Connections - Summer 2018

THE MAGAZINE FOR NICEIC AND ELECSA REGISTERED CONTRACTORS SUMMER 2018 | ISSUE 206 | £5.00

The 18th Edition has landed All you need to know about the new Wiring Regulations

Inside: What’s new in the 18th edition, history of the Wiring Regulations, online and offline training

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SUMMER 2018 | ISSUE 206

40

INSIGHT 2 1 The Grenfell report shines a light on the tragedy’s implications for construction, says Cheryl Cox

CASE STUDY 2 2 David Adams finds out what is involved when bringing a historic London theatre into the 21st century

HISTORY OF THE WIRING REGS 2 4 Taking a trip through past editions of the industry bible

What’s new in the 18th Edition?

24

BRANDING 2 8 Contractors who have thought about their branding will always have the edge

20 15

CONTRACTOR PROFILE 3O Being based on a small island hasn’t stopped Guernsey business JER Electrical Ltd from pursuing big ambitions

9 HELLO 6 Take a chance on change

30 TRAINING 1 4 Get up to speed on 18th Edition changes through NICEIC’s JTL partnership

TECHNICAL 37 Technical information 38 Ask the experts 40 What’s new in the 18th Edition 48 Direct current in BS 7671 52 Changes to NICEIC Certificates – Post 18th Edition

56 Electric vehicle charging installations

INDUSTRY UPDATE 8 Live cinema event to launch 18th

CAUGHT ON CAMERA 1 7 Do not try this at home: your photos of

Edition of the Wiring Regulations

woeful wiring and dangerous DIYs

9 Kriss Akabusi speaks at Live South; 2018 Apprentice of the Year

ADVICE 1 9 Getting the money you are owed need not

60 Apprentice Corner 64 Snags and Solutions

PRODUCT FOCUS 67 The latest products on the market

cost the earth, suggests Amanda Hamilton IMAGE: GETTY

1 1 Ban the Bravado scheme introduced; Scotland roadshows

OPINION 2 0 Paul Appleby advises on the 18th

1 2 NICEIC electrician finds fame

Edition’s new requirements concerning SPDs and risk assessment

with YouTube vlogs

OFF THE TOOLS 69 ‘I’m a UFC commentator’ CURRENT AFFAIRS 70 Contractor turns calendar model

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hello

TE I CAL E MC MHN A C LANC Y

Emma Clancy is chief executive officer, Certsure

Embracing change The 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations is another example of why contractors need to be adaptable if they are to succeed

W

elcome to this special edition of Connections, which has a large focus on the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations.

On page 40 we have a summary of the main changes from our technical team; over the last few months, they have been busy digesting the information to ensure the knowledge can be passed on to you during assessments and our technical talks around the country.

We also have a piece from our training team on the latest developments in that area. This includes improvements to our online education platforms, which so many are now turning to because of the flexibility they offer around learning.

There is also a feature looking back at the history of the regulations and the transformations that have taken place since they were first introduced in 1882. The first edition contained just 21 rules and only four pages. A lot has changed since then, but that is the nature of the industry we are in.

Love it or loathe it, our sector is constantly evolving. Technological advances mean there is always something new in the market or an additional skill to learn.

From speaking to many of you, I know there is a feeling that our industry changes too often and too quickly. This is natural, and is additionally infuriating when change means extra costs in terms of additional training and books.

However, change is also a time to reflect and review; a chance to pause and think about where your business is and where you want to go. Those who embrace change and adapt are often those who flourish quicker.

Whatever your views on the 18th Edition, I hope you find all the information you need to know inside this edition of Connections. If you are one of the 3,000 people attending our live cinema event, I hope you enjoy the experience and our attempt at doing something differently to embrace the upcoming changes.

‘Change offers a chance to pause and think about where your business is and where you want to go’

C O N T A C T S / C O N N E C T I O NS

Level 5, 78 Chamber Street, London E1 8BL EDITORIAL General 020 7880 6200 Editor Nick Martindale nick.martindale@redactive.co.uk Technical editor Timothy Benstead Sub editor Kate Bennett Senior designer Craig Bowyer Technical designer Adrian Taylor Picture researcher Akin Falope Publishing and business development director Aaron Nicholls ADVERTISING/MARKETING Thomas Ainsworth thomas.ainsworth@ redactive.co.uk 020 7324 2726

PRODUCTION General production enquiries 020 7880 6240 Production director Jane Easterman Senior production executive Rachel Young rachel.young@redactive.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS Should you require your own copy of Connections or multiple copies for your staff, subscriptions are available by calling 020 8950 9117 CONTRIBUTIONS Connections welcomes ideas for contributions.

Please email nick.martindale@ redactive.co.uk

© Redactive Publishing Ltd 2018 Level 5, 78 Chamber Street, London E1 8BL Registered No. 3156216. All rights reserved. This publication (and any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in any print or electronic format (including but not limited to any online service, any database or any part of the internet) or in any other format in any media whatsoever, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Redactive Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.

Printed by Precision Colour Printing Limited

WWW.NICEIC.COM WWW.ELECSA.CO.UK ENQUIRIES Certsure 01582 539000 Communications manager Paul Collins 01582 539148 paul.s.collins@certsure.com NICEIC Direct Paul Elcock 01582 539709 paul.elcock@certsure.com Twitter @officialNICEIC or @officialELECSA Customer services 0333 015 6625 Sales 0333 015 6626 Training 0333 015 6627 Technical helpline 0333 015 6628 Insurance 0333 015 6629 Legal/tax 24-hour helpline 0117 934 2111 (provided by DAS Business Law)

ISSN 2042-5732

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news

INDUSTRY UPDATE

Live cinema event ready to roll Final preparations are now in place for NICEIC and ELECSA’s 18th Edition live cinema broadcast, which takes place on 4 July. This world-first for the electrical industry will see more than 3,000 electricians and industry representatives come together for a one-off event.

The 18th Edition seminar will be broadcast from the world-famous Faraday Theatre in The Royal Institution, London, and beamed simultaneously via satellite to 40 cinema screens.

Hosted by industry experts Darren Staniforth and Alan Wells, the talk will focus on the changes included in the new regulations and what it will mean for electricians in their day-to-day work.

“When the 17th Edition was launched in 2008, a lot of industry myths emerged because multiple messages were communicated by different speakers.

The advantage of broadcasting to all four corners of the UK on a single day is that we can communicate a single, consistent message to the industry,” said Staniforth.

“We believe this will benefit the whole

industry and increase safety standards as a result.”

There will be audience contributions from some of the biggest names in the industry; these will include representatives from JPEL 64 and its subcommittees, which are responsible for writing the new regulations.

This world-first for the electrical industry will see more than 3,000 electricians and industry representatives come together for a one-off event 8 S U MME R 2 018

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21/06/2018 11:18

AKABUSI ENERGISES ELECTRICIANS AT LIVE SOUTH

IMAGES: CARMEN VALINO; 2018 I.ONE PHOTOGRAPHY LIMITED (IONEPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK)

Former Olympic athlete Kriss Akabusi MBE lit up a room of more than 500 electricians with an inspiring talk at this year’s Live South event.

Akabusi powered through the final leg of the 4x400 metres relay at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo to secure gold for Great Britain; he is now a motivational speaker.

“A career as an electrician is very similar to that of an athlete,” he said. “One day you could be working on your own and competing against others in your area, and then suddenly a big job comes up and you all have to work together in collaboration to get the job done.

“You have to adapt. You need to motivate yourself to be the best and then change that attitude to work as part of a team.”

The event also featured presentations and breakout sessions throughout the day, with

a large focus on the upcoming 18th Edition.

Actors from Corporate Drama performed improvisations depicting the challenges of coping with change, while NICEIC and ELECSA’s technical experts, Darren Staniforth and Jake Green, discussed the changes expected to be in the BS 7671 18th Edition of the wiring regulations. The day was moderated by former Sky News presenter Juliet Mann.

Attendees also benefited from some great deals in the exhibition hall, including sponsors Bosch Power Tools, Elite Security Products, Scolmore and Tradepoint.

Mark Smith, NICEIC and ELECSA marketing director, said: “I believe that this has been our best Live event to date. With an eclectic mix of presenters and exhibitors from across the industry, there was something for everyone.”

New wiring regulations in place As of July 2, there are new wiring regulations in place for all electrical installations across the UK, with the publication of BS 7671:2018, 18th Edition (2018).

Electrical contractors and electricians now have a six-month transition period to get up to speed with the changes. From 1 January 2019, it will then be a requirement that all electrical installations designed after this date comply with the new standard.

An ability to show a level of understanding and awareness of the changes should be a priority for everyone involved in the electrotechnical industry.

Over the last six months, NICEIC and ELECSA have been at the forefront of providing electrical contractors with everything they need to know about the changes.

On page 40 of this issue you can find a technical summary of the changes, while on page 14 you can find out about the latest training options available from NICEIC and ELECSA. For all the latest developments and updates in relation to the 18th Edition, visit www.18edition.com

SCOTTISH STAR TAKES APPRENTICE TITLE Zach Swift of Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire, has won the 2018 NICEIC and ELECSA Apprentice of the Year competition. The 21-year old was one of eight competitors to reach the final, which was held at the head office of Scolmore Group – the competition’s official partner – on 5 June.

The finalists were put through a gruelling day of challenges, involving nine tasks designed to assess their abilities across a range of disciplines.

Each candidate also had to undergo an interview with Certsure’s technical standards director Alan Wells.

“When my name was called I don’t think I’ve ever been so surprised, I was ecstatic,” said Zach. “Being involved in the whole competition process has

DIARY DATES > July 4 18th Edition Live Nationwide events

> August 20 Scotland Roadshow Hampden Park, Glasgow 21 Scotland Roadshow Drumossie Hotel, Inverness 22 Scotland Roadshow Aberdeen Football Club 23 Scotland Roadshow Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, Edinburgh 24 Scotland Roadshow Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries

> September 6 TechTalk Birmingham 7 TechTalk Milton Keynes 1 TechTalk 11 W Wadebridge 1 TechTalk 12 B Bristol 2 TechTalk 26 M Maidstone 2 TechTalk 27 C Chelmsford

already given me more confidence in my work ability and I’m extremely proud of myself for what I have achieved.”

Zach was presented with a holiday voucher worth £2,000. All finalists were given a glass trophy, an iPad and a kit bag containing Scolmore electrical accessories. Every college that entered 20 students or more received a Scolmore pack containing a variety of products, while Zach’s college – West College Scotland – will receive £1,000 worth of Scolmore products.

Darren Staniforth, training development manager at NICEIC & ELECSA, said: “We want to recognise the talent of electrical apprentices and acknowledge all the good work they do.

We want to show them what a rewarding and diverse career they can have within the electrical sector.”

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INDUSTRY UPDATE

NEWS IN NUMBERS

CONSUMERS URGED TO DITCH THE BRAVADO

0 The amount of injuries or fatalities due to contact with electricity in 2017, according to the latest JIB Survey of Accidents at Work. Of 17 fatalities, 11 were due to falls or trips

6.8% The decrease in the value of new construction contracts awarded in April compared to March.

Housebuilding contracts fell by 15.3 per cent

£750 The average amount it costs homeowners to fix dodgy electrical work, according to research by Electrical Safety First.

The charity estimates around £2.4 billion is spent on this each year

NICEIC and ELECSA launched a national consumer campaign promoting the use of registered electricians to coincide with the May bank holiday weekends – a time when more DIY jobs are traditionally carried out around the home.

Entitled ‘Ban the Bravado’, the campaign looked at some of the dangerous DIY electrical jobs people take on around the home, and was fronted by ex-footballer and TV star Dion Dublin.

Research carried out by NICEIC and ELECSA shows that men are more prone to taking on this type of work, with 61 per cent saying they would “have a go” despite having no prior experience – compared to just 8 per cent of women.

Further research saw 89 per cent of men admit they wouldn’t ask for help, and 58 per cent state they could do everything themselves. More than a

third (36 per cent) believed that men should not need to call on others.

Paul Collins, communications manager at NICEIC and ELECSA, commented: “Male machismo often means men will try to tackle most things around the home to save face. However, this can often lead to a DIY disaster, whereby they not only put their own safety at risk but that of their family or loved ones, too.

“It is perhaps even more common these days as people have simple access to How To guides or DIY videos on the internet. We want to put an end to the bravado and get men to admit there are times when it’s only right to call on the help of a professional.”

A webpage has been set up at www. niceic.com/banthebravado to support the campaign. Page visitors will find three video clips looking at what people search for when it comes to carrying out electrical work in the home. Contractors are encouraged to share the films to show their support.

Additional material includes a case study of NICEIC registered contractor Kevin Tallis, who was called out to fix a job that went wrong, along with images of bodge jobs that contractors have come across.

3,880 Hitting the high road The number of electric vans on the road in 2017, up 30 per cent from 2016’s figure of 2,990, a Funding Options study finds

£47,265 The average salary of an electrician, according to the Federation of Master Builders. A survey commissioned by JIB, JTL and ECA shows that 25 per cent of people aged 18 to 24 think low pay is a barrier to an electrotechnical career

Our technical team will once again be visiting Scotland for a series of dates in August. The half-day roadshow seminars have proved popular with electrical contractors who are keen to find out more about the industry, or how NICEIC can help boost their business.

Taking place between 8am and 1pm, each event gives you the chance to chat to leading manufacturers and suppliers.

Every delegate also gets a breakfast roll on arrival, refreshments throughout the morning and a complementary packed lunch on departure, with an added bonus of offers and prizes throughout the morning. You will also have the opportunity to redeem the value

of your ticket price on the day. Sessions are open to all electricians, not just NICEIC registrants. The roadshows take place on: 20 August: Hampden Park, Glasgow 21 August: Drumossie Hotel, Inverness 22 August: Aberdeen Football Club, Aberdeen 23 August: Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, Edinburgh 24 August 2018: Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries For more information, and how to book your place for just £5 plus VAT, go to www.niceicscotland.com

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INDUSTRY UPDATE

Recognition for NICEIC contractor at Which? awards Swindon-based Grants Electrical Services has been named joint runner-up in the Which?

Trusted Trader Awards 2018.

The NICEIC registered contractor was shortlisted for the prestigious award from a list of more than 9,000 UK-based traders.

Grants was initially named Which? trader of the month back in November 2017, following a series of positive reviews. The firm was then shocked to find out it had made the final shortlist, which is based on comments, recommendations and feedback from Which? customers. Winners are chosen for the impressive levels of service and professionalism they provide.

Company owner Martin Grant said: “We were very surprised and obviously delighted to have been shortlisted for this award. Our ethos has always been on providing a first-class service from start to finish and going that extra mile for our customers.

“It’s amazing to receive the recognition for what we see as intrinsic to the way we work. Simple things like turning up when we say we will, ensuring that we build a good rapport with our customers, cleaning up after we finish and then following up once work has been completed all go a long way to support this.”

Grants Electrical Services was set up by Martin in 2015 after leaving the army. The business has now grown to employ three people and

specialises in domestic and commercial electrical work in Wiltshire and the surrounding areas.

A spokesman for Which? said: “Grants Electrical Services has had a high volume of positive reviews and takes time to respond to them all. Its customers have told us that the team are professional in their approach, punctual and take extra care to keep things clean and tidy.”

INDIVIDUAL COMPETENCY Earlier this year, Certsure and NAPIT announced plans to work together on proposals to improve standards within the electrical industry.

Central to those plans was a proposal to create an optional assessment process which could provide competence recognition for all electricians.

We are currently investigating the possibility of offering an alternative route to certification, which would allow each individual electrician employed by their enterprise to be assessed and recognised as competent. This will be as an alternative to the recognised QS model, but would still rely upon the enterprise and independent certification to 17065 in accordance with Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Conditions of Authorisation.

In a recent survey of more than 1,500 NICEIC and ELECSA contractors, more than 78 per cent of respondents said they would support voluntary individual competency.

BEST OF BRISTOL

An NICEIC registered electrician who vlogs about his work on social media has attracted more than 40,000 followers on YouTube.

Thomas Nagy, an electrician covering much of the north and central London areas, records, edits and documents his work via his YouTube channel.

With more than 90 videos on his site, Nagy has created a base of followers from across the globe, and has become one of the most popular people in the electrical industry today.

NICEIC registered integrated services company Mobius Works has been named the best new business at the prestigious Bristol Life Awards, held last month.

In summing up, the judging panel commented: “Big contracts, fast growth, great sales, already looking to relocate: these are smart, innovative operators. Ones to watch…”

The tightly contested awards celebrate the very best of Bristol businesses, as part of an evening that is a business highlight of the city.

To subscribe to his channel, visit YouTube and search for ‘Thomas Nagy’

IMAGES: ©TIM WOOLF 2018

VLOGS HELP ELECTRICIAN HIT 40,000 FOLLOWERS

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18T H ED I T IO N

Easy learning

NICEIC Training’s partnership with JTL provides contractors with an easy way to get up to speed on the changes contained in the 18th Edition, says Asad Majid

N

ICEIC Training has been at the forefront of providing many of its courses online in recent years, and a recent survey revealed that a staggering 84 per cent of contractors would like any updated 18th Edition training to be available online.

Online teaching means users can choose to learn at their own pace and do not need to take time off work. Those who sign up for the online training can then take the exam at a location and time of their choice.

We have partnered with JTL to ensure our online learning facility provides a practical solution to the demanding challenge of trying to fit in learning around work, and we have developed the system to ensure the 18th Edition learning is clear, concise and easy to access.

Online learning means you learn as and when you want, and disruptions to your busy working schedule are minimised. Tracking your course progress is a breeze; with a wellimplemented learning management system, it is easy to track and monitor progress for you or your staff and learners.

Asad Majid is head of training at NICEIC

Other additional benefits of using our online system include: • Upfront assessment, so people can check their suitability for undertaking e-learning • Flexible method of learning, which allows delegates to learn at their own pace • Engaging content and regular assessments to reconfirm your understanding • Can be accessed on multiple devices • Downloadable content to help with easy reference when needed • Ability to undertake a mock exam in the same conditions as the real exam Everyone who undertakes the 18th Edition e-learning course will still need to sit a classroom exam.

Once you have completed the course, all you need to do is contact NICEIC and ELECSA on 0333 015 6626 to book your classroom exam.

If e-learning is not right for you then we will be able to guide you to one of our face-to-face courses, running at more than 30 locations throughout the UK.

‘Online teaching means users can choose to learn at their own pace and do not need to take time off work Bespoke training For larger organisations, there might be a need to get numerous operatives up to speed with the latest changes. This can be costly and time consuming – with large numbers of employees requiring time away from the business at the same time to get the appropriate training.

To meet this need, NICEIC Training can offer bespoke training to meet the specific needs of an organisation. Bespoke learning can be delivered at a time and place to suit you, saving on travel and accommodation costs. All of the courses are developed and delivered by leading industry experts, and means all training needs can be met in one short timeframe.

For more information about how NICEIC Training can meet your training needs, or anything you might need to know about the 18th Edition, call our training team on 0333 015 6627 or email traininginfo@niceic.com. You can book your course online at www.18edition.com

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KNOWLEDGE IS POWER Join us as we take to the road to bring you the latest industry updates. These half day seminars are ideal for contractors who want to find out more about the changes to BS7671 and other technical related material. Get the chance to meet with over 20 exhibitors at each show and benefit from some great offers on the day. Visit our shop online for more info and tickets.

Live North is one of the biggest events in the electrical calendar. This multi award-winning conference and exhibition attracts up to 500 contractors from across the north-west. We have a broad selection of business and technical seminars lined up for this year’s show, which also features an exhibition hall packed with some of the biggest names in the industry.

NICEIC will once again be heading to Scotland for a series of roadshow events this summer. We will be visiting Aberdeen, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness with our half-day seminars, which are designed to provide handy, informative updates for everyone operating within the electrical industry in Scotland. Visit our shop online for more info and tickets.

IF INTERESTED IN ATTENDING ANY OF THESE EVENTS E-MAIL: EVENTS@CERTSURE.COM OR CALL 0333 015 6626

the power behind your business

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YO UR P I C T U R E S

2

Caught on camera

1

4

3

Trusty NICEIC and ELECSA contractors have been busy uncovering and rectifying dodgy installations and DIY botch jobs. Here are some of the worst offenders from the past quarter

T

his issue’s collection of the dodgy, decrepit and downright dangerous features: a burned-out neutral bar on an RCD (1); a cooker outlet being used as a feed for a range of other devices (2); a boiler outlet pipe going straight through an electricity meter (3); a tangled basement supply for three flats (4); and 2.5mm twin and earth cable connected into meter tails supplying two electric heaters. (5) It continues with: a spot of improvised wiring in a ceiling void (6); an ingress of clay in an LV switch room (7); less-than-safe external lighting (8); two taped-off busbars at a brick factory with less than a 2mm gap (9); and an ill-advised position for a power socket (10).

6 5

8

Thanks to...

7

>Jose Ruiz of Carshalton Electrical Services >David Harris of DNH Electrical in Buckingham >Eric Winters of M-Tech Electrical in Liverpool >Glenn Walker of GAW Property Maintenance in Thornbury >Keith Whittaker of Keith Whittaker Electrical Services in Crewe >Steven Whitehouse of Castle Bromwich firm AWF Electrical Contractors >Sean Parker of Parcar in Fareham >Robert Kirk Dumitru from Dweller in London >Phil White of NV White in Smallfield >Marc Hughes of Bangor-based Jones and Whitehead

10

Keep those shots coming in!

Email caughtoncamera@redactive.co.uk

9 17

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THE POWER TO PUT YOU IN THE FIRE PROTECTION BUSINESS BAFE accreditation opens up new business opportunities in the Fire Protection industry and can generate more work.

We offer scheme certiďŹ cation for the following modules dependent on the type of work you undertake: - Design - Installation - Commissioning - Maintenance

We also support contractors through the BAFE accreditation journey with:

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TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW BAFE ACCREDITATION CAN GROW YOUR BUSINESS VISIT NICEIC.COM/BAFE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BOOK ONE OF OUR FIRE ALARM TRAINING COURSES VISIT SHOP.NICEIC.COM OR CALL 0333 115 6626

the power behind your business

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D EBT RECO V E RY

Upping the ante The electrical industry is often a victim of late payment, but there are ways in which firms can increase the pressure on debtors without incurring huge costs, says Amanda Hamilton

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eing owed money for work you have completed is frustrating at best and, at worst, potentially life-threatening for the business. So what can you do if you are owed money and the creditor is ignoring all your phone calls and letters?

Don’t give up, and don’t panic! There is a solution, and it doesn’t need to cost a fortune or even involve engaging a solicitor.

The Small Claims Court, which is part of the County Court, was originally created to enable a layperson – someone not legally qualified – to take another individual to court. The maximum amount of a claim you can deal with yourself is £10,000.

Amanda Hamilton is chief executive of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP)

‘A copy of all CCJs go to a public company and may affect any credit search made against the defendant’s name’ cost method of resolving a legal dispute without the need to go to court.

CONSIDER THE COSTS Although using the Small Claims Court is relatively low cost, it isn’t free. There is a small fee to file the claim, dependent on the amount of money you are owed. The fees start at £25, and you can see the full fee structure at www.gov.uk/make-courtclaim-for-money/court-fees If the defendant – the person owing the money – decides not to pay or defends the action, you may decide to pursue the individual. If the case reaches a hearing, fees need to be paid, anything from £25 to £410. If the case goes beyong this, judgment and enforcement may incur further fees.

Therefore, think carefully about possible costs before you start.

GOING TO COURT If you intend to go to court, when the time limit for payment has elapsed, fill in an N1 claim form online or download it, print it and send the completed form to the County Court Money Claims Centre in Salford and pay the court fee.

What happens next depends on whether the defendant agrees to pay the amount, refuses to pay or ignores the whole thing.

The defendant has 14 days to respond, after which time, with no response, you may decide to issue a county court judgment (CCJ) against the defendant. This, in itself, has serious consequences for the defendant because a copy of all CCJs go to a public company and may affect any credit search made against the defendant’s name.

PUT IT IN WRITING First, write the other party a letter clarifying why they owe you money and that you are thinking of taking court action if the amount owed is not paid by a clearly stated date. All the necessary evidence must be provided to the other party with the letter, even though you know that they have the facts already.

This letter is a very important part of the process and fulfils what is known as the ‘protocol’. Without having done so, you may jeopardise your case if it does end up in court.

If you decide, for whatever reason, not to take court action there is an alternative: mediation. This provides individuals and businesses with a low-

FURTHER ACTION After the judgment, the defendant may still choose to ignore you – in which case you’ll need to consider enforcing the judgment by, for example, engaging the services of a bailiff to seize property to cover the debt.

You can action the entire process above without the help of a solicitor. However, if you feel you need extra advice or support, consider using a paralegal. Paralegals are less costly than a solicitor and can help you in exactly the same way as a solicitor would. Check that your chosen paralegal is registered with a membership body such as NALP, and holds the relevant paralegal qualifications and insurance.

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21/06/2018 11:20

SURG E P R O T E C T I O N

Take no chances Risk assessments are now required to determine whether surge protection devices are not needed, Paul Appleby advises

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he 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations reshapes the regulatory landscape for electrical contractors.

One area that has been reviewed is the issue of surge protection, and devices designed to mitigate excess voltage risks.

Surge protection devices (SPDs) are designed to prevent electric shock and stop excess voltage damaging an installation’s wiring infrastructure.

Should an overvoltage event occur, the SPD diverts excess current flow to Earth.

Regulation 443.4 requires that protection against transient overvoltages is provided where overvoltage could result in serious injury, damage to culturally sensitive places, interruption of supply or large numbers of co-located persons being affected. For other installations, a risk assessment should be carried out to determine whether SPDs should be installed. Where one is not carried out, SPDs should be installed.

Electrical installations in single dwelling units are not required to have SPDs put in, but their use is not precluded. This is something contractors have not previously had to consider to any great

extent, and will need to be taken account of in terms of time allocation and cost add-ons.

Any electronic equipment may be vulnerable to transient overvoltages, which can be caused by lightning activity or a switching event. This creates a voltage spike, increasing the wave’s magnitude to potentially several thousand volts, which could cause expensive damage or reduce an item of equipment’s lifespan. The need for SPDs will depend on many factors, including the level of a building’s exposure to lightning-induced voltage transients, the sensitivity and value of equipment within the installation, the type of equipment used, and whether there is equipment that could generate voltage transients.

While this shift in responsibility is likely to come as a surprise to many, if contractors access the correct support they can seamlessly integrate this function into their traditional work approach and ensure adherence to the new regulations.

Paul Appleby is circuit protection product manager at BG Electrical

IN F O C US / JO S E RU IZ How did you start working for yourself?

Whereabouts do you cover?

I was a software tester but I used to help a friend who was an electrician. I took my qualifications and started doing jobs for friends, building it up from there. That was about 10 years ago.

What type of work do you carry out?

Jose Ruiz, Carshalton Electrical Services

I’m based in Carshalton, and I travel as little as possible!

What do you do outside work?

Do you have anyone to help?

Most jobs I do are small projects, so I work on my own most of the time. I know someone who has also retrained from IT, and he’ll help me out if I have a big job.

What are your future plans?

I only do domestic work, and 90 per cent is local. It can be anything from putting up a new light fitting to a full house rewire.

I do inspection and testing too, through a relationship with a lettings agent.

have to do everything: pricing jobs up as well as doing the work.

I’m happy staying in domestic.

I might take on another person, but that can increase stress.

What’s the hardest part of working for yourself?

Staying on top of the quoting. You

I ferry my three kids from football to cricket to rugby! And I like cycling, reading and gardening.

Will you have a summer break?

We’re off to Florida in August for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Our eldest is 14, so we thought we’d do it now while we can.

If you are a small business or sole trader and would like to feature in In Focus, email infocus@redactive.co.uk

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insight

HA C KI T T R E V I E W

Cheryl Cox is public affairs spokesperson at Certsure

Lessons learned The Grenfell tragedy has brought Building Regulations firmly into focus – and Dame Judith Hackitt’s report will have implications for the construction sector, says Cheryl Cox

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ust 18 months ago, a review of Building Regulations was not on the cards – let alone the subject of headlines across the media. However, the Grenfell tragedy has ensured that the building sector has been at the forefront of the news a lot already this year.

Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review was highly critical of an industry that she sees as “indifferent” and one that “does not reflect and learn from itself” nor focus on “delivering the best quality building possible, in order to ensure that residents are safe and feel safe”.

However, her report has been criticised in some quarters for not being prescriptive enough – particularly in relation to aspects of fire safety.

Many thought she would call for an outright ban on cladding – she did not. Nevertheless, that decision goes to the heart of her review.

Dame Hackitt believes that cultural change is required to ensure that those working in the sector are competent and aware of the impact of their own work on others. “An outcomes-based framework requires people to think for themselves rather than blindly following guidance, and to understand their responsibilities to deliver and maintain safety and integrity,” she said.

This cultural change will take time to achieve and her report is only the start of the process, as the government will respond and outline its intentions in Autumn 2018. However, it has already asked the construction industry to work together to address the issues raised in the review and report back within a year on suggested ways forward. Certsure will be involved in these conversations, ensuring that the issue of competence and its independent assessment maintains a crucial role in the process.

Self-certification You might well be asking whether this report affects you right now. If you work in or on highrise buildings, then the answer is ‘yes’.

Following guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government,

we advised registrants last July to voluntarily stop self-certifying any work in high-rise buildings (buildings greater than 18 metres in height) and to get it signed off by the local Building Control.

This advice was reinforced in Dame Hackitt’s review, along with a recommendation to create a joint competent authority (JCA) that will oversee work on high-rise buildings going forward to ensure that any work undertaken is looked at holistically.

However, the review did recognise the value of the self-certification route for less complicated buildings, and we will lobby to ensure that this remains the case for those registered on government recognised competent persons schemes.

Changes to Approved Documents Dame Hackitt acknowledged that for those at the sharp end of the building sector “there is often disjointed and confusing guidance”, so we anticipate an overhaul of the Building Regulations to make it easier to use. However, because of the sheer scale of the task, it will be a slow process and is likely to take years.

Focus on competence The report was critical of a lack of competence within the building sector and a lack of awareness of how each individual trade impacts on the work of others, and on the integrity of the building in which they work.

This means that there will be an increased focus on qualifications and training, but also on the ability of all within the sector to verify and maintain competence. However, the review recognised the importance of the qualified supervisor model in the electrical industry and the role that UKAS plays in the process.

The impact on the sector and ultimately our registrants is still unclear, but we will continue to work with others from across the electrical sector and beyond to look at how we can make this work for you and your clients, without adding additional cost and administrative burden.

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CASE STUDY

BY DAVID ADAMS

It’s showtime!

Dorset firm Sansom & Strong has established a reputation for working on theatre restoration projects, including that of the recently reopened Victoria Palace Theatre in London

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ince its first performances in 2015, the hit stage musical Hamilton has been acclaimed by audiences and critics alike: its author, LinManuel Miranda, has achieved the improbable feat of turning the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the US, into a thrilling mix of hip-hop, R&B and more conventional musical theatre. Audiences love it, and critics have even suggested it may have reinvented theatre itself, bringing it into the 21st century.

It is appropriate, then, that the first UK production of the show is being performed in a venue that has also been reinvented for a new century: the Victoria Palace Theatre in London. Many of us who enjoy visiting the older theatres in London, and other towns and cities across the country, do so in part because we enjoy the way that the ornate, often genuinely antique interiors of these theatres offer a taste of a bygone era.

Any electrician in the audience, however, might also wonder at the challenge these buildings would pose to anyone given the task of retrofitting them with new equipment. The team at Dorsetbased electrical contractors Sansom & Strong, which was responsible for overhauling the theatre’s production electrical infrastructure before Hamilton could open, can confirm that such a task can be very difficult.

STAGE SCHOOL Tim Sansom and Ben Strong trained together as apprentices at Wessex Electrical before setting up their own business in Gillingham, Dorset, in 2007. Although they are happy to consider any project, the company has developed extensive expertise in theatre-based projects.

Its first job of this kind was at the Swansea Grand Theatre in 2007, after another former Wessex colleague alerted them to the opportunity to refit AV and other production equipment there. “We’d never been in the workings of a theatre before, so we got thrown in the deep end,” says Tim. “But we finished the job off on time and to a good standard, and that then led on to some other work for the same company.”

Over the years, while continuing to carry out more conventional work – mostly commercial or public sector rather than domestic – the company took on further theatre projects, usually upgrading or refitting parts of the production infrastructure.

Projects have included work at the

30: THE AMOUNT IN MILES OF AV (VOICE AND DATA) CABLING INSTALLED IN THE VICTORIA PALACE THEATRE

‘Sometimes the cable we used had to go three times as far as it would have done in a conventional building’

Nottingham Theatre Royal and at the Prince Edward Theatre in London, in preparation for the opening of a production of the musical Miss Saigon – as well as work for The Harry Potter Experience, University of Falmouth and the Nurburgring museum RingoWerk.

Then, in mid-2016, the company won the contract to replace all of the Victoria Palace Theatre’s performance lighting and AV systems, as part of a huge renovation project to be completed in preparation for the opening night of Hamilton – scheduled for the winter of 2017-18.

GRAND HISTORY The Victoria Palace Theatre was built in 1911 by renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham. Matcham designed a number of theatres that are now famous across the UK, including Blackpool’s Grand Theatre and, in London, the Hippodrome, Coliseum and Palladium.

The theatre has had an extremely successful history, with the last of many hit productions prior to its refurbishment being the musical Billy Elliott. This was performed there more than 4,000 times between 2005 and 2016. During that period, the theatre was sold to Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, which planned to extend and refurbish the building for Hamilton.

Sansom & Strong started work in the theatre in December 2016 on behalf of Woking-based LSI. It was not able to do much before February 2017, in part because of the need to coordinate its work with that of the many other contractors working on the refurbishment project.

These included another electrical contractor, who was replacing the front-of-house electrics.

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‘It was just a big, cold, old building that wasn’t happy about being dragged into the 21st century’ Sound and vision: the theatre received a new performance lighting and AV system

building that wasn’t happy about being dragged into the 21st century,” says Tim. “But it got there.”

Working with 12 other subcontractors, Sansom & Strong created and installed a completely new performance lighting and AV system. Aside from the challenge of liaising with the other contractors working in the building, the biggest problems Tim and Ben faced were related to the building itself, which has split floors and walls that are four feet thick in places.

“It was just awkward,” says Ben. “Sometimes the cable we used had to go three times as far as it would have done in a conventional building. On top of that, there were some specific things that the show requested which had to be back-channelled the correct way.”

432: THE NUMBER OF CHANNELS OF INDIVIDUAL DIMMING CIRCUITS ON THE PROJECT

In all, the team installed more than 30 miles of AV (voice and data) cabling, 432 channels of individual dimming circuits (mostly 15A) for the production lighting, an 800A MCCB panel for the production lighting, and more than 20 miles of mains singles cabling. Almost a mile of trunking was also needed, including some that was created bespoke for the job in order to fit into awkward spaces.

Work was hampered further by the fact that there was very little room on site to store equipment, so the team had to carry everything in and out of the building from their vans outside at the start and end of every day. “It was just a big, cold, old

SPECIAL EFFECTS The project had to be completed for the first performance of Hamilton in December 2017. “I believe there’s still some work going on at the theatre now, but from a production point of view, everything was done by the opening night,” says Ben. “It was a very rewarding project to be part of.”

It has also led to more work: Sansom & Strong is now working on control panels for a specialist contractor that builds theatre hoists and flying systems, as well as AV systems for the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. It is also discussing further refurbishment projects with another theatre group.

“We will continue to do all sorts of other work, but once people get to know a contractor with an idea of how a theatre works, they like to stick with them,” says Ben. “And it’s work we enjoy. The theatres are all unique.”

The final bonus granted to him and his colleagues at the end of the Victoria Palace Theatre project was free tickets to see one of the first UK performances of Hamilton. “All the guys on site were invited with a plus one, so we took along our wives and girlfriends,” says Tim. Did he like it?

“Oh yes! It’s a good show – I would really recommend it!”

David Adams is a freelance business journalist

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HISTORY OF WIRING REGS

The test of time The IET Wiring Regulations, or ‘Wiring Rules’ as it was first known, came into operation in 1882, and quickly became the standard for electrical installation in the UK. With the 18th Edition set for publication this month, we chart the evolution of ‘The Regs’, and the key moments in its history

1882

BY ROB SHEPHERD

1888 AND 1897 The second edition, in 1888, expanded on the success of the first with a number of new rules, while the third edition in 1897 was renamed General Rules Recommended for Wiring for the Supply of Electrical Energy. In 1889, the Society of Telegraph Engineers and Electricians became the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE), and the IEE Wiring Regulations came into being.

1903 In the year of the first transatlantic radio broadcast between the US and Great Britain, the fourth edition introduced definitions of electrical equipment, as well as some rather interesting advice; Regulation 48 stated: “Fuses may be considered too large if they are not warm to the touch on full load and too small if they hiss when moistened.”

It is also at this point that certification comes into play, the regulations stating that there should be a signed declaration confirming that an installation is compliant with current rules.

1907, 1911 AND 1916 As electricity became more prominent within homes and workplaces, the fifth, sixth and seventh editions were published in relatively quick succession in order to account for the plethora of new electrical products being marketed. The seventh edition made reference to electric tablecloths, which were the height of fashion at the time and lit up in the dark. With a current running through them, there is no record of what happened when drinks were spilt, although we can probably guess.

IMAGES: ALAMY, GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK

I

t was the year that the Married Women’s Property Act was passed, Queen Victoria opened the Royal Courts of Justice, and Old Etonians beat Blackburn Rovers 1-0 in the FA Cup Final at The Oval – the last time an amateur team would win – but 1882 was also the year that the Society of Telegraph Engineers and Electricians published the first incarnation of the Wiring Regulations.

Although it was just a simple four-page publication, its impact is still being felt today as we prepare for the impact of the 18th Edition. Let’s take a look back over 136 years of this important document.

1881 saw the first public electricity supply in the world switched on in Godalming, Surrey, where gas-based streetlights were replaced by electric versions. This event was followed the next year by the publication of Rules and Regulations for the Prevention of Fire Risks Arising from Electric Lighting.

Circulated among government departments and known as the Wiring Rules, it featured just 21 items and contained the following advice: “Fuses are the very essence of safety. They should always be encased in incombustible cases. Even if the wires become warmed by the ordinary current, it’s a proof that they are too small for the work they have to do and ought to be replaced by larger wires.”

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1924 With Ramsay MacDonald in power as the first Labour prime minister, the eighth edition – Regulations for the Electrical Equipment of Buildings – saw different cable sizes mentioned for the first time. The forerunner to the NICEIC – the National Register of Electrical Installation Contractors (NREIC) – was also set up this year, to help the public identify competent contractors, improve the efficiency and status of contractors, and establish a register.

1927 The British Broadcasting Company was renamed the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and the ninth edition was introduced. At this time, the NREIC had a mere 202 contractors on its register – although this number did grow significantly in the subsequent years.

1934 The 10th Edition saw different sections introduced, which helped contractors to navigate what was becoming a comprehensive document.

In 1937, the new Electricity Supply Regulations gave suppliers the power to inspect electrical installations – now much more numerous – before connection to the public supply, to ensure that they were safe. However, the only statutory requirement was an insulation test.

1939 In the same year that World War II broke out, the 11th Edition was published. A series of amendments followed, with a revised issue in 1943, a reprint with minor amendments in 1945, a supplement issued in 1946 and a revised section in 1948. During this period the concept of the ring circuit became popular, and this was reflected in subsequent editions.

1950 Various versions of the 11th Edition were released and it wasn’t until 1950 that the 12th Edition appeared. It was followed in 1954 by a supplement named Regulations for the Electrical Equipment of Buildings. Meanwhile, in a nod to the future, Alan Turing’s paper Computing Machinery and Intelligence was published in Mind.

1955 The year the 13th Edition was published was a big one for the electrical contracting industry. The electricity supply industry had begun to take increased interest in installation issues, and even suggested replacing the IEE Wiring Regulations with a Code of Minimum Wiring Practice.

This proposal was eventually dropped, but it led to the formation of NICEIC in 1956. The first roll of Approved Contractors was published in 1957 and listed 3,511 individuals. The NICEIC came in at just the right time, as the 13th Edition was suitably worded for enforcement, and included nonmandatory recommendations for good practice. This edition was reprinted in 1958, 1961, 1962 and 1964, and was the first time that PVC cables were mentioned.

1966 This was a year of firsts.

England won the World Cup for the first time, and the 14th Edition saw the first mention of the word ‘bonded’ in the definitions. It was reprinted seven times – the reprint in 1970 being the first to appear with metric units.

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HISTORY OF WIRING REGS

1981

1991

Named Regulations for Electrical Installations, the 15th Edition bridged the gap from the Swinging Sixties to the Decade of Decadence and took account of the need for greater harmonisation with the rest of Europe by aligning to CENELEC. Many existing practices were expanded or enhanced, such as supplementary equipotential bonding. Regulation 413-7 required the bonding of all metallic items, which led to the installation of supplementary equipotential bonding of general metallic items such as baths, ceiling grids, hand rails, kitchen sinks, radiators and pipework at boilers. This was altered in future editions.

With its publication and cover price of £50 also came the decision that in future reprints would have one of five different coloured covers – red, green, yellow, blue and brown – and a new edition would be published when the brown-covered reprint required updating.

The 15th Edition was mired in controversy, with Electrical Times claiming that it was “beyond the ken of ordinary contractors” and a “green light for cowboys”. In an attempt to allay concerns, NICEIC chief engineer Tom Howelll said in February 1977 that it would “not lead to radical changes”. It didn’t.

2007

Certificates as we know them – including test results and inspection schedules – came about in the 16th Edition, Requirements for Electrical Installations. It was also formally adopted as a British Standard – BS 7671 – in 1992.

The 16th Edition was reprinted four times and the NICEIC Council also announced that it would amend its Memorandum of Association to include reference to standards of electrical installation safety and practice additional to the IEE Wiring Regulations.

In 2004, Part P of the Building Regulations came into operation (England and Wales only). cam title was BS 7671:2001 Requirements Its full tit (Incorporating for Electrical Installations In 2002 and No 2: 2004), Amendments No 1: 2 The IEE Wiring Regulations Regulation (16th Edition).

It made it a legal requirement for all work dwellings on fixed electrical installations in dwel and associated buildings to comply with relevant standards.

In 2006, The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) ET) was formed after the IEE and the Institution of Incorporated Engineers ers (IIE) joined forces. The following year saw the publication of the 17th h Edition, after a committee representing the electrical industry reviewed ed the 16th Edition and received more than 2,500 comments from members mbers of the industry during a three-month public consultation period.. Amid its 463 pages and 1,274 regulations, it paid particular attention on to the use of residual current devices (RCDs), and required that an RCD CD not exceeding 30 mA be provided for socket outlets up to 20 A that are re for general use by ‘ordinary persons’. It was amended in 2013 with a new section for all involved in the installation of electric vehicle charging ing points, and two years later a third and final amendment was introduced duced to create BS 7671: 2008+A3: 2015. It stated that switchgear assemblies lies – including consumer units – must have enclosures made from a suitable able non-combustible material, or be installed in a cabinet or enclosure sure comprised from a suitable non-combustible material.

2018 The 18th Edition – BS 7671: 2018 Requirements for Electrical Installations – was issued on 2 July 2018, and comes E into effect on 1 January ry 2019.

Along with new information nformation about protection against electric shock, fire, voltage disturbances and electromagnetic disturbances, there ere is a new section on protection against thermal effects, which recommends the installation of arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) to mitigate the risk of fire due to the eff currents. It also includes a new informative annex providing ffects off arc fault f guidance on how electrical installations can provide the required level for the lowest electrical consumption. It will cover several energy-efficient areas, such as lighting, metering, cable losses, transformer losses, power factor correction and harmonics. For more information, see ee page 40.

Rob Shepherd is a freelance business journalist who specialises pecialises in the building services industry

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BRANDING

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tanding out is the goal when branding any business, and among a slew of white-vanone-man-bands, it can give savvy electricians a distinctive edge.

“Having our brand matching, from vans to clothing to the website, keeps us lodged in customers’ minds,” says David Cole, founder of Live-Link Electrical in Neath. “We’ve been stopped in the street and asked for business cards; without the branding, people would walk by. It gives us an identity within our local area and makes us look bigger than we are.”

Geoff Dorling, co-owner of Essexbased BEON Electrical, used branding to raise awareness when he joined forces with another electrician, Daniel Fox. “From the minute we started under the new name and branding we have been extremely busy, and we owe a lot of that to the professional look of our set-up.”

Pulling in custom isn’t the only benefit; David believes that branding also instils an extra degree of professionalism in staff. “Having branding everywhere reminds us people are always watching. It keeps employees polite and even stops them speeding or cutting people up, as they know it will come back to them.”

MAKE A SPLASH When it comes to splashing your name about, where is the most effective place to daub it? “We’ve tried a number of forms of advertising,” says David. “Our vans have the biggest

impact as they’re eye-catching, and each has a private plate to match, with each driver in matching uniform. It’s a real head-turner on the road. We find kids pointing at us and customers from past projects waving.”

“We’ve had our vans half wrapped in a bright green that draws attention but still looks professional and tidy,” says Geoff. See your van as a moveable billboard, suggests James Maddison, director of B&R Electrical: “A lot of people overlook branding. Wherever that van is parked, it’s constantly advertising.”

It’s not just the outside of the van that counts: staff inside are also brand ambassadors. “We wear T-shirts, jumpers and coats with our branding on them: our logo and the NICEICApproved Contractor logo on the front, then a big logo and the website address on the back,” says Geoff.

“Even our high-vis stuff is branded,” James tells us. “No matter what we’re wearing, people know we’re part of NICEIC.” If you’re based at permanent premises, emblazon your brand on the building. “We’ve recently opened

In a competitive local market, contractors who give the right impression are more likely to thrive.

Effective branding is essential

BY PENELOPE RANCE

our new office, and all the signage resembles our vans,” says Geoff. “It’s good advertising, and gives people confidence, knowing we’re based somewhere they can always visit us.”

If you’re in a location with high footfall, branding can pull people through the door. “Our office is on an industrial estate, and we have a sign above the unit,” says James. “There are lots of other businesses, and anyone visiting can see we’re electricians – it’s brought us work.”

Signage on jobs can also be a good marketing tactic, showing that you’re getting plenty of business.

“We display sign boards with our logo, the NICEIC logo and contact details outside jobs that we’re on for long periods of time,” says Jordan

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invoicing also helps you to look like an organised outfit. “We’re adding the logo and badging to the bottom of emails, invoices and letters to give a professional feel,” says James.

Are there times when overt branding might not be positive? “The only downside we’ve come across is when a new electrical business started up with a similar name,” says David. “It’s not affected our bottom line, and if you build a good brand you should be okay – but it could go the other way.”

Another concern is that actively publicising your trade could lead to thieves targeting your vans for tools and equipment. “There is always the worry that it can attract the wrong type of attention to the vehicles, so I always ensure the tools are unloaded every night,” says Jordan.

Stern, managing director of London firm Bright Sparx Electrical Services.

Maddison has been considering selective site signage. “We’ve got some newbuild work on a main thoroughfare where local businesses see the sign every day. People see you working in busy places and think you’re the right people for them.”

PAGE IMPRESSIONS Don’t overlook your virtual sites; an online presence that matches your physical branding shows you mean business. “Having a website is a must; as soon as your services have been recommended to someone, the first thing they do is look you up,” says Geoff. “Having your site set out correctly will win you work.”

There are other online platforms on which to push your brand, too.

“During the past few years, social media pages seem to have been the most effective way of getting our company seen,” observes Jordan.

Branded correspondence and

BRAND AID It can be worth investing in professional support, even if it’s just to add the bells and whistles to your own design. “We designed our logo and colour scheme, then passed it on to a local designer, who brought it to life and helped set up the layout on the vans,” says Geoff. “The logo I created online was a bit standard,” admits David. “It was changed with the help of the signwriter when we had the van sign written, having gone through a few designs between us.”

There’s an argument for not constantly reinventing the wheel.

“Over the years, we’ve tried to keep everything the same in order to create a recognisable brand,” says Jordan.

“Not only does it give our company a unique identity, but it also helps us be easily recognised when we are recommended by clients to others.”

It doesn’t have to be complicated; when people want an electrician, they want someone who will get down to business. “I’m not a believer in gimmicky ads,” says James. “We let our work speak for itself.”

Top tips for branding your business Branding can have a big impact on your business. If you look trustworthy and professional, people will want to work with you. If you stand out, you will get more attention. If you are memorable, you will be the first business that springs to mind.

Luke Hall, managing director of Custom Logo Shop, offers his top tips for electricians on effective branding: Get your logo professionally designed Avoid generic imagery – creativity will separate you from the crowd and get more eyes on your business. A poor DIY logo makes it harder for potential customers to trust that you’re the best choice to fix their problem Brand anything that a potential client comes into contact with Your van, website, business cards, clothing, signage and letterheads should all be consistent. If you can’t do it all in one go, start with your van, website and business cards Try to represent what makes you different Do you offer a higher standard of work? Speedy turnaround? Variety of services? Try to make sure your branding reflect your values and offering at a glance Target the right audience Are your customers commercial, domestic or both? Are you targeting clients that pay more for a higher quality service? Appealing to your target market through your branding will make them feel you’re the right choice for them

Penelope Rance is a freelance business journalist

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LABOUR OF

BY NICK MARTINDALE

JER Electrical Ltd has rapidly established itself as one of Guernsey’s leading electrical contractors – but the company’s origins lie much further afield

J

who was from Guernsey. She was travelling as well, working for a PR company. We were both enjoying life, but when she became pregnant we decided to move back and settle down so we could start a family.”

ISLAND LIVING Initially, Jer sought work with local electrical firms on the island, which kept him busy for a couple of years. In 2014, once he had a better idea of the local market, he started working for himself – initially taking on domestic work or jobs on building sites. “If I ever saw a building or a project being started I used to call in, and then in the evening I would look in the Yellow

IMAGES: JR PHOTOGRAPHY

er Norris has taken a rather circular route from his native Ireland to Guernsey, where he now runs JER Electrical Ltd. Having worked for one of Ireland's largest industrial contractors for six years, which included a six-month spell in Sweden, he embarked upon a new adventure. This would lead to Australia, New Zealand and, eventually, Guernsey, located in the Channel Islands, just a few miles off the coast of France.

“I spent two years working as an electrician in Australia, down the mines and at Sydney University, and then I ended up going to New Zealand and worked as an electrician there for three years,” Jer says. “That’s where I met Natalie,

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LOVE

still gets involved when needed. At this time, Natalie left her job to help run the office, which had outgrown the family home: “I had a nearly half-a-million pound business, and I was running it from my bedroom,” says Jer. The company moved into an office at the start of 2017, and recently moved again, taking on a much bigger base that can hold up to seven office staff and also has space for stores and a showroom.

‘I had a nearly half-amillion pound business and I was running it from my bedroom’

Pages and call up tilers and builders,” he says.

“But because of the size of Guernsey, you quickly get a good reputation if you have a good standard of work, and I started to get quite a lot of recommendations.”

For the first year, Jer took on all the work himself, but before long found he needed additional support. “I should have taken someone on in the second year, but I felt we were too young as a company to do that, so I just used to work really long hours,” he recalls. But when the owner of a firm that used to sub-contract for him in busy periods wound up his business, he had the opportunity to take on two members of staff, and within a year had a third working for him. “I’ve now got to the point where I continually advertise, because we’re growing all the time and finding electricians in Guernsey is quite difficult,” he says.

When the business was employing five electricians, Jer came off the tools, although he

Company JER Electrical Ltd Established 2014 Major projects Fitting Guernsey's first electric vehicle charging point; installing fire alarms in social housing

7

DOMESTIC FOCUS Much of the company’s work today is still focused on the domestic space, mainly for high-end houses, although it also takes on commercial projects and jobs for local estate agents. “We do small extensions, which are quite popular on the island, and a lot of rewires,” Jer says. “But we also specialise in electric heating. There’s a really cheap tariff in Guernsey for that, so we do a lot of underfloor heating, electric radiators and electric boilers. Electricity is cheaper than gas here, and it’s very competitive with oil.”

This year, the company is putting a strong emphasis on renewables, including solar PV and battery storage. “The PV market isn’t as big here as it is in the UK because we don’t get the feed-in tariffs, but we do get a lot of sunshine and it ties in nicely with our electric heating,” he says. “I try and set up houses with electric heating and then further down the line we can put solar panels in, and then they also have the option of putting an electric vehicle in.” The company is the only business licensed to install public electric vehicle charging points, he adds, and fitted the island’s first, at North Beach car park, in 2017.

Smart wiring is also a growing market – particularly in high-end domestic premises, but also in more modest houses. “We do quite a lot of retrofitting,” says Jer. “It’s becoming quite popular to be able to control your home from your phone, so underfloor heating or towel rails.”

Today, the business turns over around £500,000 a year, and has taken on work worth £60,000 for individual houses and larger contracts to install fire alarms in social housing. Jer, however, believes it’s possible to hit £1 million turnover, employing around 10-15 electricians. He is already starting to put a middle management layer in place to allow

The number of employees now at JER Electrical Ltd

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CONTRACTOR PROFILE Founder Jer Norris (fourth left) and his wife and office manager Natalie (fourth right) with the JER Electrical Ltd team

h to ffocus ffully him ll on the h overall ll running off the h firm, recently promoting Nathan Green to the role of general manager.

For now, the attention is firmly on Guernsey, but Jer is open to the idea of branching out further afield. “Jersey is obviously bigger than Guernsey, so once we get to the size where we need more work we could always look at that, and we could even enter the UK from there,” he says. “But we’re still a young company, and we’ve only been trading four years.” There could also be work on some of the other Channel Islands, such as Herm, Sark and Alderney, he says, although this isn’t something he’s looked into much.

Starting a plumbing division could be another source of growth, and this is currently on the cards for 2019. “That would be a separate division,” Jer explains. “We’d have renewable, plumbing and electric divisions; that’s the plan in my head. That’s why I feel we can grow – we’ll have our fingers in lots of different pies."

10-15: THE NUMBER OF ELECTRICIANS JER BELIEVES IT’S POSSIBLE TO HIT £1 MILLION TURNOVER WITH

TRADE SECRET Jer attributes much of the company’s successful growth – from sole trader to a business that employs seven people, with plans to go on to another level – to business coaching. He receives this once a week from a local firm called Action Coach. “It took four years to learn how to become an electrician, so I thought I needed to learn how to become a businessman,” he explains. “There’s a big difference between an electrician running a company and a businessman running a company.

“I now have quite a good knowledge of how my business runs and what my margins are, and which jobs bring in the most money,” he adds.

“It’s helped us grow the business quickly but in a controlled manner; I’m not growing into chaos, but into a structure.” Coaching also gave him the confidence to come off the tools himself, he adds, rather than continuing to balance doing the work with running the business.

With three children under the age of six thrown into the mix, life is certainly busy for Jer and Natalie. “We have an extremely busy life; people think we’re insane,” he says. “I feel very proud of what I have achieved in this space of time, but it is a lot of hard work. But I’ve always been told that you don’t get anything for free in life. You have to work hard.”

Nick Martindale is editor of Connections.

Could your business feature in our contractor profile slot? Email contractorprofile@redactive.co.uk

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THE POWER TO PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS AND GIVE YOU PEACE OF MIND BRAND NEW INSURANCE SOLUTION FOR NICEIC AND ELECSA CONTRACTORS

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CONTACT US ON 0333 015 6629 NICEIC-AND-ELECSA-INSURANCE.COM NICEIC and ELECSA Insurance Services, and, NICEIC Insurance Services, and, ELECSA Insurance Services, are trading names of SME Insurance Services Limited, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh Limited, registered in England & Wales (No: 03798294) at: 1 Tower Place West, Tower Place, London EC3R 5BU. SME Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference No: 306057).

Certsure LLP is an Introducer Appointed Representative of SME Insurance Services Limited, and does not form part of the same group as SME Insurance Services Limited. Certsure LLP, a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with number OC379918 whose registered office and principal place of business is Warwick House, Houghton Hall Park, Houghton Regis, Dunstable, LU5 5ZX. ©2018 NICEIC and ELECSA Insurance Services. All rights reserved.

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technical

Your industry-leading reference guide to technical information 38

Ask the experts Answers to some of the more frequently asked questions put to our Technical Helpline

40

What’s new in the 18th Edition The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations, also known as BS 7671, has undergone significant changes and was launched at the start of July. Although there’s a six-month period before the new requirements come into effect, installations may be designed in accordance with the ‘new version’ before that date. We highlight the changes

48

Direct current in BS 7671 The scope of BS 7671 includes requirements for circuits supplied at nominal voltages up to 1000 V AC and also 1500 V DC. We consider factors that should be taken into account by designers and installers, as THE NICEIC AND ELECSA PUBLISHING TEAM well as those carrying out inspection and testing

52

Changes to NICEIC Certificates – Post 18th Edition NICEIC electrical certificates and report forms have been revised to take account of the publication of the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671: 2018). We look at the main changes that have been made to these documents

56

Electric vehicle charging installations Changes have taken place in Section 722 with the introduction of the 18th Edition of BS 7671. We focus on the changes to Regulation 722.411.4.1 concerning the use of a PME supply to domestic premises

60

Apprentice Corner Isolation and switching: how the requirements of BS 7671 are applied to its four distinct functions

64

Snags & Solutions A practical guide to everyday electrical problems

Tim Benstead principal technical author Jonathan Elliott senior technical author Terry Bratley technical author Derek Cooney technical author Chris Long technical engineer Alex Whitworth technical illustrator

HELPLINE John O’Neill technical engineering manager Sam Donaghy technical helpline engineer Stuart McHugh technical helpline engineer Duncan McFarlane technical helpline engineer Norman Bradshaw technical helpline engineer Mark Cooper technical helpline engineer Richard Atkins technical standards engineer Mark Barnes-Rider technical helpline engineer Craig Kemp technical helpline engineer Craig Cunningham technical helpline engineer

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T E C HN I CAL

Ask the experts

QU E S T I ON

Are any other actions required when a dangerous condition is discovered at an electrical installation?

ANS WE R

We continue with our series of answers to some of the more frequently asked questions put to our Technical Helpline Q UE STIO N

What action should be taken when, during a periodic inspection, dangerous or potentially dangerous conditions are observed relating to supply intake or metering equipment before the customer’s installation?

A N SW E R

Where inadequacies in the supply intake and metering equipment are observed, the person ordering the periodic inspection should be advised to contact the relevant Distribution Network Operator or Meter Operator, as appropriate, to carry out the remedial work necessary to remove the danger or potential danger.

Distributors and meter operators have an obligation under the Electrical Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations (ESQCR) to maintain their equipment, so far as is reasonably practicable, to prevent danger.

What classification code would be appropriate where incorrect phase sequence is identified?

Q A

In situations where this may cause a potentially dangerous situation, allocation of a C2 classification code would be appropriate. This would include where the reversed operation of motorised equipment presents a danger itself directly or prevents the correct operation of a safety critical service.

Where the incorrect phase sequence affects functionality but does not present a danger, allocation of a code C3 would be appropriate to indicate that improvement is recommended.

Where correct operation of connected 3-phase equipment is unaffected by phase sequence, such as heating loads, no code or comment is necessary.

Wherever practicable, items given a C1 classification should be made safe on discovery. Where this is not possible, the owner or user should be given written notification as a matter of urgency.

Where the person ordering the work agrees, the supply to the complete installation or to those parts in which a dangerous condition is present can be isolated and secured in the OFF position.

Where the person ordering the work does not agree to full or partial isolation, other steps should be taken to remove the source of any immediate danger; for example, temporary barriers could be erected.

Any measures taken to remove or minimise danger should be documented.

NICEIC/ELECSA has developed a Dangerous Condition Notification Form to assist inspectors to record, and then to communicate immediately to the person responsible for the safety of the installation, any dangerous condition discovered and any remedial actions taken.

Q UE STIO N

What classification code should be used when the polarity of the supply to an electrical installation is incorrect?

A N SW E R

A code C1 should be recorded when incorrect supply polarity is discovered.

Incorrect polarity is very dangerous for both those working on the electrical installation and those using equipment connected to it.

As was the case for the dangerous conditions discussed in the previous question, the owner or users of the installation should be informed without delay and a recommendation made that the relevant Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is informed immediately to have this supply defect rectified.

Do you have a technical query? Call our helpline on 0333 015 6628

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Area Engineer / Joe Aguilar Q UE STIO N

Why is a code C2 recommended for the absence of certain forms of identification or labelling whereas in other cases a code C3 is deemed to be appropriate?

When did you first become an Area Engineer for NICEIC? In 2015, after 34 years in the industry. I started with an apprenticeship before running my own business and completing an engineering degree. Having worked in both research and as a consultant, I have seen the industry from different perspectives.

A N SW E R

Broadly speaking, where the absence of a warning label or notice might result in a potentially dangerous situation for those working on the electrical installation or using installed electrical equipment, allocation of a code C2 would be appropriate. However, where the absence of information will not present a danger to those for whom it was intended to inform, a code C3 would be sufficient, advising that remedial action would lead to some improvement in the safety of the electrical installation.

In other cases, the absence of the required information will not warrant classification or reporting.

Examples are given in the Table below: Examples of condition report classification codes relating to the absence of identification and labelling required by BS 7671 (This listing is not exhaustive) C2

C3

No coding necessary

Absence of warning notices indicating the presence of an alternative or secondary source of electricity, such as a standby generator or micro-generator 514.15.1

Absence of circuit identification details at distribution boards / consumer units 514.9.1

Switch lines not identified as line conductors at terminations 514.3

Absence of labelling on junction boxes of a solar PV system indicating that parts inside the boxes may still be live after isolation from the PV convertor 712.537.2.2.5.1

Absence of ‘Safety Electrical Connection— Do Not Remove’ notice at required locations 514.13.1

Circuit protective conductors or final circuit conductors in a consumer unit not arranged or marked so that they can be identified for inspection, testing or alteration of the installation 514.3

Absence of warning notice where equipment contains live parts which are not capable of being isolated by a single device 514.11.1

Absence of sixmonthly test notice where RCDs present in the installation 514.12.2

Absence of label advising of the presence of SPDs or other equipment that may be damaged by testing or affect the validity of the results obtained 514.9.1 (iv)

Joe Aguilar East/West Sussex, Kent NICEIC and ELECSA employ 80 field team staff to assess contractors’ work and provide up-to-date technical advice. To many of you they will be the face of NICEIC and ELECSA that you see regularly. Here we turn the tables and put them in the spotlight

How has the job changed in that time?

There has been greater standardisation of assessments across the NICEIC Approved Contractor, NICEIC Domestic Installer and ELECSA brands.

What are some of the biggest changes in the industry that you have come across?

More extensive use of home automation and security, particularly with app-connected devices.

What’s the strangest thing you have come across during your time with NICEIC? A small distribution board mounted on the ceiling – not by an NICEIC contractor, I am glad to say.

What’s the strangest request you've had?

To assess the wiring in a bat box on a nature reserve.

What interesting jobs have some of your contractors being involved with?

Stadium lighting at the Amex (Brighton & Hove Albion FC’s home ground).

What are your interests outside work?

Travelling in my VW campervan, walking on the South Downs and reading.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

The ability to cure all ills.

If you had a day off tomorrow, what would you do?

Catch up on DIY jobs I don’t finish because I am out in my campervan.

Favourite book, film and television programme?

Film: Chocolat, just because I like chocolate TV: Gardeners’ World Book: The Little World of Don Camillo by Giovanni Guareschi

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T E C HN I CAL

What’s new in the 18th Edition the terms ‘protection against direct contact’ and ‘protection against indirect contact’ have been removed from the standard. These terms were replaced in the 2008 edition by ‘basic protection’ and ‘fault protection’ respectively but reference was made to them throughout the life of the 17th Edition as a transitional measure.

As new technologies and products emerge their use has to be recognised in BS 7671. For example this latest edition introduces recommendations relating to the use of arc fault detection devices (AFDDs).

O B JE C TIVE

The aim of this article is to highlight the significant changes introduced into BS 7671 on July 1st 2018 through new content, amendments and, in some cases, deletion of previous requirements.

Introduction The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations, also known as BS 7671, was issued on 1st July 2018: there will be a six month period before the new requirements come into effect on 1st January 2019. However, installations may be designed in accordance with the ‘new version’ before that date.

Part One Changes to Part One were kept to a minimum because a new version of the International document on which it is based will be published shortly after the cut-off date for 18th Edition work.

Any modifications necessary to meet the technical intent of this new version will be incorporated into Amendment 1 when that is published.

Notable changes include the following: • Removal of the year reference where the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations (ESQCR) are referred to in Regulation 114.1 and elsewhere in the standard.

The version of these Regulations applicable to Northern Ireland, although identical in content to the version applicable to England, Scotland and Wales, has a different ‘year’ reference.

Making this small change clarifies that the references to these Regulations in BS 7671 are applicable to all parts of the United Kingdom.

• Regulation 120.3 states that any departures must be recorded on the ‘appropriate certification’, recognising that either an Electrical Installation Certificate or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate, where appropriate for the work undertaken, may be issued. A similar requirement has been introduced in Regulation 133.1.3 for when equipment not in accordance with a recognised standard is used, or equipment is used outside the scope of its standard. In

Why was change necessary?

The United Kingdom is obliged to take account of the technical intent of the CENELEC (CLC) HD 60364 series of standards relating to electrical installation work and associated technologies.

These standards are published as separate parts.

However, to date, the United Kingdom has chosen to amalgamate these into a single publication – BS 7671. The maintenance and publication cycles for the CLC documents vary and often do not align with those for BS 7671. To minimise the number of new editions or amendments that need to be published, the newest CLC version of a particular part or chapter is used as the basis for the corresponding Part or Chapter in the UK standard at the next occurring maintenance cycle, whether a new edition or an amendment.

Changes are also made occasionally to the terminology used in electrotechnical standards and these need to be adopted. For example, in this edition, the abbreviation for alternating current ‘a.c.’ is replaced by ‘AC’ and for direct current ‘d.c.’ is replaced by ‘DC’. Similarly, except for two brief explanatory notes, all references to 40 S U MME R 2 018

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Part Three

both cases, the designer is declaring that the resulting degree of safety of the installation will not be less than that obtained by compliance with the Regulations.

• Regulation 132.2 now requires details relating to prospective fault current, rather than prospective short-circuit current, are included in the documentation of the characteristics of available supply or supplies.

• In Regulation 132.8, a clearer distinction is made between overload and fault current when considering the characteristics of protective equipment during its selection at the design stage.

• Regulation 132.13 now requires additionally that documentation is provided relating to characteristics of supplies (313.1) and coordination of electrical devices (536.5) for every electrical installation.

Changes to Part Three were also kept to a minimum because a new version of the International document upon which it is based will be published shortly after the cut-off date for 18th Edition work.

The reintroduction of Chapter 46 giving requirements for isolation and switching is acknowledged in Regulations 301.1 (Assessment of general characteristics) and 314.3 (Division of installation).

The following text which used to appear below Fig 3.9 (TN-C-S (PME) system) has been deleted: The usual form of a TN-C-S system is as shown, where the supply is TN-C and the arrangement in the installations is TN-S. An electrical system, as defined, consists of one or more sources of supply and an installation.

An installation therefore forms part of a system but, in the context of Fig 3.9, an installation does not contain several systems.

Part Two A number of the definitions in Part Two have been modified.

The term Discrimination has been replaced by selectivity although the meaning remains the same.

Back-up protection is now defined as: Protection of a device by overcurrent coordination between that device and an overcurrent protective device (OCPD) in series with it, generally but not necessarily on the supply side. This prevents any excessive stress on the electrical device.

A number of new definitions have been introduced as a result of the expansion of Section 536.

Departures are an acceptable and useful design approach in certain circumstances, where used with the agreement of all parties to a contract.

The term departure has been defined to highlight this. Departures make possible the development of new products and techniques and the use of such when they are not yet covered by relevant product standards.

With reference to the new definition for noncompliance, it should be noted that BS 7671 only requires the recording of non-compliances with the standard which may give rise to danger.

A definition is only required where a word or term used in BS 7671 has a specific meaning in that context which differs to its meaning in normal use. If the meaning is that in common usage or is clear to the users of BS 7671 a definition is not required.

Part Four In order to align with the CLC Harmonised Document, the following sentence has been added to the end of Regulation 411.3.1.2 – Protective equipotential bonding: Metallic pipes entering the building having an insulating section at their point of entry need not be connected to the protective equipotential bonding.

The scope of Regulation 411.3.2.2 has been expanded so that the disconnection times stated in Table 41.1 now apply to final circuits having a rated current not exceeding: • 63 A supplying one or more socket-outlets, and • 32 A supplying only fixed connected currentusing equipment.

Previously this requirement applied to all final circuits not exceeding 32 A where the protective measure of automatic disconnection of supply is employed. This change widens the number of circuits covered by Table 41.1 significantly.

Similarly, in Regulation 411.3.3, the scope of the requirement for the provision of additional protection for socket-outlets has been extended from those of rating not exceeding 20 A to 32 A, again broadening the number of cases where this requirement will apply.

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T E C HN I CAL

permitted where, other than for an installation in a dwelling, a documented risk assessment determines that RCD protection of such socketoutlets is not necessary.

However, the previous exception that applied to a specific labelled or otherwise suitably identified socket-outlet provided for connection of a particular item of equipment has been deleted.

To align with the base CLC Harmonised Document, the new Regulation 411.3.4 requires the provision of additional protection by RCD for AC final circuits supplying luminaires within domestic (household) premises.

In the most part, compliance with this is already achieved as a result of the ‘UK only’ requirements for impact protection of cables concealed in walls and partitions and so it will have limited impact on UK practice.

The reference to an operating time of 40 ms at a residual current of 5 I∆n has been removed from Regulation 415.1.1.

Regulation 411.3.2.5 has been modified significantly and now refers to Section 419 where: • it is not feasible for an overcurrent protective device to provide automatic disconnection in the event of a fault as required by Regulation 411.3.2, or • the use of an RCD for this purpose would not be appropriate.

Regulation 411.3.2.5 also states that disconnection may be required for reasons other than protection against electric shock.

The new Section 419 contains provisions to be applied where it is not feasible that the requirements for automatic disconnection in the event of fault will be met.

Regulation 419.2 contains measures applicable to where electronic equipment with limited short-circuit current is installed and automatic disconnection is not feasible. It requires that, in the event of a fault between a live conductor and the protective conductor or Earth, for electronic converters of nominal voltage exceeding 50 V AC or 120 V DC, the output voltage of the source is reduced to 50 V AC or 120 V DC or less within the time ordinarily applicable for disconnection.

For all other cases where the requisite disconnection time of Chapter 41 cannot be achieved, Regulation 419.3 requires supplementary protective equipotential bonding is provided so that the voltage between simultaneously accessible exposed-conductive-

parts and/or extraneous-conductive-parts does not exceed 50 V AC or 120 V DC. Regulation 421.1.7 recommends the installation of arc fault detection devices conforming to BS EN 62606 to provide additional protection against fires caused by arc faults in AC final circuits. An article looking at AFDDs appeared in issue 204 of Connections.

All power, control and communication cables – not just low voltage electrical wiring cables – intended for permanent installation in a building or construction must be Construction Products Regulation 2011 (CPR) classified by the 1st July 2017 or they cannot be sold in the UK. Notes to Regulation 422.2.1 and 422.5 refer the reader to item 17 of Appendix 2 in BS 7671 which contains further information on the Construction Products Regulation.

Section 443, dealing with protection against overvoltages of atmospheric origin, has been revised significantly.

To summarise, such protection is always required where overvoltage affects: • human life • public services and cultural heritage • commercial or industrial activity

Fig 1 Lamp control circuit with switching in the neutral conductor

L N 3

1

2

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• a large number of individuals.

In all other cases a risk assessment is required except: • where a choice is made to provide overvoltage protection anyway, or • for single dwelling units, where the value of the installation and equipment therein does not justify such protection – Certsure advise that any such decision is made only with the full, informed, and documented agreement of the person ordering the work.

Chapter 46 has been reintroduced and contains requirements for provision of isolation and switching, but NOT for the devices used to provide such functions, for which reference should be made to Section 537.

Regulation 463.1.2 states that functional switching devices need not necessarily switch off all live conductors of a circuit. It also permits a single-pole switch for a lighting circuit to be placed in the neutral conductor, albeit acting to energise a control device as shown in Figure 46.1 of BS 7671 and reproduced as Fig 1.

introduced Regulation 521.11.201, requiring the support of wiring systems in escape routes in a manner to prevent premature collapse in the event of fire. This is replaced by a new generally applicable requirement (521.10.202) that all wiring systems must be supported in such a way that they will not be liable to premature collapse and so do not impede entry or exit in the event of a fire.

A note has been added to Regulation 522.8.5 stating that its requirements for the support of cables and conductors are also applicable to consumer unit meter tails.

Chapter 53 has been modified heavily because of the reintroduction of a Chapter 46.

This chapter contains requirements for the selection and erection of devices to provide protective, isolation and switching functions. The requirements for isolation and switching are now given in Chapter 46.

Regulation 421.1.201, introduced by AMD3 of the 17th Edition required that within domestic (household) premises, consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies must either: • comply with BS EN 61439-3 and have their enclosure manufactured from non-combustible material, or • be enclosed in a cabinet or enclosure constructed of non-combustible material.

Typically, this means the enclosure is made from metal.

A new Regulation has been introduced to address the shock protection issues presented where a metal enclosure – an enclosedconductive-part – is installed before the RCD providing fault protection for all or part of an installation as a result, for example by compliance with Regulation 421.1.201.

Regulation 531.3.5.3.2.201 requires that where Class I enclosures are installed in installations forming part of a TT system and RCD protection is used on outgoing circuits, all live conductors on the supply side of the incoming device must have double or reinforced insulation.

This includes the incoming conductors and any consumer unit components on the ‘supply’ side of the main switch. For the purpose of this regulation, insulated and non-metallic sheathed cables are deemed to meet the requirements of double or reinforced insulation. A note clarifies that only internal interconnecting cable links approved by the assembly manufacturer should be used.

Section 534 which deals with devices for

Part Five Regulation 514.12.2 requires an advisory label to be provided where an installation contains one or more RCDs. The recommended frequency for operation of the test button in this label has been altered from quarterly to every six months.

Previously this Regulation required the label to be placed in a prominent position at or near the origin of the installation. However, recognising that an installation may have RCDs in multiple locations and not just at the ‘front end’, labels should now be installed at or near an RCD wherever it is installed (see below, left).

Amendment 3 of the 17th Edition in 2015

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T E C HN I C A L

protection against overvoltage of atmospheric origin has been revised significantly to align with the changes made to Section 443.

Section 536 contains significantly revised and expanded requirements for selectivity, back-up protection, combined short-circuit protection. Regulation 536.5 requires documentation concerning the selection of devices for co-ordination to be added to the design documentation. The new requirements of this section were covered in considerable depth in issues 202, 203 and 204 of Connections.

The original draft for public consultation of Regulation 542.1.201, included text requiring the provision of an earth electrode to supplement any earthing facility provided by a distributor as a measure to prevent or minimise the appearance of a dangerous touch voltage, in the event of the loss of the main connection to Earth. This proposal was removed after the DPC process due to the volume of opposition received. There was a widely held view that it is unreasonable to place the burden for supply earth inadequacies on the property owner and the contractors working on their behalf.

As was discussed earlier, new text in Regulation 411.3.1.2 clarifies that metallic pipes entering the building having an insulating section at their point of entry need not be connected to the protective equipotential bonding. To avoid any conflict, the text relating to the presence of an ‘insulating section or insert’ has been removed from Regulation 544.1.2.

RCDs installed to provide protection against fire.

• The text of Section 644 group has been modified to clarify: • when it is appropriate to use a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate to cover new work, additions or alterations, and • that any defect or omission that will affect the safety of new work, an addition or alteration that is revealed during inspection and testing must be corrected before a Certificate is issued.

• that, in the case of an addition or alteration, any other defects observed during the course of the work that may give rise to danger not associated with the work undertaken must be recorded on the Electrical Installation Certificate.

Part Seven When the 17th Edition was introduced its requirements for socket-outlets in rooms containing a shower were more onerous than those of the final amendment of the 16th Edition. Regulation 701.512.3 now permits low voltage socket-outlets to be installed at a distance of 2.5 m horizontally from the boundary of zone 1. This requirement, which also applies to socket-outlets, makes it easier to have a socket-outlet(s) in, for example, a bedroom or bedsit containing a bath/shower. It also brings the UK closer to the approach taken in the majority of Europe where such socket-outlets are permitted anywhere in the location beyond zone 2 (0.6 m from the edge of the bath or shower).

Significant changes have been made in Regulation 722.411.4.1 with respect to the use of a PME earthing facility for a charging point located outdoors or that might reasonably be expected to be used to charge a vehicle located outdoors.

In addition to the existing requirement that electric vehicle charging points offer a minimum degree of protection against external influences of IP44, the 18th Edition now requires equipment installed in public areas and car park sites to be protected against mechanical damage of medium severity by one or more of the following: • locating in a position where impact is not reasonably foreseeable • provision of local or general mechanical protection (barriers) • use of equipment offering a minimum degree of protection against external mechanical impact of IK07 as described in BS EN 62262 (Regulation

Part Six The requirements of this part have been extensively revised to align with the new (2016) CENELEC harmonized document. This alignment has also meant changes to numbering.

Significant changes include: • Removal of requirement to ‘test’ for provision of basic protection by barrier or enclosure. Going forward this will be verified solely by inspection.

• The requirements for additional protection (now given in Regulation 643.8) now contain a requirement that where additional protection is provided by supplementary protective bonding, the effectiveness of that bonding should be verified against the requirements of Chapter 41.

• Where AFDDs are installed, Regulation 643.10 requires that any manually operated test facility present should be verified.

• The wording relating to testing the test button of an RCD has been revised to cover all installed RCDs. The previous wording effectively excluded 45 S U MME R 2 018

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T E C HN I CAL

722.512.2.203).

The requirements for electric vehicle charging points are covered in greater detail elsewhere in this edition of Connections.

A new section 730 has been introduced containing requirements for onshore units of electrical shore connections for inland navigation vessels to take on the technical intent of a CLC Harmonized Document.

the maximum prospective fault current declared by the Distribution Network Operator is 16 kA, it is not necessary to measure or calculate prospective fault current at the origin of the supply.

Appendix 17 It was originally proposed that there would be a ‘Part 8’ introduced into BS 7671 covering energy efficiency. As a result of the commenting process it was decided that the draft was not sufficiently developed and the industry relatively unprepared for its implementation, and so this was edited to produce content for this informative appendix.

HD 60364-8-1 will be published by British Standards Institution as a separate standard and, looking forward, it is likely that there will be a normative chapter covering energy efficiency in BS 7671 at a later date.

Appendix 17 covers the following with respect to energy efficiency: • Lighting • Metering • Cable losses • Harmonics • Transformer losses • Power-factor correction.

It should be noted that any measures taken to make an electrical installation more efficient must not compromise the safety of a building’s occupants, property or livestock.

Section 753, which deals with heating cables and embedded heating systems, has been revised significantly.

The scope of the section has been extended to also cover electric heating systems in walls and for de-icing or frost prevention or similar applications. Both indoor and outdoor systems are covered, including football pitches and the like.

Appendices Significant changes made to the appendices are summarised below.

Appendix 3 This now also contains the former content of Appendix 14 relating to the correction of tabulated or calculated values of maximum earth fault loop when a comparison is being made between these and measured values.

Appendix 6 A number of changes have been made to the model forms for certification and reporting to reflect changes made throughout the requirements of BS 7671. These are discussed in greater detail elsewhere in this issue of Connections.

Appendix 14.

This appendix now gives guidance on the determination of prospective fault current (PFC). It describes ‘Rules of thumb’ that may be used to estimate the prospective fault current between two or more line conductors based on results obtained when testing between a line and neutral.

Guidance is also given on safety precautions that should be taken when determining PFC by testing and the responsibilities placed on those carrying out live testing by the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

This appendix also states that in domestic (household) or similar premises, where a consumer unit to BS EN 61439-3 is used and 46 S U MME R 2 018

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T E C HN I CAL

Direct current in BS 7671 an opposite polarity (refer Fig 1). DC can be both positive (+ve) or negative (-ve) but is not necessarily a smooth waveform (ripple-free).

Ripple-free DC is ‘naturally’ generated by a battery source, but where DC is created from an AC supply via rectification, it will require significant levels of conditioning to create a smooth DC output.

The rms value of a sinusoidal current (the value used in normal AC supplies) provides the same heating effect as the equivalent DC current. Therefore in a ripple-free DC supply: Irms=IDC

O B JE C TIVE

It is important to note that the scope of BS 7671 includes requirements for circuits supplied at nominal voltages up to 1000 V AC and also 1500 V DC. In an industry where the presence of DC supplies and circuitry is becoming more commonplace, this article considers some of the factors that should be taken into account by designers and installers as well as those carrying out inspection and testing when working with direct current.

Introduction Alternating current (AC) is the most commonplace form of supply in the UK, being easy to convert to different voltage levels for transmission and distribution using transformers. Generally, little thought has been given by many designers and installers to the particular issues associated with the use of direct current (DC) as a means of distribution or as a supply for circuits. However, the increase in photovoltaic systems, electric vehicle charging, and the growth of extra-low voltage LED lighting, as well as the use of DC in data centres and the like, has led to a need to give proper attention to DC. In this first of a series of articles, a brief consideration will be given to both what DC is and to the particular DC systems that are detailed in Chapter 3 and Appendix 9 of BS 7671.

Subsequent articles will consider in detail DC supplies and the particular implications of using DC when dealing with low voltage and extralow voltage circuits, isolation and switching, overcurrent protection, cable sizing, earthing as well as inspection and testing.

Fig 1 Difference between AC and DC waveforms I (A)

time in seconds

-I (A)

AC waveform

DC waveform with AC ripple

I (A)

DC waveform with AC ripple removed Irms

time in seconds

Direct current (DC) Direct current is the unidirectional flow of electric charge; that is, at no time does the direction of flow of charge pass through 0 to

Rectified DC waveform -I (A)

Rectified DC waveform

DC waveform smoothed and conditioned

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• Controlling arcing – because the supply does not pass through 0 a DC circuit can maintain an arc more readily than that of a circuit supplied from an AC source.

• Lack of familiarity – wrong choices for switching and overcurrent protection may occur.

• Difficulty in converting between voltage levels – power electronic converters are necessary.

Fig 2 2-wire and 3-wire arrangement

Conductor arrangement and system earthing

Fig 3 A short circuit in a TN-S DC arrangement Source

Installation

L+ Isc

PEL

L(PE) Protective conductor

Optional application of a battery

Equipment in installation Earthing of system

The benefits of the use of DC in low-voltage DC (LVDC) installations include amongst others: • Reduction in power consumption.

• The use of DC removes the need for individual AC-DC power supplies (switch mode power supplies) for individual items of current-using equipment. Whilst it is still remains necessary to convert between DC voltage levels, the losses associated with this conversion are lower than for equivalent switch mode power supplies.

• No consideration of power factor.

• No need to consider reactive power as there is no capacitive or inductive reactance – although there is the potential for energy storage in capacitors and inductors.

• In AC circuits reactance must be considered to accurately determine voltage drop in larger conductors. In DC circuits only resistance need be considered and, therefore, there is a reduction in volt drop.

• Fewer components required.

• More integration with DC systems – PV, energy storage, EV charging etc.

The disadvantages of the use of DC include, amongst other things:

Exposed-conductive-parts

1 PEL – a conductor combining the functions of both a protective earthing conductor and a line conductor 2 PEM – a conductor combining the functions of both a protective earthing conductor and a mid-point conductor

Whilst Regulation 312.1.2 details the currentcarrying conductors in DC circuits (Fig 2), it is to Appendix 9 that reference should be made when determining the nature of DC earthing systems.

Strictly speaking, both PEL1 and PEM2 conductors are not live conductors although they carry operating current (see note to 312.1.2).

A PEL two-wire DC circuit has a single voltage available, L+ to L- (U0), whilst a PEM threewire arrangement allows for three possible arrangements: • a positive voltage (L+ to M or PEM) (U0), • a negative voltage (L- to M or PEM) (-U0) and • a combined higher voltage (L+ to L-) (2U0).

Appendix 9 of BS 7671 details the earthing systems available for DC supplies.

Short circuit and earth fault paths Short circuit and earth fault conditions are well understood in AC systems. However, the definition of a short circuit found in Part 2 of BS 7671 applies to both AC and DC circuits, that is, ‘An overcurrent resulting from a fault of negligible impedance between live conductors having a difference in potential under normal operating conditions’.

Equally, an earth fault current applies to both AC and DC circuits, and is defined as: ‘A current resulting from a fault of negligible impedance between a line conductor and an exposed-conductive-part or a protective conductor’.

The following images highlight the potential current paths for both short circuit and earth fault conditions in a DC circuit for both a PEL arrangement and a PEM arrangement.

This arrangement is a TN-S DC system with an earthed line conductor L- separated from the protective conductor throughout the installation (Fig 3). It is based on Appendix 9 and has a separate protective conductor (PE) throughout the installation. The short circuit occurs between the live conductors although one of those live conductors is also connected to earth.

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T E C HN I CAL

Fig 4 An earth fault in a TN-S DC system with earthed line conductor L-

Source

Installation

L+ Ise

PEL

L(PE) Protective conductor

Optional application of a battery

Equipment in installation Earthing of system

Exposed-conductive-parts

Fig 5 TN-S DC system having a mid-point connected to earth (PEM) Source

Installation

L+ PEM Isc

M L(PE) Protective conductor

Optional application of a battery

Equipment in installation

Earthing of system

Fig 4 is a TN-S DC system (based on Appendix 9) with an earthed line conductor L- separated from the protective conductor throughout the installation. The earth fault occurs between L+ and the protective conductor.

In a system having a mid-point (PEM) there are two possible opportunities for an earth fault.

In Fig 5 the earth fault is from L+, a positive DC voltage, to earth and the flow of current is as indicated. In Fig 6 the earth fault is from L-, a negative DC voltage, to earth and the current flow is as indicated.

The nature of DC supplies and the range of possible earthing systems creates a more complex range of options when compared to that of AC earthing systems.

Summary The supply of current from a DC source is becoming more commonplace. DC that has been either supplied from a battery source or suitably conditioned is different from AC in that it doesn’t change its direction of flow with respect to time, and as such, the effects of frequency can be ignored.

DC provides for a significant range of advantages when compared to AC for the supply of a range of final circuits including energy savings and closer integration with PV, energy storage, LED lighting and EV systems.

This article has been by way of a brief introduction. The next article in the series will consider overcurrent protection and the issues relating to the protective measure of automatic disconnection of supply (ADS).

Exposed-conductive-parts

Fig 6 TN-S DC system having a mid-point connected to earth (PEM) Source

Installation

L+ PEM M Isc

L(PE) Protective conductor

Optional application of a battery

Earthing of system

Equipment in installation Exposed-conductive-parts

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T E C HN I CAL

Changes to NICEIC Certificates – Post 18th Edition Insulation resistance: As shown in Fig 2, this section has been reduced to three columns.

The test ‘Live to Live’ caters for insulation testing between all live conductors including the neutral, and in the next column the results of testing between live conductors and Earth should be recorded. It should be noted that the term ‘Earth’ means that the protective conductor(s) is connected to the earthing arrangement (Regulation 643.3.1).

The third column requires the insulation resistance test voltage to be recorded. Wherever practicable the test should, for low voltage circuits, be performed at 500 V DC. However, in circumstances where it is not practicable to disconnect electronic devices such as, for example, where a fixed low voltage socket-outlet incorporates a surge protective device (SPD),

O B JE C TIVE

All NICEIC electrical certificates and report forms have been revised to take account of the publication of the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671: 2018) on the 2nd July 2018. This article identifies the main changes that have been made to these electrical certificates and report forms.

Introduction

DCP18

Small installations up to 100 A single phase supply Issued in accordance with BS 7671: 2018 – Requirements for Electrical Installations

PART 1 : DETAILS OF THE CONTRACTOR, CLIENT AND INSTALLATION DETAILS OF THE CONTRACTOR

DETAILS OF THE CLIENT

DETAILS OF THE INSTALLATION

Registration No:

Contractor Reference Number (CRN):

Occupier:

Trading Title:

Name:

Address:

Address:

Address:

This certificate is not valid if the serial number has been defaced or altered

ICN18

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE Issued in accordance with BS 7671: 2018 – Requirements for Electrical Installations

Postcode:

Tel No:

Postcode:

Tel No:

Postcode:

Tel No:

PART 1 : DETAILS OF THE CONTRACTOR, CLIENT AND INSTALLATION PART 2 : DETAILS OF THE ELECTRICAL WORK COVERED BY THIS INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE DETAILS OF THE CLIENT DETAILS OF THE CONTRACTOR The installation is –

Trading Title:

New:

Address:

An addition: An alteration:

Postcode:

DETAILS OF THE INSTALLATION This report is not valid if the serial Occupier: number has been defaced or altered Address:

Description and extent of: the installation covered by this certificate: Branch No* Contractor Reference Number (CRN):

Date works completed: Registration No:

Name: (

)

(

)

(

)

Tel No:

Postcode:

Tel No:

Trading Title: The installation is – I RECOMMEND that this New: installation is further inspected Address:and tested ) interval of not more than: ( after an (

Issued in accordance with BS 7671: 2018 – Requirements for Electrical Installations Tel No:

Postcode:

PART 1 : DETAILS OF THE CONTRACTOR, CLIENT AND INSTALLATION Where necessary, continue on a separate numbered page: Replacement of a consumer unit:2 : DETAILS ( OF )THE ELECTRICAL WORK COVERED BY THIS INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE PART DETAILS OF THE CONTRACTOR DETAILS OF THE CLIENT PART 3 : NEXT INSPECTION THE ELECTRICAL Date worksOF completed: Description and extent this certificate: RegistrationINSTALLATION No: Branch Noof: the installation covered byContractor Reference Number (CRN):

An addition:

Page No(s) (

Name: years/months* Address:(delete as appropriate)

Occupier: Address:

Postcode:

Tel No:

Postcode:

Tel No:

Where necessary, continue on a separate numbered page: Page No(s) (

Replacement of a distribution board: ( DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, INSPECTION & TESTING PART 2 : PURPOSE OF) THE REPORT

)

I, being the person responsible for the design, construction, inspection and testing of the electrical installation, particulars of which are described in PART 2, having exercised reasonable skill and care when carrying out the design and PART 3 :applies NEXTtoINSPECTION OF THEthis ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION Purpose which report is required: additionally where this certificate an addition orfor alteration, having confirmed that the safety of the existing installation is not impaired, hereby CERTIFY that the design, construction, inspection and testing for which I have been responsible is to the best of my knowledge and belief in accordance with BS 7671: 2018, amended to (date) except for the following departures, if any, identified I/We, being the designer(s) of theon electrical installation in PART120.3, 4, RECOMMEND that this•installation is further inspected and tested after an interval of not more(than: ) details attached page(s) (as documented ) (Regulations 133.1.3 and 133.5).

Where selectivity is required, details of the verification appended (536.4):

Date(s) when inspection and testing was carried out: (

Signature:

)

Records available: (

)

years/months** (delete as appropriate) Page No(s) ( )

Date: Previous inspection report available: (

)

Previous report date: (

)

PART 4 : DECLARATION FOR THE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION WORK (this option may be used where the design, construction, inspection & testing have been the responsibility of one person) REVIEWED BY QUALIFIED SUPERVISOR PART 3 INSPECTION : SUMMARY & OFTESTING THE CONDITION THE INSTALLATION DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, (The extentOF of liability of the signatories is limited to the work detailed in PART 2)

Signature: Date: I, being the person responsible for the design, construction, inspection and testing of the electrical installation, particulars of which are described in PART 2, having exercised reasonable skill and care when carrying out the design and General condition (in termshaving of electrical safety): *The proposed date for the next inspection should take into consideration any legislative orinstallation licensing requirements and theconfirmed frequency and quality of maintenance that the installation canisreasonably be expected to CERTIFY receive during intended life.construction, inspection and testing for which I have been additionally where this certificate applies toofanthe addition or alteration, that the safety of the existing installation not impaired, hereby thatits the design, The period should be agreed between relevant parties. responsible is to the best of my knowledge and belief in accordance with BS 7671: 2018, amended to (date) except for the departures, if any, detailed on attached page(s) ( ) (Regulations 120.3, 133.1.3 and 133.5).

DCP18/1

Name (capitals):

This certificate is based on the model forms shown in Appendix 6 of BS 7671

exception appliedthe (411.3.3): Risk assessment attached: ( Page No(s) ( Published by Certsure LLP • Permitted Certsure LLP operates NICEICYes/NA & ELECSA brands @ Copyright Certsure LLP) (July 2018) Warwick House, Houghton Hall Park, Houghton Regis, Dunstable, LU5 5ZX

Name (capitals): *Where applicable

)

• Where selectivity is required, details of the verification appended (536.4): Please see the ‘Notes for Recipient’ Page 1 of (

Signature:

Name (capitals):

Estimated age of electrical installation: ( REVIEWED BY QUALIFIED SUPERVISOR

) years

Evidence of additions or alterations: (

PART 4 : DECLARATION

) Page No(s) (

)

Date:

)

Signature:

Overall assessment of the installation is: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory* (delete as appropriate) Date:

** The proposed date for AND the nextTESTING inspection should take into consideration any legislative or licensing requirements and the frequency and quality of maintenance that the installation can reasonably be expected to receive during its intended life.

INSPECTION The period should be agreed between relevant parties.

ICN18/1

I, being the person responsible for the inspection and testing of the electrical installation, particulars of which are described in PART 7, having exercised reasonable skill and care when carrying out the inspection and testing of the existing installation, hereby CERTIFY that the information in this report, including the observations (page 2) and the attached schedules, provides an accurate assessment the condition of the electrical installation taking into account the Please see theof ‘Notes for Recipient’

This certificate is based on the model forms shown in Appendix 6 of BS 7671

Page 1 of

Published by Certsure LLP Certsure LLP operates the NICEIC & ELECSA brands @ Copyright Certsure LLP (July 2018) stated extent of theRegis, installation and LU5 the limitations on the inspection and testing.

Warwick House, Houghton Hall Park, Houghton Dunstable, 5ZX

Name (capitals):

Signature:

Date:

REVIEWED BY THE REGISTERED QUALIFIED SUPERVISOR FOR THE APPROVED CONTRACTOR Name (capitals):

Signature:

Date: IPN18/1

The combined ‘Schedule of circuit details and test results’ which is supplied as part of each NICEIC electrical certificate or report form has been modified to align with the requirements of BS 7671: 2018. Therefore, irrespective of whether a certificate or report is being compiled the following changes are applicable.

)

DETAILS OF THE INSTALLATION

)

Postcode: Tel No: PART 4 : DECLARATION FOR THE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION ) WORK An alteration: (

Name (capitals):

The combined schedule of circuit details and test results

IPN18

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CONDITION REPORT

Address:

Original (to the person ordering the work)

This certificate is not valid if the serial number has been defaced or altered

DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE

Original (to the person ordering the work)

Fig 1 NICEIC Electrical certificates and report forms

Original (to the person ordering the work)

BS 7671: 2018 comes into full effect on 1st January 2019, so until then any electrical work undertaken to the 17th Edition of BS 7671 may continue to be certificated or verified for compliance with the 17th Edition of BS 7671.

However, installations designed after the 31st December 2018 (or periodically tested after this date) or work undertaken to the 18th Edition during the transitional period, must comply with the requirements of the 18th Edition of BS 7671. Therefore, as shown in Fig 1, NICEIC certificates and report forms, based on the model forms contained in Appendix 6 of BS 7671: 2018, have been made available for use by NICEIC Approved Contractors and Registered Domestic Installers.

This article provides a summary of the main changes affecting the schedules contained within the NICIEC certificates and reports and then looks at the changes to the individual forms.

*An unsatisfactory assessment indicates that dangerous (CODE C1) and/or potentially dangerous (CODE C2) conditions have been identified in PART 6, or that Further Investigation (CODE FI) without delay is required.

This report is based on the model forms shown in Appendix 6 of BS 7671

Published by Certsure LLP Certsure LLP operates the NICEIC & ELECSA brands Warwick House, Houghton Hall Park, Houghton Regis, Dunstable, LU5 5ZX

@ Copyright Certsure LLP (July 2018)

Please see the ‘Notes for Recipient’

Page 1 of

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Fig 2 Combined schedule of circuit details and test results

Circuits/equipment vulnerable to damage when testing

(kA)

(mA)

(F) Thermoplastic / SWA cables (G) Thermosetting / SWA cables

(Ω)

(H) Mineral-insulated cables

Circuit impedances (Ω)

Ring final circuits only (measured end to end) (Line) r1

(Neutral) rn

(cpc) r2

All circuits (complete at least one column)

(R1 + R2 )

(O) other - state:

Insulation resistance

R2

Live / Live

Live / Earth

Test voltage DC

(MΩ)

(MΩ)

(V)

Polarity

Short-circuit capacity

Type

Rating

BS (EN)

(A)

Operating current, IΔn

RCD

Max. measured earth fault loop impedance, Zs

Thermoplastic cables in

(E) non-metallic trunking

Protective device

Maximum permitted Zs for installed protective device*

Thermoplastic cables in

(D) metallic trunking

(Ω)

RCD operating time

Test buttons

RCD (ms)

it is permitted for insulation resistance testing to be performed at a reduced test voltage of 250 V DC. Where insulation resistance testing is performed at a reduced voltage, the minimum acceptable insulation resistance remains 1 MΩ (Regulation 643.3.2).

Where tests are performed at different voltages, the lowest test voltage applied should be recorded in the column.

RCD operating time: Only one column is provided to record the operating time of an RCD. This is because the purpose of this test is to confirm that the RCD will operate within the disconnection time required by BS 7671, irrespective of whether the RCD is used to provide fault or additional protection. Therefore, the test should be performed at the highest current setting available on the RCD test instrument (generally the 5I∆n setting for RCDs with a rated residual operating current of up to 100 A) and the operating time recorded.

The measured test value should be verified according to the function of the RCD. An RCD installed to provide additional protection should disconnect the circuit within 40 ms, whereas an RCD installed to provide fault protection, should disconnect within the relevant time stated in Chapter 41 of BS 7671 (Regulation 411.3.2.1 refers).

Test buttons: As shown in Fig 3, an additional column is included for confirming the functional operation of any arc fault detection device (AFDD) connected to a circuit in accordance with Regulation 421.1.7.

Maximum permitted Zs for installed protective device: In relation to maximum earth fault loop impedance values for protective devices, BS 7671 recommends that, wherever possible, designers should use the manufacturer’s specific data (Appendix 3 of BS 7671 refers). Where this is the case, ‘N/A’ should be recorded in this box and the particular manufacturer’s data source used, should be

AFDD

recorded in the field that is provided at the foot of the schedule.

For a schedule that forms part of a Domestic certificate or report form there is an additional modification which is worthy of note. The modification relates to prospective fault current.

The item under the last row of the schedule is now entitled ‘Prospective fault current consumer unit, where required’. This is to reflect that in some circumstances testing to determine the prospective fault current at the origin or elsewhere within a domestic installation is unnecessary. A consumer unit complying with BS EN 61439-3 is considered to be adequate to safely withstand a prospective fault current of up to 16 kA (Regulation 536.4.201), and as a result of this conditional rating applying tests to determine prospective fault current at either the origin or for final circuits would, in many cases, be unnecessary. However, in the case of additions or alterations to existing installation it may, depending on the rating of the installed equipment, be applicable.

The schedule of items inspected Minor changes were necessary to the ‘Schedules of items inspected’ supplied as part of NICIEC certificates and reports to align with the requirements of BS 7671: 2018. New items include: provision of RCD protection for circuits supplying luminaires within domestic (household) premises (Regulation 411.3.4) and the provision of Arc Fault Detection Devices (Regulation 421.1.7). While changes to items include the following: • Additional protection is now required for socket-outlets not exceeding 32 A, unless exempt (Regulation 411.3.3).

• The RCD test advisory notice is now required to be fixed at or near the location of the RCD, not just the origin (Regulation 514.12.2).

It should be recognised that whilst a location containing a bath or shower is normally applicable for every domestic installation, this is not the case for non-domestic installations.

In view of this, a section of items relating to a location containing a bath or shower is contained in the ‘Schedule of Items Inspected’ that forms part of the Domestic certificates and reports but is not included on the schedule that forms part of the Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or Electrical Installation Condition Report.

Electrical Installation Certificates (EIC) and Domestic Electrical Installation Certificates (DEIC) Regulation 644.1 requires an electrical certificate to be issued for new installations, additions or alterations to exiting installations 53 S U MME R 2 018

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and for the replacement of a distribution board or consumer unit. Therefore, under the details of the ‘Electrical work covered by this installation certificate’ an item relating to the replacement of a distribution board/consumer unit has been included, as appropriate to the particular certificate.

Declaration: To take account of Regulation Group 536.4 the ‘Declaration’ has been amended to include ‘Selectivity’.

The requirements for ‘Selectivity’ were covered previously in ‘Connections 204 and 205’. In addition, Regulation 133.1.3 is now included in ‘departures’, and requires equipment that is not covered by an appropriate British or Harmonized Standard, or used outside the scope of its Standard, to be recorded as a departure.

It should be noted that in accordance with Regulation 411.3.3, the designer can choose to omit the provision of additional protection by an RCD having a residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA, for socket-outlets with a rating of up to and including 32 A. However, an exception is not permitted for an installation in a dwelling, and as such is not catered for on the Domestic Electrical Installation Certificate (DEIC).

Note: A permitted exception must be based on a documented risk assessment and for the purposes of BS 7671 the risk assessment should involve an appropriately (electrically) skilled person, Appendix 2, item 11, of BS 7671 refers.

such as, for example, a drawing location reference, along with the type of distribution board. Where necessary, distribution boards and/or consumer units should be assigned unique identification references, in agreement with the client.

Electrical installation condition reports (EICR and Domestic EICR) Next Inspection: A brief statement must be provided to justify the interval recommended for the ‘Next Inspection’. For example, if a condition report is required annually as part of the licence agreement for a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) then the recommendation should reflect this period and the supporting statement should state the HMO licensing requirements as the reason for the recommended interval to the next inspection.

Sampling: to cater for the use of sampling an item is now specifically included to record the level agreed, which is normally recorded as a percentage. It should be noted that for the smaller premises, such as domestic installations, the sampling would normally only be applicable to the inspection element of the work, whereas for larger more complex installations sampling is, normally, also applied to the testing element.

Summary Contractors should be aware that all NICEIC certificates (and report forms) have been updated to align with the introduction of the 18th Edition of BS 7671.

These certificates are readily available for compilation using NICEIC’s online digital certification system or using the printed format. However, irrespective of the method used to compile the certificates, (or reports) it remains the responsibility of the compiler to ensure that the information provided on the certificate is factual, and that the electrical installation work to which the certificate relates is safe to be put into service.

Comprehensive guidance on the completion of 18th Edition NICEIC electrical certificates and condition report forms is contained in the NICIEC publication, Inspection, Testing, Certification and Reporting.

The Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) The earth fault loop impedance at the consumer unit or distribution board where the circuit subject to the minor works is connected must be recorded and additional information is required to enable the circuit to be easily located. Items require identification of the particular circuit and the distribution board/ consumer distribution.

For a larger installation containing several distribution boards across multiple floors or areas, the identification details provided should include a unique distribution board reference number and accurate location details Fig 3 Part 3 of the NICEIC Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate

PART 3 : CIRCUIT DETAILS Circuit: Description and Ref no Overcurrent protection device: BS EN

DB/CU: Ref no Type

Location and type Rating

(A)

Csa of conductors:

Live

mm2

cpc

mm2

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Electric vehicle charging installations regulation also stated that the requirement of this regulation need not be applied for the charging point at a dwelling1, if none of the conditions (i), (ii) or (iii) was reasonably practicable. This exception no longer exists in the 18th Edition.

It is now incumbent upon the installer of an EV charging point to comply with one of the three conditions given where the protective measure of ADS is applied to an installation having a PME earthing facility, or to ensure that in the event of an open-circuit fault in the supply PEN conductor, the touch voltage2 does not exceed 70 V rms.

O B JE C TIVE

The aim of this article is to highlight the changes that have taken place in Section 722 with the introduction of the 18th Edition of BS 7671.

The particular focus will be on the changes to Regulation 722.411.4.1 concerning the use of a PME supply to domestic premises. The requirements for RCDs, socket-outlets and connectors will also be mentioned.

Requirements where the supply is PME This article supplements the two written previously for Connections as detailed below.

• Issue 188 – Amendment 2 to BS 7671 – Electric vehicle charging installations • Issue 189 – Charging systems for electric vehicles

Where a PME earthing facility is provided, Regulation 722.411.4.1 places conditions on its use as the means of earthing for an electric vehicle charging point located outdoors or that might reasonably be expected to be used to charge a vehicle located outdoors.

Introduction The fitting of dedicated electric vehicle charging equipment is a significant addition to an existing installation. As with any addition or alteration, Regulation 132.16 requires the adequacy of the existing equipment including that of the distributor to be assessed. Some Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) require the installer to complete an Electric Vehicle Notification Form informing them of the intended loading. A load survey can then be carried out to calculate the new maximum demand after diversity (ADMD) at the property to ensure that the DNO’s equipment is adequate for the additional load.

Regulation 722.411.4.1 of the 17th Edition AMD3 precluded the use of a PME earthing facility as the means of earthing for a charging point located outdoors or which might reasonably be expected to be used to charge a vehicle outdoors. However, this

Condition (i) For this condition to apply, a three phase installation must exist, triplen harmonics must be small and the following condition must be met: Im×U0 70≥I +I +I L1 L2 L3 1 The term ‘dwelling’ means a self-contained unit designed to accommodate a single household.

2 Whilst there is no definition of ‘touch voltage’ in Part 2 definitions of BS 7671, it can be taken as the potential that appears between an exposed-conductive-part under fault conditions and the general mass of Earth.

Where: Im is the maximum neutral current U0 is the nominal AC line voltage to Earth IL1/2/3 is the current in each of the line conductors The maximum neutral current, Im, occurs under conditions of maximum imbalance between the phases and not the maximum overall demand. This means that should an open-circuit fault occur in the supply PEN conductor, the maximum voltage

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between the main earth terminal (MET) and Earth should not exceed 70 V as required by condition (i).

However, where there is imbalance across the phases, and/or where triplen harmonics are likely to exist such that the current in the neutral conductor increases, the note to A722.3 indicates that an earth electrode will be necessary and condition (ii) will apply.

Fig 1 Line diagram of a possible TT supply arrangement to a charging point

Fig 2 Electrical separation arrangement for a charging point

EV charging point

cpc not connected to earth terminal

EV charging point

30 mA 6000

IΔn 30 mA Un 230V-

Condition (ii) This condition will apply where the installation is single-phase and for three-phase installations where it is not possible to comply with condition (i), due to loading arrangements and/or the existence of triplen harmonics.

For compliance with this condition, the MET of the installation is to be connected to an earth electrode complying with Regulation 544.1.1.

However, the resistance of the earth electrode3 to the general mass of Earth shall be of such a low resistance, that the maximum voltage between the MET of the installation and Earth in the event of an open-circuit fault on the PEN conductor of the low voltage supply network will not exceed 70 V. Using the equation given in A722.3 for a single phase installation, and assuming the rms maximum demand Iinst is 44 A4, an approximate value for the sum of the resistance of the earth electrode and the protective conductor connecting it to the MET can be determined as follows:

Isolating transformer Overcurrent protective devices

Earth electrode

Consumer unit 6000

OFF

OFF

IΔn 30 mA Un 230V-

63 A 6000

OFF 6000 3

OFF

IΔn 30 mA Un 230V-

Note: Power and lighting circuits omitted for clarity

Note: Power and lighting circuits omitted for clarity

Main earth terminal

Main earth terminal Intake arrangement (TN-C-S)

Intake arrangement (TN-C-S)

Options for complying with protection against electric shock (722.41

70×U0 70×230 ≈2.3 Ω RA ev≤ = Iinst×(U0-70) 44×(230-70)

Complying with the conditions (i) or (ii) mentioned previously, is difficult to achieve in practice, however, measures must be taken to protect against electric shock where there is an open-circuit fault in the PEN conductor of the supply.

There are two options that would provide an alternative method and these are: 1 Converting the supply to the EV charging point to a TT earthing system 2 Using the protective measure of electrical separation

This example demonstrates that provision of an electrode of sufficiently low resistance to minimise the touch voltage in the event of an open-circuit fault in the supply PEN conductor will be very difficult to achieve in significant numbers of cases.

Condition (iii) Condition (iii) permits the use of a device which disconnects the charging point from the live conductors of the supply and from protective earth within 5 s in the event of a voltage between the circuit protective conductor and Earth exceeding 70 V. At time of printing, this type of charging point is not yet commercially available. The note in Regulation 722.411.4.1 of the 17th Edition, stating that a product standard for such a protective device is being developed by a BSI committee, has been deleted for the 18th Edition.

Consumer unit

63 A 6000 3

3 See also Issue 196 of Connections – Reducing earth resistance for rod-type electrodes 4 The current rating of 44 A is an assessment of maximum demand based on reasonable diversity for a typical domestic installation.

1 Use of a TT earthing system One possible method in meeting the requirements of Regulation 722.411.4.1, when the supply to the dwelling is PME, is to consider making the supply to the charging point part of a TT arrangement as shown in Fig 1. A TT earthing system requires an earth electrode to be installed. Care needs to be taken in the

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RCD protection

placing of the electrode so that no resistance areas are overlapped with the DNO’s supply PEN conductor and damage to underground services are avoided. Fault protection is by a 30 mA RCD. Where the EV charging point contains a type A RCD as is typical of many commercially available units, the earthing conductor from the earth electrode would be connected to the earthing terminal within the EV charging unit.

By separating the earthing arrangement, any break in the DNO’s PEN conductor will not affect the EV charging point. Furthermore, any simultaneous contact between the metal bodywork of the vehicle and the general mass of Earth will not produce a dangerous touch voltage.

Where the TT arrangement is adopted, Regulation 542.1.3.3 requires the cpc of the EV circuit supplying the charging point to be earthed only in the consumer unit containing the protective device. For example, where steel-wire armoured cable is installed, the armouring will need to be earthed at the supply and isolated from earth at the load.

Where the EV charging point is not fitted with an RCD, a separate enclosure containing, as a minimum, a 30 mA type A RCD would need to be installed, and the connection from the earth electrode terminated within the enclosure.

However, the shock risk that potentially still exists as a result of the premises now having two earthing systems in such close proximity to one another must be borne in mind.

Regulation 722.531.2.101 requires each charging point to be individually protected by an RCD complying with one of the following standards: BS EN 61008-1, BS EN 61009-1, BS EN 60947-2 or BS EN 62423. The RCD or RCBO shall have a rated residual operating current (I∆n) not exceeding 30 mA and to be at least a type A. Protection and installation of the cable from the consumer unit to the charging point will need to comply with the general requirements of Parts 1 to 6 of BS 7671. This may mean having a 30 mA RCD installed in the main part of the dwelling to provide additional protection for the circuit cable.

Where the cable supplying the EV charging point complies with Regulation 522.6.202 indent (ii), then the EV charging circuit need not be protected by an RCD at the supply position. You may find it useful to refer to the article on RCD types in Connections 191 (Autumn 2014) and Pocket Guide 29.

Summary In Regulation 722.411.4.1 the exception concerning reasonable practicality has been deleted. There is now a responsibility upon the EV installer to provide a measure of protection against electric shock in the event of an open-circuit fault in the supply PEN conductor.

Condition (i) relies on the loads of a threephase installation being ‘balanced’. Where there are low levels of triplen harmonics, balanced loads will create low neutral current which results in a low touch voltage if the supply PEN conductor open-circuits. Condition (ii) relies upon the sum of the resistances of the earth electrode and protective conductor having a very low value which is difficult to achieve in practice. Condition (iii) is not yet commercially available.

Options to provide for protection against electric shock include converting the EV charging point to a TT earthing arrangement, or using the protective measure of electrical separation.

Either of these two options isolates the EV charging point from the PME earthing arrangement. In so doing compliance with 722.411.4.1 is achieved.

Some DNOs require details of the EV loading to verify that their supply and metering equipment is adequate for the increased load.

2 Electrical separation Electrical separation, as shown in Fig 2, is a protective measure that works by separating one system from another, normally by use of an isolating transformer complying with BS EN 61558-2-4 (Regulation 722.413.1.2 and Section 413 refer). Except where Regulation 418.3 applies and the installation is controlled or under the supervision of skilled or instructed persons, electrical separation limits the supply to one item of current-using equipment, in this case one electric vehicle.

Fig 2 shows that as the secondary winding is not connected to Earth it is not possible to get a shock to Earth as there is no return path for current to flow. Furthermore, overcurrent protection should be provided on both legs of the secondary.

For this arrangement, it is important that the live parts of the separated circuit, in this case the EV charging point must not be connected at any point to another circuit or to Earth, or to a protective conductor (Regulation 413.3.3 refers).

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device provided for isolation or switching shall comply with the relevant requirements of Chapter 53 (Section 537).

Part 2 of BS 7671 defines an isolator as a ‘mechanical switching device which in the open position complies with the requirements specified for the isolation function’.

An isolator, which is otherwise known as a disconnector, can be, and often is, an off-load device2. Isolating switches (switch disconnectors) are on-load devices , which may also serve as an isolating device (Table 2 refers).

Apprentice Corner The focus of the apprentice corner in this issue of Connections is isolation and switching, and how the requirements of BS 7671 are applied to its four distinct functions. This will enable a switching device to be correctly selected for a particular function, and enable informed decisions to be made when carrying out an inspection of such installed devices. This will be complemented using a scenario followed by some multiple-choice questions

Isolation

Introduction The term ‘isolation and switching’, as used in BS 7671, relates to four distinct functions as shown in Table 1, each with its own particular requirements for safety. The four functions are: • isolation, • switching off for mechanical maintenance, • emergency switching, and • functional switching

18th Edition of BS 7671 In this edition, there is a new Chapter 46 which deals with non-automatic local and remote isolation and switching measures for the control of circuits or equipment. However, Regulation 461.1 requires that where appropriate, every

1 Regulations 464.1 ‘Means of switching off shall be provided where mechanical maintenance may involve a risk of physical injury.’

2 Off-load – no current is flowing in the circuit.

3 On-load – current may be flowing in the circuit

Every circuit shall be provided with a means of isolation (refer Part 2 definitions for ‘Isolation’) from each of the live supply conductors except as detailed in Regulation 461.2 (Regulations 422.3.13 and 462.2 refer). A neutral conductor falls within the definition of a live conductor.

A group of circuits may be isolated by a common means (Regulation 462.2 refers).

However, where such an arrangement is being considered, the requirements of Regulation Group 314 relating to division of an installation must be taken into account. A common example of a single device used to isolate a group of circuits is the main switch of a consumer unit (see Fig 1).

A means of isolating and switching the supply on load shall be provided as near as practicable to the origin of every installation.

The preferred means of isolation and switching is a main linked switch or a linked circuit-breaker, but single-pole devices situated adjacent to each other are not excluded (Regulations 462.1.201 and 537.2.6 refer).

Where the duties of an isolator are to make and/ or break a circuit under load, it is usually marked with a symbol to indicate its switching capability.

Table 2 indicates how such symbols appear and their application.

Table 1: Function and purpose for each type of isolation and switching category Function

Purpose

Used by

Isolation

i) To enable electrical work to be carried out on a circuit or to isolate equipment ii) Shall be provided as near as practicable to the origin of every installation

Electrically skilled or instructed persons (Group 537.2) (Section 462) The user of the installation 462.1.201

Regulation

Switching off for To enable non-electrical work to be mechanical maintenance carried out on a system

Non electrically skilled persons1 (ordinary persons)

537.3.2 (Section 464)

Emergency switching

An operation intended to remove, as quickly as possible, danger, which may have occurred unexpectedly

Skilled or un-skilled persons

537.3.3 (Section 465)

Functional switching

To enable proper functioning and control of current-using equipment

The user of the installation

537.3.1 (Section 463)

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Switching off for mechanical maintenance Regulation 537.3.2.2 requires that devices used for the function of switching off for mechanical maintenance shall be inserted in the main supply circuit and be capable of cutting off the full-load current of the relevant part of the installation.

Fig 1 Isolation arrangement at the origin of a typical domestic and non-domestic installation Main Switch

Linked

462.1.201

Double-pole isolator

Single phase supply

Emergency switching In domestic installations, there is generally no requirement to install devices such as emergency stop buttons. However, installers should be aware that even though BS 7671 does not permit BS 1363 plugs and socketoutlets to be selected as a means of providing emergency switching (see Table 537.4 and Regulation 537.3.3.3), in an emergency such as a fire involving deep fat fryers or where someone is in contact with a live source for example, the user may use a BS 1363 plug and socket-outlet to disconnect the equipment.

When installing socket-outlets that may, in an emergency, be used to disconnect equipment such as that previously described, the installer should ensure that the socket-outlets are positioned so that when the equipment is in use, the socket-outlets are readily accessible to the user.

A firefighter’s switch is a particular type of emergency switch typically used for low voltage circuits supplying outdoor lighting installations operating at a voltage exceeding low voltage, and indoor discharge lighting installations operating at a voltage exceeding low voltage.

They are also used in certain licensed premises such as petrol filling station forecourts (Regulation 537.4.2 refers).

537.2.6

L1

L2

L3

N

L1

L2

L3

N

Triple-pole isolator

Triple-pole and neutral isolator

This arrangement for TN-S and TN-C-S

This arrangement for TT only

Table 2: Symbols used for some of the more common means of isolation Isolating

Making, breaking and isolating

Disconnector

Switch-disconnector

Disconnector-fuse

Switch-disconnector-fuse

Fuse-disconnector

Fuse-switch-disconnector

Functional switching

Incidentally, this is the marking commonly found on the main switch of a typical consumer unit.

A functional switching device should be provided for each part of a circuit that needs to be controlled independently of other parts of the installation and shall be selected in accordance with Table 537.4.

Functional switching devices are generally required to be capable of switching the load ‘on’ and ‘off ’.

All functional switching devices are required

by Regulation 537.3.1.2 to be suitable for the most onerous duty intended, and should be selected to have a utilisation category appropriate to the type of load being switched.

For example a fuse-combination unit feeding a 400 V AC circuit of mixed resistive and inductive loads which would need to be operated frequently, would require a minimum utilisation category of AC-22A (Table 2 of BS EN 60947-3 refers).

Scenario Your company has been asked to design and install a control arrangement for providing power to six bays in a college workshop. All bays are protected by a 30 mA RCBO. The existing supply is 3-phase 400 V AC and the earthing system is TN-C-S. A simple outline drawing (see Fig 2) has been provided by the college.

The bay lighting is not required to be included in the new design.

Contractor’s considerations 1. Is the adequacy of the existing equipment at the intake position in the workshop, sufficient to satisfy Regulation 132.16 for the client’s additional loading of the bays?

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2. Are the existing earthing and bonding arrangements adequate?

3. Do the emergency stop buttons need to be keyoperated if the contactor can only be operated with the use of a key?

4. What space is available for the new bay control equipment?

5. What additional protection will need to be included in the distribution board?

6. What type of activity will be taking place in the bays; for example, are extractor fans required?

7. Regarding the installation of the contactor: a. Will those using it require basic training in its operation? b. Is it safe for the operation of one emergency button to shut down the power in all the bays simultaneously?

Fig 2 Layout diagram for the control of electrical supply to the bays

Bay 1

2

3

4

5

6

Power distribution board (TP&N)

Multiple-choice questions 1. Which of the following is not permitted as a means of isolation in a circuit? a) Double-pole switch fuse b) 13 A plug and socket c) Semiconductor device d) Linked switch

Emergency stop buttons On Off

2. A means of isolation must be provided in an electrical installation. This is required to be: a) Clearly identified b) Always placed next to the equipment it isolates c) Automatic in operation d) Available for emergency switching

Contactor

3. Which one of the following may be used to provide emergency switching for one of the bays? a) A key switch latched in the on position b) A plug and socket a) A switch-fuse with a removable handle d) A device which latches in the off position

Supply b) A switch which breaks the control circuit of a contactor c) A switch which breaks all live conductors d) A plug and socket-outlet conforming to BS 1363

4. A firefighter's emergency switch should be provided for? a) Exterior discharge lighting exceeding low-voltage b) Interior low-voltage discharge lighting c) Emergency lighting systems operating at low voltage d) Office block alarm circuits exceeding low-voltage

6. The isolation device for use on a TT system must break; a) The live conductor first before breaking the neutral b) All line conductors by means of a linked switch c) All live conductors by means of a linked switch d) All live conductors and the earthing conductor

5. BS 7671 details devices for emergency switching. Which of the following would not satisfy these requirements? a) An emergency stop button which breaks the control circuit of a contactor 62 S U MME R 2 018

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Snags & Solutions A practical guide to everyday electrical problems Now updated to Amendment No 3 of BS 7671 NICEIC’s ‘Snags & Solutions’ problem-solving books are now available in five parts, and cover many commonly encountered electrical installation problems.

Part 1 – Earthing and Bonding.

Part 2 – Wiring Systems.

Part 3 – Inspection and Testing.

Part 4 – Emergency Lighting.

Part 5 – Fire Detection and Alarm Systems.

The publications are reviewed and amended, as appropriate, to reflect any changes made to BS 7671 and other relevant standards.

To give an indication of the value of these books, a snag and solution is being covered in each issue of Connections. This issue addresses a snag from Part 2 – Wiring Systems, relating to making provision for the future connection of luminaires.

The books are available from: www.shop.niceic.com/publications

A GUIDE

Making provision for the future connection of luminaires

A GUIDE A GUIDE

INSPECTION, TESTING and CERTIFICATION

snags and solutions

SITE GUIDE

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

snags and solutions A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

An installation must not be energised unless cables are both properly terminated and enclosed.

FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS UP TO 100 A

Including periodic reporting - 8th Edition

Snag 38 Emergency Lighting updated to

updated to

to BS 5266 series BS 5266-1: 3rd Edition 2016

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems Updated to BS 5839-1 2017 3rd Edition

TH

EDITION

TH

EDITION

BS 7671:2018

BS 7671:2018

A snag can easily arise with wall lights, downlighters, and the like.

Consider a new installation where the wall lights have not yet been selected but it is required to energise the installation to have the other lights operational.

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Apprentice Corner answers 1.

Correct option is (c) Semiconductor devices commonly found in dimmer switches and the like can be used as part of functional switching.

However, they are not suitable for isolation purposes as there is no physical separation of contacts. (Regulation 537.2.2 and Table 537.4 refer).

2. Correct option is (a) See Regulation 537.2.7

3. Correct option is (d) See Regulation 537.3.3.7

It is not acceptable for an energised cable to emerge from a wall merely terminated in a taped-up connector block. A risk of electric shock exists.

The use of electrical insulating tape as the sole means of enclosure for terminations is not acceptable.

4. Correct option is (a) See Regulation 537.4.2

5. Correct option is (d) See Regulation 537.3.3.3 and Table 537.4 Although a plug and socket-outlet shall not be designed to fulfil the function of emergency switching, where danger

Solution

exists for equipment connected by such

When the lighting circuit is energised all the measures necessary to protect against the hazards of electric shock and fire must be in place. The requirements for safety (which includes inspection and testing prior to putting it in to use) apply irrespective of the time that may elapse before the remaining luminaires are fitted.

If the lighting circuit is to be energised, the fixed wiring of the circuit must be terminated into a suitable enclosure. If cables are left unterminated, the live (line and neutral) conductors must be securely isolated from the supply.

Every electrical connection (joint or termination) in a live conductor or PEN conductor is required to be made within a suitable enclosure, or a combination of them (Regulation 526.5 refers). That regulation also applies to connections in extra-low voltage circuits.

A suitable ceiling rose, luminaire supporting coupler (LSC), junction box or accessory enclosure can be used to terminate fixed wiring.

Where the physical size of the connection

means, it is acceptable to withdraw the plug to remove the hazard.

6. Correct option is (c) See Regulations 462.1.201, 461.2 and also 537.2.6

arrangement is an issue (as is often the case with a wall light), an architrave box with a blank cover can provide a suitable enclosure.

Regulation 526.5 Every termination and joint in a live conductor or a PEN conductor shall be made within one of the following or a combination thereof: (i) a suitable accessory complying with the appropriate product standard (ii) an equipment enclosure complying with the appropriate product standard (iii) an enclosure partially formed or completed with building material which is noncombustible when tested to BS 476-4.

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21/06/2018 11:32

Bills too High?

The Electrocorder range of electrical data recorders has been designed and manufactured in the UK to help you do your job better. Every model has been expertly calibrated to give the most accurate electrical diagnoses using constant sampling techniques, helping you to carry out comprehensive and reliable energy audits. Plus, with its simple design, free software and simple data transfer via USB to your laptop, the Electrocorder is such a low cost investment that it canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fail to amp up your business.

ENERGY AUDITS VOLTAGE OPTIMISATION ACCURATE DATA & LOW INVESTMENT

E : sales@acksen.com W : www.acksen.com T : +44 (0)28 9020 1050

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19/06/2018 16:08

P ROD UC T F O C U S

Marshall-Tufflex

Danlers

Marshall-Tufflex’s sleek Odyssey PVC-U trunking system offers a completely curved profile and has been designed with health, education and office environments in mind. Three compartments allow full cable segregation, and trunking and accompanying fittings are suitable for installations up to Cat 7a. The system is even tamper resistant, thanks to a special clip design. www.marshall-tufflex.com / sales@marshall-tufflex.com

DANLERS Casambi-enabled occupancy detectors use Bluetooth Low Energy communication to control lighting without wiring between controls and luminaires. The Casambi app can be used to quickly set up any control system. This has advantages in cost, ease of installation and flexibility. Reliable and secure, they can be integrated with DALI or 1-10VDC systems. www.danlers.co.uk / 01249 443377

Wiska The iconic WISKA COMBI 407 Junction Box now comes complete with WAGO 221 Connectors.

“Time and time again, contractors kept commenting that they loved using our COMBI Junction Boxes with the WAGO connectors, so we decided to offer them just that!” comments Terry Boswell, WISKA Sales Office Manager. “WISKA and WAGO together: win-win for everyone.”

The COMBI 407 comes with three WAGO 221 3 conductor lever connectors, and is available in three junction box colour options (Light Grey, White and Black). www.wiska.co.uk / 01208 816062

Aico The new Ei3028 from Aic0 is the company’s first mains-powered multi-sensor heat and CO alarm. It is a cost-effective, efficient way to protect residents from fire and CO in the kitchen and garage. The Ei3028 contains Aico’s proven electrochemical CO sensor and its tried and tested thermistor heat sensor, which reacts to temperatures of 58ºC or more (but not to smoke, so it won’t go off at cooking vapours). The alarm has different sounds for fire and CO, plus there are clear flashing fire and CO indicators on the unit itself. It comes with AudioLINK data extraction and SmartLINK whole system remote data monitoring capability. www.aico.co.uk/3000series.

Cable Drum Jacks Cable Drum Jacks offer a range of products, including: manual screw-type cable drum jacks from 3t to 8t, coming on their own as a pair or with spindle bar; hydraulic range from 3t up to 30t; small cable dispensers and cable drum stands; SWA cable rollers, narrow, heavy duty, triple corner, manhole and lead rollers; Cobra and Duct rods from 4mm up to 11mm offered in lengths from 100m to 500m; electric cable pullers; and cable trailers. We offer 95 per cent ex stock availablity on a next-day service (UK mainland only) and you can ask technical questions via phone or email. www.cabledrumjacks.co.uk / 0800 988 0112

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21/06/2018 11:32

Your entire workshop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; now you can take it with you!

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19/06/2018 16:11

O F F T HE T O O L S

Fighting chance Thanks to an interest in martial arts, John Gooden of B J Gooden Electrical has seen his career move away from the family firm – and into the commentary box

How did you get into UFC commentating and presenting?

I was working for my father’s business, BJ Gooden Electrical in Radlett, between St Albans and Watford, having originally worked in the City. As a youngster I used to compete nationally in judo and I’ve always had a real passion for combat sports. I still train in mixed martial arts today, at 40 years of age.

I got into commentating when my coach had someone come down from a digital TV network to do a piece on the sport, and the presenter did a terrible job. I asked if I could have a go and my coach suggested doing some commentary, and that’s where it started, back in 2009.

How has it developed since then?

Where can people hear your commentary?

Through my research I would visit gyms and train with the fighters, who were mainly amateurs, and I got offered more opportunities. I ended up with an organisation called Cage Warriors, which is the biggest European mixed martial arts show. I ended up going around the Middle East and Europe with them for a few years before being picked up by the UFC, which is the biggest fight promoter in the world.

I look after Europe and the Middle East but have also been out to Brazil, Australia and Singapore; I’m one of only three people who do the role that I do.

In the UK, BT Sports owns the rights to the UFC, but I also commentate internationally on Fox Sports. My colleague and I have a show on YouTube as well.

How much of a commitment is it?

My involvement with the business is more at a macro level now, and I’m helping to provide support to my dad. But my broadcasting role is getting broader – I recently went out to the U17s football tournament with UEFA – so I’m doing bits outside of mixed martial arts, including doing some of my own content as well as being a hired voice for sports broadcasting.

And if you ask me which is sexier – lights and switches or travelling the world talking about sports – then the sports would just about nick it.

Before I moved to the UFC I was doing shows every two weeks. Some would only be on the south coast but I also went to Dubai, Chechnya and Beirut, using my holiday allowance and weekends. When I joined the UFC, I only had four shows a year in the first year, but it was a lot more serious and I had to take off weeks at a time.

I started getting offered a few more commentating slots with the UFC and it got to the point where about a quarter of my time was commentating. It was

69 Off the tools.indd 69

difficult diffi cult to be on the tools and then go and present a show; I was worried about my face getting chipped with bits of brick and the impact of the dust on my voice, so I moved into more of a qualified supervisor role, where I was less hands-on. Now about 75 per cent of my time is spent on UFC and 25 per cent in the electrical business. I probably have 10 events a year and am away for five nights at a time, and I do some studio work as well.

Do your electrical skills come in handy?

The electrical business has quite a wide range of clients, and the interpersonal relationships you need to build with different customers can help with meeting people from all walks of life.

How do you see this progressing in the future?

What do you get up to in your spare time? Email offthetools@redactive.co.uk

21/06/2018 11:33

CURRENT AFFAIRS

Calendar boy

#SPARKSLIFE

A contractor from Grimsby decided to raise money for charity after losing a newspaper fantasy football competition to his friend Ian and having to make a forfeit.

Simon Blissett, owner of Red Se7en in Cleethorpes, was made to produce a calendar for his friend – but decided to reenact a number of famous images and sell the calendar to raise money for two charities, the Health Tree Foundation (HTF) and Endometriosis UK. “I know what Ian is like, so I decided if I was doing it I would put it out on sale for charity so it would steal his thunder,” says Simon. “I didn’t trust him to just put it on his kitchen wall, so I beat him to it.”

Simon took part in a number of photoshoots, recreating famous poses that included the iconic 1976 ‘Tennis Girl’ image, the rose petals print from American Beauty, and Freddie Mercury’s vacuum cleaner scene from the I Want to Break Free video.

We’ve been asking you to send in pictures of the jobs you are working on via social media – and you haven’t disappointed. Keep sending them in via Twitter @officialNICEIC or @officialELECSA, or via Instagram using the hashtag #sparkslife.

This issue’s prize for the best shot, a £25 voucher, goes to jc.electrical

Let the fun commence from eco_home_electrics_ltd (via Instagram)

In all, Simon raised £2,000 through sales and advertising, and says the calendar provided plenty of entertainment for customers and suppliers.

“Some people were paying me not to see it,” he says. “But lots of mother-in-laws got one as a Christmas present.”

Updating an old butler system from jc.electrical_ (via Instagram)

IMAGES: CHRIS LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY, SHUTTERSTOCK

TRADING PLACES

CAMERA ACTION Anyone who thinks domestic work isn’t glamorous should consider Paul Nowak, whose work is to appear on television. Paul, of Cuffley Electrical in Welwyn Hatfield, took part in Love Your Home and Garden, where work included a partial rewire, fitting a chair lift and installing a smart lighting system.

A few months later, he worked on a project that is to be featured on Building the Dream; as well as traditional wiring, Paul installed solar, rainwater harvesting and MHVR.

It seems electricians are generally pretty pleased with their lot.

According to research by One4allRewards, tradespeople – including electricians, plumbers and construction workers – are some of the UK's happiest people.

The main reason put forward for being happy was the pay, cited by 59 per cent, but the nature of the work (35 per cent) and relationships with colleagues (22 also important. per cent) were als According Accord to a separate separat study by MyJobQuote.co.uk, MyJob one in three City workers wishes they had learned a practical lea trade, trad with the electrical sector ele the second most popular vocation. pop Working on camera has its challenges.

“You have to work to the filming regime, so you end up having to wait,” says Paul. “They also like the drama where everyone is rushing around!”

A messy day at the office from Elly_V_white (via Instagram)

Out with the old in a retail store refit from mychromehome (via Instagram)

Tell us about any hidden talents or charity initiatives. Email currentaffairs@redactive.co.uk

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Tag us at...

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21/06/2018 11:33

Loop test with confidence

The all-in-one installation tester with confidence built-in

MFT1741 With the newest, patented pending algorithm for earth loop impedance testing, Megger introduce the MFT1741.

Fast, repeatable 3-wire no–trip loop test results on normal circuits 3-wire loop test results from noisy circuits that are repeatable and in which you can have confidence.

Built–in confidence meter that indicates the reliance you can place on your loop measurement Results unaffected by RCD or RCBO impedance These new features combined with those of the well liked MFT1701 series of toughness, ease-of–use and reliability make the MFT1741 a very attractive package.

To find out more scan the QR code or call 01304 502 102 Megger Ltd, Archcliffe Road, Dover, CT17 9EN, T. 01304 502101

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You do the job.

We make it safer.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in your hands. Bosch Professional.

Intelligent PROtection makes powerful work safer. www.bosch-professional.com/protection

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19/06/2018 16:14