NCT

hajekekw

Hi. The trailer light socket failed the nct test. The guy said this is a new thing that came in recently . He also said if I removed it , it would be fine for the retest. I removed the socket . I’m now thinking is it not mandatory to have a socket when you have a tow bar ?

Anyone else have experience with this ?

artanevilla

Probably not for NCT purposes, it's possibly something they test if there and if it fails it fails, but if it's not there it can't fail (like front fog lights for example)

Would it be easier to fix the socket, or remove it? This is the question for you.

hajekekw

Ok. Can I check that out somewhere?

I don’t care about not having the socket. I’ve already cut it off. My question really is , is it mandatory to have the socket ?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119015766#Comment_119015766

I always had a tow bar on my ol girl....no socket......never raised an eyebrow at NCT. I guess it's fair enough if a socket IS FITTED it's operational

hajekekw

Ok thanks a lot. I’ve cut the cable and pulled the socket off. Do you reckon that’s ok then for the re test ?

WestWicklow1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119015766#Comment_119015766

If you're towing a trailer it's mandatory to have functioning lights on it.

standardg60

OP are you sure he only referred to the socket and not the complete tow-bar (at least the ball hitch)?

Afaik if there's a tow-bar there must be a functioning socket too

hajekekw

Ok. But if I’m not towing a trailer. Is it mandatory to have a working socket ?

hajekekw

I understood that he was only referring to the socket. But I’m not entirely sure,

Gorteen

I have a chip on my windscreen. Is that a fail or an advisory?

hajekekw

If you’re not towing though, is it still mandatory to have a socket ? I never use the tow for anything. I could remove it. But it’s quite a bit of hassle

smuggler.ie

Why not consult official NCT manual

https://www.rsa.ie/docs/default-source/services/s4.7-nct/nct-tester-manual-june-2021.pdf?sfvrsn=4cddfe90_5

Correct me if i am wrong, but to me its two separate/individual NCT checks and treated separately - mechanical and electrical.

Electrical connection perhaps is not requirement guarded by NCT and they seam don't care, perhaps it is guarded by different institutions/laws that require this (Garda, insurance... whatever), but again - if not towing....

page 83 clearly say Check trailer electrical sockets (where fitted)

4.10. Electrical connections between towing vehicle and trailer (trailer socket)

page 115

6.1. Chassis or Frame and Attachments

Nowhere i see statement that say if / then (bar/socket)

PS: in 2020 had failed (even cert printed)on output , i knew it was all dandy and had argue to get "manager" to come out and re-test was done, to prove that initial inspection was incorrect(LED tester fail to read signals). New "clean" cert and apology issued on the spot.

elperello

You can have a tow bar with no socket but if a socket is fitted it must function correctly.

hajekekw

Ok. Thanks for clarifying this. So if there’s no socket, there is no part of the rules stating one must have one.