By james howard electrical safety 0 Comments

JHE Electricians Responsibility

The role of an electrician is very varied and many will have a different interpretation of the overall
responsibility that comes with it.

However, our trade is one of the few jobs that can have serious consequences if it’s done incorrectly. A building could be damaged or destroyed by fire while people can be injured or electrocuted. Because of this, all electricians have a great deal of responsibility.

It’s up to each and every one of us to do the best job we can. No matter how small or large the installation is, we must ensure that it’s safe. Whether a domestic, commercial, industrial or maintenance electrician, we will be going to work every day and undertaking some form of electrical task. With this comes a great deal of responsibility!

Take the domestic electrician, for example (although this applies to everyone). They’ve been entrusted to go into someone’s home and ensure everything is working correctly and as it should be. They might only be there for a few days (or longer, depending on the installation required) but they’ll then leave that installation and perhaps never return.

Nonetheless, that installation (lighting, sockets etc.) will be used every day by the consumer for the next 40-50 years. So it’s our responsibility to ensure we leave the installation as safe as possible.

We must design the system properly, install it to comply with BS7671 and finally carry out the full range of tests. We must ensure that if there was a fault (say the householder drilling a wall and hitting one of our cables) then the protective devices we installed will do what we put them there to do – disconnect that circuit and stop a person from getting burned or shocked.

We talk about ADS (Automatic Disconnection of Supply) which means we install earthing, bonding and protective devices. These must be co-ordinated so that, in the event of a fault, the protective device will operate automatically.

The installer who doesn’t test will never know if the installation carried out was safe. Just because they’ve been doing that type of work for years (and it always works) doesn’t mean it is safe.

You wouldn’t knowingly put yourself or your family in danger, and that must be the attitude when working for others. Make sure you leave every job knowing that it is safe and sound for the people using it. Call us today for a free quotation on 01763 245108 www.jheltd.com

By james howard electrical safety • installation • jhe 0 Comments

The top impacts of the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations- Are you ready?

The top impacts of the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations- Are you ready?

The 18th Edition

The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018) will be published on 2nd July 2018. It is intended to come into effect on 1st January 2019.

So, what are the Wiring Regulations, and why they are important? And what do they mean for businesses and homeowners? We thought we would explore the new Regulations in this article.

What are the Wiring Regulations, and why are they important?

The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations is a publication for professionals working in the electrical industry which forms the national standard which all new and amended electrical installations in the UK must comply to.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the British Standards Institution (BSI) released an official list of changes that will be included in the regulations when it is published on 2 July.

The Regulations apply to the design, erection and verification of electrical installations, as well as additions and alterations to existing installations. Existing installations that have been installed in accordance with earlier editions of the Regulations may not comply with this edition in every respect. This does not necessarily mean that they are unsafe for continued use or require upgrading.

Electricians must work to a set of standards to ensure the safety of their customers. All electricians registered with the NICEIC are regularly assessed to ensure high standards and their work is checked against the IET Wiring Regulations. It is, therefore, important to ensure any electrical company you work with is appropriately accredited.

What do the regulations mean for commercial and industrial businesses?

Any installations designed after 31st December 2018 will have to comply with BS 7671:2018

As an approved NICEIC installer, we’re fully equipped to deal with all of your electrical requirements in the office or business premises.

Whether you need an upgrade to your lighting system, or you’d simply like some advise we provide the same expert, friendly service.

Our engineers have a wealth of experience in the commercial sector and can help and advise you on all your electrical needs. We are perfectly placed to deal with all electrical needs in properties such as shops, factories, industrial units, showrooms. All of our work will comply with the latest edition of the current electrical regulations, BS7671 17th edition and is covered by the NICEIC guarantee for your peace of mind.

https://jheltd.com/our-services/commercial/

http://www.electricalcompetentperson.co.uk/Regulations-Explained

http://www.ewnews.co.uk/index.php/iet-and-bsi-announce-the-official-changes-to-bs-7671-for-the-18th-edition-iet-wiring-regulations/

 

Part 1 Scope, object and fundamental principles

Regulation 133.1.3 (Selection of equipment) has been modified and now requires a statement on the Electrical Installation Certificate.

Chapter 41 Protection against electric shock

Section 411 contains a number of significant changes. Some of the main ones are mentioned below:

Metallic pipes entering the building having an insulating section at their point of entry need not be connected to the protective equipotential bonding (Regulation 411.3.1.2).

The maximum disconnection times stated in Table 41.1 now apply for final circuits up to 63 A with one or more socket-outlets and 32 A for final circuits supplying only fixed connected current-using equipment (Regulation 411.3.2.2).

Regulation 411.3.3 has been revised and now applies to socket-outlets with a rated current not exceeding 32A. There is an exception to omit RCD protection where, other than a dwelling, a documented risk assessment determines that RCD protection is not necessary.

A new Regulation 411.3.4 requires that, within domestic (household) premises, additional protection by an RCD with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA shall be provided for AC final circuits supplying luminaires.

Regulation 411.4.3 has been modified to include that no switching or isolating device shall be inserted in a PEN conductor.

Regulations 411.4.4 and 411.4.5 have been redrafted.

The regulations concerning IT systems (411.6) have been reorganized. Regulations 411.6.3.1 and 411.6.3.2 have been deleted and 411.6.4 redrafted and a new Regulation 411.6.5 inserted.

A new Regulation group (419) has been inserted where automatic disconnection according to Regulation 411.3.2 is not feasible, such as electronic equipment with limited short-circuit current.

Chapter 42 Protection against thermal effects

A new Regulation 421.1.7 has been introduced recommending the installation of arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) to mitigate the risk of fire in AC final circuits of a fixed installation due to the effects of arc fault currents.

Regulation 422.2.1 has been redrafted. Reference to conditions BD2, BD3 and BD4 has been deleted. A note has been added stating that cables need to satisfy the requirements of the CPR in respect of their reaction to fire and making reference to Appendix 2, item 17. Requirements have also been included for cables that are supplying safety circuits.

Chapter 44 Protection against voltage disturbances and electromagnetic disturbances

Section 443, which deals with protection against overvoltages of atmospheric origin or due to switching, has been redrafted.

The AQ criteria (conditions of external influence for lightning) for determining if protection against transient overvoltages is needed are no longer included in BS 7671. Instead, protection against transient overvoltages has to be provided where the consequence caused by overvoltage (see Regulation 443.4)

(a) results in serious injury to, or loss of, human life, or
(b) results in interruption of public services/or damage to and cultural heritage, or
(c) results in interruption of commercial or industrial activity, or
(d) affects a large number of co-located individuals.

For all other cases, a risk assessment has to be performed in order to determine if protection against transient overvoltage is required.

There is an exception not to provide protection for single dwelling units in certain situations.

Chapter 46 Devices for isolation and switching – A new Chapter 46 has been introduced.

This deals with non-automatic local and remote isolation and switching measures for the prevention or removal of dangers associated with electrical installations or electrically powered equipment. Also, switching for the control of circuits or equipment. Where electrically powered equipment is within the scope of BS EN 60204, only the requirements of that standard apply.

Chapter 52 Selection and erection of wiring systems

Regulation 521.11.201 which give requirements for the methods of support of wiring systems in escape routes, has been replaced by a new Regulation 521.10.202. This is a significant change.

Regulation 521.10.202 requires cables to be adequately supported against their premature collapse in the event of a fire. This applies throughout the installation and not just in escape routes.

Regulation 522.8.10 concerning buried cables has been modified to include an exception for SELV cables.

Regulation 527.1.3 has also been modified, and a note added stating that cables also need to satisfy the requirements of the CPR in respect of their reaction to fire.

Chapter 53 Protection, isolation, switching, control and monitoring

This chapter has been completely revised and deals with general requirements for protection, isolation, switching, control and monitoring and with the requirements for selection and erection of the devices provided to fulfil such functions.

Section 534 Devices for protection against overvoltage

This section focuses mainly on the requirements for the selection and erection of SPDs for protection against transient overvoltages where required by Section 443, the BS EN 62305 series, or as otherwise stated.

Section 534 has been completely revised and the most significant technical change refers to the selection requirements for the voltage protection level.

Chapter 54 Earthing arrangements and protective conductors

Two new regulations (542.2.3 and 542.2.8) have been introduced concerning earth electrodes.

Two further new regulations (543.3.3.101 and 543.3.3.102) have been introduced. These give requirements for the insertion of a switching device in a protective conductor, the latter regulation relating to situations where an installation is supplied from more than one source of energy.

Chapter 55 Other equipment

Regulation 550.1 introduces a new scope.

New Regulation 559.10 refers to ground-recessed luminaires, the selection and erection of which shall take account of the guidance given in Table A.1 of BS EN 60598-2-13.

Part 6 Inspection and testing

Part 6 has been completely restructured, including the regulation numbering to align with the CENELEC standard.

Chapters 61, 62 and 63 have been deleted and the content of these chapters now form two new Chapters 64 and 65.

Section 704 Construction and demolition site installations

This section contains a number of small changes, including requirements for external influences (Regulation 704.512.2), and a modification to Regulation 704.410.3.6 concerning the protective measure of electrical separation.

Section 708 Electrical installations in caravan/camping parks and similar locations

This section contains a number of changes including requirements for socket-outlets, RCD protection, and operational conditions and external influences.

Section 710 Medical locations

This section contains a number of small changes including the removal of Table 710.

Changes to Regulations 710.415.2.1 and 710.415.2.3 concerning equipotential bonding.

A new Regulation 710.421.1.201 which states for all final circuits supplied by medical IT system in medical locations of group 2, AFDD shall not be used.

Section 715 Extra-low voltage lighting installations

This section contains only minor changes including modifications to Regulation 715.524.201.

Section 721 Electrical installations in caravans and motor caravans

This section contains a number of changes including requirements electrical separation, RCDs, proximity to non-electrical services and protective bonding conductors.

Section 722 Electric vehicle charging installations

This section contains significant changes to Regulation 722.411.4.1 concerning the use of a PME supply.

The exception concerning reasonably practicable has been deleted.

Changes have also been made to requirements for external influences, RCDs, socket-outlets and connectors.

Section 730 Onshore units of electrical shore connections for inland navigation vessels

This is an entirely new section and applies to onshore installations dedicated to the supply of inland navigation vessels for commercial and administrative purposes, berthed in ports and berths.

Most, if not all, of the measures used to reduce the risks in marinas apply equally to electrical shore connections for inland navigation vessels. One of the major differences between supplies to vessels in a typical marina and electrical shore connections for inland navigation vessels is the size of the supply needed.

Section 753 Floor and ceiling heating systems

This section has been completely revised.

The scope of Section 753 has been extended to apply to embedded electric heating systems for surface heating.

The requirements also apply to electric heating systems for de-icing or frost prevention or similar applications, and cover both indoor and outdoor systems.

Heating systems for industrial and commercial applications complying with IEC 60519, IEC 62395 and IEC 60079 are not covered.

Appendices

The following main changes have been made within the appendices

Appendix 1 British Standards to which reference is made in the Regulations includes minor changes, and additions.

Appendix 3 Time/current characteristics of overcurrent protective devices and RCDs

The previous contents of Appendix 14 concerning earth fault loop impedance have been moved into
Appendix 3.

Appendix 6 Model forms for certification and reporting

This appendix includes minor changes to the certificates, changes to the inspections (for new installation work only) for domestic and similar premises with up to 100 A supply, and examples of items requiring inspection for an electrical installation condition report.

Appendix 7 (informative) Harmonized cable core colours

This appendix includes only minor changes.

Appendix 8 Current-carrying capacity and voltage drop

This appendix includes changes regarding rating factors for current-carrying capacity.

Appendix 14 Determination of prospective fault current

The contents of Appendix 14 concerning earth fault loop impedance have been moved into
Appendix 3. Appendix 14 now contains information on determination of prospective fault current.

Appendix 17 Energy efficiency

This is a new appendix that provides recommendations for the design and erection of electrical installations including installations having local production and storage of energy for optimizing the overall efficient use of electricity.

The recommendations within the scope of this appendix apply for new electrical installations and modification of existing electrical installations. Much of this appendix will not apply to domestic and similar installations.

It is intended that this appendix is read in conjunction with BS IEC 60364-8-1, when published in 2018 on a dedicated team, strong creative, strategic ideas, organisation and lots of hard graft.

 

We can help you

At JHE Electrical contractors Ltd, we are here to assist you with your commercial or domestic electrical needs. To speak with us, you can either contact us online or call

01763 245108.

By james howard domestic • electrical safety • inspection and testing 0 Comments

Electrics and the Elderly – JHE

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  • Research carried out by NICEIC and ELECSA revealed that:
    ·       24 million* adults in the UK have an elderly relative living on their own.
    ·       50% of us hold the opinion that the elderly are more at risk from the electrical dangers in our homes,
    ·       75% have never helped their relative to have their home safety checked by an electrician.
    ·       80% have never been concerned by the safety of the electrical appliances in their elderly family   member’s home.
  • “We want to encourage those looking out for an older relative or neighbor to have a quick check of the home and make sure there is nothing there that could potentially lead to something awful occurring.
  • “They could also be plugging these appliances into an electric supply around the home that might not have been checked in decades or perhaps never at all.
  • “With people over 65 statistically more likely to be involved in a fire caused by faulty electrics this is obviously concerning. During the colder months the elderly are more likely to be plugging in electrical appliances such as heaters or electric blankets, many of which could be old and potentially dangerous.
  • “While up to 50% of people will be making regular calls on a relative or neighbour this winter, less than 20% of those would think to take a quick check of the electrics to make sure everything is ok.
  • Yet research by NICEIC and ELECSA has revealed that although many of us will be looking in on an elderly relative or neighbour this winter, the one thing that could be getting overlooked is a quick check on the state of the electrics.
  • The UK’s leading registration body for electricians is urging people to think electrics when they carry out their checks on the elderly this winter.
  • Proportionately, older people suffer more fatal and non-fatal injuries from electrically-related house fires than the rest of the population. People over 65 are particularly at risk because they often live in old or poor-quality housing that contains faulty electrics or old appliances.
  • NICEIC and ELECSA have produced a checklist, of what to look out for to reduce the risk of an electrical fault. This quick visual check includes:
  • Ensuring that plug sockets are not damaged or scorched. Any scorch marks around a socket are indication that something is not right and that you should call a registered electrician to investigate further.
    ·       Checking that any leads or cables are not damaged or frayed
    ·       Checking that lights are working correctly and there is no signs of visible damage
    ·       Checking that sockets are not overloaded or that too many extension leads are in use.
    ·       Check that the main fusebox (consumer unit) has RCD protection fitted. An RCD (Residual Current Device) will trip should it detect an overload in the circuit.

    By carrying out these simple checks people will be able to reduce the risk of fire or spot something that could potentially lead to a problem in the future. If they see something that doesn’t seem to be working properly or may need further investigation we always suggest they call their local registered electrician. A registered electrician will be able to rectify any faults or carry out an Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR) which will identify any potential issues that could lead to further problems. Faulty electrics in the home account for 20,000 house fires each year, causing upwards of 70 fatalities.

  • Leading electrical charity Electrical Safety First advises that homeowners get an EICR carried out at least every 10 years.Most electrical issues in the home are easily preventable by ensuring a home is regularly checked by a suitable, registered electrician. 
By james howard domestic • electrical safety • inspection and testing 0 Comments

Tenants – stay safe in your rented home

  • Every year around 70 deaths and 350,000 injuries in UK homes are caused by faulty electrics and electrical equipment.  Almost half of all domestic fires are caused by electricity. And if you live in a privately rented property, statistics show that you are at a higher risk of electric shock.
  • By law, your landlord must ensure that electrical installations and wiring are maintained in a safe condition throughout the tenancy.
  • Ask your landlord for a report confirming that the electrical installation has been assessed and is safe to use (called an Electrical Installation Condition Report, previously referred to as a Periodic Inspection Report or PIR). Electrical Safety First recommends that a periodic inspection and test of the electrical installation should be carried out by a registered electrician at least every five years or on change of tenancy.

Contact us for a free quotation