Replace Existing System

[arfur mo]

As a DIY'er the laws and regulations apply equally.

Kevin stated:

6 - as i diyer you do not have to follow the regs on your own property, but think about this, they are best practise, and there for a reason.

This is, as Angus pointed, not technically correct and could be misinterpreted. Both Kevin and Angus hihlighted the best practice and related issues.

Reference to DDA i take to be an example of the sort of regs people can contravene without knowing.

Ignorance of obscure rules and regs is no defence when up before the beak for negligence.

The IEE regs at one time were not law - but were treated as such by the relevant legal peeps. Once they became a British Standard then they got official legal status.

Always a grey area with rules and regs but surely we can't makes statements saying DIYrs are not compelled to follow them??

Andrew

hi Andrew,

lets straighten this out into reality, we are discussing within the o/p's scenareo who is acting as an untrained individual, asking as an untrained individual, not a company or a specialist in this field, and don't have to be either.

we are discussing his existing alarm system which he is thinking of re-installing himself and asks is it reasonably possible he could, to which the answer is yes you have a decent chance but best advised to get a tradesman in.

so let's i assume (but we don't know) he already has a compliant spur, this we would hope have been installed by the original installer, so we would again hope would be 'to regs'. as with all equipment and trades get a qualified professional person in to check it, is standing advice but no way is it a legal obligation to a DIY person other than CORGI for gas or building regs regarding structural alterations -bit unlikely that though imo.

so, now i ask again where would the DDA affect an existiing alarm system in a private dwelling? one simply being replaced with new equipment by a DIY installer like for like in his own home? the original installation complies we have to assume to the regs at the time, nothing is being added that we know of, just being replaced with more up to date (so likely even more compliant) kit.

should he go on to do the same for his mate up the road then it is for him to check legalities that may affect him, out advice applies to the situation in hand.

if in any discussion we have to run caviats and disclaimers in every sentence, then we will never discuss or advise on anything, including the british weather.

regs

alan

[morph]

Whether profesional or DIY you have to comply with the building regulations, the DDA is covered within Part M of the said regulations.

Also all homeowners now need to take into account the requirements of HIP's, becuase if they dont they will not be able to sell their homes.

[amateurandy]

Also all homeowners now need to take into account the requirements of HIP's, becuase if they dont they will not be able to sell their homes.

Nothing compulsory there that is relevant to alarms.

The main stuff is the energy report and proof of title/searches.

[arfur mo]

Whether profesional or DIY you have to comply with the building regulations, the DDA is covered within Part M of the said regulations.

Also all homeowners now need to take into account the requirements of HIP's, becuase if they dont they will not be able to sell their homes.

absolutely right Colin,

but what i ask is, how are any of those regs/standards comprommised, simply by replacing an existing alarm system with new? the only thing that should be pointed out is the proper disposal of the redundant/obsolete equipment to the local licenced recycling depot, not the dustbin.

regs

alan

[Guest anguscanplay]

first things first i do not proffess to be aware of every regulation that applies all i know is that my installs are inspected and comply

the fact that the loverly keith who was quite happy with the advice he recieved is diy is almost irrelevant to this discussion

STATUTARY REQUIRMENTS the clue is in the title they are statutary not optional

arfur has fallen into the comman trap of forgeting that the IEE wiring regs commanly known as "the sixteenth edition" apply equally to all wiring irrespsctive of voltage and as such there will be some STATUTARY REQUIRMENTS for any work keith carries out - the fact he doesnt know them is no defence in law

connect to the existing fused spur - it still has to be checked for example

you will notice i never told him not to do the job himself all i said was to be careful as there will be rules and regulations that as a diy he wont nesesarily be aware off and to do his research well before he starts

please note the difference i am not talking about trade certification or good working practise

i will say it once more " the fact you dony know is no defence in law"

angus

[johny21]

Alan,

Well the current system is an Optima Plus (not the plus 2) just the plus, so I reckon it is pretty damn old. Which systems do you recommend, dont need anything top of the range, just something that is fairly tidy looking and easy to fit. With the bell on the side of the house, I could probably get away with leaving that cable in place couldn't I, just miles away from the key pad.

One other question, the existing PIR's, how the bloody hell do you get them of the wall!

Thanks everyone

hi am a new member here, to take the old pir's off there should be a small screw below each one at the bottom front, take that of and youll see the inside screws, make sure the alarms of, as it will activate as theres a tamperswitch that activates also on the bellbox, control panel also.failing this just yank them off the walls;) johny21

[Guest Dave the alarm man]

there should be a small screw below each one at the bottom front

some yes, all no

[Guest anguscanplay]

hi am a new member here, to take the old pir's off there should be a small screw below each one at the bottom front, take that of and youll see the inside screws, make sure the alarms of, as it will activate as theres a tamperswitch that activates also on the bellbox, control panel also.failing this just yank them off the walls;) johny21

somebody changed the name of this site to the burglar community ?