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Wiring immersion timer

  • 31-08-2017 9:04pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 155 ✭✭


    Hi all
    Got an immersion timer from Woodies but have question about the wiring.

    There is live in and out neutral in and out and earth.

    Not sure how to wire it for bath and sink?


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 892 ✭✭✭xl500


    Geimhreadh wrote: »
    Hi all
    Got an immersion timer from Woodies but have question about the wiring.

    There is live in and out neutral in and out and earth.

    Not sure how to wire it for bath and sink?

    You dont wire the timer for Bath Sink
    The original Dual immersion Switch remains and you insert Timer in Supply to it

    So Timer Switches Supply to Immersion Switch you still select Bath/Sink as before

    Hope that makes sense


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 6,378 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wearb


    Does the timer have a separate timer setting for bath and sink?

    Please follow site and charter rules. "Resistance is futile"



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,953 ✭✭✭aujopimur


    Wearb wrote: »
    Does the timer have a separate timer setting for bath and sink?
    No, the timer feeds the imm. switch.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 155 ✭✭Geimhreadh


    Thanks all, xl500 has I think.

    Wire time to the mains and from there to the dual swirth.

    leave the dual switch set to one and either bath or sink.

    Then the time switch will control the power to the dual switch.

    Sound about right?

    I ll include pics for anyone wondering about this once I have it done if Boards lets me.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 892 ✭✭✭xl500


    Geimhreadh wrote: »
    Thanks all, xl500 has I think.

    Wire time to the mains and from there to the dual swirth.

    leave the dual switch set to one and either bath or sink.

    Then the time switch will control the power to the dual switch.

    Sound about right?

    I ll include pics for anyone wondering about this once I have it done if Boards lets me.

    Thats it exactly Timer only switches mains to original Dual Switch you decide if you want to have it on Sink /Bath and when timer comes on that is the Element that will heat


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 155 ✭✭Geimhreadh


    Nice one, hopefully have it done tomorrow.

    Bought an older house last year and slowly working my way through replumbing the place where I can.

    I expect I ll be on here a lot for advice ha ha.

    Thanks again.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 950 ✭✭✭Tom44


    Slightly illegal to alter immersion wires, even if your a qualified plumber, let alone a DITer.

    Simple job I know, but ment to be RECI Electrician.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,189 ✭✭✭✭Sleeper12


    Tom44 wrote:
    Slightly illegal to alter immersion wires, even if your a qualified plumber, let alone a DITer.


    Even illegal for non reci electricians Tom. This is in the same class as an electric shower.
    It's also one of the jobs that you need to have certed by reci


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 155 ✭✭Geimhreadh


    Sleeper12 wrote: »
    Even illegal for non reci electricians Tom. This is in the same class as an electric shower.
    It's also one of the jobs that you need to have certed by reci

    Is there a list of household electrical tasks that illegal to be done without an electrical?

    The way I have been working it is the wiring is already present and it's a matter of swapping g out a fitting I ll go ahead. If new wiring is needed then it's call in the electrician.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 892 ✭✭✭xl500


    http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Topics/Electricity/Inspection_and_Testing/Works_Needing_Certification/

    To Say its illegal is a big Statement and as can be seen from above link this area is very unsatisfactory

    RGI is very defined and clear ANY work on gas requires RGI

    But As Far as I know RECI Certification is certainly not needed for minor works under the current Legislation


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,189 ✭✭✭✭Sleeper12


    Geimhreadh wrote: »
    Is there a list of household electrical tasks that illegal to be done without an electrical?

    The way I have been working it is the wiring is already present and it's a matter of swapping g out a fitting I ll go ahead. If new wiring is needed then it's call in the electrician.

    I'm not saying you should or shouldn't do it. I do some of these jobs myself at home. It's up to you. Personally I believe if we give advice here on how to do it then we should at least inform you that it's legal or illegal. Then you have all the information.

    There are better informed posters then me that can tell you what falls under "minor works". Anything to do with water is a no no. This would be almost anything in a bathroom inc changing "certain" bulbs. replacing an electric fan heater etc. Anything to do with water needs to be wired back to a RCBO afaik. The idea of the newer laws is to get a REC in for these jobs & he will insist on fitting proper safety fittings lick RCBOs that mightn't have been the norm when the appliance was originally installed. So they are slowly improving safety in our homes. If we homeowners keep replacing our own electric showers etc then our fuseboard may never be brought up to todays safety standards. Also your REC will test everything from fusebox to the immersion & give you a safety cert


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,189 ✭✭✭✭Sleeper12


    xl500 wrote: »
    http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Topics/Electricity/Inspection_and_Testing/Works_Needing_Certification/

    To Say its illegal is a big Statement and as can be seen from above link this area is very unsatisfactory

    RGI is very defined and clear ANY work on gas requires RGI

    But As Far as I know RECI Certification is certainly not needed for minor works under the current Legislation

    But anything to do with an immersion is not minor works & must be certed.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 155 ✭✭Geimhreadh


    Thanks all for the advice. Only starting out diy and the more I do right at the start the better.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Immersion need electricians to prove electrical safety which can't be done in the same manner by anyone else, it is not about the simplicity of the job it's about safety safety safety, they pull a large load for a long time.

    The last immersion I wired was in a high end cylinder pre-wired and fitted which I was fitting in my parents much loved home, long story short I badly flooded their house(and I have a mother who still can reach for the wooden soon:() the village (as well as my family) think I'm a ejit all because of a loose neutral (so the manufacturers told me) on the pre-wired immersion that generated so much heat it melted the solder holding in the immersion element.

    I'v wiried thousands of immersion as a cylinder manufacturers engineer but it was my experience in my mothers house that showed my the ease at which it goes wrong and now I insist the work is checked by a sparks or is done by a sparks purely for safety reasons.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,189 ✭✭✭✭Sleeper12


    gary71 wrote: »
    Immersion need electricians to prove electrical safety which can't be done in the same manner by anyone else, it is not about the simplicity of the job it's about safety safety safety, they pull a large load for a long time.

    The last immersion I wired was in a high end cylinder pre-wired and fitted which I was fitting in my parents much loved home, long story short I badly flooded their house(and I have a mother who still can reach for the wooden soon:() the village (as well as my family) think I'm a ejit all because of a loose neutral (so the manufacturers told me) on the pre-wired immersion that generated so much heat it melted the solder holding in the immersion element.

    I'v wiried thousands of immersion as a cylinder manufacturers engineer but it was my experience in my mothers house that showed my the ease at which it goes wrong and now I insist the work is checked by a sparks or is done by a sparks purely for safety reasons.

    My mother is 87 & can still reach for the wooden spoon. :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 173 ✭✭EHP


    Geimhreadh wrote:
    Is there a list of household electrical tasks that illegal to be done without an electrical?


    This is not a full list but should help guide people. As a note a qualified electrician cannot complete restricted electrical works unless reci registered even in there own home.

    If you have to remove the cover off the fuse board it's restricted works and needs a reci.

    Any electrical works in any of the bathroom zones is restricted works and needs a reci. If your working on a bathroom light that is outside the zones and it shares a supply with an extract fan for example within the zones then it falls under restricted works also.

    Adding a socket/light to an existing circuit or replacing a socket/light is minor works and doesn't need a reci

    You can replace oven/hob under minor works once like for like, watch this as a lot of new appliances now have larger kw ratings and may need a change of cable which would bring it back under restricted works.

    If wiring a heating system a reci has to supply the spur outlet but from there on any competent person is allowed wire the system


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    EHP wrote: »
    This is not a full list but should help guide people. As a note a qualified electrician cannot complete restricted electrical works unless reci registered even in there own home.

    If you have to remove the cover off the fuse board it's restricted works and needs a reci.

    Any electrical works in any of the bathroom zones is restricted works and needs a reci. If your working on a bathroom light that is outside the zones and it shares a supply with an extract fan for example within the zones then it falls under restricted works also.

    Adding a socket/light to an existing circuit or replacing a socket/light is minor works and doesn't need a reci

    You can replace oven/hob under minor works once like for like, watch this as a lot of new appliances now have larger kw ratings and may need a change of cable which would bring it back under restricted works.

    If wiring a heating system a reci has to supply the spur outlet but from there on any competent person is allowed wire the system

    Thanks for the clarification.

    The only group other than sparks that can prove competents are RGI's so heating wiring is purely the domain of sparks and RGIs.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 892 ✭✭✭xl500


    Sleeper12 wrote: »
    But anything to do with an immersion is not minor works & must be certed.

    I wouldnt be too sure about that If you can replace a Switch or Socket or Hob under minor Works

    I would like to see a Link to show where it is restricted I think this area is very Grey People including myself may like it to be restricted but under the Current Regs is it can anyone show a Link to prove this


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    https://safeelectric.ie/contractors/faq/minor-electrical-works/

    TAKEN FROM ABOVE LINK:
    What are Minor Electrical Works?

    Posted on June 8, 2017
    Minor Electrical Works generally involve the “like for like” replacement of switches, sockets, lighting fittings and/or additions to an existing circuit. The work must be in compliance with the National Wiring Rules. See document CER/13/147 for a definition of Minor Electrical Works.



    https://safeelectric.ie/contractors/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/07/restrictedWorks.pdf

    2.5 Minor Electrical Works
    The CER when defining Controlled Electrical Work recognised that a certain amount of Do-It-Yourself (or “DIY”) electrical installation work is a feature of electrical installations in domestic premises in this country and generally involves “like for like” replacements of switches, sockets, lighting fittings and/or additions to an existing circuit. This work must also be in compliance with the National Wiring Rules. However, Minor Electrical Works are currently outside the scope of Controlled Electrical Works and also, under the definition, outside the scope of Restricted Electrical Works.
    The CER is of the view, having given consideration to the responses received to its consultation on this issue, that Minor Electrical Works do not impose a significant safety risk on the consumer, and therefore has decided they will be exempt from the scope of Controlled and Restricted Electrical Works. Additionally, restricting Minor Electrical Works would achieve very limited public safety benefits, whilst imposing a disproportionate cost on customers.
    However, minor works may be included in the future based on assessment of risks or evidence to the contrary.
    Therefore, Minor Electrical Works can be undertaken by a non-registered party, and do not require the issuance of a Certificate. Examples of Minor Electrical Works include the following:
     Replacement of an electrical accessory such as light switch;
     Replacement or relocation of light fitting where the existing circuit is
    retained; and
     Provision of an additional socket to an existing radial circuit.
    To summarise, the regulatory framework for electrical safety up to now before the introduction of Restricted Works involves the certification of Controlled Electrical Works (compulsory if completed by REC) and Minor Electrical Works (non-compulsory), as illustrated in Figure 2.5.1.16 Under the regulatory regime, Controlled Electrical Works can be certified by either a REC or through a Third Party Inspection, while Minor Electrical Works can be completed by either a REC or by a suitably trained person or competent person, and do not legally require the issuance of Certificate.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 892 ✭✭✭xl500


    gary71 wrote: »
    https://safeelectric.ie/contractors/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/07/restrictedWorks.pdf

    2.5 Minor Electrical Works
    The CER when defining Controlled Electrical Work recognised that a certain amount of Do-It-Yourself (or “DIY”) electrical installation work is a feature of electrical installations in domestic premises in this country and generally involves “like for like” replacements of switches, sockets, lighting fittings and/or additions to an existing circuit. This work must also be in compliance with the National Wiring Rules. However, Minor Electrical Works are currently outside the scope of Controlled Electrical Works and also, under the definition, outside the scope of Restricted Electrical Works.
    The CER is of the view, having given consideration to the responses received to its consultation on this issue, that Minor Electrical Works do not impose a significant safety risk on the consumer, and therefore has decided they will be exempt from the scope of Controlled and Restricted Electrical Works. Additionally, restricting Minor Electrical Works would achieve very limited public safety benefits, whilst imposing a disproportionate cost on customers.
    However, minor works may be included in the future based on assessment of risks or evidence to the contrary.
    Therefore, Minor Electrical Works can be undertaken by a non-registered party, and do not require the issuance of a Certificate. Examples of Minor Electrical Works include the following:
     Replacement of an electrical accessory such as light switch;
     Replacement or relocation of light fitting where the existing circuit is
    retained; and
     Provision of an additional socket to an existing radial circuit.
    To summarise, the regulatory framework for electrical safety up to now before the introduction of Restricted Works involves the certification of Controlled Electrical Works (compulsory if completed by REC) and Minor Electrical Works (non-compulsory), as illustrated in Figure 2.5.1.16 Under the regulatory regime, Controlled Electrical Works can be certified by either a REC or through a Third Party Inspection, while Minor Electrical Works can be completed by either a REC or by a suitably trained person or competent person, and do not legally require the issuance of Certificate.

    Exactly the point I was making it states Examples which means its not a definitve list also Earlier It was stated a Hob could be replaced Like for Like its not in the List of Examples above and Examples are exactly That only Examples

    So if Replacing an Immersion Sw is Restricted Works a Link to show That would be great

    I am not trying to argue with you But I do Genuinely believe its a mess and not in any Way as Clear As RGI


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,189 ✭✭✭✭Sleeper12


    xl500 wrote:
    I wouldnt be too sure about that If you can replace a Switch or Socket or Hob under minor Works


    I am very positive about this. I have this in writing from the CER. I'm a member of HAPAI and they have regular sit down meetings with RECI safety Ireland and this has been confirmed by them too


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 892 ✭✭✭xl500


    Sleeper12 wrote: »
    I am very positive about this. I have this in writing from the CER. I'm a member of HAPAI and they have regular sit down meetings with RECI safety Ireland and this has been confirmed by them too

    Of Course I Bow to your In Writing From CER etc

    But If its not in the Regs or clearly defined in Legislation then its open to interpretation

    I believe they Should have made all Electrical Work Restricted as Per RGI but Currently the idea that minor Works which are undefined and left up to someone to interpret is crazy

    And of course If someone is Going to do some Work in a house it should be CLEAR what is allowed

    RGI is Crystal Clear no work on Gas

    But Electrical No Work but maybe you can do some small stuff and here are some examples but if your not sure check the regs but they are just as Vague

    Again Regs Should be clearly Available and If someone can show a Link to where it states


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,189 ✭✭✭✭Sleeper12


    xl500 wrote:
    RGI is Crystal Clear no work on Gas


    We're actually looking for something like RGI where we plumbers & electricians are both allowed work on electric showers and immersions. For plumbers to be allowed train so that they can install & test showers and immersions. The change in the law took people's livelihoods away. If you google electric shower repair you'll be lucky to see an electrician on the first 2 pages. Triton, mira, Aqualisa etc don't have any RECs repairing or replacing showers. The new laws have put an entire industry on the wrong side of the law.
    Most electricians don't want to look at replacing an immersion & yet it's illegal for a plumber to wire in a replacement.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 892 ✭✭✭xl500


    Sleeper12 wrote: »
    We're actually looking for something like RGI where we plumbers & electricians are both allowed work on electric showers and immersions. For plumbers to be allowed train so that they can install & test showers and immersions. The change in the law took people's livelihoods away. If you google electric shower repair you'll be lucky to see an electrician on the first 2 pages. Triton, mira, Aqualisa etc don't have any RECs repairing or replacing showers. The new laws have put an entire industry on the wrong side of the law.
    Most electricians don't want to look at replacing an immersion & yet it's illegal for a plumber to wire in a replacement.

    I know thats what you Think But where Does it say its illegial for a plumber to replace an immersion and wire the new one into existing circuit

    I think the Whole thing is a mess


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,189 ✭✭✭✭Sleeper12


    xl500 wrote:
    I know thats what you Think But where Does it say its illegial for a plumber to replace an immersion and wire the new one into existing circuit

    HAPAI were told only REC can work on an immersion. They were told this at a sit down meeting with RECI. They say that it's treated the same as a electric or power shower. No alterations or modifications from the trip switch to the immersion. I'm pretty sure they said that an impedance test was required & as we cannot look at the fusebox then we cannot test it. We are no longer able take a spur for a pump or power shower. Only A REC can do this work.
    xl500 wrote:
    I think the Whole thing is a mess
    I totally agree with you. My electrician was going to a RECI roadshow so I asked him to find out about electric shower. The RECI inspector told him it's a grey area and I'll be fine to carry on.
    Left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing imo. Sadly we'll are left in the firing line if something goes wrong.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 892 ✭✭✭xl500


    Sleeper12 wrote: »
    HAPAI were told only REC can work on an immersion. They were told this at a sit down meeting with RECI. They say that it's treated the same as a electric or power shower. No alterations or modifications from the trip switch to the immersion. I'm pretty sure they said that an impedance test was required & as we cannot look at the fusebox then we cannot test it. We are no longer able take a spur for a pump or power shower. Only A REC can do this work. QUOTE



    To Be Fair they would say that after all They are the Body representing the Contractors and its in their interest to restrict as much as possible

    But they dont draft the Regs and I still cannot see anywhere in Regs where changing Immersion Sw is restricted and therin Lies the problem

    And look at this thread from a couple of years ago on this forum again complete opposite view so something is wrong wheras Gas Regs are quite clear

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=91926508


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 173 ✭✭EHP


    Sleeper12 wrote:
    HAPAI were told only REC can work on an immersion. They were told this at a sit down meeting with RECI. They say that it's treated the same as a electric or power shower. No alterations or modifications from the trip switch to the immersion. I'm pretty sure they said that an impedance test was required & as we cannot look at the fusebox then we cannot test it. We are no longer able take a spur for a pump or power shower. Only A REC can do this work.

    I could be wrong on this but as far as the written rules go if an immersion is in a location that falls under part 7 only then it is restricted works and this would only happen where the hotpress door opens into the bathroom area or in a milking parlour.
    As a member of RECI take it from me that the inspectors in my opinion don't fully understand the rules and often misquote them and regularly get mixed up between controlled and restricted works.
    However every time I change an immersion I test the rcd and loop impedance, you would be surprised how often rcds fail and how many houses aren't neutralised. I don't believe making work like changing an immersion etc restricted is the way forward, I think making periodic inspections mandatory would be the best way forward.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 892 ✭✭✭xl500


    EHP wrote: »
    I could be wrong on this but as far as the written rules go if an immersion is in a location that falls under part 7 only then it is restricted works and this would only happen where the hotpress door opens into the bathroom area or in a milking parlour.
    As a member of RECI take it from me that the inspectors in my opinion don't fully understand the rules and often misquote them and regularly get mixed up between controlled and restricted works.
    However every time I change an immersion I test the rcd and loop impedance, you would be surprised how often rcds fail and how many houses aren't neutralised. I don't believe making work like changing an immersion etc restricted is the way forward, I think making periodic inspections mandatory would be the best way forward.

    Exactly But I think the real confusion arises on what constitutes minor works anything that is open interpretation is always going to cause problems your impression of minor works could be different to mine

    It should be clear in Regs what is allowed and more importantly what is not


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 173 ✭✭EHP


    xl500 wrote:
    It should be clear in Regs what is allowed and more importantly what is not

    Most of what is not allowed is clear when you read the definition of controlled and restricted works the confusion is where people were only reading controlled works definition and not realising the small difference between the two.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 892 ✭✭✭xl500


    EHP wrote: »
    Most of what is not allowed is clear when you read the definition of controlled and restricted works the confusion is where people were only reading controlled works definition and not realising the small difference between the two.

    Well I cannot see where replacing an immersion Sw on an existing circuit would be restricted

    Can you Link to anything


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,189 ✭✭✭✭Sleeper12


    EHP wrote:
    I could be wrong on this but as far as the written rules go if an immersion is in a location that falls under part 7 only then it is restricted works and this would only happen where the hotpress door opens into the bathroom area or in a milking parlour. As a member of RECI take it from me that the inspectors in my opinion don't fully understand the rules and often misquote them and regularly get mixed up between controlled and restricted works. However every time I change an immersion I test the rcd and loop impedance, you would be surprised how often rcds fail and how many houses aren't neutralised. I don't believe making work like changing an immersion etc restricted is the way forward, I think making periodic inspections mandatory would be the best way forward.


    100% behind periodic inspections. I have seen some terrible thing. 2.5 twin & earth running a 9kw shower. Block connectors wrapped up in insulation tape on 6mm for showers.
    Only a few weeks ago I was replacing a power shower. Looking for the spur I went to the hot press. They had a cylinder with two side immersions. Both were wired to a single light switch. When switched on both elements would come on together. I never found a spur. As the reporter in the massage parlour used to say I made my excuses and left.
    I'm a plumber so there must be hundreds of dangerous electrical things that I haven't noticed over the years in houses.
    I saw a house fire from a badly wired immersion in an attic a few years ago. The family had to move into a hotel for 8 weeks (I think).
    Inspections should be mandatory and if the government won't do it I'd love to see the insurance industry refuse insurance without an inspection every 5 years or so.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 892 ✭✭✭xl500


    Sleeper12 wrote: »
    100% behind periodic inspections. I have seen some terrible thing. 2.5 twin & earth running a 9kw shower. Block connectors wrapped up in insulation tape on 6mm for showers.
    Only a few weeks ago I was replacing a power shower. Looking for the spur I went to the hot press. They had a cylinder with two side immersions. Both were wired to a single light switch. When switched on both elements would come on together. I never found a spur. As the reporter in the massage parlour used to say I made my excuses and left.
    I'm a plumber so there must be hundreds of dangerous electrical things that I haven't noticed over the years in houses.
    I saw a house fire from a badly wired immersion in an attic a few years ago. The family had to move into a hotel for 8 weeks (I think).
    Inspections should be mandatory and if the government won't do it I'd love to see the insurance industry refuse insurance without an inspection every 5 years or so.

    Agree But thats a different point I think the whole Construction industry needs an independent inspectorate look at what was built in the last Boom half of them are Dangerous
    And now the recent Schools have got defective Fire Systems its Crazy

    When I was serving my Time a Long time Ago there were Inspectors but of Course Fianna Fail and their Developer friends changed that to Self certification
    And as They say "Self Certification is No Certification"

    The only way forward is to have an inspectorate to protect the Consumer and ensure Regulations are adhered to thats how its Done in Most Developed Countries


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,637 ✭✭✭brightspark


    Sleeper12 wrote: »
    Inspections should be mandatory and if the government won't do it I'd love to see the insurance industry refuse insurance without an inspection every 5 years or so.

    That would be a significant cost to each home owner (if the tests are carried out correctly)

    Perhaps making it mandatory when selling (like the BER) might be more practical.

    However just like the BER there will be a race to the bottom for pricing resulting in shortcuts being taken.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,189 ✭✭✭✭Sleeper12


    xl500 wrote:
    The only way forward is to have an inspectorate to protect the Consumer and ensure Regulations are adhered to thats how its Done in Most Developed Countries


    Agree but we still should have periodic inspections to protect DIY warrior's from themselves. There was a threat in diy a few days ago. Someone decided to remove their chimney /fireplace. Two posters pointed out that he might be removing a supporting structure. Not making fun of the op on the thread, he just did not know what he was doing but some people need protecting from themselves


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 950 ✭✭✭Tom44


    Geimhreadh wrote: »
    Hi all
    Got an immersion timer from Woodies but have question about the wiring.

    There is live in and out neutral in and out and earth.

    Not sure how to wire it for bath and sink?
    No offence to OP
    But this is the reason for restricted work, he's not just replacing like for like with a good background knowledge of electrical.
    He's altering a heavy load supply with questionable knowledge of electrics. :confused:

    Fair play to him for asking and forgive me for using it as a bad example.


    As for us professionals, as a plumber I too have got conflicting info from RECI when I rang them for clarification.
    Luckily it doesn't affect me in my line of work, but it's a nightmare for plumbers that specialize in showers and immersions.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,637 ✭✭✭brightspark


    I cannot find any regulations stating that only a REC can install an immersion switch (or that a cowboy can't install a "hob" as per the advert)

    http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2013/si/264/made/en/print
    Notice of the making of this Statutory Instrument was published in

    “Iris Oifigiúil” of 19th July, 2013.

    The Commission for Energy Regulation, in exercise of the powers conferred on it under section 9E of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (No. 23 of 1999), as amended by the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (No. 40 of 2006), hereby make the following regulations with respect to which, pursuant to section 9E(1) of that Act, the matters raised in the public consultation process carried out by the Commission under section 9E(1) of that Act were taken account of by the Commission, and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources having approved the draft of the regulations caused a draft of the regulations to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and a resolution approving the draft has been passed by each such House pursuant to section 9E(2) of that Act:

    General

    1. These Regulations may be cited as the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (Restricted Electrical Works) Regulations 2013.

    2. These Regulations come into operation on 1 October 2013

    3. In these Regulations, except where the context otherwise requires—

    “Act” means the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (No. 23 of 1999);

    “Circuit” means part of an Electrical Installation supplied from the same origin and protected against overcurrents by a single protective device;

    “Commercial Premises” means any building or land or part of a building or land used for the purposes of carrying on a trade or business but does not include that part of a building or land which is a Domestic Property;

    “Domestic Property” means:

    (a) A dwelling house, flat or maisonette, including:

    (i) any surgery, consulting room, office or other accommodation not exceeding 50m2 in total forming part of it and used in a commercial capacity;

    (ii) any part of its out-buildings or curtilage used for non-commercial purposes; or

    (iii) its connection to the electricity network;

    Or

    (b) A caravan or motor caravan intended for habitation purposes including its curtilage, used for non-commercial purposes, excluding electrical circuits and equipment for automotive purposes;

    “Distribution Board” means consumer unit or fuse-board which is an assembly of protective devices, including two or more fuses or circuit breakers, arranged for the distribution of electrical energy to final circuits or to other distribution boards;

    “Electrical Installation” means an assembly of electrical equipment with wiring or cable, to fulfil one or more specific purposes and having associated characteristics;

    “Main Protective device” means a device at the main supply point designed to provide protection against over current by isolating the fault from the electricity supply to protect equipment and appliances from being damaged.

    “National Rules for Electrical Installations” means the current issue of the rules which are prepared by the Electro Technical Council of Ireland (or other body as the case may be).

    4. (1) For the purposes of these Regulations and section 9E(1) of the Act, the phrase ‘Restricted Electrical Works’ has the same meaning as and shall be construed as a reference to ‘Designated Electrical Works’.

    4. (2) For the purposes of section 9E(1) of the Act ‘Designated Electrical Works’ means:

    (a) the installation, commissioning, inspection or testing of a new Electrical Installation which is fixed, fastened or mounted or otherwise secured so that its position does not change and requires connection or re-connection to the distribution network or the transmission network, as the case may be;

    (b) the modification, installation or replacement of a Distribution Board including customer tails on either side of the Main Protective Device or of an Electrical Installation in any of the special locations listed in Part 7 of the National Rules for Electrical Installations, as the case may be;

    (c) the installation or replacement of one or more circuits in an Electrical Installation, including the installation of one or more additional protective devices for such circuits on a Distribution Board; or

    (d) the inspection, testing or certification of, or reporting on, existing Electrical Installations covered by Part 6 of the National Rules for Electrical Installations;

    in a Domestic Property.

    4. (3) For the purposes of section 9E(1) of the Act, ‘Designated Electrical Works’ does not include:

    (a) Electrical works in potentially explosive atmospheres;

    (b) Electrical works in a Commercial Premises setting including MV and HV connection and installations;

    (c) Electrical works on a construction site;

    (d) Electrical works within exhibitions, shows and stands;

    (e) Electrical works on agricultural and horticultural installations;

    (f) Electrical works on public lighting and associated cabling;

    (g) Minor electrical works including the replacement of an electrical accessory such as a light switch, the replacement or relocation of a light fitting where the existing circuit is retained, the provision of an additional socket to an existing radial circuit, or electrical works which do not require the issuance of a completion certificate under section 9D of the Act.

    For some reason that last line is missing from Safe-Electrics version

    https://safeelectric.ie/contractors/support/restricted-controlled-electrical-works/
    Minor electrical works which include very small works such as like-for-like replacements (e.g. switches), moving light fittings without affecting the circuit and adding a socket to an existing circuit.

    Now as an immersion (unlike an electric shower) isn't installed in a bathroom, Part 7 doesn't seem to apply. So no certification is required by the CER.

    Unless someone has other documentation?

    NOTE this does not mean that the person doing the work shouldn't be competent


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,189 ✭✭✭✭Sleeper12


    Now as an immersion (unlike an electric shower) isn't installed in a bathroom, Part 7 doesn't seem to apply. So no certification is required by the CER.


    An impedance test isn't required for the immersion?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,637 ✭✭✭brightspark


    Sleeper12 wrote: »
    An impedance test isn't required for the immersion?


    I haven't been able to find a source, but the same logic would dictate an impedance test should be needed for an additional socket etc?

    Of course any good electrician should carry out the test anyway, but if no certification is needed for the work, then where does the test result get recorded?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,844 ✭✭✭s8n


    This has escalated quickly !


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 173 ✭✭EHP


    I cannot find any regulations stating that only a REC can install an immersion switch (or that a cowboy can't install a "hob" as per the advert)


    To my knowledge replacing an immersion is not restricted works and the hob isn't either. That cowboy add in my opinion was made by cowboys and a waste of time and money but that's probably for a different tread.

    As for impedance tests if not restricted works then it's not required, I still do it as it can show up any issues with the earth and neutralising.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 892 ✭✭✭xl500


    EHP wrote: »
    To my knowledge replacing an immersion is not restricted works and the hob isn't either. That cowboy add in my opinion was made by cowboys and a waste of time and money but that's probably for a different tread.

    As for impedance tests if not restricted works then it's not required, I still do it as it can show up any issues with the earth and neutralising.

    As I said Earlier I never Believed it Was Restricted or Illegal as was stated

    I was the original who told the OP how to wire the Switch and It took off from there

    Of course someone should be Competent but its almost impossible to Gauge Competence Look at our Politicans


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,189 ✭✭✭✭Sleeper12


    xl500 wrote: »
    As I said Earlier I never Believed it Was Restricted or Illegal as was stated

    I was the original who told the OP how to wire the Switch and It took off from there

    Of course someone should be Competent but its almost impossible to Gauge Competence Look at our Politicans

    I fully accept I was wrong replacing an immersion isn't restricted. Without trying to open a can of worms Is adding a timer restricted?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 892 ✭✭✭xl500


    Sleeper12 wrote: »
    I fully accept I was wrong replacing an immersion isn't restricted. Without trying to open a can of worms Is adding a timer restricted?

    Again I would See it as not Being Restricted under the Current Regs ie does not need a cert

    NOW as Pointed out if Timer is in a Bathroom Zone then its Different

    Its very difficult to interpret Regs and even Regular calls to RECI still causes Confusion so naturally People err on Safe side and say oh thats restricted works but is it really under the regs !!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,637 ✭✭✭brightspark


    xl500 wrote: »

    NOW as Pointed out if Timer is in a Bathroom Zone then its Different.

    AFAIK putting the timer in a bathroom zone would be in breach of the regulations no matter who installs it


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 892 ✭✭✭xl500


    AFAIK putting the timer in a bathroom zone would be in breach of the regulations no matter who installs it

    Yes I agree Thats Why I said in reply to asking if installing Timer was restricted

    "Again I would See it as not Being Restricted under the Current Regs ie does not need a cert

    NOW as Pointed out if Timer is in a Bathroom Zone then its Different"

    I meant there that someone pointed out earlier that if in a Bathroom Zone it would be Restricted otherwise not


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,134 ✭✭✭BigAl81


    Has anyone wired in a timer that has Wi-Fi and can be controlled by your phone that you'd recommend?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 173 ✭✭EHP


    BigAl81 wrote:
    Has anyone wired in a timer that has Wi-Fi and can be controlled by your phone that you'd recommend?

    Haven't done this yet but have been looking at using eph ember controls with a 20 amp contactor to switch the immersion. Waiting to hear back from another supplier to see if salus controls can offer an alternative as already control my oil boiler with salus app.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3 Dylanbridges


    How's it going. Did you ever get any pictures of this? Want to add timer to my immersion switch also.

    Thanks



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 453 ✭✭TheSunIsShining


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058336560/smart-switch-for-immersion/p1



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