INACCESSIBLE SPACES

[BEVIN]

HI THERE
PLEASE TELL ME IF THE CEILING OF AN INSTALLATION DOES NOT HAVE A TRAPDOOR OR ANY WAY OF INSPECTING .WHAT WOULD THE PROCEDURE BE

[ACElectric]

HI THERE
PLEASE TELL ME IF THE CEILING OF AN INSTALLATION DOES NOT HAVE A TRAPDOOR OR ANY WAY OF INSPECTING .WHAT WOULD THE PROCEDURE BE

https://www.theforumsa.co.za/forums/...cessible-areas

[Andrew_van_Zyl]

If you're doing a CoC then exclude the area on your report. If you're really keen try accessing from outside if it's a tile roof. But there are risks to that

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[GCE]

To me it is always a grey area

If you can see in from somewhere then try and get a look - You cannot exclude it from the COC

I have seen a report done by AIA where the new owner of the house took a selfie stick and took photos of the enclosed roof space , somehow.

Contractor was forced to go back and repair
I don't get involved in coc jobs often but I have been saying to guys that ask - rather allow to cut a trapdoor in the ceiling space - As a I say difficult one

[Derlyn]

When testing on a flat roof house, it is not possible to visually inspect wiring between the ceiling and roofing irrespective of whether there's a trapdoor or not.

In these cases I always note on test report that wiring in these inaccessible places was not inspected visually.

Important is to check that all neutrals have been brought down to switchpoints and plugpoints and by counting the wires at these points, it's not too difficult to establish that there are no connections above the ceiling.

I do not have a selfie stick 😄😄

[Dylboy]

Next one, doing a CoC and there was a plug point behind a befuk expensive piano which needed more than 4 men to even move. Not to mention the risk of breaking it, How do you test that socket.

Also that piano was antique worth a hell of a lot more than my inspection testing quote.

What do you do ?? If the rest of the house is good can you assume that that one socket is ok ?.



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[Derlyn]

Might not be the correct thing to do by the book, but I would skip it.

I would take one or 2 photo's of the piano clearly indicating it's position to be used in future should any complications arise.

Any reasonable person shouldn't insist or expect one to move it.

Same with a moerse wall unit or any similar obstruction.

Once again, I would make a note on the test report that access to that particular plug wasn't possible.

I have done this many times in the past. Whether legal or not, I don't know, however I think it's a reasonable course of action.

[Dylboy]

Yeah agreed and I did note it on the report and took pictures as well.

Good point to note though next time will say that it is to be inspected and tested once piano is moved.

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[Derlyn]

Just include the cost of replacing that plug in your quote including a callout fee for in case it's faulty, then you're covered if it needs replacing. If it's ok then you've scored.

[ACElectric]

Contrary to some narratives created by some articles and statements, YOU MOST CERTAINLY CAN EXCLUDE PARTS OF THE INSTALLATION ON THE COC, AND THERE IS A DEDICATED SPACE PROVIDED FOR THAT PURPOSE ON THE COC UNDER SECTION 3. It would not "render the coc invalid" or be "against the law"

Here is an example from sans 10142 of the format of the coc approved by the chief inspector and enacted by law: As you can see there is a clear section to comment on parts you want to EXCLUDE.