Connections - Autumn 2019

THE MAGAZINE FOR NICEIC AND ELECSA REGISTERED CONTRACTORS AUTUMN 2019 | ISSUE 211 | £5.00

How electricians can cope with stresses on body and mind

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AUTUMN 2019 | ISSUE 211

22

CASE STUDY 2 0 David Adams finds out about London’s ambitious Illuminated Bridge project

MENTAL HEALTH 2 2 With electrical contractors a high-risk group, it makes sense to prioritise your mental wellbeing

PHYSICAL HEALTH 26 From joint

“Mental wellbeing is a vital resource”

problems to electrocution, ensure you know the risks associated with electrical work

CONTRACTOR PROFILE 31 Family business

17 Wheeler Electrical’s thorough approach has seen its turnover rocket in the past few years

31

TECHNICAL 36 Ask the experts 38 Factors affecting the accuracy

20 HELLO 4 Looking after your health

65

43

TRAINING 1 2 Safety awareness training reduces the

48 52

odds of accidents and illnesses occurring in the line of duty

59 62

of earth fault loop impedance measurements Luminaires and lighting installations Apprentice Corner Replacing a consumer unit in a dwelling Update on RCD testing The ‘good old days’

INDUSTRY UPDATE 6 The return of Live North; delay to

CAUGHT ON CAMERA 1 5 Mummified mice and inappropriate

reverse charge VAT

adhesives: the most surprising things contractors have found this quarter

PRODUCT FOCUS 63 The latest products on the market

ADVICE 1 7 Michael McCartney on preparing

OFF THE TOOLS 65 ‘I’m a local radio DJ’

7 New technical director for NICEIC and ELECSA; Apprentice of the Year 9 Luton Town FC sponsorship; recovery support for injured spark 1 0 TV debut for Derbyshire firm; electric vehicle opportunities

for the new IR35 legislation

OPINION 1 8 Opening up is crucial for improving men’s health, says Elvin Box

CURRENT AFFAIRS 66 Blast from the past, Northern Irish firm’s moment in the spotlight, and irritating corporate lingo

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hello

T E C HN CAL KEVA N I PA RKER

Take care of yourself Electrical contractors are particularly vulnerable to a range of health conditions, both physical and mental. It’s important to understand the risks and how to get help if required

C

older mornings and darker nights signal the arrival of autumn. The cooler weather means that, just when work gets even busier, we are prone to picking up more injuries and illness.

With that in mind, we have made this issue all about health – and more specifically the health issues that electrical contractors are most susceptible to.

Years of bending down and climbing about in small spaces takes its strain on the body, while asbestos and electrocution dangers are all too real.

On page 26 we speak to contractors who have suffered because of the nature of the job and provide links to further resources for those in need of help.

It’s not just physically that the job of an electrician can take its toll, though. Running a business is stressful. In addition to all the installation work there is the paperwork,

marketing, meetings, quotes and a whole host of other things to consider.

This often means early starts and late nights – all of which puts a strain on other parts of your life.

Time off work for injury or illness will often mean no money coming in, too. It can be a tough time and on page 22 we look at the importance of taking time out to repair the mind as well as the body, and the cover you should consider having in place should something happen.

Finally, on page 18 we have an article from those behind Movember – the charity dedicated to changing the face of men’s health in the UK. Let’s face it, if you are a man aged between 40-60 you are at a greater risk of suffering some form of cancer or mental illness. It’s a campaign we fully support and would encourage you all to get involved with.

Please do take time to read the articles, and look out for yourself – and those around you.

‘Years of bending down and climbing about in small spaces takes its strain on the body’

Kevan Parker is managing director of Certsure

CO N TAC TS / CO NNE C T IO 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 connections@redactive.co.uk 020 7880 6206

PRODUCTION General production enquiries 020 7880 6209 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 01580 883844 CONTRIBUTIONS Connections welcomes ideas for contributions.

Please email nick.martindale@ redactive.co.uk

© Redactive Publishing Ltd 2019 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

ISSN 2042-5732

Recycle your magazine’s plastic wrap – check your local LDPE facilities to find out how.

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

4 AUTUMN 2019

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news

INDUSTRY UPDATE

Live North will, once again, be held at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool

REVERSE CHARGE VAT CHANGES DELAYED

NICEIC and ELECSA’s Live North returns NICEIC and ELECSA are making their way back to Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool for this year’s Live North.

Electric vehicle (EV) expert Roger Atkins is the keynote speaker for this year’s event, which takes place on Thursday 21 November.

After decades of working with combustion engines, Atkins became an EV advocate 12 years ago. He runs the Electrical Vehicles Outlook consultancy and shares an EV narrative as a ‘Top Voice’ on LinkedIn. He will start the day off with a session on EVs and how this rapidly growing sector, combined with the changes in the automotive market, can provide a lucrative business opportunity for electrical contractors.

“With over 30 years in the automotive industry, 12 of them being an advocate for electric vehicles, Roger is the perfect keynote speaker for this year’s Live North event,” says Kevan Parker, managing director for NICEIC and ELECSA. “His passion and enthusiasm will make guests aware of the wealth of opportunities available in this sector.”

Darren Staniforth, Jake Green and other NICEIC and ELECSA technical experts will be on hand to provide an overview of the latest changes within the industry. This year’s event will also focus on future technology, including EV charging, DC battery storage and more.

Live North is a CPD accredited event, meaning that attendees can use lessons from the day as part of their ongoing professional development.

Attendees will also be able to chat with representatives from some of the biggest names in the industry in the exhibition area, and access some great discounts from suppliers and sponsors including BOSCH, ESP, Scolmore and many more.

Tickets cost just £29 plus VAT for NICEIC, ELECSA and ECA contractors, and £49 plus VAT for non-registered persons.

Apprentice passes are available free of charge. For more information visit www.niceic-elecsalive.com

The government has delayed the implementation of its new ‘Reverse Charge VAT’ rules from 1 October 2019 to 1 October 2020.

The decision follows a recent joint letter sent to chancellor Sajid Javid, signed by ECA, the Federation of Master Builders and other trade organisations, demanding a delay.

The government’s Reverse Charge VAT plans mean that VAT-registered businesses no longer have to account for VAT. Instead, the customer will account for the VAT directly. The result is that suppliers would in effect have a cash shortfall of 20 per cent on all work in the short term, even though it would have to be paid to HMRC eventually.

Rob Driscoll, ECA director of legal and business, said: “Introducing the new VAT rules now, compounded

by Brexit uncertainty, could have seriously overburdened businesses and sent many over the edge. This new deadline affords the sector, and SMEs especially, much needed extra breathing space to prepare.”

TAKE PART IN OUR CUSTOMER CATCH-UPS

Electric vehicle expert Roger Atkins will be the event’s keynote speaker

NICEIC and ELECSA are set to roll out quarterly meetings throughout the UK to discuss key topics with registered customers.

The meetings will be an opportunity for contractors to meet up with representatives from NICEIC and ELECSA on an informal basis to discuss technical matters, what works well and what doesn’t, what’s happening within a region, and anything they would like assistance with to help build their business.

The feedback from each meeting will help improve contractor engagement and will also be shared in Connections magazine for wider discussion.

Details of the meetings will be shared soon, but if you are interested in finding out more, speak to your local area engineer and they will keep you updated.

6 AUTUMN 2019

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JOHN O’NEILL TAKES UP NEW TECHNICAL DIRECTOR ROLE John O’Neill has been appointed director of technical excellence at NICEIC and ELECSA. A well-known and respected figure in the industry, John has almost 50 years’ experience in the sector.

John started his career as an apprentice at Vauxhall Motors in Luton before working as a maintenance supervisor for General Motors in Canada and the US. He returned to the UK to set up an electrical contracting business, specialising in electrical work and integrated control systems.

He joined NICEIC in 2010 and has filled a number of technical positions, including area engineer, customer relations engineer and, more recently, technical helpline manager.

New technical director John O’Neill

“My time spent as an area engineer gave me a great insight into the challenges contractors face on a daily basis and the many different environments they work in,” said John. “I look forward to helping them prepare for future opportunities in new markets while producing high quality, compliant installations.”

John will continue to represent NICEIC and ELECSA on the JPEL/64 committee, contributing to the BS 7671 wiring regulations, which provides guidance for electrical contractors.

Kevan Parker, managing director of Certsure, said: “John brings an immense amount of knowledge and experience to the role, both through his time as a contractor and with NICEIC and ELECSA.”

Apprentice of the year competition open for entries The Electrical Apprentice of the Year competition, run by NICEIC and ELECSA, is now open for entries.

Hundreds of students take part each year to be in with a chance of winning prizes and the title of Electrical Apprentice of the Year.

The competition continues its partnership with The Scolmore Group, which provide prizes for the finalists.

The Electrical Apprentice website, powered by Voltimum, has also partnered with it this year.

The competition is open to all students undertaking electrical studies or an apprenticeship. Stage one – an online multiple-choice test – is now open for registration.

The top 20 per cent of students will progress to the next stage, a written practical exam. Stage three will see finalists take part in a series of practical tests at the Grand Final on

Last year’s Electrical Apprentice of the Year finalists

June 2 at the headquarters of Scolmore in Tamworth.

DIARY DATES > October 15 NICEIC ELECSA TECHTALK Culloden Estate and Spa, Belfast

> November 21 NICEIC ELECSA LIVE NORTH Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool

> December 3 NICEIC ELECSA TECHTALK Kingston Park Stadium, Newcastle 4 NICEIC ELECSA TECHTALK Elland Road Stadium, Leeds

> January 22 NICEIC ELECSA TECHTALK Liberty Stadium, Swansea 23 NICEIC ELECSA TECHTALK Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol 24 NICEIC ELECSA TECHTALK Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham

For more information visit www.niceic.com/apprentice

7 AUTUMN 2019

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03/10/2019 12:43

INDUSTRY UPDATE

NEWS IN NUMBERS

2.5% The median pay award across all sectors for the three months to the end of August, according to pay analysts XpertHR

NICEIC communications manager Paul Collins (left) with Luton Town defender Sonny Bradley and manager Graeme Jones

30% The proportion of contractors who are unsure of their responsibilities around surge protection after the 18th edition changes, research by Hager finds

46% The amount of tradespeople who have had tools stolen, with 39% saying this has happened more than once, a Screwfix study claims

LUTON TOWN IMAGE: OWEN HEARN PHOTOGRAPHY

85% The proportion of electrical firms expecting turnover to remain at the level in the third quarter of 2019, the Building Engineering Business Survey finds

£4.9bn The total value of all construction contracts awarded in August, down 5.6% in July, according to Barbour ABI

NICEIC EXTENDS DEAL TO SPONSOR LUTON TOWN NICEIC has renewed its deal to sponsor newly promoted Championship side Luton Town FC. The NICEIC logo appears on the back of the Hatters’ shorts and away kits for the 2019/20 season, and the deal marks a decade of sponsorship between NICEIC and Luton Town FC. Paul Collins, communications manager at NICEIC, said: “This will ensure great coverage for the NICEIC brand, and promotion to the Championship will bring further TV exposure throughout the season.”

In addition to the shirt deal NICEIC

will be updating its boards around the ground, including new LED adverts promoting NICEIC registered contractors. There will also be increased advertising in the club programme and around Kenilworth Stadium, where Luton regularly attract crowds in excess of 9,000 for every home game.

Commercial manager at Luton Town FC, David Hoskins, commented: “We are delighted to have NICEIC on board again. They have been with us all the way, from our time in the Conference to where we are today.”

FIRM FUNDRAISES FOR INJURED EMPLOYEE

collected more than £20,000 in donations, including help from the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC), to get him flown back to the UK. Louise Coales of DMC said: “We were overwhelmed with the support for James. We reached out to everyone we knew across the electrical industry and they really helped out.

“James still faces an uphill battle to recover and we will keep on raising money for him as he could be out of work for a long time.”

An NICEIC registered contractor raised more than £20,000 to get one of its employees flown home from hospital following an almost-fatal fall on holiday.

DMC Electrical in Brighton set up a fundraising page for James ColtheredWalls after he suffered a brain injury falling from a balcony while holidaying in Ayia Napa.

The 23-year-old had to undergo emergency brain surgery and spent more than four weeks in hospital.

The firm, where James has worked since he was a 16-year-old apprentice,

To support James’s recovery visit www.gofundme.com/f/gc26r-help-bringjames-home

9 AUTUMN 2019

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INDUSTRY UPDATE

A BLOOMING GOOD EFFORT A NICEIC registered contractor came to the rescue recently to help out on a couple of projects for the hit TV show Love Your Garden.

The show’s producers initially needed an electrical contractor to help with a garden revamp for an elderly war veteran in Derbyshire.

Dale Montague Electrical, based in Chesterfield, was only too happy to go out and get the job finished. It made such a good impression that it was called back to help out with another project in Nottingham, this time helping a couple coping with a disability.

Managing director Rebekah Tucker (second from left) said: “We get a few emergency calls, but this one was a bit different. It took us a bit by surprise, but when we found out about what was involved we were only too happy to help.”

Love Your Garden sees a team of experts transform gardens for people in need.

It regularly attracts more than 4 million viewers and is the nation’s most watched gardening show.

The team from Dale Montague Electrical was asked to provide power, sockets and lights

Electrical contractors are being encouraged to have their say on the proposed first amendment to BS 7671:2018. An Amendment to Section 722: Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Installations has been put out for consultation. The Draft for Public Comment (DPC) is available on BSI’s website and is open for comments until 30 November 2019.

PAYMENT LINK TO MENTAL HEALTH PROBED

to new outbuildings on both builds, while ensuring the work carried out by the entire team was done so safely and in accordance with the appropriate regulations.

Managing director and head electrician Dale Montague (left) said: “The job itself was nothing too difficult, but obviously with the camera crew on site there was a bit of extra pressure to make sure it was all working okay. It was good to be able to give something back to help out.”

Dale Montague Electrical was set up by Dale and Rebekah four years ago and now employs five people.

NICEIC worked with the producers of the show to provide registered electrical contractors for each project across the UK.

Seminar sparks golden business opportunity When electrician Jonathan Reilly (right) attended NICEIC’s Live event in 2016, little did he know it would change his career.

Looking for new business ideas, he ventured into a talk about the demand for electric vehicles.

“I was listening to the speaker discuss how electric cars were the upcoming thing and how they would need charging points,” he said. “It was like an epiphany moment.”

Reilly undertook the necessary training and started installing EV charge points in homes, then at business and commercial premises.

HAVE YOUR SAY ON 18th EDITION

“We have seen a 300 per cent increase in sales since we started to focus on EV charging points,” he said.

“Initially, we concentrated on installing points in residential addresses, but we are now working for increasing numbers of businesses, as well as hotels and sports centres.”

Reilly is convinced that the industry can only grow, especially now the UK government has shown its support for the sector with its recent launch of the Road to Zero strategy.

“This is not going to go away,” he said.

NICEIC and ELECSA have pledged support for a construction-wide study into the effects of poor payment practices on mental health. The campaign is led by ECA and BESA in association with the Prompt Payment Directory, which recently carried out a survey with contractors to understand the direct effects of late payment.

ECA director of legal and business Rob Driscoll said: “Mental health is an increasingly important issue. This initiative aims to connect the dots between poor payment practices and the impact on mental health.”

See our feature on mental health on page 22

BACKING FOR TRADES ROUTE NICEIC has added its support to new research that promotes the benefits of learning a trade over university.

A Chartered Management Institute study has revealed that 59 per cent of parents think their children would have a better chance of securing a good job if they took on an apprenticeship, rather than going to university.

Darren Staniforth, technical development manager at NICEIC, said: “The construction industry is still viewed by some as a second-rate industry for people who do not perform well at school. We want to change that perception and show students what a rewarding and diverse career they can have within the electrical sector.”

10 AUTUMN 2019

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03/10/2019 11:31

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www.rolecserv.com 04/10/2019 10:20

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Take no chances As we highlight throughout this issue, electrical contractors face a wide range of potential hazards and health issues. Appropriate training can help reduce the risk, says Neil Vincent

T

Neil Vincent is head of training at NICEIC and ELECSA

here are many health factors to which electricians are particularly susceptible.

The nature of the work, such as bending down, climbing ladders and working in enclosed spaces, means contractors are prone to various aches and pains.

Wire-stripping and constant use of a screwdriver or impact drill also mean you are at high risk of developing repetitive strain injury, while a recent report from France suggests there is a strong link between LED lighting and failing eyesight.

If you include exposure to asbestos and proximity to high voltage electricity (which, as we all know, can be fatal), then the job of an electrician can be hazardous. It is vital that, along with any practical training, contractors are aware of the need to carry out the appropriate safety training to ensure they, and any employees, are protected at all times.

The culture change towards health and safety has been one of the biggest changes in the construction sector during the past 25 years. The majority of workers are now fully aware of their responsibilities to themselves and others, and undertake the necessary health and safety training when required.

One area in which contractors might need additional awareness training, though, is when it comes to dealing with asbestos. Figures from the Health and Safety Executive suggest that 13 people will die prematurely every day as a result of being exposed to asbestos. This equates to around 5,000 deaths per year. It is the single greatest cause of work-related death in the UK and is considered a major factor in many types of health complications.

There are potentially thousands of contractors who are unaware of the dangers surrounding asbestos. The asbestos awareness training course was launched last year by NICEIC and ELECSA in conjunction with Central Compliance UK (CCUK).

By working with CCUK, NICEIC and ELECSA contractors can take online or face-to-face training that is fully certified by the UK Asbestos Training Association. The training provides a contractor with everything they need to know and will help protect them and their workforce from a lethal substance that could have long-lasting effects.

‘With the right training, hazards can be avoided and the potential for injury vastly reduced’ No one should be put at risk of injury or illness at work. Due to the work they do, electricians are unfortunately at greater risk, but with the right training, hazards can be avoided and the potential for injury vastly reduced.

18th edition More than 14,000 conscientious contractors have now undertaken their 18th edition training with NICEIC and ELECSA. It is a commitment from them to update their knowledge and ensure the work they carry out complies with the current regulations.

However, many more contractors are still waiting to update their knowledge. NICEIC and ELECSA has a range of training options to suit those still looking to take their 18th edition training, from class-based learning over one or three days to online training that you can take at your own pace.

The online course has been particularly popular with contractors who struggle to take time off from work and prefer to learn at their own pace. They can follow the course online in their own time and then set up a date at their convenience to take the exam.

Remember, everyone in the industry has to be aware of the changes and their implications for the work they carry out for customers. An ability to show a level of understanding and awareness of the changes should be a priority for everyone involved in the electrotechnical industry.

For more information on any of these courses, or any other health and safety matters that you think NICEIC and ELECSA can help with, please visit niceic.com or email traininginfo@certsure.com

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04/10/2019 09:17

Prove safety and calibration Prove more than your voltage indicator with the new Martindale PDSX Series proving units

Easy on-site verification of both voltage indicators & multifunction testers • Safely proves voltage indicators and test lamps for Electricity at Work compliance

• Four new models colour coded for voltage outputs of 440V and 690V

• CALCHECK verifies insulation and low resistance ranges on 18th Edition testers

• Tough low profile design with detachable magnetic hanger

• Voltage output LEDs matched to voltage testers thresholds

• Long battery life with low battery indicator

Stay safe and work smarter with Martindale PDSX & PDS proving units

Available from electrical wholesalers & online www.martindale-electric.co.uk Call: 01923 441717 email: sales@martindale-electric.co.uk

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03/10/2019 12:49

THIS SMALL DEVICE PREVENTS FIRES WYLEX SINGLE MODULE AFDD

TO FIND OUT MORE

wylexreasons.co.uk

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WHY CHOOSE ANYTHING LESS?

03/10/2019 12:50

YO UR P I C T U R E S

2

Caught on camera

1

4

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

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T

he latest batch of electrical horrors and shoddy practice includes: taped up and plaited live cable in a kitchen (1); an unsightly scene in a hotel (2); earth cable used as a live conductor (among other issues) (3); a distribution board with 10mm g/y singles being used to bridge the busbar due to removed RCDs (4); and a mummified mouse that had licked an MCB terminal (5).

It continues with: a consumer unit horror show with no earth, no RCD and the wrong size MCBs (6); an RCD that had been superglued in place to prevent tripping (7); a tangled mess in a roof space at an apartment complex (8); ill-advised improvisation at a warehouse resulting in a Class 1 (9); and a Wago box used as an IP rated connection box (10).

6 5

8 Thanks to... > Dave Benning of Benning Electrical Services in Stourbridge > Scott Ewart of Everwarm in Bathgate > David Hirst of James Mae Projects in Keighley > Edmund Wood of Revive Electrical Solutions, Oxford > Eren Hasan of Catersales in Croydon > Martin Disley of Disley Electrical in Radcliffe > Martyn Gleeson of M Gleeson Ltd in Overseal, Derbyshire > Mick Ward of Ward Electrical in Scarborough > John McHale of JMC (Contract Installations) in Solihull > Steven Cooper

7 10

of Crest Electrics in Derby.

Keep those shots coming in!

Email caughtoncamera@redactive.co.uk

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AUTUMN 2019

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03/10/2019 11:44

THE SINGLE MODULE AFDD HAS LANDED.

ONE SMALL STEP FOR YOU, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY. Now you can provide additional protection against electrical fires without any extra effort.

Single module AFDDs with integral RCBO meet all of the requirements of the 18th Edition, fit in the smallest of spaces and bring the highest level of protection against electrical fires.

Take one step & make a giant leap for electrical safety www.electrium.co.uk/mini-AFDD

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03/10/2019 12:51

IR35

Taxing change Medium and large-sized firms need to review the contracts on which they hire subcontractors ahead of new IR35 legislation coming into force next April, says Michael McCartney

T

he use of agency staff, freelancers, self-employed contractors and personal service companies provides employers with greater flexibility, and selfemployed consultants with tax breaks.

In 2000, HMRC introduced the IR35 tax rule.

This required self-employed contractors who were under the direction, supervision or control of their client to withhold their own PAYE and pay an equivalent to employer’s National Insurance Contributions (NIC). This wiped out the tax benefit for most consultants – but the model remained in widespread use.

According to HMRC, the reason for this was rampant non-compliance. It estimates that only around 10 per cent of contractors actually adhere to IR35 requirements, leading to annual revenue losses of around £420 million in tax and NIC receipts. It was no huge surprise when the Chancellor announced plans to rectify this situation in the 2018 Autumn Budget Statement.

Michael McCartney is a partner in the employment department at Fladgate LLP

PLANNED CHANGES From 6 April 2020, SMEs that receive services from a contractor will need to decide whether their contractors should fall within the IR35 regime. If so, then the end-user will be responsible for withholding PAYE and paying employer’s NIC during the period of engagement.

The rules already apply to the public sector and will be extended to medium and large companies first. Small companies will be excluded, provided they can show two or more of the following: • Annualised turnover of up to £10.2 million • Balance sheet assets of up to £5.1 million • Average number of employees of up to 50.

NEXT STEPS Identify the risk. Employers need to categorise their contractors accurately. As a general rule, IR35 applies where the end-user is responsible for the supervision, direction and/or control of the services being performed.

Contract rates. Consider redrafting service contracts to take account of PAYE deductions and the need to pay employer’s NIC. Agency staff. Agency companies are likely to

WHAT CONTRACTORS NEED TO DO For those who are genuinely selfemployed, bolster your status by collating evidence. Run a CEST test from the HMRC web page; if it confirms you do not fall within IR35, use this to convince any end-user client that there is no need to deduct PAYE. You can also gather: (i) Invoices demonstrating the purchase of your own equipment (ii) Payslips for any employees/ substitutes whom you have used to supply services (iii) Fee receipts or other evidence of services performed for third parties (iv) Website details or any online presence confirming you are genuinely operating an independent business (v) Evidence of tax compliance such as PAYE and employer’s NIC contributions (vi) Any HMRC pre-clearance or other confirmations that may evidence that your self-employed status has Inland Revenue approval. be responsible for IR35 compliance and will need to deduct PAYE and pay employer’s NIC. Agency staff costs are likely to increase as a result.

Employment status. Consider whether to switch contractors onto employment contracts reflecting their genuine status.

Gathering evidence of self-employment. The optimal position for employers and contractors is to avoid IR35 altogether. However, the risk of sanctions means it is important to be realistic.

Work with contractors to gather evidence of genuine self-employment and, if required, alter working arrangements ahead of 6 April 2020.

LOOKING AHEAD In the public sector, contractor costs increased by around 20 per cent after this change to the law. Private sector employers, therefore, will need to lay the groundwork for a renegotiation of contractor terms.

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insight

OPENING UP

It’s good to talk A reluctance to confront health issues or talk about feelings means men can be more vulnerable than they let on. The banter of a trade environment can help men to talk, says Elvin Box

A

s anyone who has worked on a construction site will know, there aren’t many taboo subjects that tradespeople will shy away from discussing.

The banter between tradies means no subject is off-limits. And while banter sometimes gets a bad press for its crude nature, it can often help break down barriers or bring a topic to the table that might otherwise be considered off-limits.

The men’s health campaign Movember is all about breaking down barriers to get men talking. The campaign, which encourages men to grow a moustache for a month, was set up 12 years ago. Its aim was to encourage men (who might not traditionally have wanted to open up about health problems) to be open about their health. To date, it has helped

MY STORY Three years on from a prostate cancer diagnosis, construction business improvement consultant Elvin Box has experienced the most challenging parts of cancer treatment, and come out the other side.

In February 2014, I had a private health check. The blood test for prostate cancer (PSA) came back raised, indicating a tumour might be developing. The GP dismissed it as a “poor blood test” and I thought nothing more of it. On to the 2016 health check, and again my PSA came back raised.

A different GP told me: “You must see a urologist. Immediately”.

I was diagnosed with stage three prostate cancer, to be treated through a three-hour prostatectomy operation, or a three-year programme of hormone treatment and sevenand-a-half weeks of radiotherapy.

Both have a 70 per cent success rate and life-changing side effects – but I had a choice.

If diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, where it has spread to bones and major organs, it would have been incurable. Only 30 per cent of men with stage four live beyond five years from diagnosis. My wife and I chose the operation.

Three years on, the cancer is undetectable. However, life has been challenging. The worst experience has been the mental health issues – for long periods I have not been good company, feeling inadequate because of the loss of my male potency.

However, I am one of the lucky ones; in most cases, symptoms only become apparent when the tumour has become incurable.

Lobbying for a screening programme is now my purpose.

fund 1,250 innovative men’s health projects across 20 countries.

In the UK, the stats are shocking. One man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer, while more than 333,000 are living with the disease. Twelve men a day take their own lives and three out of four suicides are by men, making it the biggest killer of males under 45 in the UK. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men and, although in most cases the outcome for men with the disease is positive, a 95 per cent chance of survival is of no comfort to the one in 20 who won’t make it.

While machismo might make it hard for men to chat to other men about health issues, there has been a shift in recent years to helping men open up.

The social media campaign ‘it’s OK not to be OK’ has helped raise awareness of mental health issues and created communities where people can talk to others in a similar situation.

The charity behind Movember wants men to take action by opening up and asking for help. Speaking, or asking others, is the first step in overcoming a problem. The simple steps to follow are: Ask, Listen, Encourage, Check (ALEC).

When faced with a health problem, men can often feel isolated and move away from their traditional social circles because they feel something has changed. This is wrong.

Men should spend more time with their mates because of the positive effect it has on wellbeing. Social connections are a protective factor against depression, anxiety, and even suicide.

It also helps men spot potential problems in others. Keep an eye on men who are going through the big life stuff. If you think someone’s not doing too well, reach out to them.

For more information about Movember and how you can get involved, visit www.movember.com Elvin Box is a Movember Community Ambassador

18 AUTUMN 2019

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CASE STUDY

I

n 2014, Connections reported on the work of Surrey-based contractor Proctors Electrical as its team installed decorative lighting on several of the bridges across the River Thames in London.

The project, delivered in partnership with infrastructure provider FM Conway, included lighting Tower Bridge for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and installing lighting on a further six London bridges in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Now, Proctors and FM Conway have completed the first phase of the Illuminated River project, which will light 15 bridges across the Thames in central London, creating a huge linked artwork that will be seen by tens of millions of people over the course of at least 10 years.

The Illuminated River project is funded and delivered by the Illuminated River Foundation, which is backed by philanthropic sources including the Rothschild Foundation. The designs for the lighting installations have been created by the US-based artist Leo Villareal, working with the UK architectural practice Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, which was selected after an international competition in 2016. Villareal has already created an illumination of the 1.8 mile-long San Francisco– Oakland Bay Bridge in California.

In London, his designs are intended to to “paint” the bridges with light, decorating and enhancing the architectural features and the movement of the river and the tide rather than just using them as a backdrop. The project utilises LED equipment that will use much less energy than the previous lighting on the bridges and reduce light pollution.

Proctors Electrical managing director John Proctor was aware of the project while the competition was underway, and both his company and FM Conway were keen to be involved. A successful tender was submitted in September 2018, and the two companies started work in November 2018.

No bridge too far

BY DAVID ADAMS

Proctors Electrical’s history of working on London’s bridges stood it in good stead for a hugely ambitious project, known as the Illuminated River LIGHTING THE WAY This first phase involved illuminating the first four bridges: London Bridge, Cannon Street Railway Bridge, Southwark Bridge and the Millennium Footbridge.

Electricians were required to abseil below the decks of the bridges and to work in confined spaces inside one of the bridge’s structures. They also needed to get used to being filmed by a TV crew, making a series about the project for Channel 4.

The work was completed by a core team of five Proctors staff, alongside other staff members and specialist sub-contractors. In total, there were 20 electricians, eight abseiling electricians and three electrician’s

69,000: THE NUMBER OF LEDS INSTALLED DURING THE PROJECT

mates. Four of the electricians had not abseiled before, so ought really to be commended for their bravery.

Work was carried out on all four bridges simultaneously, presenting extra logistical challenges. Each bridge needed long lengths of armoured mains, fibre optic and Cat 6 cables to be installed across their different spans, to power and control the Signify (Philips) LED fittings and data boxes.

Only one navigable span of a bridge could be closed at any one time, and the work could only take place at night. Further complications were created by the unique characteristics of each bridge. London Bridge is hollow

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arch bridge and the colours and the reflections you get through the steelwork and off the river are spectacular,” he says.

On the Millennium Footbridge, the cable trays form the outer edges of the pedestrian deck. Temporary barriers that halved the width of the footbridge were installed to allow work to take place on one side at a time – making it unpopular with bridge users. “It’s not wide, so at tourist rush hour there were queues of people trying to get across,” says Proctor. “The original design also had twice as many cables running through it as you could fit into the tray, so we had to get the electrical design company to redesign and change the type of cable we used to make everything fit.”

IMAGE: PA

inside its concrete shell, so cabling is largely installed inside the bridge via a single manhole on the deck.

“We had a team of electricians who had to be confined-spacetrained installing armoured cables, fibre optics, data and galvanised cable trays within the bridge itself,” says Proctor.

Cannon Street Railway Bridge presented a different set of problems – including the fact that contractors had to work around a nesting Egyptian goose.

Southwark Bridge is Proctor’s favourite. “It’s a beautiful steel

‘Working long hours at night, under the bridge with a head torch, trying to wire up a junction box is quite a challenge’

PUSHED FOR TIME Timescales were tight. By May 2019, at least one arch on each bridge had to be completed in time for a visit from Villareal, whose representatives travelled from New York to check on progress. The team then threw themselves into meeting a June completion deadline.

“Working long hours at night, under the bridge with a head torch, trying to wire up a junction box is quite a challenge, with the cold, the wind and even seawater spray from the Thames to cope with when the tide is in,” says Proctor.

Proctors and FM Conway won a very useful concession from the Port of London Authority when, once installation of the cables was complete, they were granted permission to carry out termination work on Southwark Bridge cutwaters during the day while they were open to river traffic.

In total, the team and subcontractors installed 69,000 individual LEDs, 8,000 metres of armoured mains cable, 3,000 metres of armoured duplex fibre optic cable and 2,000 metres of Cat 6 armoured cable – and this is only for the first four bridges. At the time of writing, the two firms are tendering for the second phase: in 2020, Blackfriars Road Bridge,

Waterloo Bridge, the Golden Jubilee footbridges at Hungerford Bridge, Westminster Bridge and Lambeth Bridge will all be illuminated. The final group will be lit in 2021.

“We’ve carried out some initial surveys, but we know these bridges very well as we are currently contracted to maintain and test them,” says Proctor. “The problem is going to be Waterloo Bridge – it’s hollow like London Bridge and all cables must be installed within the narrow cells of this listed structure.

“It has been an absolutely fantastic project to be involved with. All the electricians working on it were very motivated: it’s an opportunity of a lifetime to work on such fantastic structures over the Thames in our capital city.”

Some of the team also attended the official opening of the first four bridges in July, when a presentation ceremony at the Guildhall with the Mayor of London was followed by a trip down the river to witness the official public turn-on and admire the Illuminated River and its bridges. “We boarded the boat and at 9.30pm the lights were turned on all at once,” Proctor recalls. “That was a really satisfying moment.”

David Adams is a freelance business journalist The team working on the bridge included eight abseiling electricians

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M EN TA L H E ALT H

Those working in the construction sector are at high risk of mental health issues, and the electrical industry is likely to face similar problems. The key is to identify issues early and take appropriate action 22 AUTUMN 2019

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EACH YEAR IN THE UK, POOR MENTAL HEALTH IS

IMAGES: NU LIVING

estimated to cost employers between £33 billion and £42 billion in sick pay and lost productivity, while around 300,000 people with a long-term mental health condition lose their jobs. “The electrical industry is likely to share many of the pressures that affect other sectors, such as construction,” says Duncan Spencer, head of advice and practice at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

Those pressures can have tragic consequences.

Research shows that male construction site workers are three times more likely to commit suicide than the average UK man. The Office of National Statistics found that between 2011 and 2015, of 13,232 in-work suicides recorded, those within the skilled construction and building trades made up 13.2 per cent – even though construction accounts for just over 7 per cent of the workforce.

While there is a dearth of data relating to mental health in the energy and electrical industries, the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) reports that it has the highest divorce rate of any sector, at 69.8 per cent – with excess travel cited as the top cause.

The charity reveals that one in three of its support

cases includes mental health issues – and in 87 per cent of mental health cases, financial difficulties are a factor.

“Thousands of people are faced with a wide range of difficult situations in their lives, which often lead to mental health issues,” says Paul Williams, ECA health and safety manager, and mental health first aid training provider.

For electrical contractors who are selfemployed, or running small businesses, the added stress can take a toll on their mental health. “Some of the pressures that lead to mental health problems are tight deadlines or overwork; payment issues; and issues unrelated to work that carry over, such as physical illness, bereavement or divorce,” says Williams.

CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS Research by mental health charity Mind shows that the pressures affecting those who work in small businesses fall into three categories. “First, there’s your closeness to your boss or owner, meaning a heightened sense of responsibility to do well, keep going and get stuck in at all times,” says Faye McGuinness, Mind’s head of workplace wellbeing programmes (strategy and development). Similarly, closeness to an organisation’s mission makes it harder to think of it as ‘just a job’. “Then there is the fact that there are so few people to share the work – fewer people to take on work or cope with extra demand; a disproportionate effect on you if someone else is off work or not performing; a disproportionate effect on everyone else if you’re off work or not performing; and nobody else with a job that overlaps yours, so the pressure against taking time off is high.” These can all lead to mental illness, and dissuade employees from taking time off to deal with a problem.

Isolation can also cause major strain on mental wellbeing. “One factor that affects electricians is lone or remote working, which can include psychosocial effects connected to isolation and work-related stress,” says Spencer.

“We know that feeling connected is a massive element of maintaining positive mental health,” adds Laurence Davies, head of training and consultancy at Rethink Mental Illness. “If people are struggling with their mental health, being self-employed can be challenging, because there may not be people around to pick up on the fact that you are unwell, and to give you support.”

It is also an issue for those managing remote workers. “Isolation brings extra challenges for the managers and supervisors responsible for the health, safety and wellbeing of their staff,” says Spencer. The IOSH-sponsored report Out

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M EN TA L H E ALT H

of Sight, Out of Mind, published in 2017 by the University of East Anglia, Kingston University London and Affinity Health at Work, found that limited regular face-to-face contact and multiple work sites makes managing the health and safety of distributed workers significantly more difficult.

TAKING ACTION One of the most vital factors in managing mental wellbeing at work is acknowledging the need.

“It can be beneficial to gain the knowledge and ability to recognise the symptoms of mental ill-health,” says Williams. “Mental health first aid (MHFA) training is a great step and can help destigmatise mental health.”

Davies agrees. “Let’s bring this subject out of the shadows,” he says. “There’s still a long way to go in people’s willingness to have those conversations.”

There also remains a lack of formal recognition by companies of the requirement to support mental

57%: THE PROPORTION OF FIRMS WHICH OFFER NO MENTAL WELLBEING TRAINING FOR MANAGERS

87%: THE AMOUNT OF MENTAL HEALTH CASES WHICH HAVE A FINANCIAL ELEMENT TO THEM

69.8%: THE DIVORCE RATE IN THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY

health. A 2019 survey of more than 400 employees and managers by IOSH and Management Today found that line managers are not given sufficient tools to promote positive mental health. Only 31 per cent felt they had been sufficiently trained to recognise poor mental health in their direct reports, while 57 per cent said their employer

HOW TO BOOST WELLBEING AT WORK Faye McGuinness, head of workplace wellbeing programmes (strategy and development) at Mind, outlines lowcost, practical actions that electrical businesses can use to manage mental health issues Tackle the causes: Make sure that work environments are suitable. Noise, temperature and light all impact wellbeing. For remote staff, create clear, regular lines of communication.

Introduce an informal mentoring scheme to support new staff The job: Set reasonable, agreed deadlines, provide a suitable environment, define roles and responsibilities as far as possible and involve employees in planning workload The business: Promote an open environment. Employees need to feel confident and supported if they choose to talk about mental health. Keep sensitive information confidential

Career and personal development: Create clear supervisory and appraisal structures and take into account the views of employees on job satisfaction and development Support staff: If you become aware of an employee experiencing mental distress, establish honest, open communication. Focus on the person, not the problem. Ask if they need shortterm adjustments to their environment Time off: Staff may need sick leave due to mental ill-health. If so, stay in contact, explore changes to aid their return, such as flexible hours or different responsibilities, and develop a recovery action plan with them to identify signs of mental distress, who to contact, and what support could help Personal issues: Be aware of issues affecting staff, such as illness, bereavement and stress-related factors that may cause them to struggle

offered no mental wellbeing training for managers.

“Talking about mental ill-health is often regarded as taboo,” says Spencer, “but there are many good things employers and workers can do. IOSH promotes a ‘prevention first’ strategy.”

Keeping on top of what is expected of staff, and being open and flexible when they need support, will help prevent issues from arising. “Electricians can go about ensuring that they, and their staff, maintain robust mental health through manageable workloads, and creating a culture where it is acceptable to discuss any problems, take time off or work flexibly when required,” advises Williams.

EXTERNAL SUPPORT A number of organisations provide support to employers and employees who lack the knowledge or capacity to deal with mental health issues internally – or are not comfortable speaking to colleagues about them. A good starting point, says Williams, is the EIC. “In the first instance, it provides phone and face-to-face counselling, and other practical signposting and advice. The EIC offers a range of workplace programmes that give the industry access to financial grants and a comprehensive range of free and confidential services.”

For any mental health strategy, says the EIC, a holistic approach tailored to the individual’s requirements will create the most effective outcome. Robust mental wellbeing, it points out, is not simply the absence of psychological problems, but is also the “ability to think, act and feel in a way that allows you to live joyfully and overcome challenges”. Mental wellbeing is a vital resource that allows electrical contractors and companies to flourish – so make it central to your business strategy.

Penelope Rance is a freelance business journalist

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RECOVERY PROCESS EDF employee Anna Anthony* struggled with mental health issues, including a suspected diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, causing her to take two periods of several months off work – after which she found it difficult to resume normal employment. Her employer’s occupational health department then referred her to the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) for support.

It became apparent that Anna was trying to return to work before she had recovered, because she couldn’t afford to live on statutory sick pay. With two young children and a controlling, coercive partner who didn’t fairly contribute to family expenses, she was trapped in an unhealthy relationship, and had no financial control.

EIC arranged relationship counselling, and for a specialist occupational therapist to work with Anna on a sustainable return-to-work programme, along with therapy to support her mental health needs. Through counselling, Anna recognised the destructive nature of her relationship, reported her abusive partner to the police, and took him to court to remove him from her home, with the support of EIC and social services.

Thanks to her bravery and dedication, Anna has learned to cope at home, has returned to work full-time, and has been assured that her mental health issues are now limited to low-level depression and mild anxiety – the borderline personality disorder diagnosis has been dismissed.

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SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK • The Electrical Industries Charity (electricalcharity.org) offers employee assistance programmes (EAP) which employers can partner with to support staff, including free services such as financial assistance, debt advice and counselling • MHFA England (mhfaengland. org) provides licenced mental health instructor training, developed by experts alongside people who have experience of mental health issues • The Lighthouse

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Construction Industry Charity (lighthouseclub.org) offers financial and emotional support to the sector and their families, plus the 24-hour construction industry helpline (0345 605 1956) • The Health in Construction Leadership Group (HCLG) runs Mates in Mind (matesinmind. org/construction) to raise awareness of and support mental health in the construction industry • IOSH’s Workplace Wellbeing report includes advice

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25 AUTUMN 2019

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P HYSI C AL H E A LT H

Dangerous business

Electrical contractors face a range of hazards which can be bad for their health, or even prove fatal, stretching from asbestos to electrocution, as well as general wear

BY DAVID ADAMS

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Electrical contractors face a range of hazards which can be bad for their health, or even prove fatal, stretching from asbestos to electrocution, as well as general wear and tear ALTHOUGH MANY CONNECTIONS

readers are often within touching distance of a fatal accident, most of you are more likely to be involved in a car crash while driving between jobs than killed in the line of electrical duty. But the danger in your workplace is real – and there are many other ways in which being an electrical contractor can seriously damage your physical health.

One source of illness and death that remains potent is asbestos.

“People do still disturb asbestos, which causes health problems with a high fatality rate,” confirms Paul Williams, director of the health and safety consultancy abpw, who works closely with both the ECA and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

Asbestos is thought to be responsible for more than 5,000 deaths each year in the UK, including many caused by the lung disease pleural mesothelioma.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that conditions caused by inhaling asbestos fibres may kill as many as 20 professional tradespeople every week. Its website contains graphics showing 18 locations in a typical industrial setting and 19 in a

30: THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO DIE AT WORK EACH YEAR AS A RESULT OF ELECTRICAL INJURY

residential property where asbestos could be present. They include insulation boards behind old fuseboxes, along with ceilings, floors, walls, water tanks, pipes, and in loose-fill insulation.

Once contractors know how widespread asbestos still is in some buildings, they tend to be more diligent about spreading awareness.

Michael Slatcher is a director at Berridge Electrical, a contractor with 10 employees based in Camberley, Surrey. “We should be doing more to highlight the threat, especially in the domestic area,” he says. “Once you do the course you realise it’s everywhere. I’d put a lot of money on a lot of one-man-bands not being aware of the dangers.”

NICEIC offers low-cost asbestos awareness training courses in partnership with Central Compliance UK (CCUK). There is also a range of information about the subject, and other forms of potentially harmful dust that can be created when drilling through materials such as silica, quartz and wood, on the HSE website.

FEELING THE PAIN Anyone with a musculoskeletal condition, such as a back or joint problem, knows how debilitating they can be – and how they can contribute to mental health issues.

Musculoskeletal conditions can affect workers of any age. Niall Ferguson is a partner at Hue, a contractor based in Glasgow. He is only 28, but after six years in the industry his knees now give him so much discomfort that he has to visit a physiotherapist at least once a fortnight. “I wish they had given us more information while I was

doing my apprenticeship about how to look after your body at work,” he says. “I’m looking at maybe five years before I have to do something else.”

David Lawrence, who first worked as an electrician more than 40 years ago, is very concerned about the physical problems that can afflict contractors of all ages. Now 61, his career has included electrical and lighting work in theatres and work as a lighting designer and consultant.

In recent years he has returned to mainstream electrical work, running Dulwich Lighting and Electrical, in south London.

Lawrence has had a personal interest in health and safety at work since suffering a back fracture at 18, when a colleague let go of the ladder on which he was working. “It was three months later that I discovered I had a crush fracture,” he says.

More than a decade later he suffered another serious accident at an opera house: he had just arrived to work as a lighting consultant and was greeting the management team when a casual worker in the rigging above the stage fell on him.

“His arm went down my spine and he bounced about a metre with my leg under him,” says Lawrence. “If I had stood still for a half a second longer I wouldn’t be here now – but if I had run forward slightly faster he would probably have been killed.”

Following the accident Lawrence had to undergo three knee operations.

Today, he is conscious of the strain put on his body by the demands of domestic electrical work: “You’re moving carpets and furniture, you’re lifting floorboards and you may spend a lot of time working on your knees,” he says. “You feel it at the end of the day.” He is also worried about the effect on his lungs. “I wish I’d worn a mask more often.”

In future, other health risks may attract more attention: in May 2019 the findings of research by the French Agency for Food, Environment and Occupational Health and Safety suggested that exposure to the largest and most

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P HYSI C AL H E A LT H

powerful LED lights could lead to an irreversible loss of retinal cells.

ULTIMATE DANGER The HSE receives reports of about 1,000 workplace accidents involving electric shocks and burns every year, about 30 of which prove fatal.

If contractors do their jobs properly, the risk should be extremely small.

The problem is, people don’t always do their jobs properly.

In 2005, 26-year-old electrician Michael Adamson was killed when he cut a cable marked ‘not in use’ that had not been isolated. His employer’s stated practices were that such equipment should be both isolated and secured with a padlock, but in practice the employer did not provide lock-off equipment.

Since then, his sister Louise Taggart has dedicated herself to ensuring other families do not have to experience what happened to her family. In summer 2019, Michael’s case inspired a Save Our Sparks campaign by Klein Tools, Megger Instruments MCG and supported

by CEF, promoting awareness of the necessity of using safety equipment.

She believes her campaigning is needed as much as ever. “Nowhere near sufficient progress has been made,” she says. A 2018 survey of 800 electricians showed that one in four never or rarely used a lock-out kit and one in five didn’t usually carry one in their van. One in three felt they were experienced enough not to have to use a voltage tester.

Taggart condemns any contractor who fails to take precautions to guarantee their safety – and that of their colleagues. “They’ve been trained and certified,” she says.

“There’s no excuse. If you’ve not been provided with the kit you need, be brave and say ‘I’m not doing it’.

Something only needs to go wrong once and you won’t be going home.”

Williams urges contractors to review all their health and safety and risk assessment procedures. Those unfamiliar with risk management should consult the HSE website, and/or that of the ECA, which has developed a risk management software tool, eRAMS. NICEIC

FURTHER INFORMATION Asbestos www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos www.niceic.com/training Musculoskeletal disorders www.hse.gov.uk/msd

Michael’s Story (the campaign inspired by Michael Adamson’s death) www.michaels-story.net

provides relevant training courses, including a safe isolation workshop.

PROTECT YOURSELF If you do suffer a serious injury or health issue that leads to absence from work, it is important not to go back to work too quickly – but anyone who is self-employed, or works in a company with only one or two other people, will understand why many people feel they have to get back as quickly as possible.

Good insurance policies can help here. NICEIC and ELECSA Insurance Services offers members personal accident and short-term income protection policies, which pay out a lump sum to anyone injured in an accident, or can cover mortgage payments, household bills and food expenses for up to 12 months.

The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute (a charity founded by personal finance guru Martin Lewis) has called for statutory sick pay to be made more flexible, allowing part-time sick leave to be paid and helping people make a gradual return to work. It also suggests a scheme whereby shortterm savings schemes could be incorporated within auto-enrolment

Risk assessment processes information www.hse.gov.uk/risk www.eca.co.uk/RiskAssessment Health and safetyrelated training www.niceic.com/training www.iosh.com/training Insurance www.niceic-and-elecsainsurance.com

‘I wish they had given us more information while I was doing my apprenticeship about how to look after your body at work’ pension schemes, to be used during periods of sickness absence, then replenished from an individual’s pension contributions afterwards.

Currently, contractors’ best hope is to ensure they have the right insurance in place and have taken a careful, comprehensive approach to risk assessment, says Williams.

“Minimise the risk, because there’s not much of a safety net out there,” he warns. And in the worst-case scenario, failing to manage these risks can have fatal consequences.

David Adams is a freelance business journalist

20:

25%:

THE NUMBER OF TRADESPEOPLE WHO DIE EACH WEEK AS A RESULT OF INHALING ASBESTOS

THE PROPORTION OF CONTRACTORS WHO RARELY OR NEVER USE A LOCK-OUT KIT

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W HE E L E R E L E C T R I C A L

Newbuild housing specialist Wheeler Electrical is now in its third generation of ownership, with brothers Ed and Charlie building on the legacy started by their grandfather and father

BY NICK MARTINDALE

In the blood

IMAGES: © JOSH SHERWOOD

B

ased in Maulden, near Milton Keynes, Wheeler Electrical has spent more than half a century helping to build the nation’s homes.

Set up by Derek Wheeler in 1961, the business has been passed down to his son Peter and is now in the hands of Peter’s sons Ed and Charlie. “It was called Wheeler Potter originally,” recalls Ed. “They started wiring newbuild houses for local contractors and employed five people. We still have one of them; he worked for my grandad, dad and now for us. His name is Richard Slater and he started in 1973.”

The essence of the work – wiring newbuild houses – hasn’t changed much during the course of the firm’s history, but the industry itself certainly has.

“By the time my dad started running the business in 1995 it had become a lot more fast-paced,” says Ed. “We had to become more efficient and competitive.”

Ed and Charlie joined as apprentices and gradually worked their way into the office, handling buying and project management roles.

They took over the running of the business six years ago, and took ownership in 2018.

“Realistically I’d say I’m the managing director and Charlie looks after the production side,” says Ed. “Charlie builds relationships and I work on building the business, servicing it and developing the strategy. It works well.” Both Peter and Derek, who is now 92, are still around, but neither is involved with the business.

EXPANSION DRIVE Growth has been a focus during the past six years, and turnover has trebled from £3 million to £15 million in that timeframe.

The firm takes on jobs from £100,000 upwards, with many around the £1 million mark, and recently secured its biggest project to date: a £4 million contract to develop 400 units for Crest Nicholson in Milton Keynes.

“We don’t tend to look for new business; people come to us,” says Ed. “We work for a mix of main contractors and developers. A lot are long-term relationships; people who would have known and worked with my dad, now operating under different banners.”

Much of the work is around the south-east. “We have gone further afield; in 2008 we were working in Croydon and wherever we could get work to keep the ship sailing, as it was very different in the recession,” says Ed. “But in the last three or four years we have been more selective.”

Flagship projects include working on 262 apartments for Durkan at Manor Place in London’s Elephant and Castle, completed in just 18 months, and a £2.2 million contract for 264 student bedrooms and 37 kitchens in Camberwell for the University of the Arts London. The firm takes on other projects, such as care homes, schools or offices, but only when asked to by clients.

A family affair: (L-R) Edward, Derek, Peter and Charles Wheeler

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CON T RAC TO R P R O F I L E

‘We don’t like doing things twice; we like to do a proper job and then get on to the next one’ MEETING DEMAND The business employs 105 people, supplemented by a team of 40-50 sub-contractors who help out in busy periods. “On big jobs we have non-working foremen, labourers and site teams,” says Ed. “We also have six contracts managers who oversee the works, and a CAD drawing department. We do a lot of pre-construction work in-house, vetting drawings, and making sure that we’re installing what our clients want. We don’t like doing things twice; we like to do a proper job and then get on to the next one.”

The company’s efforts were recently reflected in winning eight NHBC Pride in the Job awards for different projects, including Manor Place and one with Taylor Wimpey at Affinity Sutton Housing Association in Borehamwood.

“Those awards are for a whole site, so it’s a team effort with all the other trades,” says Ed. The Affinity Sutton project also saw it win a seal of excellence and regional award.

With pressure from clients to turn jobs around quickly, it’s vital Wheeler Electrical can call on its own supply chain. “We don’t just buy materials from the cheapest supplier,” says Ed. “The suppliers know they’re getting good spend, so they service us well. When our clients say ‘jump’ we need to make sure that the people who supply us can also jump.”

The company has a strong tradition of developing its own talent through apprenticeships.

“We believe in training them so they only know one way and that’s ours,” says Ed. “A lot of guys stay

Wheeler Electrical now employs 150 people, supplemented by 40-50 sub-contractors

Company Wheeler Electrical Established 1961 Major projects University of the Arts London

262: THE NUMBER OF APARTMENTS FINISHED IN JUST 18 MONTHS AT MANOR PLACE IN LONDON

with us for a long time, and often people who do leave us come back.”

The uncertainty in the economy means getting paid is particularly problematic at present. “That’s always a concern,” he says. “The key clients treat us well but others are holding on to the purse strings.

The market is a bit slow; people are placing orders later so we’re having to start things quicker. House prices have cooled off so clients are trying to recoup any losses on land they have bought via their supply chain, which means us giving discounts.

It’s viciously competitive.”

FACING THE FUTURE Despite this, Ed remains optimistic.

“There are still house sales going on, and opportunities always come out of a bad market because people look for a new supplier,” he says. “In the last recession we actually grew.

We’re looking to take on more work, more apprentices and grow the business. We’re not looking to take on more overheads but getting it to work harder and faster.”

The longer-term aim is to continue to expand. “We go wherever our clients go,” says Ed. “They’re expanding, so we’re going to expand with them because we’re a trusted part of their supply chain.

The concern would be that there are a lot of modular builds going in and people are spending a lot of time and money looking at that. But in the short term there is a housing shortage. People want to buy their own house; that’s the culture here.”

There’s even potential for a fourth generation to one day enter the business – Ed has two young children, while Charlie has a baby on the way. “My dad never wanted us to come into it because of the stresses and pressures; it does take over your life,” admits Ed. “But for all the ups and downs we do love it, and the buzz of getting a new project, servicing it and doing a good job. That’s what keeps it all ticking over.”

Nick Martindale is editor of Connections

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technical

Your industry-leading reference guide to technical information 36

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

38

Factors affecting the accuracy of earth fault loop impedance measurements A number of elements can interfere with the accuracy of earth fault loop impedance measurements – make sure you’re aware of them

43

Luminaires and lighting installations The correct selection and installation of luminaires

48

Apprentice Corner An overview of resistivity, and how it affects electrical current

52

Replacing a consumer unit in a dwelling The safety of existing circuits should always be checked before carrying out the replacement of a consumer unit

59

Update on RCD testing Clearing up confusion around the testing procedures of certain Type A RCDs

62

The ‘good old days’ We look back to 1978 and the issue of HRC fuse misuse

THE NICEIC AND ELECSA PUBLISHING TEAM Tim Benstead principal technical author Jonathan Elliott senior technical author Terry Bratley technical author Craig Waslin technical author Chris Long technical engineer Alex Whitworth technical illustrator

HELPLINE 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

35 AUTUMN 2019

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T E C HN I CAL

Ask the experts

QU E ST I ON

We are about to install a PV system array on the zinc roof covering on a domestic house. Are there any particular requirements that must be met in such cases?

ANSWE 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 is meant by the term ‘premature collapse’ in Regulation 521.10.202?

Are plastic wall plugs an acceptable fixing method for the support of wiring systems to prevent premature collapse?

Q

A N SW E R

Yes. Properly selected and It is not practical to try installed plastic wall plugs can to define ‘premature be used to support cables, collapse’ in this context wiring systems and the like. purely in terms of time elapsed from the time a fire starts. The intention of Regulation 521.10.202 is to permit fire officers to safely navigate a building without fear of entanglement. The expectation is not for the cable supports to remain effective indefinitely, as conditions could reach a point where fire officers are no longer able to operate effectively in a property that is on fire.

At that point the condition of the wiring system is irrelevant.

Experience of past fires has shown that, in some cases, non-metallic cable supports have only failed after exposure to high temperatures for a considerable period of time, and certainly after the route was no longer viable.

In other cases, the failure has occurred more rapidly. Cables have been known to fall almost instantly when a door was opened from an area in which a fire was burning onto a corridor, because so doing exposed the lids of plastic trunking in the corridor to the hot products of combustion. The resultant collapse of the wiring system caused an obstruction to those trying to enter or leave the building when, in all other respects, the route should still have been viable.

Note 1 to Regulation 521.10.202 clarifies that the purpose of the requirement is to prevent wiring systems falling across access and egress routes, hindering evacuation and firefighting activities.

Notes 2 and 4 give examples of measures that are deemed to meet the intent of the requirement.

Note 3 clarifies that the requirement precludes the use of non-metallic cable clips or cable ties as the sole means of support where cables are clipped directly to exposed surfaces or suspended under cable tray, and the use of non-metallic cable trunking as the sole means of support for the cables contained therein.

A

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

Structural integrity Section 4.3.11 of the MCS/ECA Guide to the Installation of Photovoltaic Systems advises that where a PV array mounting system is secured to the metal roof cladding, the adequacy of the roof covering to transfer all additional loads back to the supporting structure of the building should be verified. This verification should also include consideration of all elements of the roof construction that could be affected by the additional loading.

It should also be verified that the weather-resistance of the roof covering has not been affected adversely by the installation work.

Earthing Earthing is only necessary where the protective measure of automatic disconnection of supply (ADS) is employed and the equipment being connected is of Class I construction and so reliant on a connection with earth for reasons of safety.

As the DC side of a PV system is a current-limiting generating set, the protective measure ADS is rarely used.

More typically, the DC side of the installation is constructed to meet the requirements of an installation using the protective measure of double or reinforced insulation, and so protective earthing between the PV modules or frame and the main earthing terminal is not required.

It should be noted that a Class I inverter will need to be earthed on the AC side of the PV system for which the protective measure is ADS. It may also be necessary to earth one or other pole of the DC side of the inverter for functional reasons, as recommended by the manufacturer of the modules and/or inverter.

Protective equipotential bonding It is unlikely that the metal roof covering will qualify as an extraneousconductive-part, if only on account of

36 AUTUMN 2019

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Area Engineer / Lou Frame its physical isolation from ‘earthy’ metalwork. It is therefore highly unlikely that the roof covering will require bonding. Even where the metal roof is considered an extraneous-conductive-part and has already been bonded, it may still not be necessary to bond the array frame if there is either a good electrical connection between the roof and the frame or the frame is sufficiently isolated from the roof.

Lightning protection Section 2.2.1 of the MCS/ECA Guide states that if the building has a lightning protection system (LPS) fitted, a suitably qualified person should be consulted to determine whether the array frame should also be connected to the LPS. Q UE STIO N

The use of socket-outlets incorporating residual current devices (SRCDs) to BS 7288: 1990 in AC installations whether operated by ordinary, instructed or skilled persons was permitted by previous editions of BS 7671.

However, Regulations 531.3.4.1 and 531.3.4.2 in BS 7671: 2018 do not list SRCDs to BS 7288 as being acceptable for such use.

Can I still install SRCDs in an electrical installation?

When did you first become an Area Engineer for NICEIC? I have now carried out the role for the last three years.

How has the job changed in that time?

The number of contractors I assess has increased.

Lou Frame South West Scotland and North of England 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

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

The number of EV charging installations and smart home technology installations carried out seems to have greatly increased. Along with the introduction of the 18th Edition and the changes that has seen implemented, it’s an interesting time for the industry.

What’s the strangest thing you have come across on an assessment during your time with NICEIC? On one visit I was taken to see work that had been carried out within a funeral parlour. We were told that there was a coffin in the room; we only found out after entering that it was both occupied and open.

What’s the strangest request you have had?

To attend a chicken farm where it was a requirement to strip and shower before going in and out.

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

A number have been involved in really interesting work, including large newbuild bridges, operating theatres, works within a nuclear power plant that is being decommissioned and works within football stadiums.

What are your interests outside of work?

Spending time with family. I’m also a keen football fan and I used to be a bit of a console gaming fanatic.

A N SW E R

SRCDs to BS 7288 remain suitable for use in electrical installations.

JPEL/64, the joint IET/BSI committee responsible for the maintenance of BS 7671, has acknowledged that an error was made in not listing SRCDs as being suitable RCD types for use in Regulations 531.3.4.1 and 531.3.4.2 in BS 7671: 2018.

This error will be addressed in a future amendment, due to be published in March 2022. In the meantime, where SRCDs are to be installed, such use should be recorded as a departure on the Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate in accordance with the requirement of Regulation 120.3.

What superpower would you have?

The power to stop time – that way I would have enough hours in the day to complete everything I would like to.

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

I admit to being an electrical geek. I spend a lot of time reading technical articles, electrical forums, etc. That is probably what I would spend it doing.

Favourite book, film and TV programme?

Book: BS 7671 (what else?)

Film: Goodfellas, Happy Gilmore or The Wedding Singer TV programme: Modern Family.

What’s the one best bit of advice you would give to electrical contractors?

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, as there is no such thing as a silly question.

37 AUTUMN 2019

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T E C HN I CAL

Factors affecting the accuracy of earth fault loop impedance measurements O B JE C TIVE

Fig 1 It is important to select the most appropriate measuring range on the instrument

The aim of this article is to consider the factors that may affect the accuracy of the results obtained when carrying out earth fault loop impedance testing when these will then be used to confirm whether compliance with the requirements of BS 7671 has been achieved.

L-N

Introduction

L-E

The accuracy of measurements taken with test instruments can be affected by a number of factors. Those relating to measurement of earth fault loop impedance, including where used to derive an approximation of prospective fault current, are considered below.

Measuring range

V

Loop impedance test instruments generally have a number of ranges, typically in the order of 0-20 Ω, 0-200 Ω and 0-2000 Ω or similar.

The most precise test result will be given when measurements are taken using the lowest applicable range. For example, if a loop impedance test result of 12 Ω is obtained on the 0-200 Ω range, it would be advisable to retest, setting the instrument to its 0-20 Ω range. The reason for this will be explained further into the article.

• Probe contact resistance: This will depend on condition of the probe tips and material to which they are connected, and the pressure applied • Crocodile clips: The clips may be weak, or one side of a clip may have a lower resistance than the other, with the hinge creating the higher resistance path • Condition of test lead connectors: Poorly maintained, old or worn connectors can add significant error and variability to a result. Test leads do wear out and should be renewed when a loss of performance is detected • Non-compatibility of leads: Connection leads other than those supplied with the instrument that do not conform to the manufacturer’s specification.

Potential instrument errors from connections Poor connections between the instrument and the circuit to be tested can significantly reduce the accuracy of the measured loop impedance value displayed on the instrument. Causes of poor connections can include, among other things: 38 AUTUMN 2019

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Mains noise or disturbance No-trip loop test instruments frequently use multiple low (15 mA) current tests, the results of which are then processed by the instrument’s software to provide an indicated reading.

These tests are susceptible to noise or mains disturbances, which may create variation in the results. In some cases, such factors may prevent the instrument from completing sufficient tests to enable an overall result to be determined.

Supply and load

Fig 2 A measurement of earth fault loop impedance may be necessary at various points of an installation Ze (External earth fault loop impedance)

Zs (Zdb) (Earth fault loop impedance) End of distribution circuits

Zs (Earth fault loop impedance) End of final circuits

Distribution boards Main distribution panel Distributor‘s cut-out

L1

L2

L3

Electricity meter

N

Product standard BS EN 61557-3 indicates that the following conditions must be met while a measurement is being taken, in order for the loop impedance instrument to function within its intended operating uncertainty limits. If any of the conditions listed below is not met, the validity of the test result will be reduced.

• No installed load is connected to the circuit • The voltage is not lower than 85% or higher than 110% of the nominal voltage • The frequency is not lower than 99% or higher than 101% of nominal frequency • The system voltage and frequency are maintained constant.

Instrument accuracy and resolution Accuracy The accuracy of test instruments for use on installations is normally expressed as a percentage, typically plus or minus (±) a certain value. For instruments with a digital display, the accuracy may also be declared in terms of the variation in the least significant digit(s) of the display, or in terms of an ohmic value to be added to or subtracted from the indicated value.

Note: Manufacturers may state slightly different conditions for a particular instrument.

Proximity to a distribution transformer

Resolution The resolution of a measuring instrument is the smallest change in the quantity being measured that causes a perceptible change in the indication of the instrument. Therefore, a resolution of 0.01 Ω allows measurements to be displayed in steps of 0.01 Ω, whereas a resolution of 0.001 Ω allows measurements to be displayed in steps of 0.001 Ω. Any variance less than the resolution step size will be rounded down.

The resolution may not be same for the different measuring ranges of an instrument; step sizes often become larger for the higher ranges.

A loop impedance measurement taken within about 50 m of a distribution transformer can be very low, typically less than 0.1 Ω.

Furthermore, the results obtained from a test conducted in such close proximity are liable to be artificially low. This is because most professional test instruments measure the resistive component of the loop impedance and so the high inductive reactance of the transformer is not taken into account properly.

This effect becomes more pronounced the closer the measurement is taken to the transformer.

Prospective fault current values are generally derived from the loop impedance measurements whether displayed directly from an instrument or by manual calculation. Small variations in the measurement of loop impedance values can result in significant differences in prospective fault current indications or calculations.

In such cases, it may be necessary to use a method other than a loop impedance test instrument to determine prospective fault current, such as calculation.

Alternatively, a loop test instrument designed to operate at the appropriate system phase angle may be used (BS EN 61557-3 clause 4.1 refers). Advice about this should be obtained from test instrument manufacturers.

Worked example Assume a particular loop test instrument with a digital display gives a test reading of 0.3 Ω for a certain circuit, and that the manufacturer has declared the following information about the instrument.

• Accuracy: ±3%.

• Variation in least significant digit of display: ± 3.

• Resolution: ±0.01 Ω For a displayed test reading of 0.3 Ω, this means the true value being measured lies between 0.278 Ω and 0.322 Ω, as follows: 39 AUTUMN 2019

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T E C HN I CAL

• ±3% accuracy means that the true value is between 0.291 Ω and 0.309 Ω.

• ± 3 in the least significant digit means that the true value is between 0.288 Ω and 0.312 Ω.

• ±0.01 Ω resolution means that the true value is between 0.278 Ω and 0.322 Ω.

by a high current test. However, as a result of the methodology used in such instruments, displayed test results of less than about 1.0 Ω could be prone to significant errors, which again can affect the calculation of prospective fault current considerably.

Considering the limitations described previously, when a measured value of below 0.2 Ω obtained using a ‘high current’ test is compared to corrected (80%) tabulated Zs values it can be shown that the measured values are suitable for verification purposes in most cases (circa 90%).

However, when a measured value of below 1 Ω, obtained using a ‘low current test’, is compared to such corrected values, it can be seen that these are only sufficiently precise for verification purposes in less than 50% of cases.

At first glance, this may appear to indicate an issue in terms of verifying loop impedance for many circuits. However, if a low current loop test is being performed, in many cases this will be because the circuit under test incorporates RCD protection. As such, the maximum permitted earth fault loop impedance of the circuit can be based upon the residual current rating (I∆n) of the RCD (see Regulation 411.4.204 (TN system) and 411.5.3 (TT system)).

Furthermore, where the protective measure is automatic disconnection of supply (ADS), an RCD can be used to provide the required disconnection time in installations forming part of either a TN or TT system. Where this is the case, and where the effectiveness of this has been demonstrated by testing of the RCD, the protection of the installation downstream of the RCD can be verified by confirmation of the continuity of the protective conductors (643.7.1).

Therefore, in such cases, it is not necessary to carry out earth fault loop impedance testing downstream of an RCD.

How to use the results obtained The result obtained from a measurement of earth fault loop impedance of the circuit under test cannot be compared directly to the relevant tabulated value given in Tables 41.2; 41.3; or 41.4 of BS 7671 or to data obtained from the protective device manufacturer. A correction must be made to take into account the difference in temperature used when the tabulated values were determined and those at the time that testing was performed.

A measured value is deemed to meet the requirements for automatic disconnection of supply of regulations 411.4.4 (TN systems) and 411.5.4 (TT systems) where: Zs (m) ≤ 0.8 ×

U0 × Cmin Ia

Where: Zs (m) is the measured impedance taken at the furthest point of the circuit under test (Ω) U0 is the nominal AC rms line voltage to earth (V) Ia is the current causing operation of the protective device within the relevant disconnection time stated in sub-section 411.3.2 (A) Cmin is the minimum voltage factor to take account of supply voltage variations (typically 0.95).

More commonly, the requirements are deemed to be achieved where the measured value does not exceed 80% of the tabulated values.

Test current setting Where circuits do not incorporate protection by an RCD or other device that would trip, such as a 6 A Type B circuit-breaker, earth fault loop impedance measurements should be made using the higher (circa 25 A) test current setting of the instrument. For a high current test, a displayed result of less than about 0.2 Ω could be prone to significant errors. Where the results of such testing are used to determine prospective fault current, the effect of these errors can be considerable.

Some loop impedance test instruments have a low (circa 15 mA) current or ‘no-trip’ range that can be used where circuits contain RCDs or circuit-breakers liable to be tripped 40 AUTUMN 2019

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T E C HN I CAL

Luminaires and lighting installations O B JE C TIVE

This article reviews the selection and erection of luminaires and some of the requirements of Section 559 covering lighting installations intended to be part of fixed electrical installations.

encounter switching arrangements that provide minimal flexibility. Indeed, even the benefits of energy efficiency lighting can be undermined by inflexible switching arrangements. One example of this is where a number of luminaires are installed in a particular room or area but they are controlled by a single switch.

Fixing of luminaires Switching arrangements In modern electrical installations, a neutral conductor is often required at switch positions to accommodate the connection and consequent functioning of electronic switching devices (Regulation 559.5.1.208). Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, to cater for switching and control devices, electrical wiring in typical domestic premises may require the installation of a threecore and cpc PVC insulated and sheathed cable for the switch drops, rather than the traditional twin and earth cable. Additionally, deeper back boxes than the traditional 15 mm switch box will typically be required.

Irrespective of whether cables are concealed in the walls or not, AC circuits that supply luminaires in domestic premises should be provided with additional protection by an RCD having a rated residual operating current of 30 mA (Regulation 411.3.4 refers).

Note: With the exception of certain control devices for lighting circuits, such as contactor control circuits, a single-pole functional switching device should not be placed in the neutral conductor (Regulation 463.1.2 refers).

While an array of electronic dimming devices are available to control the lighting levels within rooms and areas of premises, the importance of providing appropriate switching arrangements for lighting circuits should not be overlooked (Regulation 559.5.1.207). Although lighting circuits should be wired to provide the user with the flexibility to switch off (manually or automatically) a proportion of the lights when they are not needed, it is not uncommon to

Fig 1 Provision of a neutral at switches

Luminaires should be adequately supported by hooks, chain, screws, conduit boxes or enclosures, and in all cases consideration should be given to the recommendations of the manufacturer of the particular fixing device.

Whichever means of fixing is used to support the luminaire, it must be capable of carrying a mass of not less than 5kg, and if the mass is greater than 5kg the fixing means must be capable of supporting the luminaire (Regulation 559.5.2 refers). For twin flexible cable, such as that used to connect a ceiling rose to the luminaire, the maximum mass that should be supported by the flexible cable is given in Table 4F3A of Appendix 4 of BS 7671.

Where a luminaire is to be fixed to a wall or ceiling, the weight of the luminaire and its accessories should be compatible with the structural capability of the ceiling, or the building fabric (as applicable) to which it will be fixed. Flexible cables between the fixing means and the luminaire must be installed so that there is no undue mechanical strain on the conductors, terminals and terminations from any expected stresses during normal use.

Where a device for connecting the luminaire to the fixed wiring is not provided with the luminaire, one of the devices listed in Regulation 559.5.4 should be used.

Protection against thermal effects

L SL

N

The selection and erection of a luminaire should take into account the thermal effects of radiant and convected energy on the surroundings.

Regulation 559.4.1 requires the following points to be taken into account:

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T E C HN I CAL

• the maximum power dissipation of the lamps • the fire-resistance of adjacent material • the minimum distance to combustible materials, including material in the path of a spotlight beam • the relevant markings on the luminaire.

metallic bases of the fittings. Consequently, the replacement of an existing metallic fitting with a non-conductive type, such as a polycarbonate fitting, will cause a break in continuity, unless a protective conductor is installed to maintain continuity between the lights shown.

In circumstances where earth continuity is lost, there is a risk of the metal conduit attaining line-to-earth voltage under fault conditions (say, due to mechanical damage or insulation failure), and this voltage is likely to remain undetected and pose a risk of electric shock to persons coming into contact with the conduit.

Where a separate protective conductor is installed in the metallic conduit, it is still necessary to earth the conduit (exposedconductive-part). If a run of conduit is to be earthed at one point only, continuity must be maintained throughout the run. If this is not done, each section of conduit would have to be connected to the internal protective conductor.

One way to ensure continuity of the conduit is maintained is to fix the fittings to the conduit system using appropriately spaced conduit boxes, as shown in Figure 3.

Where the protective conductor is formed by a metal enclosure such as a conduit, the earthing terminal of each accessory should be connected by a separate protective conductor to an earthing terminal incorporated in the associated box or enclosure (Regulation 543.2.7). Reference should also be made to Regulation 411.3.1.1 where a protective conductor must be run to and terminated at each point in wiring and at each accessory except a lampholder having no exposed-conductive-parts.

Luminaires are required to comply with the relevant product standards and be installed taking due account of the manufacturer’s instructions. Where a product is not suitable for a particular mounting or installation method, the manufacturer is required to indicate this on the luminaire and controlgear. Table 55.3 of BS 7671 provides an explanation of BS EN 60598-1 symbols applicable to luminaires and controlgear.

Where a luminaire is installed in a pelmet, the electrical installation designer is required to take steps to prevent adverse effects, such as fire risks, caused by the presence of the blinds or curtains, or their operation (Regulation 559.3.3). For luminaires installed in a location where, due to the nature of processed or stored materials, there is a particular risk of fire, the relevant requirements of Section 422 of BS 7671 should be satisfied.

Through wiring Through wiring is permitted only if the luminaire is designed for such wiring (Regulation 559.5.3.1). The type of cable to be used must be selected in accordance with the temperature information on the luminaire or in the manufacturer’s instructions, if any, and as specified in Regulation 559.5.3.2.

Wherever possible, the luminaire should be connected so that cables of the fixed installation do not have to travel through the fitting past heat generating items, such as chokes, in order to connect to the terminal block. If this is not possible, the cables should be routed away from heat-generating components and effectively secured in place. Where necessary, heat resisting sleeving or shielding should be employed to protect cables from the effects of heat and ultra violet (UV) radiation, generated by the luminaire or its lamps (Regulation 559.5.6).

Stroboscopic effects Stroboscopic effects can give a misleading impression of moving parts being stationary, Fig 2 Loss of earth continuity as a result of replacing an existing luminaire

Maintaining earth continuity Steel conduit is commonly used to supply luminaires, and in some installations the conduit may serve as the cpc for the lighting circuits contained within it. Where this is the case, care needs to be exercised to ensure that the cpc is not compromised if an existing light fitting is replaced. For the car park lighting installation shown in Figure 2, for example, the cpc is formed by connection of the metallic conduit to the 44 AUTUMN 2019

43-46 Luminaires_Connections Autumn 2019_Connections 44

04/10/2019 11:45

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p45_CON.Aut19.indd 45

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T E C HN I CAL

Fig 3 Maintaining continuity of metallic conduit systems (conductors omitted for clarity)

luminaires with high frequency control gear or, where available, distribute the lighting in the area concerned across all the phases of a three-phase supply. Alternatively, industrial type filament lamps may be used to provide task lighting for a particular piece of equipment, such as a lathe.

Note: If luminaires are divided across three phases using a common neutral, at least one device should be provided that simultaneously disconnects all line conductors (Regulation 559.5.5 refers).

Summary

and as a result persons may be exposed to the risk of injury. While such effects are generally associated with fluorescent luminaires operating at 50 Hz, other types of lights including certain types of LEDs have been known to produce stroboscopic effects, and so electrical installation designers should take these effects into account when selecting luminaires (Regulation 559.9). In order to avoid stroboscopic effects, the designer may select

43-46 Luminaires_Connections Autumn 2019_Connections 46

Lighting installations should comply with the relevant requirements of Section 559 of BS 7671.

As outlined in this article, this requires, among other considerations, account to be taken of the provision of neutral conductors at switches and appropriate switching arrangements. In addition, the replacement of a luminaire or similar maintenance should not compromise the continuity of any part of a metallic conduit system installed to supply luminaires.

03/10/2019 11:54

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T E C HN I CAL

use as electrical conductors. Typically, nonmetallic materials have high resistivity and are poor electrical conductors.

The two most commonly used materials used for conducting current are copper and aluminium. When compared to aluminium, the lower resistivity of copper allows for smaller conductor cross-sectional areas. Furthermore, copper is also more flexible and easier to terminate than aluminium.

Apprentice Corner Resistance Part 1

Resistance

Resistivity The aim of the apprentice corner in this issue of Connections is to introduce resistivity and its effects. This will be complemented using examples and a number of multiple-choice questions.

Introduction Resistivity – specific resistance or volume resistance as it is sometimes called – is a fundamental property of a material that quantifies how strongly it resists or conducts the flow of electrical current. Low resistivity indicates that a material has good conductivity; conversely, high resistivity indicates that a material has poor conductivity.

Metallic materials such as copper and aluminium have low resistivity (see Table 1), and this makes them ideal for

i) and ii) Length and cross-sectional area

Fig 1 Simple circuit

n Le

h gt

• Resistance R is directly proportional to length: R ∝ l. For example, if a length of a conductor was doubled, its resistance would be doubled.

• Resistance R is inversely proportional to crosssectional area a: R ∝ a1

(ℓ)

For example, if the conductor cross-sectional area was doubled, then its resistance would be halved.

Combining the two terms gives R ∝ al

Cross-sectional area (a) Conductor material ( )

Current (I)

Ohms Law states that when a voltage (U) source is applied between two points in a circuit, such as the simplified arrangement shown in Figure 1, an electrical current (I) will flow. The amount of electrical current which flows is restricted by the amount of resistance (R) present.

Quite simply, resistance is a measure of how easy or difficult it is for a length of material to conduct an electrical current, and is dependent upon four factors: i) Length (l) – measured in metres (m) ii) cross-sectional area (csa) (a) – measured in square-metres (m2) iii) resisitivity of the conductor material (ρ (rho)) – measured in ohm-metre (Ωm) iiv) temperature (⁰C ) – although the SI unit for temperature is the Kelvin, most engineers use the Celsius scale. This will be covered in a subsequent issue of Connections but suffice to say that temperature plays an important part in conductor resistance.

Voltage source (U)

Example 1 The resistance of a 5 m length of conductor is 600 Ω. What would be the resistance of an 8 m length of conductor if the csa and material remain unchanged?

The resistance has increased by a factor of 1.6 ( 85 ) and since R ∝ l, the resistance will be 1.6 x 600 = 960 Ω

Example 2 A piece of conductor of csa 2 mm2 has a resistance of 300 Ω. What would be the resistance of the 48 AUTUMN 2019

48-50 Apprentice corner_Connections Autumn 2019_Connections 48

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Fig 2 Measuring the resistivity of a material

1 Annealing is the process of heat treating hard drawn copper to improve its ductility, which makes copper conductors soft and flexible.

2 The resistivity of semiconductors (for example, silicon), depends strongly on the presence of impurities in the material.

Its resistivity lies midway between being a good conductor and a good insulator.

Solid cube of material

Connections made to opposite faces of the cube

Ω

Low resistance ohmmeter

conductor having the same length and material but its csa increased to 5 mm2?

The csa has increased by a factor of 2.5 ( 52 ) l and since R ∝ a , the new resistance will be 300 = 120 Ω 2.5

Data courtesy of the British Standards Institution (BS EN 60228: 2005 Conductors of insulated cables)

iii) Resistivity

the constant is the resistivity of the material ρ (rho); this now gives R = ρal Ω.

It can be seen from the equation that the resistance can be varied by changing a variety of different parameters. For example, by keeping the material resistivity and temperature constant, the resistance of a piece of material can be altered by varying its length, or by increasing/decreasing the cross-sectional area.

The resistivity of an insulator varies greatly depending upon the purity and surface condition of the material, and in some cases with the magnitude of the applied voltage. The resistivity of an insulator commonly decreases as temperature rises.

Practical application of the resistivity equation Being able to determine the resistance for a range of conductor cross-sectional areas enables a table to be constructed, such as Table 2. This then permits the R1 + R2 value for a circuit to be easily found. The table gives resistance per metre values of copper conductors of single and multicore cables, whether of solid or stranded construction,

Table 2 Maximum resistance of copper conductors at 20 °C

When any material has a supply connected to it, it has a particular resistance. This particular resistance is called ‘resistivity’ and is determined by connecting a low reading ohmmeter on two opposite faces of a solid cube of material, as shown in Figure 2.

Knowledge of resistivity is useful in comparing various materials on the basis of their ability to conduct electrical currents. High resistivity designates poor conductors. The resistivity value for a range of materials is shown in Table 1.

To replace the proportionality sign (∝) for an equal sign, a constant is used. In this instance

Conductor cross-sectional area (mm2)

Resistance/metre of copper conductor (m /m)

1.0

18.1

1.5

12.1

2.5

7.41

4.0

4.61

6.0

3.08

10

1.83

16

1.15

25

0.727

Table 1 Resistivity values for a range of material at 20 °C Materials having low resistivity

ρ ( m) -8

Materials having high resistivity

ρ ( m)

Copper

1.67 x 10

PVC

5 x 1012 to 1013

Copper, annealed1

1.81 x 10-8

XLPE

1015

Aluminium

2.65 x 10-8

Rubber

1013 approx

Steel (varies)

10 to 100 x 10-8

Glass

109 to 1014

-8

Tungsten

5.61 x 10

Magnesium oxide

107

Manganin

44.1 x 10-6

Mica

1011 to 1015

Nichrome

1.1 x 10-6

Soil

102 to 104

Lead

21.0 x 10-8

Human skin

5 x 105 approx.

Solder

40.5 x 10-8

Silicon2

0.1 to 600

49 AUTUMN 2019

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T E C HN I CAL

at 20 °C, in units of milliohms per metre (mΩ per m).

Resistance values shown in Table 2 may be corrected to other resistance values for conductor temperatures other than 20 °C.

Multiple-choice questions 1. A 10 m length of conductor has a resistance of 3 , what will be its resistance if the length was increased to 30 m and the crosssectional area remained the same? a) 1 Ω c) 6 Ω b) 3 Ω d) 9 Ω 2. A 20 m length of conductor having a crosssectional area 4 mm2 has a resistance of 3 . What would be the resistance if the conductor of the same length was replaced for one having a 6 mm2 cross-sectional area? a) 2 Ω c) 4.5 Ω b) 1 Ω d) 3 Ω 3. Copper is commonly used as a conductor material in the construction of cables, this is because: a) Its resistivity value is low which makes it a good insulator b) Its resistivity value is high which makes it a good conductor

c) Its resistivity value is high which makes it a good insulator d) Its resistivity value is low which makes it a good conductor 4. What would be the resistance of a 4.0/1.5 mm2 twin and earth cable having a circuit length of 35 m? (Hint, use Table 2) a) 16.71 mΩ c) 0.585 Ω b) 4.28 Ω d) 58.5 mΩ 5. A wirewound resistor is constructed using nichrome wire having a resistivity of 1.10 × 10−6 m. What will be its resistance if the resistor wire has a length of 1500 mm and a diameter of 0.05 mm? a) 0.8 mΩ c) 33 kΩ b) 825 Ω d) 330 kΩ 6. Some wire of length 5 m and cross-sectional area 2 mm2 has a resistance of 0.08 . What will its resistance be if the wire is drawn out until its cross-sectional area is 1 mm2? a) 0.32 Ω c) 0.04 Ω b) 0.16 Ω d) 0.4 Ω

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T E C HN I CAL

Replacing a consumer unit in a dwelling Consequently, circumstances then arise where a defect identified after the replacement has been made has prevented a circuit from being re-energised, often leading to conflict with the person ordering the work (client).

Therefore, as discussed in this article, it is essential that sufficient inspections and tests are carried out before removing a consumer unit.

O B JE C TIVE

Work relating to the replacement of a consumer unit in a dwelling is the most common complaint received by NICEIC and ELECSA. The aim of this article is, therefore, to remind contractors of the importance of carrying out pre-work checks, especially to establish the condition of the circuits before removing the existing consumer unit.

General Initially, it is important to establish the extent of the existing installation that will be affected by the change. As the installation is in service, lights should be switched to confirm their correct operation, and for socket-outlets a proprietary ‘plug-in’ socket-tester should be used to check live polarity and confirm the number of socket-outlets connected to each circuit. Wherever possible, feedback should be obtained from the user of the installation as to whether there are, or have been, any issues with the electrical installation. If there is

Introduction The replacement of a consumer unit may, at first glance, appear to be a straightforward task, but far too often issues arise because the existing consumer unit is replaced without the condition of the existing circuits having been assessed.

Fig 1 Performing a Ze test to verify the means of earthing (TN-C-S)

Supply network

(kWh meter and additional PME earth electrodes omitted for clarity)

Consumer intake

Supply fuse

Consumer unit (main switch off)

Source of energy

Ω PEN conductor

N

Pfc

201000 kAV 500 V 2000 A

E

Earthing conductor (disconnected for testing)

250 V

200 A

OFF

20 Ω

Source earth electrode

TEST

Ω Ω 2000 200 Ω

AUTO NULL

Loop

52 AUTUMN 2019

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Protective bonding conductors and circuit protective conductors (cpcs)

any electrical documentation available for the installation, this may help to determine when it was last tested.

Note: The condition and functioning of accessories installed externally, such as an outside light or a socket-outlet, should not be overlooked.

The adequacy of the earthing and bonding arrangements should be confirmed before any additions or alterations are made (Regulation 132.16 refers). Protective bonding conductors that are relatively short and visible throughout their length may be verified by inspection, but the continuity of those routed under floors or within partitions should be confirmed using the ‘wander lead’ test method.

The ‘wander lead’ test method should also be used to confirm the presence of all circuit protective conductors. As illustrated in Figure 2, the test is performed with the consumer unit isolated and the main protective bonding conductors temporarily disconnected. One lead of the continuity test instrument is connected to the MET and the other test probe is connected, using a wander lead, to all relevant points of the circuit, such as the earth terminals at ceiling roses or socket-outlets and the metallic fixing screws at switches.

Once the circuits have been connected to the new consumer unit, continuity of protective conductors should be re-confirmed and the readings obtained for each circuit should be recorded in the R2 column of the test schedule forming part of the EIC or DEIC. Note: For some accessories the fixing screw may not provide a connection to earth, so to perform the test the circuit should be isolated before removing the accessory cover.

Installation earthing

Ring final circuits In addition to the ‘live’ polarity checks at socketoutlets described earlier, the continuity of the loop conductors should be verified for each ring final circuit. This test is undertaken to identify whether there are any existing defects, such as a high resistance loop conductor or a break in continuity.

Fig 2 Wander lead test method to verify continuity of circuit protective conductors

Ω

E(R2)

MΩ

500 V

TEST

OFF

MET

L(R)

N

250 V

Ω

fu

o

AUTO NULL

Ω

i ne er s

1000 V

ly On

The installation should be connected to a suitable means of earthing and the connection should be electrically and mechanically sound (Regulation 542.3.2). The means of earthing may have, over time, deteriorated or even been removed, or the installation may be earthed via the metallic pipe of a water utility supply.

As shown in Figure 1, an external earth fault loop impedance (Ze) test should be undertaken to confirm the adequacy of the installation earthing and that the measured value obtained is appropriate for the type of earthing arrangement. For the purposes of the test, the installation should be isolated from the supply and the earthing conductor disconnected. Once the test has been performed, the earthing conductor and any other conductors disconnected for the test should be reconnected before the installation is re-energised.

If the measured value of Ze is higher than that expected for a TN arrangement, this would not necessarily prevent the consumer unit replacement from proceeding as long as the relevant disconnection requirements of Chapter 41 of BS 7671 are met for all circuits reconnected (Regulation 411.3.2.2).

For a final circuit protected by an RCD, especially one having a residual operating current of 30 mA, this higher value of external impedance should not compromise automatic disconnection of supply being achieved. Maximum values of Zs for RCDs to BS EN 61008-1 and BS EN 61009-1 are given in Table 41.5 of BS 7671. However, for a circuit that might not be protected by an RCD, such as a distribution circuit, an earth fault loop impedance test should be conducted to confirm the relevant disconnection time will be achieved (Regulation 411.3.2.3 refers).

For a TT earthing arrangement the requirements of Regulation 411.5.3 must be satisfied; that is, where an RCD is used for fault protection the disconnection time shall be that required by Regulations 411.3.2.2 or 411.3.2.4 and RA × I∆n ≤ 50 V. Note: Where a higher-than-expected external impedance is measured, the client should be advised to inform the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) so it can investigate the matter.

se by qua l

if ie d

l ect ele ctri ci ans and e

e al rui c

ng

Wander lead

53 AUTUMN 2019

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T E C HN I CAL

Accessories and equipment external to the dwelling should not be overlooked. For example, an outside socket-outlet, or the supply to an out building such as a garage, may be fed from a spur taken from a ring final circuit.

For ease of testing, it may be preferable to spilt the ring and perform the test at a socket-outlet rather than the consumer unit. Irrespective of the test point, care should be exercised in confirming that the conductors are ‘dead’ before disconnecting. It should be appreciated that even though the circuit protective device may be securely isolated, both legs of the ring final circuit may not be connected in the same way in the consumer unit. To minimise such risks, the whole consumer unit, rather than individual protective devices, should be isolated before disconnecting conductors.

If a break in continuity is identified but the conductor is not accessible, such as where the break is underneath the floorboards, the remedial work involved could be significant, so the client should be made aware of the issue immediately.

remedial work carried out before replacing the existing consumer unit.

Insulation resistance testing In some circumstances, a low insulation resistance may be due to the age of the cables, or be caused by damage or corrosion to equipment, especially equipment installed externally. Circuit defects may have gone undetected because the circuits were not protected by an RCD. However, once reconnected to the new consumer unit such defects will cause the operation of RCDs. For these reasons, insulation resistance testing should be carried out on all circuits intended to be reconnected to the new consumer unit.

Wherever possible, insulation resistance testing of low voltage circuits should be carried out at 500 V DC between live conductors to earth (the protective conductor(s) being connected to the earthing arrangement when the test is performed). However, if there is a risk that the test voltage may cause damage to connected equipment, the test may be performed at a reduced voltage of 250 V DC. Irrespective of which test voltage is applied a value less than 1 MΩ should be investigated.

Lighting circuits In some installations the lighting circuits may not incorporate a cpc. Where this is the case, the client should be advised to have a cpc installed. If the client is not willing to have the work carried out at that point, then they should be informed that reconnection of the lighting circuit is permitted only on condition that any metallic (Class I) light fittings and accessories are replaced with all insulated or Class II types.

In addition, a label should be affixed to the consumer unit stating that Class I equipment must not be connected to the lighting circuit.

Subsequently, the presence of the unearthed lighting circuit should be recorded on the Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC or DEIC).

Another issue relating to lighting circuits is the possibility of a shared ‘borrowed’ neutral conductor. The neutral conductors of each circuit must be electrically separate to prevent circuits being energised inadvertently (Regulation 521.8.2 refers). However, situations can arise where, for example, a neutral conductor from an upstairs lighting circuit has been used to provide a neutral for a ground floor staircase luminaire or vice versa.

One way of verifying that the neutral conductors of different lighting circuits are separate throughout the installation is to conduct an insulation resistance test between the conductors (refer to ‘Insulation resistance testing’).

Note: Where a shared neutral is identified, the 1 Similar requirements apply in client should be advised to have the necessary other parts of the UK.

Location of the consumer unit In some situations, the intended replacement may be considerably larger than the existing unit, so fitting it into the existing space may not be practicable. Mounting the unit in an alternative position, such as vertically rather than horizontally, may seem to provide a solution but it may not be permitted by the manufacturer of the consumer unit or be agreeable to the client.

Therefore, the exact location of the replacement consumer unit should be agreed with the client, and where necessary an alternative design option should be agreed.

Where the existing consumer unit is in a position that is difficult to reach, it may be necessary for the replacement to be installed in a more accessible position to facilitate its operation (Regulation 132.12 refers). However, the additional work involved in extending the circuits (and where necessary the meter tails) and routing them to the new position, even if it is only a short distance away, could be significant. For example, increasing the length of the meter tails is likely to require a separate device to be installed to satisfy the requirements for overcurrent protection. In view of this, any additional works should be carefully assessed and agreed with the client.

Note: If the consumer unit is moved to a different position, its mounting height should satisfy building regulations. Guidance given in Approved Document M for England1 specifies switches and

54 AUTUMN 2019

52-56 Replacing a consumer unit_Connections Autumn 2019_Connections 54

04/10/2019 10:53

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p54_CON.Aut19.indd 54

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T E C HN I CAL

Fig 3 NICEIC Domestic Electrical Installation Certificate

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

DCP18

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

ad g t e Address:

PART 1 : DETAILS OF THE CONTRACTOR, CLIENT AND INSTALLATION DETAILS OF THE CONTRACTOR Registration No: Trading Title:

Postcode:

Address:

Tel No:

DETAILS OF THE CLIENT

DETAILS OF THE INSTALLATION

Contractor Reference Number (CRN):

Occupier:

Name:

Address:

Address:

Postcode: Tel No: PART 2 : DETAILS OF THE ELECTRICAL WORK CO Postcode:

Tel No:

Postcode:

Original (to the person ordering the work)

Apprentice Corner answers 1.

Tel No:

PART 2 : DETAILS OF THE ELECTRICAL WORK COVERED BY THIS INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE

Descr

Date works completed: Date works completed:

Description and extent of the installation covered by this certificate:

The installation is –

The installationNew: is –

)

(

(

)

(

)

New:

An addition:

(

An alteration:

(

An addition:

Replacement of a consumer unit:

(

An alteration:

PART 3 : NEXT INSPECTION OF THE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

)

(

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

)

Correct option is (d) As resistance is directly proportional to length, if the length increases threefold, the resistance will also increase by a factor of three, giving 9 Ω.

)

)

that thisunit: installation is further inspected and)tested after an interval of not more than: Replacement ofI RECOMMEND a consumer (

years/months* (delete as appropriate)

2. Correct option is (a)

PART 4 : DECLARATION FOR THE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION WORK

PART 3 : NEXT INSPECTION OF THE ELECTRICAL DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, INSPECTION & TESTING

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 additionally where this certificate applies to an addition or 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 (date) except for the following departures, if any, identified

As resistance is indirectly proportional to cross-sectional area, if the csa increases by 1.5 times the original csa, the resistance will decrease by the same amount, giving 2 Ω.

is to the best of my knowledge and belief in accordance with BS 7671: 2018, amended to I RECOMMENDresponsible that this installation is further inspected an details on attached page(s) ( Name (capitals):

) (Regulations 120.3, 133.1.3 and 133.5). • Where selectivity is required, details of the verification appended (536.4): ( Signature:

)

Page No(s) (

)

Date:

REVIEWED BY QUALIFIED SUPERVISOR Signature:

Date: DCP18/1

Name (capitals):

*The proposed date for the next 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.

The period should be agreed between relevant parties.

This certificate 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

control devices to be installed between 450 mm and 1200 mm above the finished floor level.

3. Correct option is (d) A good conductor has a low resistivity value, while a good insulator has a high value of resistivity.

Certification On completion of the replacement of a consumer unit, an EIC or DEIC should be issued to the client (Regulation 644.1). To ensure the person issuing the certificate is only accepting responsibility for the work undertaken (the replacement of the unit and the safety of the circuits connected to it), the description of work should be recorded accurately and a tick should be inserted in the appropriate box on the certificate to indicate that the work involves the replacement of a consumer unit.

The replacement of a consumer unit in a dwelling in England and Wales is notifiable work, so in accordance with Part P of the Building Regulations such work must also be certificated for compliance with the Building Regulations.

4. Correct option is (c) Using Table 2, note the resistance in mΩ per metre for 4.0/1.5 mm2 twin and earth cable.

Then R = (R1+R2) × l = (4.61+12.1 ) × 10-3 × 35 = 0.585 Ω

5. Correct option is (b) There are two stages to the solution of this problem. i) Determine the csa of the nichrome wire: πd2 π ×0.052 a= 4 = = 0.002 mm2 4 ii) Determine the resistance of the resistor:

Summary

ρl 1.1 × 10-6 × 1.5 R = a = 0.002 × 10-6 = 825 Ω

As a consequence of replacing a consumer unit before checking the safety of existing circuits, some contractors have found themselves in the position where they are unable to re-energise a particular circuit onto the new board because of an existing defect. While for an existing installation it is impracticable to carry out all the tests that are required for initial verification, the level of inspection and testing undertaken for each circuit should be sufficient to confirm that it is safe to re-energise. Any defect that affects the safety of the work carried out should be corrected before the EIC or DEIC is issued (Regulation 644.1.2).

For further guidance on the replacement of a consumer unit refer to the Electrical Safety First Best Practice Guide No. 1 Replacing a consumer unit in domestic premises, which is available to download free of charge from: www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

6. Correct option is (a) There are two stages to the solution of this problem. i) Determine the resistivity of the wire:

ρ

=a.R = l

2 × 10-6 × 0.08 = 32 × 10-9 Ωm 5

ii) Determine the new resistance. If the wire has been drawn out to half the original cross-sectional area, the length will have doubled. × 10 = 0.32 Ω R= ρl = 32 × 10 -6 a 1 × 10 -9

56 AUTUMN 2019

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T E C HN I CAL

Update on RCD testing The problems

O B JE C TIVE

The aim of this article is to provide guidance to the contractor with regard to procedures for testing RCDs installed to provide additional protection having a 0.25 A ( 250 mA) residual operating current characteristic.

Introduction An article appeared in Issue 205 of Connections covering the testing of RCDs in order to comply with the requirements of BS 7671. In particular, the article clarified the procedures that should be followed when testing and the need to compare the disconnection times obtained from such testing with the relevant disconnection times of Chapter 41 of BS 7671.

Since publication of that article, it has become apparent that some Type A RCDs of rating of 30 mA or less are manufactured such that the maximum break (tripping) time (40 ms) is achieved at a current of 0.25 A (250 mA) rather than at 5 I∆n (150 mA for a 30 mA RCD).

This change seems to have caused some confusion and also difficulties in terms of verification in the field.

Information from the product standard The requirements for RCCBs and RCBOs for household and similar use are in given in BS EN 61008-11 and BS EN 61009-12 respectively.

Limit values of break time and non-actuating time for alternating residual currents (rms) for type AC and A RCCB are given in Table 1 of BS EN 61008-1 and in Table 2 of BS EN 61009-1 for RCBOs. Note a. to both tables states that the manufacturer may choose a value of either 5 I∆n or 0.25 A (250 mA) as the residual operating current required to achieve a disconnection of 0.04 s for a ‘general’ type RCD. A number of manufacturers have now chosen to adopt 0.25 A for their products.

It has been reported that contractors have experienced difficulties when testing 30 mA RCDs having a 0.25 A residual operating current characteristic. These difficulties seem to stem from the devices being tested at a current of 150 mA, rather than the necessary 0.25 A, based on the assumption that using a test current of 5 I∆n will always be sufficient to cause the device to operate within the required time (0.04 s). This is not the case.

The note to Regulation 643.8 of BS 7671 which gives the requirements for the verification of an RCD to provide additional protection states that: NOTE: Effectiveness is deemed to have been verified where an RCD meeting the requirements of Regulation 415.1.1 disconnects within 40 ms when tested at a current equal to or higher than five times its rated residual operating current.

1 BS EN 61008-1: 2012+A12: 2017. Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCCBs) 2 BS EN 61009-1: 2012+A12: 2016. Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCBOs) 3 BS EN 61557-6: 2007.

Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1000 V a.c. and 1500 V d.c. – Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures – Part 6: Effectiveness of residual current devices (RCD) in TT, TN and IT systems

It must be acknowledged that this guidance was written before the issue with verification of RCDs designed using 0.25 A residual operating current characteristic came to light. Nevertheless, BS 7671 acknowledges that, in practice, fault currents are significantly in excess of the rating of the RCD (See the notes to Table 41.1 of Regulation 411.3.2.2 and Regulations 411.4.4 and 411.5.2). It is reasonable, therefore, to use a test current higher than the ‘trip rating’ of an RCD, regardless of the application of the RCD. However, clause 4.2 of BS EN 61557-63, the standard for RCD test instruments, specifies that ‘the measuring equipment shall be capable of indicating whether the fault voltage at the rated residual (operating) current of the protective device is less than or equal to the conventional touch voltage limit’.

This requirement is met in many RCD test instruments by conducting a short duration pre-testing check conducted at half the rated residual operating current selected on the instrument. Where this is the case, this will invariably result in a failure of this check; as half of even the next standard rating (10, 30, 100, 300 500 mA) above that of the actual RCD

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T E C HN I CAL

Prior to carrying out testing, the test instrument should be set for the appropriate RCD ‘type’.

The person carrying out the testing must identify the operating characteristic of the RCD to determine whether the device should be tested at a current greater than or equal to either 5 I∆n or 0.25 A as appropriate.

Neither BS EN 61008-1 nor BS EN 61009-1 requires an indication of the operating characteristic employed to be displayed which is visible when the device is installed.

It may be necessary therefore to refer to manufacturer’s data to determine this information. In order to aid those carrying out testing, a number of manufacturers of devices employing the 0.25 A characteristic are now providing an advisory label explaining this, which can be affixed inside the lid of the consumer unit or distribution board in which the RCD is installed.

The testing should be carried out in both the positive and negative half-cycles and the result obtained in each case should not exceed 40 ms; the greater of the two results obtained should be recorded in the appropriate place on the schedule of test results.

Fig 1 Example advisory label to be affixed inside the lid of a consumer unit or other enclosure containing RCDs having a 0.25 A characteristic.

To be fixed on the inside front cover.

The Type A 30 mA RCCBs in this consumer unit conform to BS EN 61008-1 (2017).

Testing should be carried out at a test current value of 250 mA for disconnection within 40 ms.

under test will always exceed its rated residual operating current. The failure of this pre-test check will be indicated by the display of ‘TRIP’ or similar on the instrument’s screen. This will mean that trying to test an RCD by selecting a higher rating on a test instrument having only pre-set values of RCD rating employing this selftest method will not be feasible.

Some RCD test instruments, however, have an adjustable residual operating current range allowing a value of 250 mA to be set, and so will be unaffected by the above issue.

Where there is any doubt about how to use a particular RCD test instrument to verify an RCD designed to operate at 0.25 A, the instrument manufacturer should be consulted.

Summary When verifying whether an RCD can provide additional protection, care must be taken to ensure that the device is tested at a test current appropriate to the operating characteristic to which the device was designed. This may make it necessary to refer to manufacturer’s data relating to the RCD under test, and in many cases may mean that the test instrument manufacturer will need to be consulted to determine how best to configure the instrument prior to testing.

Verification of an RCD installed to provide additional protection Where an RCD is installed to provide additional protection, Regulation 643.8 requires it to be: • Inspected visually to confirm that it has a rated residual operating current (I∆n) not exceeding 30 mA as required by Regulation 415.1.1, and • Tested using a suitable instrument.

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60 AUTUMN 2019

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BS 7671

LIVE north Technical Conference and Exhibition Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool 21st November, 2019 Live North will give you the lowdown on the latest regs, plus a whole bunch of practical workshops and top insider tips to help you to drive your business forward.

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Roger will deliver a session on electric vehicles and how this rapidly growing sector, combined with changes in the car market, could provide a lucrative business opportunity for electrical contractors!

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T E C HN I CAL

The ‘good old days’ This is the next in a series of articles highlighting old issues within the electrical contracting industry that came to the attention of NICEIC Inspecting Engineers. These ‘old’ issues are still seen by those carrying out periodic inspection and testing.

Newsletter No 47 from September 1978 The ‘Good old days’ section of Connections will highlight an old problem that remains ever fresh.

Misuse of HRC fuses carriers 1978 I wish to warn contractors of the danger of fitting ordinary fusewire to cartridge fuse carriers. It is appreciated that this may be done temporarily to enable tests to be carried out, but it is only too easy to forget to fit the correct cartridge fuse links before completing the work.

Not only is the rupturing capacity of such an assembly less than that of the correct cartridge, but it is also less than that of a semi-enclosed (rewirable) fuse. If such an incorrectly wired fuse were required to interrupt a fault, it could fail to do so with serious consequences.

Such a practice is, of course, a deviation from Regulation 2 of the IEE Wiring Regulations, and in certain circumstances could lead to prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act. Newsletter 47 September 1978

Misuse of HRC fuses carriers 2019 Regulation 2 (a) of Part 1 of the 14th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations required, in part, that ‘every electrical sub-circuit shall be protected against excess current by fuses, circuit-breakers, or other similar devices which –

i) Will operate automatically at current values which are suitably related to the safe current ratings of the circuit, and ii) Are of adequate making and breaking capacity, and iii) Are suitably located and of such construction as to prevent danger from overheating, arcing, or the scattering of hot metal when they come into operation, and as to permit ready renewal of fuseelements without danger.’

The misuse of HRC cartridge fuses still occurs and the points made in September 1978 still apply today.

Furthermore, it is likely that where a cartridge fuse has been ‘bypassed’ using a length of wire or ‘tin foil’, it is because the fuse has already ruptured due to a fault of some sort. It is, therefore, likely that a fault still remains on the installation.

One particular issue to highlight is that HRC fuses typically have a breaking capacity of many tens of thousands of amperes, a rewirable fuse has a breaking capacity of between 1 and 4 kA, and a bypassed fuse will have an unknown breaking capacity, but one that is likely to be significantly lower than even a rewirable fuse.

✗

It is clear that the bypassing of the means of protection will lead to an increased risk of shock, fire and/or burns. It will also place the person responsible for carrying out such an action liable for prosecution under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, should any accident occur.

Regulation 133.2 of BS 7671: 2018 is clear, requiring that every item of electrical equipment selected shall have suitable characteristics appropriate to the values and conditions on which the design of the electrical installation is based and shall, in particular, fulfil the requirements of Regulations 133.2.1 to 4.

Reference should also be made to: • Regulation Group 531.2 (Overcurrent protective devices) • Regulation Group 533.1.2 (Devices for protection against overcurrent – Fuses) • Regulation 533.3 (Selection of devices for protection of wiring systems against fault current) • Regulation 536.3 (Co-ordination requirements) • Regulation Group 536.4 (Requirements for selectivity).

Summary Means of overcurrent protection should be suitable for their intended purpose and not be bypassed. Where it is discovered that a fuse has been bypassed in this manner during a Periodic Inspection and Test, a C1 code should be issued and a Danger Notification Form issued.

62 AUTUMN 2019

62 The good old days_Connections Autumn 2019_Connections 62

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AICO The Aico Ei3028 Multi Sensor Heat and Carbon Monoxide Alarm brings together the latest technologies into one alarm. At its heart is a high performance, proven electrochemical CO sensor with a 10-year life span. When in alarm mode, the level of carbon monoxide detected is indicated by the flash rate of the red LED on the unit and the sounder incorporated within it. The Ei3018 comes with a number of sophisticated features, including AudioLINK data extraction and SmartLINK wireless interconnection and whole-system data monitoring capability. Forms part of Aico’s advanced 3000 series of alarms, which all use the same easi-fit base. www.aico.co.uk/3000series

63 AUTUMN SUMMER 2017 2019

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O F F T HE TO O L S

Tuning in

support for local areas has been diminished.

It might come through your local frequency but it could have been made in London so you can’t promote community events. We aim to put a bit of old-style radio back into the community, where local listeners can engage with the station.

Where is it broadcast?

We transmit throughout Derbyshire but it’s also available online. We have in the past had up to 1,000 people logged in. There’s a team of five people who operate the station, and it’s very satisfying when we get a listener get in touch. We play any music as long as it isn’t offensive.

Has your electrical knowledge helped?

My customers not only want electrical but also audio-visual and computer services, so the two go together quite well. The nature of the work we do lends itself to technical things. We make something work out of nothing!

Would you like this to be more than a hobby?

There’s not a lot of money to be had in radio, so it’s more of a hobby, but also providing a service for listeners and the area. My business also provides marketing and sponsorship as well, so they go hand in hand.

Nick Northover helps to run Derby Community Radio, a local station covering Derby and Derbyshire, when he’s not managing his electrical business

What are your plans for the station?

We’d like to broadcast on DAB radio to reach a wider audience, but DAB reception is quite limited in Derbyshire because of the hills.

Can you tell me about your business?

How did you get into community radio?

When I was at school everyone wanted to be a Radio 1 DJ! I got into it through hospital radio when I was 12. I would broadcast from the cellar of a hospital in Derby. At that point it was all playing records and compact discs; there was no technology involved.

takes up about two or three evenings a week and some time at the weekend.

What does the radio station set out to do?

Most commercial radio these days is run by big companies for money, and the level of

I run North Electrical Contractors and cover Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire. We do commercial, domestic and industrial work, and I also work for NICEIC, supporting it with the Platinum Promise. I started in 1996, but we’ve been going for 23 years now.

Is there anything else you get up to?

What does it involve?

I help to operate it and I do a show on a Friday night, 7-9pm. Fitting it in presents challenges but it’s important to have something else to disconnect from the workplace. I can put together a show on the computer so I don’t have to always be there, although I prefer not to do that. It probably

‘We aim to put a bit of old-style radio back, where local listeners can engage with the station’

I’m a tutor for the East Midlands Advanced Drivers, which trains people to obtain the RoSPA Advanced Drivers qualification. I do that once a fortnight, so there’s a second string to my bow.

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

65 AUTUMN 2019

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CURRENT AFFAIRS

#SPARKSLIFE

Blast from the past Our call for any unusual discoveries has certainly yielded some interesting finds. William Davey of Trydan Will Davey Electrical & AV in Aberystwyth unearthed a treasure trove of nostalgia, including model aeroplanes from the Second World War era, ration books and a ‘first test’ cricket bat from 1962 that is signed by the England squad – likely to be from a test series against either Pakistan or Australia.

Paul Windsor of PNP Electrical Services in Leigh, Lancashire, meanwhile, found an old label on the base of a light fitting advising

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 Kelly Electrics

installers to connect it with “asbestos covered flexibles” to comply with thee 13th edition. How times change.

Keep them coming! Email currentaffairs@redactive.co.uk

NORTHERN IRELAND SPARKS ANSWER SOS

SPEAKING OUT OF TURN Most electricians like to think of themselves as straight-talking – just as well, as it seems there are few things more annoying than corporate-speak.

A survey by Glassdoor has revealed the list of phrases that irritate people the most, topped by “touch base”, which grates on 24 per cent of employees. Other regular offenders include “no brainer”; “putting lipstick on a pig”; “gamechanger” and “get your ducks in a row”.

There was also a mention for “punch a puppy”. No, us neither, but it certainly doesn’t sound like anything that should be going on in the world of work. Or, indeed, ever.

Northern Ireland-based Premier Electrics was on hand to renovate the home of a local family who suffer from a range of health issues as part of the BBC TV show DIY SOS. Robert McMath from Premier Electrics oversaw the electrical installation, testing and commissioning of the building.

“It was a busy nine days, but it was satisfying to see so many volunteers working for this great cause,” he says.

The home was revamped with an emphasis on disabled access, with a lift, ramps and wider doorways put in place. Electric hoists were also installed in several bedrooms.

The Bangor Big Build is due to air on BBC1 later this year.

A historic service head discovery from Artisan Electrics (Cambridge)

Sparkly clean after a fresh wash and polish – DK Electrical Services, Kent

Spooky goings-on from Elly White of Kelly Electrics in London A quick refreshment break from Renew Electrical, Cheshire

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

66

Tag us at...

AUTUMN 2019

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03/10/2019 12:07

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