Conservatory Lighting (Scotland)

[Gordon Hudson]

Just thought I would post this here as I have fallen foul of it. In Scotland a conservatory now requires at least onbe fixed light fitting with a wall switch, either pendant or wall mounted. Apparently this is because of:

"Escape lighting 2.10 Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire within the building, illumination is provided to assist in escape."

Local authorities say that plug in lights do not meet this criteria.

Its not the end of the world but I couldn't see any mention of it anywhere on the net so I am posting it here in case anyone goes looking.

[The3rd Earl Of Derby]

Well thats all balls that,because if the kitchen should catch fire and burn the cables in the ceiling area it'll burn the sheathing and blow the fuses.

Whats needed is a battery lamp with passive infared.

Who makes these bloody rules up? prolly some pen pusher who don't know bugger all.

[Gordon Hudson]

Presumably.

Mind you building control are only able to look at visible things. I had one of them look inthe fuse box for the conservatory wiring and said it looked fine, which was odd as it was a spur from the ring main at the other end of the building.

[Jim Alexander]

Only briefly studied your link but on first reading does Reg 3 Shedule 1, Para 18 not exempt conservatories?

Would have liked a link to where local authorities say that plug in lights do not meet the critera.

Jim A

[Gordon Hudson]

Knock on door. I open door. "Hello, I'm from building control, I am here to make sure you have a light in your conservatory."

Thats how they raised the issue and then it was confirmed later on via my architect.

[Jim Alexander]

That's interesting. Perhaps you only have one exit because don't think there is an escape requirement for two exits. Did the plans that were the subject of the building warrant include a light? If so you need to include the light. If not, and the council passed the plans without the light then you have grounds for complaint.

That the architect says so means nothing, witness Grand Designs ad nauseum, and the Scottish Parliament building which didn't make Grand Designs even though it clearly qualifies.

Jim A

[Gordon Hudson]

Three exits. No shortage of ways out of the building. Will see what transpires. Putting it in is not particularly difficult or expensive especially as it will be a bulb holder for building control purposes only and will never be used.

[Christian McArdle]

And will presumably be removed several minutes after the inspection.

Christian.

[Mungo]

... so keep the receipt for the refund...

Mungo (with new conservatory but no completion certificate yet)