Switched On Issue 24

www.esc.org.uk

Issue 24 | Spring 2012 | ÂŁ5.00

Kitchen appliances under the grill The Council puts the latest equipment to the test

WELCOME opened last December. It is hard not to conclude that there is a need for joined-up thinking in government if there is to be a coherent outcome from the two reviews that are taking place on Part P. On the matter of keeping consumers safe, the Charity held a workshop for the Fire and Rescue Services in England to strengthen our existing relationships and find new ways in which we can work together to promote electrical fire safety to the general public (more on page 7). The workshop was well attended and the plan is to replicate the workshop in Scotland and Wales.

ith the start of the New Year there is a continued challenge to Part P and uncertainty of the future of electrical safety in the Building Regulations. Prior to Christmas there was a call for evidence from a Communities and Local Government (CLG) Select Committee concerning the Building Regulations and their application to electrical and gas installation and repairs in dwellings.

This is in addition to the CLG review of the Building Regulations that was due to have

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It was heart-warming to receive a £1000 donation in memory of their mother from the daughters of a lady who died in an electricalrelated house fire. We have matched the donation and are in discussions with the local Fire & Rescue Services to run a joint initiative with them. There is no question that electricity kills and, whilst we are grateful for the donation, we cannot stress enough how important it is for everyone to be safe from the dangers that electricity can cause.

The Charity was proud to have held its inaugural stakeholder event at the end of 2011 under the theme: Stronger Partnerships

for a Safer Future (more on page 5). This event provided us with the opportunity to share information about the work we do with like-minded organisations, seek their input on our future direction of travel and to understand what their respective agendas are and how we can work together to provide greater benefit to users of electricity. We recognise that successful partnerships will only happen if there is effective communication whereby we listen to the views of others and accommodate these views where possible.

On a final note I would like to offer the ESC’s congratulations to two people. To Roy Jones, a Trustee of the Electrical Safety Council’s Board who has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List for services to young people in Wales. And to Jim Speirs who has recently announced he will retire from the Ascertiva Group in April 2012 and was previously director general of the ESC Group until June 2009.

As always, we would welcome feedback on Switched On, to help us improve the content.

Email feedback@esc.org.uk Phil Buckle Director General

ESC Essential Guide now available FOR JUST £35 A year’s subscription to the ESC’s online Essential Guide to the Wiring Regulations is now available for a limited period at the bargain price of just £35 (plus VAT)!

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Microgeneration technical issues - see pages 17 to 19

issue 24 Spring 2012

switchedon your insight into the electrical safety industry

news

technical

features

2 4

Welcome

16

Fire resistance of cable supports

10 Kitchen appliances put to

News in brief

17

Have you ever been asked...

5

Inaugural stakeholder event promotes stronger partnerships

18

Ensuring microgeneration systems are fit for purpose

6

Fire Safety Fund helps communities in Wandsworth

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Free electrical safety information for your customers

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Electrical safety workshop for Fire & Rescue Services

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Householders warned about the risk of fires starting near electrical intake equipment

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Portable appliance testing– challenging the myths

Council appoints new head of 13 communications Also, inadequate testing leads to unlawful killing verdict

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the test

Letters I’m sure that there are many within the electrical industry that will have strong feelings about some of the issues raised in Switched On. So feel free to shout about them.

Please email your letters to the Editor of Switched On at: andrewbrister@ymail.com

14 Installing smart meters: ESC campaigns for checking tightness of meter tail connections in consumer units

Published by: The Electrical Safety Council Unit 331, Great Guildford Business Square 30 Great Guildford Street London SE1 0HS www.esc.org.uk www.twothirtyvolts.org.uk www.switchedonkids.org.uk Tel: 0203 463 5100 Fax: 0203 463 5139 email: switchedon@esc.org.uk

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news IN BRIEF this area. However, there are many other relevant issues which could be considered, so we hope applicants will come up with some interesting research approaches to electrical safety in the 21st century.”

House of Commons Select Committee Inquiry A few days before Christmas, there was a surprise announcement that MPs had decided “to carry out an inquiry into the operation of the Building Regulations (for England), so far as they apply to electrical and gas installation and repairs in dwellings, including houses in multiple occupation”.

The Communities and Local Government Committee invited submissions from interested parties, particularly contractors, dwelling owners and local authorities, on the adequacy of the operation of the current Building Regulations so far as electrical and gas safety is concerned.

The Electrical Safety Council responded to the invitation by the deadline of 25 January. A report on the inquiry will be given in the next issue of Switched On.

Government consultation on the future of Part P The consultation by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) on the future of Part P, originally expected to start in December, was delayed until 31 January.

ESC Board member Roy Jones honoured

•

approvals under competent persons provisions.

However, from 1 January, any revisions to Building Regulations and related procedures, processes and guidance proposed or issued by DCLG will apply to England only.

Red Tape Challenge In yet another Government consultation exercise, from mid-January to midFebruary, the Red Tape Challenge website (www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.go v.uk) invited views on regulations applying to the housing and construction sector, including the Building Regulations.

If you want to have a say in the future of Part P, the consultation package is available at www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/ publications/consultations/

According to the website, feedback from the Red Tape Challenge will be used to develop future changes to the Building Regulations (in England), including those they aim to implement in 2012/2013.

The deadline for responses is 27 April.

ESC supports PhD student

If Part P is amended, the changed requirements are still due to come into effect in April 2013, after six months’ notice. However, the changes will apply in England only (see story below).

The ESC has announced plans to provide a bursary for a PhD student in an electricalrelated subject.

Building Regulations powers transferred to Welsh Ministers On 1 January this year, powers to make Building Regulations for Wales passed from the UK Government to the Welsh Ministers.

Documents and guidance that had previously applied to England and Wales continue to apply in Wales following transfer of powers. These include:

• • • 4

The ESC/Lightmongers award ceremony was part of the Lighting Education Trust’s annual lecture, which is sponsored by the ESC and Hoare Lea Lighting.

Building Regulations Approved Documents guidance published by DCLG, and

Phil Buckle, director general of the ESC, made the announcement during a presentation at a recent Lighting Education Trust event - ‘Educating Future Designers’ where Rachel Nicholls, an MSC student at the Bartlett School of Graduate Studies, received the ESC/Lightmongers award for the best exterior lighting design project.

“We plan to be quite open in terms of the area of research we will support,” explained Phil Buckle. “For example, we know that data from the Department of Communities and Local Government shows that electrical fires are increasing as a percentage of the overall total, so we would be interested in research focused on

Roy Jones – a member of the Council’s Board and governing body - has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list, for services to young people in Wales.

Roy has over 40 years’ of service within the utility sector and is currently a community liaison manager for ScottishPower.

Following the launch of ScottishPower Learning in 1995, he oversaw the delivery of the Prince’s Trust team programme across North Wales and Merseyside and, as New Deal manager, helped establish schemes to bring young people into employment.

Roy has also managed the Your Champions Award for ScottishPower and Trinity Mirror North Wales, which gives recognition to unsung community heroes in the region.

Changes to Qualified Supervisor competence deferred to 2013 It was announced in the autumn 2011 issue of Switched On that new technical competence requirements for proposed Qualified Supervisors for registered electrical contracting firms would come into effect on 1 January 2012.

However, at a meeting last December, the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification Management Committee decided to defer the implementation of the new requirements until 6 April 2013, to align with the anticipated revisions to Part P of the Building Regulations.

Further details are available from the IET website at: www.electrical.theiet.org/buildingregulations/eas/

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news INAUGURAL STAKEHOLDER EVENT PROMOTES STRONGER PARTNERSHIPS understand its mission and are willing to partner with the Council in helping to prevent electrical accidents, injuries and deaths in the UK,” he said.

he Electrical Safety Council recently held its inaugural stakeholder event at the Southbank Centre in London – Stronger Partnerships for a Safer Future.

The event, hosted by Council chairman Charles Tanswell, brought together over 30 representatives from industry, consumer organisations and government.

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In his address Tanswell spoke about the importance of building meaningful partnerships to drive the safety agenda forward: “The Charity is cognisant of the need to initiate open, two-way dialogue with its stakeholders to ensure they

In the meantime, director general Phil Buckle outlined the strategic direction of the Charity and provided a scorecard of recent achievements. He noted that the strategic priorities (see box) will allow the Council to focus our work on where it can make the biggest impact for consumers.

The event also provided an opportunity for partner organisations to highlight how they have worked with the ESC to achieve their business objectives. Francis Philippa from Foundations highlighted how ESC funding improves the electrical safety of the homes of vulnerable people across the UK and demonstrated very clearly the

beneficiaries of the Charity. Paul Collins of NICEIC showed how his organisation used ESC’s technical expertise to provide best practice guidance to industry in order to maintain standards in the UK. In addition, Suzanne Kuyser from the Trading Standards Institute spoke about the support Trading Standards received from the ESC in getting counterfeit and substandard electrical products off the market.

The presentations were followed by breakout sessions in which working groups discussed some of the big issues that the ESC faces in developing effective campaigns and initiatives to improve the electrical safety of the UK’s consumers.

The ESC’s strategic priorities

• • • • • •

Raising the profile of the Charity and awareness of electrical safety Building the capacity of our people Safer Places Safer Products Income Streams Research

For more information about our partnership working, please visit the Stakeholder and Business section of the Council’s website: www.esc.org.uk

ESC CONTINUES TO SUPPORT ELEX SHOWS IN 2012 he Council looks forward to seeing you at one of the five ELEX shows in 2012. The dates and venues are: Harrogate (8-9 March), Exeter (26-27 April), Manchester (21-22 June), Coventry (20-21 September), and Sandown Park, Surrey, (8-9 November).

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ELEX always provides the ESC with the opportunity to hear first-hand about the issues affecting electrical contractors, and allows it to distribute the whole range of consumer literature and best practice guidance that the ESC has to offer to electricians, apprentices, tutors, and other interested parties.

The last show of 2011, at Sandown Park on 10-11 November was another

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successful one. The ESC hosted an Industry Forum at the event, bringing together panel members from ELECSA, ECA, the IET, NAPIT and NICEIC, to provide news on developments within the industry and any changes to BS 7671.

As with previous events, the forum was well attended and, with the new-style technical Q&A session in the second half of the forum, there was something for everyone, especially those lucky enough to win a printed copy of BS 7671: 2008 (2011), kindly donated by the IET.

Visit www.elexshow.info for more information.

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news HOW THE COUNCIL’S FIRE SAFETY FUND HELPED COMMUNITIES IN WANDSWORTH Wandsworth Community Safety Partnership was one of many successful applicants under the Electrical Safety Council’s 2011 Fire Safety Fund.

Council, London Ambulance Service, Wandsworth Police and local Fire & Rescue Services.

In November last year, over 100 residents aged between 65 and 93 from the Roehampton area of Wandsworth in London attended the first two-day event in the programme, aimed at making them more aware of safety and security, both in their homes and also when they are out and about.

he Partnership was awarded funding to assist it in the development of a joint local community services initiative to deliver a safety awareness programme. The programme, aimed at the elderly, also enabled electrical products to be offered to participants free of charge to help increase safety, including four-way bar adaptors for use in place of block adaptors.

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The need for the initiative had been

identified by the local Fire & Rescue Services. They had advised the Partnership of an increase in the number of fires in the homes of elderly residents in the area, pointing to the high concentration of older people living locally in social housing as an increased risk.

The joint safety initiative was co-ordinated and delivered by officers from the Community Safety Division of Wandsworth

The ESC’s Fire Safety Fund As part of ESC’s commitment to reduce electricallyrelated fires in homes, its ongoing Fire Safety Fund provides an opportunity for the Council to continue working with partners to support fire prevention schemes at local level.

The Fund, about to enter its fourth year, aims to support local electrical fire prevention schemes UK-wide that aim to influence safety standards and help to change behaviours, with a particular focus on areas of highrisk and vulnerable groups to help keep people safer.

Last year’s Fire Safety Fund, which ran from April 2011 to March 2012, provided £140k which was shared between 33 initiatives UK-wide: 21 in England, 8 in Scotland, 3 in Wales and 1 in Northern Ireland.

A number of safety scenario presentations were provided to the residents, with a particular emphasis on electrical safety in the home. Other scenarios included the importance of having a working smoke alarm, how to deal with minor burns and scalds, when to call 999 for an ambulance, and how to deal with strangers at the door.

Participants spent half a day working their way through the scenarios and everyone who came took home a ‘goody bag’ containing useful things for their safety and security, such as a small torch, a timer switch to turn lights on and off for security reasons, and an energy-saving lamp. They were also given a checklist of things to do before going to bed, which included a list of electrical safety checks.

Everyone who attended the event was also offered the opportunity to receive a home safety visit from the local Fire & Rescue Services to check on electrical safety in their homes. The purpose of these visits is to make sure householders have a working smoke alarm and to offer them further advice about a sensible bedtime routine for checking fire safety.

Several people who attended the event had special needs, so visiting them in their own homes will give the Fire Service a great opportunity to ensure householders have all the information and advice on special equipment they need to help make their lives safer.

This year’s Fund opens around April 2012.

If any items such as a faulty electric blanket or damaged cables on portable appliances

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SwitchedOn Issue 24 Spring 2012

news such as kettles are found, they will be given a voucher to use to replace the items if they cannot afford to buy replacements themselves.

The first event was a great success with everyone who attended saying they had either learnt something new or had been reminded about various aspects of their personal safety. All the Emergency Services Officers who ran the scenarios said it had been an extremely worthwhile exercise, as they had quality one-to-one engagement with the residents, giving the opportunity to really reinforce the safety messages.

Comments and feedback from the residents included some from a married couple who said: “We’ve gone back home and checked all

the electrical appliances and will be much more cautious about opening the door to strangers in future.” The nuns from the local Convent who attended said: “We all feel much safer now with the safety tips we’ve been given.”

2008: All reported accidental domestic fires

To find out more about the ESC’s Fire Safety Fund and to view the full range of initiatives supported this year, go to: www.esc.org.uk/public/news-andcampaigns/campaigns/fire-safety-fund

2008: Accidental fires of electrical origin Total

Caused by products

Caused by installations

Fires

41,283

19,009

16,955

2,051

Deaths

294

50

47

3

Injuries

8,519

3,099

2,885

214

Source: Unconfirmed provisional data from DCLG

COUNCIL RUNS ELECTRICAL SAFETY WORKSHOP FOR FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES related fire safety issues associated with the forthcoming smart meter installation programme were also discussed.

The other session looked at the ways an electrical installation or portable electrical appliances can cause fires in homes. It also highlighted instances where the risks might be increased by the behaviour of the occupants. Topics covered included particular areas of risk, such as downlighters, and provided guidance on what to look for when FRSs carry out visual inspections during their home safety visits.

successful workshop on electrical fire safety for English Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) attracted 38 community fire safety officers from 25 Brigades – representing over half of the Brigades in England – with officials from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) ‘Fire Kills’ campaign also in attendance.

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Feedback received on the event was very positive, with all attendees agreeing that, following the workshop sessions, they had a greater understanding of electrical safety issues and an increased knowledge of the ESC, including its aims and activities.

One attendee commented: “It was an excellent workshop which was very beneficial to our day to day work activities.”

The workshop provided the ESC with an opportunity to build on its relationship with FRSs, to increase shared understanding of electrical fire safety issues and to consider how FRSs can increase electrical safety messaging in their fire prevention activities within local communities.

The London-based event included two workshop sessions: one delivered by Mike Clark, ESC’s technical director and Mark Hobbs, protection legislation and support manager with East Sussex FRS; and the other delivered by John Elliott, senior engineer at the ESC. One of the workshop sessions looked at fires in homes caused by the effects of overloading or faults in electricity cut-out fuses, meters and consumer units, which are commonly located under the stairs or adjacent to other escape routes. Other electrically-

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Following the event, many of the Brigades agreed to review their existing guidance for householders with a view to increasing the electrical safety messages, which the ESC hopes will contribute to a reduction in fires caused by electricity.

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news PARLIAMENTARY EVENT CELEBRATES 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF SCEME

HOUSEHOLDERS WARNED ABOUT THE RISK OF FIRES STARTING NEAR ELECTRICAL INTAKE EQUIPMENT he ESC is warning householders not to store combustible materials close to the electrical intake equipment in their homes.

The Council is getting the message across by supplying labels and leaflets to Fire & Rescue Services (FRS) in England as part of its electrical fire safety campaign work.

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The label and leaflet will be offered to householders by FRS fire prevention officers during their home safety visits. The warning is particularly appropriate where the electrical intake equipment (service head, meter and consumer unit) is in a cupboard which is used to store items such as coats, cleaning materials and other items that can be easily ignited. Fires in under-stair cupboards are particularly dangerous, as they can cut off the means of escape from upstairs.

This joint initiative with the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) followed an investigation by East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service into the cause of a fatal fire in Eastbourne, and then into a number of other fires in domestic and similar properties in their area, that had started in the vicinity of electrical intake equipment.

The most likely cause of the fires was found to be resistance heating at deteriorating cable terminations and fuse contacts. The report can be found at: www.cfoa.org.uk/download/18650 Whilst the number of such incidents is relatively small, some have caused real risk

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to life due to the nature and circumstances of how and when the fires occur (often at night when people are asleep, combined with the typical location of an electrical intake being near the means of escape from a property).

Whilst electrical equipment is designed to contain the thermal effects of faults, such as arcs, sparks and, to some extent, overheating at terminations, the effects can and do ignite materials that are in close proximity. This was one of the factors that led to the deaths of 14 elderly residents at the Rosepark care home in Lanarkshire in 2004.

In collaboration with the Association of Meter Operators, the ESC has also offered to part-fund a supply of the labels for use by meter operators when visiting homes to replace electricity meters. This wider electrical fire safety campaign will run up to 2019, by which time the electricity meters in all 26 million homes in Great Britain are due to have been replaced under the smart meter programme.

The Society of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (SCEME) celebrated its 60th anniversary last November. To honour the occasion the society held a parliamentary reception at the House of Commons, hosted by Minister of State for Business and Enterprise Mark Prisk.

SCEME president Phil Harris (left) and BIS minister Mark Prisk (right).

SCEME was formed in 1951 to provide a platform for mechanical and electrical engineers working for Local Government Authorities. “The society has come a long way since its inception 60 years ago and the House of Commons event was an opportunity to mark the achievements of the society throughout that time,” said current SCEME president Phil Harris.

“Over the years the society has become a vital network for engineers involved in local government work and in more recent years we have seen the scope of the society broaden beyond building services engineers to encompass sustainability, energy conservation and communication matters.”

SCEME currently has around 70 members who meet up four times a year to discuss the latest topics and initiatives within the sector. In 1998 the Society widened its membership criteria to include professional engineers working for commercial organisations which provide engineering design and management services to Local Authorities.

For more information about SCEME, log on to www.sceme.org SwitchedOn Issue 24 Spring 2012

news PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING – CHALLENGING THE MYTHS Portable appliance testing continues to cause confusion and concern for business. The Health and Safety Executive brings readers up to speed on the requirements. ost readers of this magazine will be familiar with the concept of in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment, commonly but misleadingly referred to as portable appliance testing (PAT).

Although IET and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines are available, the subject of PAT still causes confusion and concern for business. People are not clear about which equipment needs to be tested and uncertain about how often it should be done. HSE wants to ensure that you, as electrical contractors or electricians, understand what is required so your clients and customers can get the best advice.

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The myth that all electrical equipment needs to be tested every year by a qualified electrician was one that HSE refuted in its ‘myth of the month’ series back in 2007. More recently the issue of PAT has been raised in the course of Professor Löfstedt’s independent review of health and safety legislation. He considered PAT an example of a regulation that is being applied too widely and disproportionately largely because there are many instances of equipment being inspected and tested too frequently and tested unnecessarily. He recommended that HSE further clarifies what is necessary and what is not.

Although there is a legal requirement to maintain electrical equipment if lack of maintenance could result in danger, there is no legal requirement to test equipment, or that testing should be carried out at any particular frequency. Despite this, some companies offering PAT services cite health and safety legislation as a reason for inspection. In fact, checks and inspection of equipment by users may be the only action needed for portable appliances that are at low risk of developing hazardous faults.

HSE therefore welcomes this recommendation from Professor Löfstedt. It reflects the Executive’s position in relation to maintaining electrical equipment, including portable appliances, that are at low risk of developing hazardous faults and which are not subject to excessive wear and tear.

Löfstedt’s recommendation also supports SwitchedOn Issue 24 Spring 2012

HSE’s view that the focus should be on an appropriate risk-based maintenance regime for electrical equipment (portable appliances and other forms of equipment).

HSE is clear that testing equipment including portable appliances can be a useful, and in some instances an essential, part of an effective maintenance regime but testing, if undertaken, is only one element of this. Visual checks by users and regular inspections of the equipment are also vital parts of any maintenance regime and, particularly for appliances that are at low risk of developing hazardous faults, they may be the only action required.

When someone is thinking about testing portable appliances, in addition to visual inspection and the frequency at which this should be done, it is appropriate to take a riskbased approach. The type of equipment, what it is being used for and the environment in which it is being used are all factors that will influence the need for testing and the frequency. For example, for a business that uses equipment robustly in aggressive environments - such as a jobbing builder on construction sites - frequent visual inspections and testing may be appropriate.

Conversely, for businesses where portable equipment is rarely moved and sits in a benign environment, such as computer equipment in an office, then testing may only be required rarely, if at all.

HSE is leading by example. Having reviewed the results of its annual tests of portable appliances in all its offices over the last five years, HSE has decided that further tests are not necessary for certain types of equipment for the foreseeable future, if at all. HSE will, of course, continue to monitor any faults reported as a result of user checks and visual inspections and review this decision if necessary.

may be particularly valuable for low risk businesses where inspection may identify most, if not all, problems with their equipment and thus avoid any unnecessary testing.

HSE is now taking forward Professor Löfstedt’s recommendations and will review and refresh its guidance on PAT in the next few months. It will work with key stakeholders, such as ESC, IET, NICEIC, SELECT, ECA, NAPIT, the Association for Professional Appliance Testing and representatives of small businesses and user groups such as facilities managers to make sure that clear messages about PAT reach all those with an interest.

HSE needs your help too. You are ideally placed to help businesses by providing proportionate advice and only promoting portable appliance testing when assurance about safety of electrical equipment cannot be obtained in any other way. If you have any comments and ideas on how we might tackle this together then please get in touch with HSE to discuss them further by emailing PATarticle@hse.gsi.gov.uk Useful links: Advice on maintaining portable and transportable equipment www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg107.pdf Further advice for those working with portable equipment in low risk environments is available at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg236.pdf Reclaiming health and safety for all: An independent review of health and safety legislation. www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/lofstedtreport.pdf

Both inspection and testing, if required, should be undertaken by someone competent to do it. Businesses can easily arrange for a member of their staff to be trained to carry out formal visual inspections which are not technically demanding. This

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Kitchen appliances The Council’s continued analysis of the EU injury database and research into electrical risk categorisation has revealed the need to evaluate the safety and compliance of kitchen appliances with product standards. This product category is regularly notified as being unsafe under RAPEX, the EU’s rapid alert system for dangerous consumer products. The problem is exacerbated as some products appeal to children.

The ESC’s “ investigation revealed that only one of the 11 products tested passed the test programme

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The European safety standard for toasters and similar portable cooking appliances, EN 60335-2-9, has been amended twice since 2008. Revisions have reduced surface temperature limits and addressed usage by children aged eight years and over following instruction or while under supervision. With this in mind, and the ESC’s commitment to an ongoing product safetyscreening programme, the Council commissioned an independent laboratory to inspect and test 11 kitchen appliances.

There is a wide range of products available on the market. To ensure that a broad range of product types were covered, one sample of each particular product type was purchased. The products were bought from the high street or online. Some were chosen for their innovative features and others for their potential appeal to children. They included a selection of basic and medium-priced portable cooking appliances, a microwave oven and a portable washing machine. The products and number of samples selected are shown in the table below.

Product type Toasters

Samples 3

Halogen oven

1

Mini oven

1

Microwave oven

1

Popcorn maker/egg boiler

1

Rice cooker

1

Deep fat fryer

1

Induction cooker

1

Portable washing machine

1

The ESC’s investigation revealed that only one of the 11 products tested passed the test programme with no departures or observations being noted. Over half of the samples failed to meet the requirements of the relevant product standard. Problems and observations found included:

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• Hazardous surface temperatures protection against accidental contact • Inadequate with basic insulation in a class II construction symbol or caution warning against • Missing contact with hot surfaces operation with possibility of • Inadvertent contacting hot surfaces internal construction with a potential for internal • Poor wiring to contact rotating parts of information in manufacturers’ instructions • Absence concerning vulnerable users CE-marking and missing markings such as • Incorrect vendor’s name or trademark • Fitted plugs with 13A fuse link when 3A would suffice Product safety regulations Electrical appliances must satisfy the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 before being placed on the UK market. Electrical appliances in conformity with EU safety standards benefit from a presumption of conformity under the safety objectives of the Regulations.

The EN 60335 series of European standards cover the safety of household and similar electrical appliances.

Part 1 contains the general requirements. There are over 100 ‘Part 2’ standards under the same series covering specific electrical appliances. For example, EN 60335-2-9 covers grills, toasters and similar portable cooking appliances. Both standards must be applied, as the ‘Part 2’ contains clauses that supplement or modify the generic ‘Part 1’ standard EN 60335-1.

These standards are continually reviewed and updated to reflect good engineering practice and developments in design and technology.

Product testing Each sample was subjected to testing and inspection under the appropriate part of the EN 60335 series of standards. Many of the samples are within the scope of EN 60335-2-9. This standard has recently been amended to cover child usage. The amendment, which comes into force and replaces previous issues in October 2013, also introduces reduced surface temperature limits for metal, coated metal, glass and ceramic, and plastic surfaces of electrical appliances within the scope of the standard.

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feature

put to the test We asked the test laboratory to consider the above aspects during product testing.

Product testing results

contact period of 0.5s, is 84°C to 90°C. This is taken from the guidance standard for temperatures of touchable hot surfaces, EN 13202.

Markings and instructions

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None of the portable cooking appliances included the latest wording in the manufacturer’s instructions concerning use of the appliance by children aged from eight years and above. It is therefore likely that the products were tested to the earlier version of the standard, which is valid until October 2013.

Figure 1: Halogen oven

Two samples were missing current standard wording from the manufacturer’s instructions for vulnerable users. One sample was also missing the name, trademark or identification mark of the manufacturer or responsible vendor.

Figure 2: Mini oven

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One sample was missing a warning in the user instructions to replace the supply cord if it shows signs of damage. Four samples were missing the following wording from their instruction booklets: “The appliance is not intended to be operated by means of an external timer or separate remote-control system.” The portable halogen oven was also not marked with the appropriate IEC symbol for a hot surface or with the wording “CAUTION: Hot Surface”.

Two samples rated at less than 3A had 13A fuses fitted in their plugs. In general a 3A fuse link is adequate for an electrical appliance with a rated power of up to 700W, which applied in this instance. The operating characteristics of an appliance may justify a higher fuse rating, such as inrush currents, but this was not the case for the two samples under test.

Accessible hot surfaces Surface temperatures for the halogen oven (figure 1) and the mini oven (figure 2) were above the limits in the current product standard. The outer glass surface of the halogen oven measured 143°C against a limit of 120°C required by the standard. This sample was also not marked with a hot surface symbol in accordance with IEC 60417 or with a caution warning against hot surfaces. The glass door of the mini oven measured 157°C and its outer surface measured 146°C. The sample was marked with a symbol and the wording “Do Not Touch, Hot Surface”, but it is foreseeable that the user or indeed bystanders, including children, may contact these surfaces accidentally. In this case they would be exposed to a potential burn hazard. The burn threshold for a healthy adult, when touching glass for a

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The burn threshold figures are 67°C to 73°C for bare (uncoated) metal, as is the case for the outer surface of one of the toasters. This sample complies with the current standard but fails the latest surface temperature limit for bare (uncoated) metal imposed by amendment A13 to EN 60335-2-9. It is possible however that this sample has been manufactured to the earlier version of the standard, which remains current until October 2013.

Inadvertent operation Figure 3 (overleaf) is a multifunctional heating and cooking appliance. It will steam food, boil eggs, make popcorn and cook hot dog sausages while simultaneously heating bread rolls. Two separate product standards were applied, as not all safety aspects of the product are covered by a single product standard.

It was possible to set the main switch to dual heating mode for cooking functions requiring single heating from the base only, which resulted in the heating rods generating temperatures above 90°C. While the safety standard does not specify temperature limits for accidental contact in such a scenario, the heating rods pose a potential burn hazard, nonetheless.

The outer glass “surface of the halogen oven measured 143°C against a limit of 120°C required by the standard

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feature Internal construction The internal wiring of the portable washing machine was not adequately secured. As such, there is a risk that the unsecured wiring might come into contact with the drive belt during normal operation and result in a potentially hazardous situation.

Features that appeal to children

s Figure 3: Multifunctional heating and cooking device

There appears to be an increasing number of electrical products that have bright and contrasting colours combined with enclosures having potential child appeal. EN 60335 - 1 attempts to address this issue by stating: “appliances shall not have an enclosure that is shaped or decorated like a toy”.

The toaster (figure 4) plays a tune when the toast pops up and a character’s face is present on either side of the toast. These features might encourage a child to touch or handle the toaster thereby increasingly the probability of an injury. The user instructions do state that the product is not a toy and should not be played with, but the potential hazards resulting from such features should be considered when deciding to buy.

High surface “ temperatures are perhaps expected for portable ovens but in this case two samples had temperatures well above safety standard limits

”

s Figure 4: The toaster had features that may appeal to children.

Conclusions Despite the recent introduction of new wording concerning the use of appliances by children aged from eight years and above into the revised safety standard EN 60335-2-9, we noticed some issues and would encourage manufacturers to adopt these changes at their earliest opportunity. The absence of warnings from user instructions and various product markings, including no vendor details, would suggest that safety standards in support of the UK’s Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations are not being properly followed.

temperatures well above safety standard limits. The absence of a warning for hot surfaces on the halogen oven is particularly concerning and might increase the likelihood of a burn injury. It is clear that manufacturers need to be aware of the changes and modify their appliances, as appropriate.

The combined heating and cooking appliance incorporating accessible heating rods is a challenge for both manufacturers and safety standard makers.

Despite the test laboratory applying two standards to cover the individual product features, inadvertent operation is possible resulting in a potential burn hazard not recognised by either standard. Innovation in product design is inevitable but adequate safeguards must be considered and applied during the design and development stage. This is particularly important where accessible heating rods are so close to the popcorn container, which might be accessible to young children or other vulnerable users with slower reaction times.

A portable washing machine may be convenient and easy to use, yet in this case the sample’s internal wiring was not adequately secured. The absence of information concerning vulnerable users from the manufacturer’s instructions and the undersized CEmarking would suggest that the safety standard and UK Regulations were not understood or properly applied.

Deciding upon features of electrical appliances that children might find appealing is a subjective matter.

There are differences of opinion between test laboratories and indeed EU regulatory authorities.

There is considerable debate among EU Member States as to what constitutes a child-appealing electrical appliance. The European Commission and its various committees dealing with electrical goods are continually updating guidance for market surveillance authorities throughout Europe.

As with all our safety investigations, we have informed manufacturers and retailers, as applicable of our findings and have kept the market surveillance authorities informed of our actions. A copy of the full laboratory test report can be viewed on the Council’s website: www.esc.org.uk

While the current-carrying capacity for the two samples having oversized fuse links is adequate, both products would benefit for safety reasons from having a lower value fuse link, as their rated power is below 700W. High surface temperatures are perhaps expected for portable ovens but in this case two samples had

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SwitchedOn Issue 24 Spring 2012

news COUNCIL APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS

A

take electricity more seriously and act accordingly.

Anneke’s remit covers marketing, campaigns and media. In highlighting her priorities, Anneke noted that she will be seeking to strengthen the brand among consumers, especially through digital media and to focus on building meaningful partnerships to get people to

“I’m pleased to take on this role especially at this time as the Charity seeks to position itself as a consumer safety champion,” she said. “The reality is that people don’t take electricity seriously enough but with electricity causing approximately 70 deaths and over 20,000 fires each year, that is something to be taken seriously.”

nneke Rousseau is the new head of communications at the Electrical Safety Council. She assumed the role late last year after an internal restructure.

INADEQUATE TESTING LEADS TO UNLAWFUL KILLING VERDICT the flat by the installing contractor, Anchor Electrical and Building Services Ltd of Staffordshire, was "not carried out to a professional standard, if at all".

Evidence at the inquest revealed that when the electrics were installed, a series of errors were made. These included an unqualified electrician’s mate testing and approving the wiring in the flat. The inquest heard that four safety documents that the mate had filled out, and which were checked by the company’s supervisor, also had a number of errors in them.

n December 2007, Emma Shaw, a 22-yearold mother, was electrocuted in the airing cupboard of her flat in the West Midlands.

I

At an inquest into Miss Shaw’s death, the jury heard how the tragedy resulted from a plasterboard fixing screw being driven into a concealed cable when the flat was being built the previous year, causing the metallic frame of the partition to become ‘live’ when the electrical installation was energised.

The damage to the cable had not been detected because insulation resistance tests had not been carried out properly on the wiring, the jury were told.

SwitchedOn Issue 24 Spring 2012

The fault had remained undetected until water from a leak in a hot water cylinder came into contact with the metal partition.

This caused water on the airing cupboard floor also to become ‘live’, which led to the electrocution when Miss Shaw attempted to turn off the water stop cock when in contact with the water. As the flat was on the first floor, no RCD protection had been provided.

Her son Brayden, then aged 23 months, had been shut in the living room while his mother went to tend to the leak.

Last December, after listening to two weeks of evidence, the inquest jury found that the initial testing of the electrical installation in

The jury said that there had been a “failure by the company to assess the capabilities of their workforce and constantly monitor their development” and a “failure to comply with their health and safety standards”. They concluded that Miss Shaw had been unlawfully killed.

Following the verdict of unlawful killing, the Health and Safety Executive confirmed that new evidence would be passed to the Crown Prosecution Service, which had previously said that there was insufficient evidence to successfully prosecute anyone.

The Coroner told the inquest that he would use coroner’s rules to write to the NICEIC and other relevant bodies, asking if anything can be done to curb the practice of electricians signing safety certificates based solely on information reported to them by others.

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feature

Installing smart meters: ESC campaigns for checking tightness of meter tail connections in consumer units As reported in previous issues of Switched On, the Council has been raising awareness of some of the safety concerns regarding the installation of smart electricity meters.

The ESC believes that the tightness of meter tail connections within a consumer unit should be routinely checked as part of the smart meter installation process – something which energy companies and meter operators do not currently do.

minimal displacement of conductors prior to connection and apply procedures A and B below.

Procedure A – Apply a pull-out test as described in clause 8.2.4.4 in BS EN 60947-1 – record the pulling force.

Procedure B – measure and record the movement, if any, of the terminal screw to reach the specified torque.

The Council argues that the removal of an existing meter and installation of the smart meter may mean that the meter tails to the consumer unit are disturbed and connections within the consumer unit are loosened. This could result in the meter tails pulling out of their connection, causing a risk of electric shock, loss of supply, or the creation of a high resistance connection that could lead to an increased risk of fire.

Evidence from a report produced by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Services, and from other reported fire incidents, indicates that many fires occur within the consumer unit, some of which were as a result of a high resistance connection.

Example of 7-strand conductor

Investigation To support its concerns and the anecdotal evidence, the ESC commissioned an independent laboratory to simulate changing an electricity meter. This would determine what effect disturbing the meter tails would have on the connections to the incoming terminals of the isolator within a consumer unit, positioned in a typical meter/consumer unit arrangement.

Example of 19-strand conductor

The investigation included a comparison between traditional 7-strand conductors and a 19-strand conductor. The latter is more flexible and has been adopted by several meter operators as their preferred type of conductor for connecting the meter to the cut-out and/or to a consumer’s isolating switch, due to its perceived improved connection properties.

An investigation into different cable end preparation was also included, by flattening or twisting the conductor prior to connection.

A selection of six consumer unit isolator switches and a combination of conductors sized 16 mm2 (7-strand) and 25 mm2 (7-strand and 19-strand) – 18 connections in total – were subjected to the following test methodology:

Example of twisted 7-strand conductor

Test 1 –tighten to manufacturer’s stated torque or, where none is stated, as tabulated in BS EN 60947-1, and recheck torque after 24 hours.

Test 2 – simulate foreseeable movement of meter tails using a ‘flexion’ test, as described in BS EN 60947-1.

Test 3 – apply a tighter twist to the strands prior to connection and apply procedures A and B below.

Test 4 – flatten the conductor (with pliers by hand) such that there is

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Example of flattened 19-strand conductor

SwitchedOn Issue 24 Spring 2012

feature Conclusions and next steps It can be seen from the test results in table 1 that disturbing the meter tails in a way foreseeable when changing an electricity meter is likely to loosen the connection at the main isolating switch in a consumer unit, to a greater or lesser extent. This is possibly due to the individual conductor strands changing position within the terminal space.

Flattening the conductors appeared to improve the effectiveness of the connection, although it was concluded that this presented the additional risk that terminals originally designed for 25 mm2 conductors would no longer accept this size after the conductors had been prepared in this way.

Twisting the conductors gave variable results but had the additional risk that terminals originally designed for 25 mm2 conductors would no longer accept this size after the conductors had been prepared in this way.

Whilst we wouldn’t expect meter tails to be routinely replaced during the installation of a smart meter, unless they were seen to be visually

damaged or undersized, our investigations showed that 19-strand conductors provided a more effective connection than those with 7-strands.

The results of the investigation confirm the Council’s view that the tightness of meter tail connections in consumer units should be checked after installing a smart meter (or other electricity meter), where there is a risk of the meter tails being disturbed.

After sharing the findings of our investigation with the Association of Meter Operators (AMO) and with other stakeholders, such as the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Energy Networks Association (ENA), the Council is hopeful that checking the tightness of meter tail connections in consumer units on an individual risk assessment basis will be included in the Meter Operator’s Code of Practice Agreement (MOCOPA).

A copy of the laboratory report is available to view in the ‘industry section’ of the Council’s website: www.esc.org.uk

Table 1: Test results Test 1

Test 2

Test 3*

Test 4**

Connections pulled out

3

9

1

1

Connections requiring retightening to original torque

7 out of remaining 15

10 out of remaining 11

10 out of remaining 15

4 out of remaining 14

*unable to terminate two conductors following preparation procedure ** unable to terminate three conductors following preparation procedure

SwitchedOn Issue 24 Spring 2012

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technical Fire resistance of cable supports In 2005, two firefighters lost their lives when fighting a fire in a block of flats in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. Whilst there were a number of contributing factors to that tragic event, one of the firefighters died when he became entangled in electric cables that had fallen as a result of the plastic cable trunking in which it was contained melting. The subsequent investigation found that the firefighter had cable insulation stuck on the palm of his glove, indicating that he had been attempting to untangle himself as he died.

To meet requirements in BS 7671, and recommendations and requirements of codes of practice for safety services (such as emergency lighting and fire alarms), wiring systems should be supported in a way that helps protect against such tragedies.

Example of a wiring system collapsed due to fire Requirements applying to all wiring systems The requirements of BS 7671 apply to all wiring systems of a building, including those of distribution circuits and final circuits, safety services, and data and communications services.

Regulation 527.1.2 requires wiring systems to be so installed that the general building structural performance and fire safety are not reduced. In the context of wiring systems, this implies that they should be supported in such a way that, where appropriate (such as in corridors, stairways and other escape routes), they will not collapse when affected by a fire. As highlighted earlier, this could entangle a person trying to escape from the building or a firefighter carrying out a search and rescue operation and could cause injury or death.

The above requirement would be unlikely to be met by the sole use of plastic cable clips, non-metallic cable ties or plastic trunking to support wiring systems. Cables and any associated trunking, conduit or cable tray should, wherever possible, be securely attached to suitable fire-resistant parts of the building fabric, using appropriate non-combustible fixings.

It should not be overlooked that Section 422 of BS 7671 also applies in locations where particular risks of fire exist. This may be due to the conditions of evacuation in an emergency, the nature of processed or stored materials, or the combustibility of the building materials. This Section includes certain requirements relating to the flammability and fire resistance of wiring systems that have implications on the supports for those wiring systems.

For safety services such as fire alarm and emergency lighting systems, Regulation 560.8.1 requires, amongst other things, that the wiring systems meet the requirements of the relevant code of practice appropriate to the application.

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Recommendations applying to fire alarm wiring systems The recommendations of BS 5839-1:2002 + A2: 2008, Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings – Part 1: Code of practice for system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance, apply in addition to the requirements of BS 7671.

Clause 26.2(c) recommends that cable systems used for all parts of the critical signal paths, and for the low voltage mains supply to the system, should resist the effects of fire. Note 9 to that clause, which was added after the two firefighters died in the Stevenage fire, states that experience has shown that collapse of cables supported only by plastic cable trunking can create a serious hazard for firefighters, who could become entangled in the cables.

Also, clause 46.2(5), relating to inspections, states that shortcomings in cable support that could result in collapse of a significant length of cable in the event of fire might be regarded as a major non-compliance.

To meet the recommendations of clause 26.2, methods of cable support should be such that circuit integrity will not be reduced below that afforded by the cable used, and should withstand a similar temperature and duration to that of the cable, whilst maintaining adequate support. In practice this means that fixings for ‘standard’ fire resisting cables should survive for 30 minutes at a nominal temperature of 850 ˚C without loss of integrity and those for ‘enhanced’ fire resisting cables for 120 minutes at a nominal temperature of 950 ˚C. Recommendations applying to emergency lighting wiring systems The recommendations of BS 5266-1: 2011, Emergency lighting − Part 1: Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises, apply in addition to the requirements of BS 7671.

Clause 8.2, relating to the wiring for central power supply systems, identifies the need for wiring systems used for the connection of emergency escape lighting luminaires to the standby power supply to adequately resist the effects of fire and mechanical damage.

Clause 8.2.2 states that cable supports and fixings should be noncombustible, such that circuit integrity is not reduced below that afforded by the cable used. A note to that clause states that, in effect, this recommendation precludes the use of plastic supports and fixings where these would be the sole means of supporting the cable.

The supports should therefore be suitably selected and installed to prevent collapse of the wiring system in the event of fire. Also, for wiring systems listed in clause 8.2.2 as having an inherently high resistance to attack by fire (which have a survival duration of 60 minutes or 120 minutes as appropriate when tested in accordance with BS EN 50200: 2006) the supports should be suitable to withstand a similar temperature and duration to that of the wiring system, whilst maintaining adequate support.

Although the wiring system bringing the mains voltage supply to self-contained emergency lighting luminaires is not covered by clause 8.2 of BS 5266, it still has to comply with BS 7671. It should therefore be supported in such a way that it will not collapse when affected by a fire.

SwitchedOn Issue 24 Spring 2012

technical

Have you ever been asked...

can a microgeneration system provide continuity of supply in the event of a mains failure?

During the last year or so, there has been a significant increase in the number of electrical installations in domestic premises in the UK that have a microgeneration system, such as solar photovoltaic (PV), microwind and micro-hydro. Such a system provides a second source of supply to the installation, in addition to that derived from public electricity supply network. Some customers having, or a thinking of having, a microgeneration system seem to believe that this system will provide continuity of supply if and when the public supply fails. However, this is not the case.

In response to increased concerns over the issue of global warming and climate change, and in order to honour commitments made under the Kyoto Protocol, the UK government enacted a number of measures in the Climate Change Act 2008. Key targets within this Act are:

• •

to ensure that the net UK carbon account for the year 2050 is at least 80% lower than the 1990 baseline a reduction in emissions of at least 30% against the 1990 baseline by 2020.

At the European level, Directive 2009/28/EC, on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, contains a national overall target for the UK of 20% for the share of energy from renewable sources in gross final consumption of energy in 2020.

As a result of the above commitments, the UK government introduced Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) to provide a financial incentive to encourage uptake of microgeneration.

A number of customers having, or thinking of having, a microgeneration system installed under the FITs scheme seem to believe that by so doing they will have no loss of supply if and when the public supply to their premises fails. This is not the case, however.

Any such microgenerators are designed to be operated in parallel with the public supply and not as an alternative to it.

SwitchedOn Issue 24 Spring 2012

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If, in the event of a failure of the public supply, a microgenerator remained connected to the public supply network, the voltage present on the network cabling and equipment as a result of this could pose a serious risk of electric shock to persons required to carry out repair or maintenance activities on a seemingly de-energised network.

In BS 7671, Regulation 551.7.4 requires means of automatic switching to be provided to disconnect the microgenerator from the public electricity supply system in the event of loss of the supply from that system or any deviation of the voltage or frequency at the supply terminals beyond declared values. Furthermore, Regulation 551.7.5 requires means to be provided to prevent the connection of the microgenerator to the public electricity supply system in the event of such loss of supply or deviation of the voltage or frequency at the supply terminals.

Detailed requirements relating to the above requirements of BS 7671 are given in the Energy Networks Association’s Engineering Recommendation G83/1-1. Table 1 of clause 5.3.1 of G83/1-1 gives the maximum range of trip settings and the maximum trip times for the so-called ‘interface protection’, in relation to:

• • • • •

overvoltage undervoltage over frequency under frequency loss of mains.

Clause 5.3.3 of G83/1-1 requires that the above-mentioned means of preventing connection of the microgenerator to the public electricity supply system shall do so until the voltage and frequency of that system have remained within the values given in Table 1 for at least three minutes.

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technical

Ensuring microgeneration systems are fit for purpose As part of its drive to reduce CO2 emissions, the UK government has promoted the installation of microgeneration systems. There are types of microgeneration system that produce heat (such as solar thermal systems) and types that produce electricity.

Electricity-producing microgeneration systems supplement the conventional large power stations with small-scale generators located in consumers’ premises. These microgeneration systems utilise a range of technologies, including photovoltaic (PV), sterling engine-driven, wind-based and water-based (micro-hydro) systems.

Irrespective of the technology used, microgeneration offers the advantages of zero or extremely low fuel costs and a reduction in the transmission losses that occur in the national transmission of electrical energy. This article explores the regulatory framework surrounding the installation of a microgeneration system.

For many consumers, the main incentive for investing in a microgeneration system has been the introduction of ‘feed in tariffs’ (FITs). These tariffs reward the consumer for using a microgeneration system to produce energy, which may be used to supply a proportion of the consumer’s own energy needs.

The structures of FITs are complex; the generation tariff and export tariff offered to a consumer depend on both the type of technology employed and the rating of the microgenerator.

The introduction of FITs led to a dramatic increase in the number of microgeneration systems being installed. However, the installation of a microgeneration system is a complex affair and the receipt of the applicable financial incentives is conditional on the system complying with the appropriate requirements.

The coalition government’s policies on regulations and green energy are having an increasing impact on the world of microgeneration, and many of the guidance documents referred to in this article have recently been revised, are in the process of being revised, or are likely to be revised in the near future.

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In order to ensure that microgeneration systems conform to a minimum standard, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) introduced the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).

This comprehensive scheme includes both a system for product certification and a system of supervising competent person accreditation schemes for installers of microgeneration systems.

Receipt of FIT payments is conditional on the installed microgenerator system complying with the MCS requirements. To ensure that, when purchasing a microgeneration system, consumers are not subjected to unethical or unacceptable business practices, the Renewable Energy Association has set up the REAL Assurance Scheme, which has a Consumer Code that all MCS-certificated contractors must agree to comply with.

For a particular form of microgeneration, there may be additional requirements, the best known of these being given in the MSC document The Installers Guide to Photovoltaic Installation, which supersedes the DTI Guide to the Installation of PV Systems. This document contains useful information relating to the design, installation and commissioning of PV systems.

For microgenerators (generally characterised as being rated at up to 16 A per phase) to be connected to the public electricity supply network, the installed equipment must satisfy the requirements of the Distributed Generation Connection Guide G83/1-1, published by the Energy Networks Association. This document is intended to provide manufacturers and installers with guidance on the technical aspects of connecting small-scale embedded generators (SSEGs) in parallel with the public electricity supply network.

In order to access the funds available through FITs, the installer must supply evidence to the Distribution Network Operator (DNO), within 30 days of commissioning the microgeneration system, that the microgenerator installation complies with G83/1-1. G83/1-1 is under review and will soon be replaced by G83/2.

SwitchedOn Issue 24 Spring 2012

technical For larger microgeneration schemes, above the 16A per phase G83/1-1 limit, the requirements of ENA Connection Guide G59/2 usually apply instead of those of G83/1-1.

In recent years, the planning restrictions applying to the installation of domestic microgeneration systems on the outside of buildings have been relaxed, with the installation of some forms of microgenerator being classed as permitted development.

However, this relaxation is unlikely to apply in conservation areas, or to a listed building or to a building on a world heritage site. The installation of a microgeneration system in one of these situations will require planning permission and may require listed building consent. Even when the work is classed as permitted development, there may be some planning restrictions in force.

Therefore, before installing a microgeneration system it would be prudent to check with the local planning office as to what restrictions, if any, apply. Depending whether the property is in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, different legislation will apply.

In England and Wales it is a statutory requirement that Building Regulations are complied with. The following sections of the Building Regulations may be applicable to the installation of a microgeneration system and therefore, where applicable, need be complied with: Part A Structure.

Part B Fire Safety.

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Part C Site preparation and resistance to contaminates and moisture.

Part E Resistance to the passage of sound.

Part L Conservation of fuel and power.

Part P Electrical Safety – dwellings.

Requirements relating to many of the electrical aspects of installing microgeneration systems are included in BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations 17th Edition) and, depending on the technology employed, requirements of other standards such as BS EN 62446: Grid connected photovoltaic systems – Minimum requirements for system documentation, commissioning tests and inspection.

Finally, the contractor installing and maintaining a microgeration system will need to comply with health and safety legislation.

Installers of these systems frequently face challenges regarding manual handling, working at height and electrical safety.

For consumers who wish to receive the government funded financial incentives available to those who have a microgeneration system installed, a plethora of regulations have to be complied with, which makes the installation of such equipment a job for experienced professionals. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme includes the recognition of several competent person registration schemes.

Employing an installer registered with an appropriate scheme should go a long way towards ensuring that the installer is a competent person able to comply with the regulations and guidance applicable to the installation of microgenerators.

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FREE ELECTRICAL SAFETY INFORMATION FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS he ESC has developed a range of leaflets and DVDs to provide electrical safety advice to homeowners, tenants and landlords.

T

The purpose is to not only raise the profile of the ESC amongst these target audiences, but also to promote the benefits of using installers registered with government approved schemes.

Every year, on average 70 people die and 350,000 are seriously injured in domestic electrical accidents in UK homes. To this end, the ESC is continually trying to find new and engaging ways of making householders aware of the potential dangers of electricity.

By providing essential electrical safety information directly to consumers, the Council can raise awareness of electrical safety issues within the home.

To help reinforce this message, the Council has produced a 10-minute DVD aimed at those intending to buy, sell or renovate a property. The DVD takes viewers around a house to show them typical electrical problems that can exist on older properties.

The DVD, entitled Think electrics!, advises people to ensure that the condition of the electrical installation is checked by a registered electrician before committing themselves to a new property.

The ESC would be pleased to supply 100 copies of either of these DVDs to electricians and other interested parties free of charge, for distribution to customers and clients.

The ESC’s 25-minute Guide to electrical safety DVD features a family and their lodger embarking upon their daily routine.

Each part of the story views the day from a different person’s perspective, and shows a variety of electrical hazards that each of them may face. By bringing the hazards to life in the DVD, viewers can see how often electricity features in their daily lives and the potential, sometimes unexpected, hazards that it can pose.

One of the key messages for householders is for them to think about the condition of their electrical installation- just because it works; doesn’t mean that it is safe.

BACK ISSUES OF SWITCHED ON

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Please email leaflets@esc.org.uk to request copies or for further information.

Leaflets can be downloaded free of charge from the Council’s website at www.esc.org.uk, where a number of safety videos can also be viewed.

All the previous issues of Switched On are available to read or download from the ‘Business & Community’ section of our website.