Search the Community

Not quite sure to address this, so I will just ask this question about connections such as hard wired fire alarms and PIV fans (typical load 10W) etc Now, there is no issue with us doing those on our own home, provided we do it right. Or having an electrician do the same. I am interested as a landlord. The big issues (obviously) are the linked ones of tenant safety and potential liability, with cost getting a look in once appropriate standards are met. My practice in a full rewiring would be to get the electrician to do hardwired alarms then it is certified with the rest under the 5 year inspection. In a non-wiring small refurb or existing house I currently use 5 or 10 year sealed battery alarms to avoid the ‘tenant not replacing battery’ safety issue. I need to check current regulations before I do the next one. My questions ... probably for tradesmen mainly, are: 1 - How are low power connections regulated? Is it Ok for a non Competent Person to connect up a PIV fan to say the lighting power wires? is it OK if the connection is to a Competent Person pre-installed Connection unit in the loft? The latter would save a second visit by the Electrician. 2 - What about fire alarms? 3 - What about 12v fire alarms? IIRC 12v is not regulated. 4 - Is there a significantly different fire hazard from using 12v vs 240v wiring for eg fire alarms? 5 - Does this mean that running a stepped down to12v circuit into the loft space is a good idea? 6 - Are there many pros or cons to using 12v lighting? Thanks for any replies Ferdinand