accessible or not, and should be corrected when found.

The same  choc block or sprung terminal connector  flapping about  in a  90p box that gives a degree of cable grip and covers the stripped ends of the cable so that only jacket is exposed is perfectly OK, so it is not hard to do better.

Mike.

JDW: 
 

Another I have seen a few times is strip connectors (choc blocks) in loft and floorboard spaces without an enclosure. Would that fail an inspection? 

Yes. I normally use a surface pattress to enclose such. It can be retrofitted if a small slot(s) are cut into the pattress then a blanking plate is fitted to enclose the connections. The pattress is flame retardant. My method saves having to undo the connections to thread the cables through the knock outs. The connections are less likely to be touched by someone visiting the loft in the dark and perhaps receiving a shock if fully enclosed.

Z.

JDW: 
Another I have seen a few times is strip connectors (choc blocks) in loft and floorboard spaces without an enclosure. Would that fail an inspection? 

Only if you remove the luminaire or take up the floorboards.

I've seen quite a few that have been done like this, mainly on older installations (1990's  and 00's) was it common practice then? 

Still is common at the shallow end of the market, cheap kitchen re-fits and that sort of thing - it never was good practice, though as it will often work for years it all depends on how keen you are to safe a few quid but not quite meet the spirit of the regs.

Mike.

JDW: 
 

I've seen quite a few that have been done like this, mainly on older installations (1990's  and 00's) was it common practice then? 

Alright Guv I'll confess. I done it. Honest I ‘ad to. Fitting a new light downstairs. Did I wanna go upstairs and move the double bed, roll back the carpet, cut a trap to fit a junction box, perhaps in a chip board floor that would creak a lot when walked on afterwards. I ain’t a chippy mate.  Nah mate. I just used choc blocks to connect the new light. Taped all the chock blocks wiv good quality electrical insulation tape of the right colours, then stuffed the lot up into the ceiling void above the new light. Did I evva have any comebacks? Nah. All jobs were gooduns. No fires, no shocks no problems. Crickey mate, I woz doin' that when I was knee high to a dis board.

Z.

well once covered in site applied thermoplastic  insulation, it may be argued to actually comply, at least until the tape peels off. Self amalgamating tape is better in that regard.

Mike.

(and there may be a few bits with my prints on too in strange places,  but I'm not saying where. Mine is the one where the cables are knotted or cable tied to each other to give strain relief )

 Mine is the one where the cables are knotted or cable tied to each other to give strain relief )

Are you expecting a cable tug of war by the rodents then Mike?

Z.