switched on issue 17

Issue17 | Summer 2010 | £5.00

Plug into SafetyESC launches five-yearRCD campaign

www.esc.org.uk

2 SwitchedOn Issue 17 - Summer 2010

WELCOME

FROM THE NEW EDITOR…

On page 7 of this edition of Switched On

you will read that despite the efforts of

organisations such as the ESC and ECA, the

network companies have declined to

establish a scheme that would allow

electricians to withdraw the cut-out fuse in

order to work safely on the customer’s

electrical installation. The reason cited by

representatives of the network companies is

health and safety. This would be amusing

were it not so outlandish, particularly as the

Health and Safety Executive has been

supporting efforts to bring about an

agreement with the network companies to

allow electricians to be able to work safely

and provide their customers with a good

service.

The consequences of the decision by the

network companies to withdraw from the

discussions is that customers will have to

bear extra cost and inconvenience, as they

or their electrician will have to arrange for a

visit to remove the cut-out fuse prior to

work commencing and then plan a return

visit to get the fuse put back in. The

alternative is an unauthorised removal of

the fuse, which could lead to a dispute with

the network company. This is in no way

ideal for anyone - least of all the customer

who will have to bear the inconvenience of

waiting for the job to be finished, not to

mention the additional cost

This is a sorry state of affairs and given the

Government’s target of installing some 20

million smart electricity meters by 2020, it

would seem improbable that the target will

be reached if there is not an agreement that

will allow electricians to remove the cut-out

fuse, albeit following an approved training

course. We will continue to lobby hard on

this matter and when the newly elected

Government is in place we will be seeking

to meet with the minister responsible to

discuss our concerns in this matter.

On the subject of the general election, by

the time you read this edition of Switched

On the new Government will have been in

place for around six weeks. The ESC is

currently paying close attention to each

party’s manifesto and we will be watching

carefully to see how pledges start to

become policies that could have an effect

on electrical safety as the new Government

begins its work of introducing or amending

legislation. We have already written to the

prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs)

for the three main parties in their target

seats, outlining key areas of our work and

asking them to sign a pledge to support

improvements to the electrics in the private

housing sector should they be elected. We

have been heartened by the interest the

pledge has generated and we will be

following up with those PPCs that are

elected to see how we can use their

support to gain the improvements in

electrical safety we are seeking.

Also in this edition you will read about the

flagship RCD campaign, page 8. This is the

ESC’s biggest campaign since it was

renamed and shows how far we have come

since 2006. The campaign seeks to change

behaviours of consumers and encourage

the installation and use of RCDs. We are

seeking the support of manufacturers and

the electrical contracting industry and as

the campaign is rolled out there will be

opportunities to get involved. I would

encourage you to do this as RCDs are a

proven life saver.

I hope you enjoy reading this edition of

Switched On, the first to be edited by

Andrew Brister – welcome Andrew.

As always, we would welcome feedback on

Switched On, to help us improve the

content. Email [email protected]

Phil Buckle

It’s a real privilege to be sitting in the

editor’s chair for the first time during the

production of this edition of Switched On.

As this issue ably demonstrates, the

Council is working hard on so many fronts

to improve behaviours in terms of electrical

safety, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

I’d like to say a big thank you to my

predecessor Mike Clark for all his hard work

as editor of Switched On since its

inception. Mike will remain central to

Switched On in his role as technical

director of the Council, contributing

articles and coercing others to put pen to

paper, or fingers to keyboard, too.

I’m not new to the electrical industry,

having edited Electrical & Mechanical

Contractor magazine, in partnership with

the Electrical Contractors’ Association, for

more years than I care to remember. These

are exciting times and I’m looking forward

to helping the industry keep abreast of all

that is going on in this fast-moving sector.

I welcome your comments, contributions

and criticism. Please feel free to email on

[email protected]

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Council taking a major role at the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organisation (ICPHSO) see page 13

industry news

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issue 17 Summer 2010

switchedon

your insight into the electricalsafety industry

Plug into Safety: The ESC’s five-year RCD campaign

Downlighters: a burning issue?

Controlling domestic electricalappliances from asingle switching position

Have you ever been asked… Canrewireable fuses still be used?

Overhead power lines

From the new editor…Also, Welcome

News in brief

Council sponsors TSI conference

Also, Amendment No 1 to the

‘17th Edition’

New model Electrical InstallationCondition Reports being trialled

The Essential Guide to the WiringRegulations – offline version

Also, Access to service fuses

NICEIC Group Ltd – name change

Also, Accident data analysis,

Preparations for launch of Electrical

Information Hub in autumn

Approved Cables Initiative Launched

Also, Sparks Expo

Electrical Installation Forum – 17thEdition guidance Also, Best Practice Guides

Council to take leading role atinternational product safetysymposium Also, Voltimum and Gambica sign

anti-counterfeit charter

Industry revises AM2 competencestandard

The UK smart meter roll-out andelectrical safety issues

SwitchedOn Issue 17 - Summer 2010 3

Published by:

The Electrical Safety Council

Unit 1.10, Canterbury Court, Kennington

Park Business Centre, 1 - 3 Brixton Road,

London SW9 6DE

www.esc.org.uk

www.eschub.org.uk

www.twothirtyvolts.org.uk

www.switchedonkids.org.uk

Tel: 0870 040 0561 Fax: 0870 040 0560

email: [email protected]

Successful prosecution for

supplier of unsafe travel adaptor

Best Price 2 U Ltd has been fined £500 and

ordered to pay £1,015 costs after being

found guilty of possessing for sale an

unsafe travel adaptor which presented “a

serious risk of electric shock” to anyone

using it. The verdict came after action by

the Electrical Safety Council.

Best Price 2 U Ltd of Ray Park Avenue,

Maidenhead was found guilty at Bracknell

Magistrates Court on Wednesday 17 March

to breaching section 12(1) of the

Consumer Protection Act 1987 in that the

adaptor failed to comply with the Plugs

and Sockets etc (Safety) Regulations 1994.

The court heard that in January 2009 the

ESC contacted the Royal Borough of

Windsor and Maidenhead’s trading

standards team with a complaint about the

safety of a Wonplug International All-In-

One travel adaptor that had been

purchased via the Amazon website from

Best Price 2 U Ltd.

Following independent expert testing the

adaptor was found to present a serious risk

of electric shock to anyone using it.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, lead member for public

protection, said: “This was a serious safety

issue – members of the public could have

been injured by the adaptor and, as the

court recognised, Best Price 2 U Ltd, had

no procedures in place to check whether

the items were safe or not and had no

proper record or recollection of who had

supplied the items to it or when. At best

their approach was slapdash – at worst it

was negligent.

“We are working with other trading

standards services across the country to

ensure that they are aware of the problems

that this product poses so they can take

their own action nationally. Hopefully the

case will send a message to all suppliers of

electrical products that they must take

steps to satisfy themselves that the

products they sell are safe.”

Laptop computer charging

trolleys safety alert

The HSE has issued a safety alert for the

attention of schools that use laptop

computer charging trolleys and those who

manufacture or supply such products. The

alert is intended to raise awareness of the

potential electrical dangers and the steps

to take to protect staff and pupils.

The alert was issued following an HSE

investigation into an electric shock

incident involving a laptop charging trolley

which found that, when a 3-pin plug

supplying the trolley was removed from

the supply socket, there was sufficient

stored electric charge on the pins of the

plug to give the user an electric shock.

In addition, some trolleys have been

identified that have two supply cables

contrary to good electrical engineering

practice, inadequate plug and cable

storage facilities, and unsuitable earth

terminations.

The full text of the HSE safety alert can be

found at www.hse.gov.uk/services/

education/safety121009.htm

‘Faulty electrics a death trap’

99p Stores Ltd, who have 112 stores

around the UK, have been fined £3,500 and

ordered to pay costs of £2,919 after

pleading guilty to selling a dangerous

plug-in nightlight from its branch at

Camberwell, London.

Tower Bridge Magistrates heard how in

February 2009 a member of the public

used one of the nightlights and, on

removing it from the wall socket, found

that one of the metal plug pins had broken

off and remained protruding from the live

wall socket.

He complained to Southwark's Trading

Standards team who carried out its own

tests. These confirmed the fault and also

highlighted other dangers such as the

absence of any fuse and accessibility to the

bulb.

99p Stores had imported 17,000 of the

nightlights and carried out a product recall

in March. However, the court heard how

they had failed to carry out adequate

checks to ensure that the products

imported complied with the Electrical

(Equipment) Safety Regulations 1994.

The company had blamed their suppliers

for switching delivery from a UK-based

company to one in Hong Kong.

Electrium product recall

Electrium is offering a free retrofit of a

number of its Miniature Circuit Breakers

that are not performing to the required

characteristics and could potentially lead

to a risk of burning in a small number of

installations.

Although Electrium maintains that the

immediate risk to a property is low, the

company is undertaking a free retrofit of

replacement parts in all affected premises.

The work must be carried out by a

qualified competent electrician.

Electrium supplies several brands to the UK

market. For details of affected products,

please visit the following web page for

assistance:

www.mcbexchange.co.uk/electrium.

Alternatively, call 0844 5564787.

NEWS IN BRIEF


The Council has sponsored the Trading

Standards Institute’s successful

conference and exhibition that took place in

Edinburgh at Edinburgh International

Conference Centre from Tuesday 15 June to

Thursday 17 June 2010. The conference

hosted interactive plenary sessions on each

day, as well as 120 exhibition stands and 41

mini theatre training sessions.

Through sponsoring the conference, the

Council raised its profile in Scotland both

with the enforcement community and

government and helped to further

strengthen its product safety credentials.

During the conference, the Council

presented an overview of its role in

supporting Trading Standards, in particular

raising awareness of the results of recent

findings from the ESC product testing

programme. The Council also talked to

Trading Standards Officers (TSOs) about the

successful launch of the ESC’s microsite on

the TS Interlink website and how it is used

to facilitate ‘instant’ two-way

communication with all TSOs and other

users of the TS interlink system relating to

electrical product safety issues.

COUNCIL SPONSORS TSI CONFERENCE

The UK standard for the safety of electrical

installations, BS 7671: 2008, is being

amended to further harmonise it with the

equivalent European Standard*, which is

itself based on an International Standard**.

A Draft for Public Comment was published

by the British Standards Institution in early

June. This is an opportunity for everyone

who has an interest in BS 7671 to comment

on the proposed changes. The deadline for

comments is 2 September.

There will, however, be limited scope for

radical change to the draft. This is because

the British Standard has to reflect the

technical intent of the European Standard,

and the various parts of that Standard have

already been accepted by, or in some cases

effectively imposed upon, the UK.

Should you wish to comment on the

proposed changes, the Draft for Public

Comment can be downloaded free of

charge from the IET website

(www.theiet.org/technical). Alternatively,

paper copies can be ordered from the IET or

BSI at cost.

Following consideration of all comments

received, BS 7671:2008 incorporating

Amendment No 1 is expected to be

published on 1 July 2011 and, following a

six-month transition period, to come into

full effect for the design of installations on 1

January 2012.

The amendments will not be published as a

separate document, but will be

incorporated in a new full version of the

regulations which, for the first time, will be

referred to as the ‘IET Wiring Regulations’. In

accordance with tradition, the first

amendment will have a green cover.

*CENELEC Harmonisation Document HD

60384: Electrical installations of buildings

** IEC Standard IEC 60364: Low voltage

electrical installations

AMENDMENT NO 1 TO THE ‘17TH EDITION’ – YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE


As reported in previous issues of

Switched On, the ESC has taken a

number of initiatives in conjunction with

others to help improve the general standard

of domestic periodic inspection reporting.

One of these initiatives was to propose

changing the title, format and content of

the model periodic inspection report form

given in Appendix 6 of BS 7671 to make it

more informative and easier for

householders to understand, and to provide

a framework to enable inspectors to report

more clearly and comprehensively on the

condition of an electrical installation.

Consequently, the committee responsible

for the technical content of BS 7671 (Joint

IET/BSI Committee JPEL64) has developed a

new set of forms based on ESC proposals,

which have recently been made available

for trial purposes* in parallel with the Draft

for Public Comment for Amendment 1.

The name of the report has been changed

from ‘Periodic Inspection Report’ to

‘Electrical Installation Condition Report’, to

make it more meaningful to recipients.

The classification codes to be used for each

recorded observation have been made

clearer and more direct, as follows:

• Code C1 - Danger present. Risk of injury.

Immediate remedial action required

• Code C2 - Potentially dangerous - urgent

remedial action required

• Code C3 - Improvement recommended

The condition of an electrical installation

must be reported to be ‘unsatisfactory’ if any

observation is classified as C1 or C2.

There is no separate code for ‘requires

further investigation’ as it will be possible to

indicate separately against each observation

whether or not further investigation is

required.

Also, there is no equivalent to the existing

Recommendation Code 4, “Does not comply

with BS 7671: 2008. This does not imply that

the electrical installation inspected is unsafe.”

Such observations are no longer considered

relevant for a report on the condition of an

electrical installation, the purpose of which

is to record any damage, deterioration,

defects, dangerous conditions and non-

compliance with the requirements on the

current edition of BS 7671 which may give

rise to danger. (Regulation 634.2).

As in the existing Periodic Inspection

Report, the new Condition Report consists

of three parts, but these are all now custom-

designed for condition reporting purposes:

• A generic, two-page summary recording,

amongst other things, who the report

has been produced for, details of the

installation inspected and the extent and

limitations of the inspection; a summary

of the condition of the installation, and

the recommended remedial actions,

together with the observations made

that require action, together with their

classification codes and whether or not

each item requires further investigation

• One or more inspection schedules. There

are three types:

- An inspection schedule for a single

distribution board installation for

domestic and similar premises

- An inspection schedule for the main

intake and associated circuits for a

multiple distribution board

installation

- An inspection schedule for each

distribution board of a multiple

distribution board installation

Each schedule lists the elements of a

typical installation, against which the

outcome of their inspection (their

condition) can be recorded. Outcomes

can be ‘acceptable’ (tick), ‘unacceptable’

(code C1 or C2), ‘improvement

recommended’ (code C3), ‘limitation’ or

‘not applicable’ (to the particular

installation). A further column is provided

to indicate whether or not further

investigation of each item is required.

• A generic test results schedule.

As in the existing Periodic Inspection

Report, there are brief guidance notes for

both the recipient and the person

producing the condition report.

There has already been criticism in some

quarters that the new approach will result in

more paperwork and checklists for

inspectors to complete, but the new forms

have been designed not only with the

interests of the recipients in mind, but also

to help inspectors produce clearer and

more comprehensive condition reports. The

completion of condition reports should not

be viewed by inspectors as a ‘bureaucratic

paper-chasing exercise’, but as a valuable

and greatly improved professional service to

their customers, for whose benefit the new

forms have been designed.

*Those wishing to see, download or trial the

proposed new condition report forms can

access them by visiting

http://standardsproposals.bsigroup.com and

then searching for ‘7671’. To make comments

on them separately from the Draft for Public

Comment for Amendment 1, it will be

necessary to register with or log into the BSI

‘new proposal’ system on the BSI website. The

closing date for comments on the proposals

for Amendment 1 to BS 7671 is 2 September

NEW MODEL ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CONDITIONREPORT FORMS CURRENTLY BEING TRIALLED


Electricians not directly employed by the

electrical supply industry continue to

be denied permission to use the

distributor’s service fuse to isolate the

incoming supply to domestic premises

themselves in order to carry out work such

as the replacement of consumer units

safely and conveniently. As reported in the

spring issue, this is in spite of the electrical

installation industry’s efforts to get the

supply industry to change its policy.

Since then, the DCUSA* Working Group

has published a guidance document ‘to aid

non-industry parties in arranging de-

energisation’. This is in the form of answers

to ‘frequently asked questions’, which can

be found at: www.dcusa.co.uk/Public/Documents.aspx?t=11

The guidance is based on the supply

industry’s existing policy, which is to

require electricians to call upon the

particular electricity supplier for the

premises to arrange for their meter

operator to carry out the necessary de-

energisation and re-energisation process.

The guidance includes details of how to

contact the relevant supplier.

Electrical installation bodies are expected

to continue their efforts to get the supply

industry to authorise competent

electricians not directly employed in the

supply industry to access service fuses in

domestic premises as and when necessary,

in the same way as they already authorise

persons employed by meter operators.

* The Distribution, Connection and Use of

System Agreement (DCUSA) is a multi-party

contract between electricity distributors and

electricity suppliers/retailers. It governs the

main relationship between people who sell

electricity and the owners of the networks

that distribute it.

The standard version of the Council’s Essential Guide to the Wiring

Regulations is accessible online only, which means that users

need to be connected to the internet whenever using it.

The ESC would still like to hear from users or potential users who

would be interested in subscribing to an enhanced version of the

Essential Guide that could also be used on laptops, netbooks etc

offline when internet access is not available, such as may be the case

when users are away from their office or base.

As at the end of April, only 50 or so users or potential users of the

Guide have registered interest in an offline version through the

electrical information hub at www.eschub.org.uk.

With such a relatively low level of interest, it is unlikely to be

economically viable to develop an offline version.

However, the opportunity to register your interest in an offline

version will remain open until the end of August, at which time a

decision whether or not to proceed will be taken.

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE WIRING REGULATIONS –DO YOU WANT AN OFFLINE VERSION ?


We will report the final outcome of this enquiry in the next issue of Switched On.

ACCESS TO SERVICE FUSES: STILL DENIED

Plug into Safety, the Electrical Safety

Council’s new flagship campaign, is to run

over the next five years. The main aim of

the extensive programme of work is to take RCDs

into the mainstream – in much the same way that

smoke alarms are now recognised and used by

over 80% of the population. Its key message is

simple: “RCD protection could save your life”.

The campaign is designed to encourage and help

householders to reduce the risk of electrical

accidents in their homes by ensuring they have RCD

protection fitted.

Extensive industry research and a review of existing

evidence indicates that:

• more than half the homes in the UK – that’s 13

million - don’t have RCD protection installed

• that every week in the UK someone dies in their

home through an electrical-related accident; and

that thousands of people are injured every year

• on average, 19 people each year die in their

homes from electrocution and in 2007, around

50% of fires (around 21,000) in domestic

dwellings were attributed to an electrical cause

• almost all electrocutions in the home and 20% of

fires having an electrical origin (around 4,000)

could potentially have been prevented if RCD

protection had been present and in working order

in their consumer units.

Plug into Safety will urge householders to take five

minutes to carry out simple electrical safety checks

including a review of RCD protection. Phil Buckle,

director general at the Electrical Safety Council,

said: “There couldn’t be a better time to launch the

Plug into Safety campaign. Now is the time when

many people will be getting out in the garden or

doing DIY and using lots of power tools, and

currently more than half of UK homes – that’s 13

million - don’t have RCD protection in their fusebox.

“It’s up to the industry to lead the way in

encouraging householders to install RCDs and take

basic safety measures so that UK families are

protected from the potential dangers of electricity.”

The campaign will raise general awareness of

electrical safety and encourage householders to:

• Check plug sockets, electrical appliances,

lighting and switches for any that are faulty or

damaged

• Consider upgrading to a modern fusebox with

built-in RCDs or install plug-in RCDs

• Contact a registered electrician with any

concerns about electrical safety.

The Council wants to help and support the electrical

industry to lead the way in encouraging

householders to install RCDs. The public needs to

be aware of the issues so that householders can

take basic safety measures to protect themselves

and their families from the hazards of electricity.

The ESC knows that the electrical industry is

passionate about consumer safety and would

welcome the opportunity to help promote it to their

customers – and to support a campaign of this type.

The Council believes that electricians and others

within the electrical industry such as electrical

manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers can play a

vital role as intermediaries to help reach people to

deliver key messages about the use and benefits of

RCD protection.

Plug into Safety: The ESC’s five-year RCD

“The

campaign is

designed to

encourage

and help

householders

to reduce the

risk of

electrical

accidents in

their

homes....”


The ESC has developed a range of tools for

intermediaries to use to engage with this campaign.

For example, a toolkit for electricians will provide their

customers with impartial, user-friendly, practical,

expert advice on electrical safety.

The toolkit includes a range of electrical safety

guidance that electricians can pass on to their

customers that will help explain to people the need for

RCD protection and also provide householders with

other simple messages and practical tips on electrical

safety that could one day save their lives.

To complement this activity, the ESC is promoting the

safety benefits of RCDs when using electrical

equipment for gardening or DIY. There will be

partnerships with manufacturers of electrical products,

who will provide advice in product packaging, and with

retailers via in-store displays and activity that will

encourage consumers to consider electrical safety

when embarking on higher-risk activities.

With the support of electricians and others, we can

help to overcome the key challenges facing this

campaign and to help householders to understand the

need for RCD protection.

The barriers include:

• consumers’ lack of knowledge about what an RCD

is and does

• the perception of cost

• the blasé attitude towards the safety risks…”it will

never happen to me”.

A national and regional media campaign will run

throughout this year to support the full range of

campaign activity and to reinforce the key messages: in

particular that “RCD protection could save your life”.

‘Plug into Safety’ campaign toolkits will be available

through wholesalers and other industry partners from

mid-July onwards. For more information about the full

range of activity involved in this campaign or to find out

how to obtain the toolkit, go to www.esc.org.uk/rcd

or email [email protected]

D campaign

Media stories needed – win an iPod Touch!

Have you suffered from an electric shock orelectrical fire? Perhaps you’ve been called in to helpmake a home safe after its owner has suffered fromone? Share your story and help raise awarenessabout the importance of electrical safety in thehome – and get the chance to win an ipod!

The Electrical Safety Council is looking for storiesabout electrical shocks or fires that could have beenprevented by an RCD. Whether you’ve sufferedyourself or are an electrician who has witnessed theconsequences - if you have a story to tell - pleasecontact Jacqueline Culleton [email protected]

or 020 7403 2230.

Eligible stories will be entered into a free prize draw to win an ipod



Ascertiva Group Ltd is the new name for

NICEIC Group Ltd , the trading subsidiary

of the Electrical Safety Council.

Ascertiva Group’s key brands remain NICEIC,

the UK’s largest certification body for

electrical contractors and NQA, a global

management certification provider.

The “Ascertiva” brand is a composite name,

representing the three main activities of the

company: Assessment, Certification and

Verification. It has been designed to be

recognised internationally and the tick logo

denotes the positive action of certification

on industry, business and government.

“We have changed our name so that we can

communicate effectively and conduct

business at a Group level, without

compromising our key brands,” explains

Emma McCarthy, chief operating officer,

Ascertiva Group. “For our NICEIC and NQA

customers it is very much business as usual.”

NICEIC and NQA are not affected by the

name change and no customer will need to

change company livery, letterheads or

certificates. Ascertiva Group’s surplus is gift

aided to its parent company , the Electrical

Safety Council so it can fulfil its charitable

aims.

For more details on the company log onto

www.ascertiva.com

NICEIC GROUP RENAMED ASCERTIVA

Development is underway to provide the

electrical trade and industry with a

central reference source that will contain

comprehensive technical information and

guidance from ESC engineers.

The ESC hub was launched in January this

year and currently provides access to the

Essential Guide to the Wiring Regulations –

the definitive source of guidance to the

Wiring Regulations. The rest of our industry

publications remain on the Council’s main

website at www.esc.org.uk. In order to

provide clearer definition between its

industry and consumer communications, the

Council is expanding the content of the hub

which will house all of the guidance that it

currently produces and much more.

The Hub will grow to include the full range

of Best Practice Guides, technical articles,

back copies of Switched On magazine and a

user-friendly on-line version of each current

issue. It will be updated regularly with

industry news and events and the topics

raised via the industry forum will also be

posted regularly. Users can register to

receive regular news and articles direct from

the Electrical Safety Council.

The launch date for the Hub is November

this year. Make sure to save it in your

favourites!

COUNCIL’S ELECTRICAL INFORMATION HUB SET FOR NOVEMBER REVAMP WWW.ESCHUB.ORG.UK

The Council has been working to develop a

robust data set that details the numbers of

fires, deaths and injuries in the UK caused by

electricity. Current government data on

deaths is not held in a single place for the

whole of the UK, and injury data has not been

collected since the end of the Home Accident

Surveillance System and Leisure Accident

Surveillance System in 2002. RoSPA is leading

a campaign to get this data collection

reinstated, which is currently being piloted by

the South West Health Observatory, work that

the Electrical Safety Council strongly supports.

While the Department for Communities and

Local Government (DCLG) does hold accurate

fires statistics, this is not published in full.

Using data gathered from the World Health

Organisation, we now know that in 2007, the

last year for which full data is available, there

were 19 deaths outside the workplace as a

result of electrocution and electrical burns. It

is likely that the majority, if not all of these,

could have been prevented by use of an RCD.

Working with the DCLG, it is now clear that

there were over 21,000 household fires in

2007 as a result of misuse of, and faults with,

electrical goods and products. This represents

about half of all domestic fires in the UK.

As mentioned earlier, no data is collected on

the number of injuries as a result of electricity.

However, a recent survey by Ipsos-Mori on

behalf of the Electrical Safety Council

indicated that 12% of people in the UK had

experienced a serious electric shock at home.

This includes shocks resulting in physical

injury only, not just people feeling slight

discomfort from an electrical current. The

biggest causes of injuries were using faulty

equipment, which accounted for 23% of

injuries, repairing devices which were

plugged in (13% of injuries) and touching

switches with wet hands (10% of injuries).

Having such accurate data ensures that the

Electrical Safety Council can target its work to

areas where it can be most effective. This will

also inform the public affairs work to

encourage politicians to support measures to

increase electrical safety in UK homes. It

highlights that there is still work to be done

to protect people from unsafe wiring and

electrical goods, especially in fire prevention.

ROBUST ACCIDENT DATA ANALYSIS NEEDED

The Electrical Safety Council exhibited at

the Sparks Expo for the first time in April.

The event was aimed at apprentice

electricians and was attended by around

2,000 apprentices and their lecturers.

The reason for attending was the belief that,

by developing a closer relationship with

young electricians, the ESC can provide

guidance and knowledge to them

throughout the course of their careers in the

electrical industry. Raising awareness of

Council resources to lecturers was also key

and all the lecturers were very

complimentary about ESC Best Practice

Guides and Switched On magazine and

considered the Essential Guide a valuable

teaching resource.

The Council held two seminars on safe

isolation procedures which were attended

by over 100 apprentices over the two days,

at which lock-out kits were distributed to

attendees. The purpose was to convey the

importance of safety, both for the

electricians themselves but also for their

colleagues and customers during their

future careers.

� ’Lock-out kits’Tim Benstead, Senior Engineer talks to young apprentices


The Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) has

been set up to investigate and address

the issue of unsafe, non-approved and

counterfeit cables in the UK marketplace.

The UK market for electrical cables and

systems has an approximate value of £2bn.

It is estimated that up to 20% of cable

product in the cable systems supply chain is

unsafe, non-approved or counterfeit. This

results in major concerns for the entire

industry, from manufacturer through

installer to end user, who may not even be

aware of the significant health and safety

threat it poses or the legal ramifications for

the organisation or individual. The ACI, with

industry and regulator support, will be

looking to educate the electrical industry

about purchasing and installing such cables

and raise awareness of the existence of

unscrupulous manufacturers and

distributors.

The launch, held in Westminster on 2 March

2010, was hosted by the British Cables

Association (BCA) with widespread support

from industry bodies including the Electrical

Safety Council, the British Approvals Service

for Cables (BASEC), Electrical Distributors

Association (EDA); Electrical Contractors’

Association (ECA), and the NICEIC.

The ACI is urging the supply chain

to routinely check cable markings

and cable reels, looking in

particular for a manufacturer’s

identification that they recognise,

so if there is a problem it will help

to trace the cable back through

the supply chain. It recommends

using an independent third-party

approved cable. If you sell, supply,

or install unsafe cable, you

contravene health and safety

regulations, you could void insurances and

could face serious criminal allegations

which might result in a custodial sentence.

The ACI has pledged to educate the

electrical supply chain through a

communication programme of seminars,

marketing material and articles to national

trade media. For suspect importers,

manufacturers and distributors, the ACI will

be direct in its approach to investigate and

publicise the results. The ACI is also

implementing a co-ordinated approach to

Government to enforce and develop

legislation ensuring that only cables that

fully comply with British, European or

International standards and carry a third

party certification can be manufactured for

sale, offered for sale, distributed or installed

in the UK.

The ACI will regularly test samples of cables

suspected of being unsafe or non-approved,

and if found to be unsafe details will be

passed to the Police, Trading Standards and

the Health and Safety Executive.

It is the intention of the ACI to name and

shame any companies, wholesalers,

distributors or installers who persistently use

these dangerous, non-approved cables.

However, the ACI would hope that by

highlighting the issue to the industry these

companies will voluntarily start to adopt

safe and approved cables.

The ACI welcomes any examples of suspect

faulty, non-approved or counterfeit cables.

These can be sent to ACI for testing and

advice by contacting ACI at

[email protected] or on 01908 267300.

APPROVED CABLES INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

SUCCESS FOR COUNCIL AT SPARKS EXPO

�


The answers to several new commonly-

asked questions have been added to the

Forum’s website since the previous issue of

Switched On was published, including:

• Can I use an electrical connector having

‘push fit’ connections that the

manufacturer claims are maintenance free

in an area that will be inaccessible when

the installation is complete?

• When the designer of an electrical

installation does not intend the steel wire

armour of a cable, or a metallic cable

management system such as conduit or

trunking, to be used as a circuit protective

conductor, and a separate protective

conductor is employed, does the designer:

a) need to verify that in the event of a fault,

line to armour or line to cable

management system, the associated

disconnection time is met?

b) need to verify the suitability of the cross-

sectional area of the armour or cable

management system for the earth fault

current?

• After replacing a consumer unit, it is found

that there is a shared neutral between the

upstairs and downstairs lighting circuits.

Can the lighting be put onto one circuit to

avoid the RCD tripping if the homeowner

will not pay to rectify a pre-existing fault?

In addition, a revised answer has been given

to the previously-published question “Is a

cooker switch or cooker control unit required to

be provided as means of emergency switching

for an electric cooker?” (NDQ35)

For the industry-agreed answers to these

and many other commonly-asked questions

relating to the application of the 17th

Edition, please visit www.esc.org.uk/forum

The ESC recommends that those following

the guidance provided by the Forum visit

the site at least every couple of months to

see what other additions and amendments

have been made.

Best Practice Guide No 1 Replacing a

consumer unit in domestic premises where

lighting circuits have no protective conductor

has been updated, and supersedes the

original issue. The latest version of the

Guide, Issue 2, was published on the main

ESC website in April.

Work is due to start on updating two other

published Best Practice Guides: BPG3 on the

subject of connecting microgeneration

systems to domestic electrical installations,

and BPG4 on the subject of domestic

periodic inspection reporting (condition

reporting).

Work has commenced on two new Best

Practice Guides, one on the subject of the

accuracy and consistency of electrical

installation test instruments, and the other

on the limitations of some types of plug-in

socket-outlet test devices.

Progress on the development of these new

and amended Guides will be reported in the

next issue of Switched On.

All our Best Practice Guides can be

viewed at, or downloaded from the

‘Business and Community’ section of

our main website, www.esc.org.uk.

BEST PRACTICE GUIDES: AN UPDATE

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION FORUM – 17TH EDITION GUIDANCE


In order to continue to raise the profile of

the ESC’s product safety activities in the

UK, Europe and internationally, the Council

will be taking a major role at the

International Consumer Product Health and

Safety Organisation (ICPHSO) symposium in

London in November.

The theme for the 2010 symposium ‘The

Evolution of product safety in the EU and

beyond: the threats it faces and its adaptability

to the increasingly distended supply chain’

recognises the need for the product safety

community to share information and to

discuss workable solutions for improving

the safety of electrical products in a

globalised marketplace.

The event, to be held at Sheraton Park Lane

Hotel, Green Park, London on 29 – 30

November, will provide an opportunity for

product safety professionals and consumer

champions from all over the world to share

information, exchange ideas and discuss

issues of a common concern.

Over the two days a wide range of topics

will be discussed through a mix of plenary

sessions and interactive breakout sessions.

Although not yet finalised, the programme

is expected to raise awareness of and

promote active debate on product safety

issues such as:

• History of product safety in the EU

• Co-operation and need for information

exchange

• Counterfeiting and non-compliant

products

• Approaches to market surveillance in the

EU and in non-EU countries

• Need for injury reporting systems and

injury databases

• Emerging hazards and vulnerable people

• Development of standards and policies

The Council is taking the lead role in the

plenary session on counterfeiting. It will also

be presenting at other plenary sessions and

breakout sessions, as well as being an

exhibitor at the event.

ICPHSO, of which the Council is a member,

holds a unique position in its ability to

attract the interest of a broad range of

health and safety professionals and

interested consumers, world-wide. The

organisation provides a forum for the

exchange of ideas and sharing of

information among government, industry,

trade organisations, legal representatives,

academia, standards writers, consumer

advocates and interested individuals.

The event promises to be the definitive view

on electrical product safety and is open to

everyone, but please note that registrations

are as always limited.

For further information on the

symposium and updates on the event

programme keep an eye on the

website www.esc.org.uk. And, to book

your place at the event visit the ICPHSO

website www.icphso.org.

COUNCIL TO TAKE LEADING ROLE AT INTERNATIONALPRODUCT SAFETY SYMPOSIUM

Voltimum and GAMBICA have become

the newest signatories of the industry

charter to combat the trade in counterfeit

electrical products and the proliferation of

equipment that fails to comply with the

appropriate standards.

The charter was introduced in 2008 by

BEAMA (British Electrotechnical and Allied

Manufacturers Association), the EDA

(Electrical Distributors’ Association), ECA

(Electrical Contractors’ Association) and

SELECT (Scotland’s trade association for the

electrical, electronics and communications

systems industry).

Since then, many leading industry

organisations have added their name to the

charter, including the Electrical Safety

Council, alongside BASEC, LIF, BCA, Intertek,

Alliance Against IP Theft, Trading Standards

Institute and now Voltimum and GAMBICA.

The charter commits signatory members to

refuse to trade in counterfeit or non-

compliant products. The aim is to drive

dangerous or sub-standard equipment from

the UK market.

The electrical industry sees the charter as a

major move forwards in combating the

counterfeiters – a unified front

encompassing the associations working

together on practical and effective solutions

to stem the threat from counterfeit and

non-compliant electrical products.

For more information visit

www.counterfeit-kills.com

VOLTIMUM AND GAMBICA ARE THE LATEST TO SIGNANTI-COUNTERFEIT CHARTER

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If downlighters are covered with thermal

insulation, such as can occur in loft spaces,

a fire hazard can be created due to

overheating of the lamp and the presence of

fuel for combustion.

The obvious source of ignition in a

downlighter is the hot lamp. However, this

may not be the only cause of ignition, as

prolonged exposure to high temperatures via

conduction or convection will cause

potentially combustible materials around the

lamp to become completely dried out and

prone to ignition. A common example is

where downlighters sited too close to roof

timbers cause localised charring.

The strange smell that may be experienced

when a downlighter is switched on after a

period of non-use, often results from the

primary ignition of dust particles on the lamp

surface. This can be the source of a fire if

other combustible elements are available to

allow the fire to propagate.

Dust build-up on the lamp can occur from

both above the lamp such as from particles

in the loft space, or from below the lamp in

the form of household dust, hair, cobwebs

and cooking fat. These materials are drawn

up through the downlighter, which acts as a

hot chimney into the loft space.

Keeping thermal insulation clear of

downlighters, and keeping downlighters

clear of combustible materials such as roof

timbers, is an obvious first step in preventing

a fire risk.

However, it is clear that vermin disturbance

and ventilation within a loft, as well as the

activities of the householder can, and do,

cause insulation materials to be disturbed,

which may then come into contact with the

downlighter.

The problem is exacerbated when certain

loose-fill insulation materials are present that

may lose their fire-retardant properties if

subjected to heating over an extended

period. Consequently, simply leaving a gap

between thermal insulation and

downlighters may not be a long-term

solution to the problem.

A long-term and effective solution is to

isolate the downlighter from the surrounding

materials whilst ensuring that this does not

cause overheating of the downlighter.

Product standards in the USA and other

countries have produced a range of 100%

safe manufactured solutions for

downlighters. In the USA, these are termed IC

rated downlighters, the IC standing for

Insulation Compatible.

In the UK, such downlighters, often referred

to as ‘capped-F’, are covered by the

BS EN 60598.1 and BS EN 60598.2.2 product

standards. These downlighters have

previously been marked with the capped-F

logo, meaning that it has been confirmed by

testing that either the downlighter itself, or

the downlighter fitted with an appropriate

cover, is suitable for use when covered with

insulation.

Capped-F logo

The vast majority of replacement lamps now

available for downlighters are the dichroic

reflector type rather than the aluminium

reflector type. Dichroic lamps are designed to

dissipate most of the heat through the back

rather than in the direction of the light beam,

and so increase the temperature at potential

ignition points of the downlighter.

DOWNLIGHTERSWe look at the issues surrounding the potentially combustible mix of downlighters and thermal insulation

A long-term solution is to isolate the downlighter from the surrounding materials whilstensuring that this does not cause overheating of the downlighter (courtesy of Tenmat)

Loose-fill insulation covering downlighter(courtesy of Tenmat)


The Lighting Association has issued a

technical bulletin to members following

an article in the winter 2009 edition of

Switched On.

LATB 10.07 Downlighters – can they be a fire

hazard? has been issued after the Lighting

Association’s Technical Committee met to

discuss the article and referenced report in

Switched On.

The technical bulletin advises members

that:

• Downlights should comply to

EN 60598-1

• Downlights should be correctly marked

with maximum lamp wattage and

appropriate symbols

• Installation instructions should contain

information on the clearance required

such that insulation is not placed

around or over the downlight (unless

the downlight is suitable for such use).

The LA recommends that members

upgrade their marking to comply with the

2008 edition of EN 60598-1. This edition

gives an improved symbol for downlights

not suitable for covering with insulation

which has minimum size requirements

such that it is visible above the ceiling after

installation.

It also includes a new symbol for

downlights not suitable for normally

flammable ceilings.

LIGHTING ASSOCIATION ISSUES TECHNICAL BULLETIN ON

DOWNLIGHTERS: LATB 10.07

a BURNING ISSUE?

Therefore, to provide a long-term and fire-

safe solution for downlighters penetrating an

insulated loft space, then any downlighter or

downlighter cover should be of the type that

has been tested and approved for safe

operation when covered with thermal

insulation and when fitted with the highest

available wattage of dichroic lamp (generally

50 W), as such a lamp is likely to be fitted at

some future time.

A common misunderstanding in this area is

that fire-rated downlighters and fire-rated

downlighter covers are always safe for use

when covered with insulation. This is not

generally the case. Fire-rated downlighters

and fire-rated covers cannot be assumed to

be suitable for being covered with insulation

unless the products they have been

specifically tested and approved for such use.

Conversely, however, downlighters and

covers that are suitable for use when covered

with insulation are often fire-rated.

Energy efficiency

Downlighters can act as hot chimneys,

drawing heat out of living areas into loft

spaces, which has led to many downlighters

being covered in insulation.

For loft insulation to function as intended, it

should ideally be fitted to be continuous and

uninterrupted across the loft space. Building

Regulations do not prohibit leaving a small

area around downlighters free from

insulation where it is necessary to permit the

dissipation of the heat they generate if

measures are taken to mitigate the reduction

in insulation. However, such gaps in the

thermal insulation can significantly reduce its

overall effectiveness.

The fitting of a suitable capped-F

downlighter or downlighter cover allows the

insulation to be continuous and provides

almost the same thermal performance as for

a ceiling without downlighters. This energy-

saving benefit is additional to the fire safety

benefits gained by installing fire-rated

downlighters or covers.

Thanks to Tenmat for its help in the production

of this article.

Checklist for downlighters

penetrating an insulated loft

1) Check that the downlighters are ofthe type that has been fully approvedand tested for being covered ininsulation – that is, fully tested andapproved to the BS EN 60598.1 andBS EN 60598.2.2 product standards.Standard fire-rated downlighters andfire-rated hoods are generallyunsuitable for covering withinsulation.

2) If the downlighters are not fullyapproved and tested for beingcovered with insulation, they shouldbe replaced with appropriateproducts or protected with adownlighter cover which is fullyapproved to be covered with thermalinsulation.

3) Check that the downlighter ordownlighter cover is of a type thathas been fully tested with the highestwattage dichroic lamp available(generally 50 W).


Kitchen designers sometimes ask for the

electrical appliances in a kitchen – such as

the dishwasher, washing machine, tumble

dryer, fridge, freezer and microwave oven – to

be controlled from a single switching position

located in the kitchen.

The electrical installation designer is then

tasked with designing a circuit, or a number

of circuits, arranged so that the supplies to

all the appliances are switched at one

position. Final connections are provided by

outlets adjacent to each appliance. The

type of outlet should generally be either a

13 A socket-outlet or a 13 A switched fused

connection unit, as these provide a means

of switching off for mechanical

maintenance where necessary.

There are a number of ways that the kitchen

designer’s requirement for the appliances

switched from a single position can be met,

either with radial final circuits or with one or

more adapted ring final circuits.

Radial final circuit solutions

With radial final circuits, protection against

overload can be achieved simply, by

applying the requirements of Regulations

433.1.1 to 433.1.3 relating to co-ordination

between the design current of the circuit,

the rated current of overload protective

device (fuse or overcurrent circuit-breaker)

and the current-carrying capacity of

conductors.

One solution would be to run a single radial

circuit from the consumer unit to a ganged

switch arrangement with fuses, where the

circuit would branch to supply individual

appliances. However, there may be practical

difficulties terminating the conductors of

the circuit at the switch position due to

their required cross-sectional area (csa)

being relatively large.

Alternatively, a separate radial circuit could

be run from the consumer unit to each

appliance, via a common grouped switch

position. The main advantage with this

solution is that a fault on one radial circuit

would not affect the supply to other radial

circuits.

Adapted ring final circuit solutions

As an alternative to radial final circuits, a

solution adopted by some electrical

installation designers is to adapt a ring final

circuit to supply a multiple (ganged) switch

position. From the switch position, spurs

(cable branches) supply socket outlets or

fused connection units adjacent to each

appliance.

A similar solution also employs the adapted

ring final circuit but uses ganged switches

with fuses at the grouped position. This

solution may have the added advantage of

permitting smaller csa conductors for the

spurs.

However, for each of the above ring circuit

solutions, because the multiple switch

arrangement represents a ‘fixed load’ on the

circuit at the grouped switch position, it

would be unwise to rely on the ‘deemed to

comply’ status for such circuits regarding

overload protection. Regulation 433.1.5

indicates that, for a ring final circuit, the

requirements for overload protection are

deemed to be met only if all the stated

conditions are met. As a consequence, the

electrical installation designer could have

some difficulty in establishing that

protection against overload has been

achieved for an adapted ring final circuit.

Indeed, there are circumstances where it

can be seen that protection against

overload is not achieved with an adapted

ring final circuit.

For example, two of the conditions of

Regulation 433.1.5 are that the current-

carrying capacity (Iz) of the cable is not less

than 20 A and, under the intended

CONTROLLING DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES FROM A

SINGLE SWITCHING POSITION

conditions of use, the load current in any

part of the ring is unlikely to exceed Iz for

long periods. Suppose the circuit was wired

in 2.5/1.5 mm2 (twin and earth) pvc-

insulated and sheathed flat cable to BS 6004

installed directly in a thermally insulated

stud wall and in contact with the inner

surface of the wall (Reference Method 102),

the highest ambient temperature being

30 oC, such that the current-carrying

capacity (Iz) of the cable was 21 A (column

4 of Table 4D5A of BS 7671 Appendix 4

refers).

If the steady state load current in the ring

final circuit at the grouped switching

position was 32 A, and the switching

position was located at a point less than

one-third of the total ring loop length from

the origin of the circuit, the current-carrying

capacity of the cable would be exceeded,

but the 32 A overcurrent protective device

of the circuit would not operate.

Enclosures containing live parts of more

than one circuit

Where an enclosure contains live parts not

capable of being isolated by a single device,

for example, a ganged switch arrangement

containing a number of circuits (as

mentioned above), Regulation 514.11.1 (by

reference to Regulation 537.2.1.3) requires a

durable warning notice to be provided to

alert a person to the need for isolation at all

the necessary points before gaining access

to the live parts. The notice need not be

normally visible, so long as it becomes

visible before access to live parts is possible.

The electrical industry has thrown its full

weight behind the new AM2

Assessment of Occupational Competence

(AOC), launched in April by NET (National

Electrotechnical Training). This is

recognised as the electrical industry’s

benchmark for an individual’s competence.

“This launch is the culmination of two years

of industry consultation,” said NET’s

business development manager, Stephen

Plant. “The new AM2 has been designed by

the industry, for the industry. We are

confident that the modifications will

reinforce it as the stamp to show that its

holders and their employers are capable of

providing the highest possible level of

service to clients in today’s environment.”

There are many changes to the new

standard that came in on 12 April this year.

Some of the major amendments are:

• Has become competence based (as

opposed to systems based)

• Now has four sections; three practical

and one theoretical

• The first three sections cover the

interpretation of specifications,

drawings and diagrams; installation and

termination of identified wiring systems;

safe isolation; risk assessment;

inspection, testing and certification; as

well as diagnosis and correction of

electrical faults. The fourth part is a 60

minute multi-choice questionnaire

• Safe isolation section is now a 100%

pass requirement

• Inspection and testing is now carried

out to Wiring Regs documentation

• Greater degree of live testing

• Old or specialist materials have been

removed – eg there is no longer any

pyro cable

• The addition of a Renewable Energy

System, Data cabling

• Guidance: Candidate self-assessment

checklist

• A new marking and administration

system.

Candidates are expected to install the

following circuits in accordance with

industry-recognised procedures, working

practices and the requirements of statutory

and non-statutory regulations:

• Protective devices in a TP&N distribution

board

• A two-way and intermediate lighting

circuit in PVC/PVC multi-core cable

• A BS 1363 13A socket outlet ring circuit

in PVC singles cable

• A carbon monoxide detector safety

service circuit in FP200 type cable

• Data outlets circuit in Cat. 5 cable

• A BS EN 60309 16A socket outlet in

XLPE SWA cable

• Protective equipotential bonding to gas

and water services

• A 3-phase direct on line motor/starter

circuit in SY cable

• An S Plan central heating and hot water

system with a solar thermal sustainable

energy element utilising heat resistant

flexible cable and PVC singles cable.

More information about the new AM2

assessment and the Scottish FICA

assessment is available on the redesigned

NET website at www.netservices.org.uk.

INDUSTRY REVISES AM2 COMPETENCE STANDARD


Single switching positions in summary

Either radial circuits or adapted ring final circuits may provide a solution for controlling

several electrical appliances from a single switching position.

Radial circuits generally provide a more flexible solution than adapted ring final circuits.

However, depending on the particular arrangement adopted, terminating conductors of

larger csa may be a problem.

With adapted ring final circuits, the effect of the load current at the grouped switching

position on the distribution of currents in the ring must be fully assessed.

Where an enclosure contains live parts of more than one circuit, installers must ensure that

persons are suitably warned by notices of the hazards prior to gaining access to live parts


Rewireable (semi-enclosed) fuses to

BS 3036 are commonly found in

consumer units, distribution boards and

other switchgear in older domestic and non

domestic installations – particularly

installations more than 20 years old.

Where an installation having rewireable fuses

is periodically inspected, altered or extended,

the inspector or designer (as applicable) will

have to consider whether

BS 7671 still allows such fuses to be used, or

whether they should be replaced with circuit

breakers or cartridge fuses.

Can rewireable fuses still be used?

In a word, yes.

BS 7671 permits the use of rewireable fuses

complying with BS 3036 (although Regulation

533.1.1.3 prefers fuses to be of the cartridge

type). Therefore, rewireable fuses can still be

used, for existing and new installations.

Related considerations

A number of considerations relating to the

use of rewireable fuses are listed below.

Maintainability

With rewireable fuses there is a risk of the

fuse wire being replaced, inadvertently or

deliberately, with one having a higher fusing

current than intended for the circuit, resulting

in reduced effectiveness of the protection

given by the fuse.

This risk is usually acceptably low, even in

domestic premises. Many millions of

rewireable fuses have provided satisfactory

service in the UK over many years.

Nevertheless, the inspector/designer should

assess the degree of risk, to help him/her

judge if there are any special circumstances

that would make rewireable fuses

unacceptable in the particular installation.

Account should be taken of an assessment of

the frequency and quality of maintenance

that the installation can reasonably be

expected to receive, which is called for by

Regulation 341.1.

Fusing factor

BS 3036 allows a rewireable fuse to have a

fusing factor (the ratio of the minimum

fusing current to the rated current) of up to

2.0. This value is higher than the typical value

of 1.25 to 1.6 for other types of device

commonly used for overload protection

(such as fuses to BS 1361 or BS 88, and circuit

breakers to BS EN 60898 or BS EN 60947 2),

depending on the type.

To compensate for this high fusing factor

where a rewireable fuse is used for overload

protection, Regulation 433.1.3 requires the

current-carrying capacity of the circuit cable

to be not less than In divided by 0.725 (where

In is the rated current of the fuse). This can

mean that a larger cable size is needed than

if another type of overload protective device

of the same rated current had been used.

However, this is not the case for a 30 A or

32 A ring final circuit, where Regulation

433.1.5 allows a minimum size of 2.5 mm2

(copper) for the line and neutral conductors

of the circuit, even if the protective device is

a BS 3036 rewireable fuse (rated at 30 A).

The requirement for the cable current-

carrying capacity to be not less than In

divided by 0.725 does not apply for a circuit

where overload protection may be omitted

(see Regulation Group 433.3). An example is

a circuit supplying only an electric heater, as

the circuit would be unlikely to carry

overload current (Regulation 433.3.1(ii) refers).

However, the cable must still have a current

carrying capacity of not less than the load

current (I∆), and protection against fault

current must still be provided for the cable

(Section 434 of BS 7671 refers).

Breaking capacity rating

BS 3036 rewireable fuses have a relatively low

short-circuit breaking capacity rating, as

shown in Table 1. This compares with

typically 6 kA or more for modern circuit-

breakers to BS EN 60898, or over 16.5 kA for

cartridge fuses to BS 1361 or BS 88,

depending on type.

No less than any other fault current protective

device type, rewireable fuses must be chosen

to meet the breaking capacity requirements

of Regulation 434.5.1. That is to say, the rated

short circuit breaking capacity must be not

less than the maximum prospective fault

current at the point where the fuse is

installed, except where back up protection

meeting specified requirements is provided

by another device. It can be difficult to meet

the requirements of Regulation 434.5.1 using

BS 3036 fuses, due to their low breaking

capacity, shown in Table 1.

However, where incorporated in a consumer

unit, BS 3036 rewireable fuses are considered

adequate for prospective fault currents of up

to 16 kA, provided the consumer unit:

• conforms to BS EN 60439-3 including

Annex ZA, and

• is fed by a single-phase supply of nominal

voltage 230 V through a service cut-out

having an HBC fuse to BS 1361 Type II,

rated at not more than 100 A.

Use by ‘ordinary persons’

Some inspectors and designers may have

wondered whether the words in bold in the

following extract from Regulation 533.1.1.2

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ASKED … CAN REWIREABLE FUSES STILL BE USED?

(at 0.8 to 0.9 power

factor, lagging)


factor, lagging)


factor, lagging)

Table 1 – Rated breaking capacity ofBS 3036 rewireable fuses

Category of duty Breaking capacity

S1A 1 kA

S2A 2 kA

S4A 4 kA

Notes: 1. BS 3036 fuses in consumer units typically

have a rated short-circuit breaking capacity

of 2 kA.

2. BS 3036 fuses are also tested in circuits

with a power factor of 0.4 to 0.5 lagging at

a current of between 5 and 7 times the

minimum fusing current

Drawing courtesy of British Standards Institution

rule out rewireable fuses where these will be

used by ordinary persons:

Fuses having fuse links likely to be removed

or replaced by persons other than or

instructed persons or skilled persons shall be

of a type which complies with the safetyrequirements of BS 88.

However, this is not the intention of the

regulation. To clarify this, it is expected that

the regulation will be revised as part of

Amendment No 1 to BS 7671, due to be

issued in mid 2011, so that the words in bold

above will be replaced by ‘complies with

BS 88-3 or BS 3036’.

Asbestos

Asbestos forms part of the fuse assemblies of

some older types of fuseboard and

consumer unit. Fibres from the asbestos can

pose a risk of lung cancer and lung diseases

to anyone working on or removing such

equipment.

Guidance on safe replacement of the

equipment is given in Publication a 33 –

Replacing an asbestos containing fuse box or a

single fuse assembly, issued by the Health

Safety Executive. This may be downloaded

free at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns

/guidance/a33.pdf


The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is

warning employers and employees,

particularly outdoor workers, to be wary of

overhead power lines.

This follows the prosecution of three

companies in the last quarter of 2009 that

exposed workers to the dangers of working

near high voltage (HV)* overhead power lines.

In total, the companies were fined £31,600

and ordered to pay costs totalling £30,190.

The three separate incidents involved contact

with live HV overhead power lines by a ladder,

the telescopic mechanical arm of a

telehandler and the extending arm of a waste

tipping vehicle. Two incidents involved 11 kV

lines and the other a 33 kV line.

Although nobody was killed, five workers

suffered burns. One worker’s foot was so

badly damaged by the current flowing

through him to earth that he had to have one

toe and part of another toe amputated.

Company responsibilities

Companies are required to ensure that all

employees are adequately trained and

supervised with regard to the hazards to

which they may be exposed whilst at work,

but especially young employees, who

statistically are more at risk of injury in the

workplace.

Overhead power lines, like any energised

electrical system, are a potential danger.

Regulation 4(3) of the Electricity at Work

Regulations 1989 (EAWR) requires that any

work carried out near such systems should

not give rise to danger.

Failure of companies to recognise

workplace hazards, such as the dangers of

electricity, puts the lives of their employees

at risk. In 2007/08, under the Reporting of

Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous

Occurrence Regulations 1995** (those

requiring over three days off work), there

were 433 reported injuries to employees

that involved contact with electricity or

electrical discharge, nine of which were

fatal.

Electrical safety guidance

It is important to remember that HV power

lines do not need to be touched for

electricity to be conducted to a body or

metallic implement – high voltage

electricity can arc or jump across air gaps.

Generally, where work near live overhead

power lines is unavoidable, a safe working

distance should be maintained. The HSE

guidance sheet Working safely near overhead

power lines (Agriculture information sheet

No 8)*** recommends that, when using

machinery near wooden poles carrying

overhead power lines, a ground level safe

working distance of at least 9 m horizontally

from the nearest overhead power line is

maintained.

It may be advisable to adopt the 9m

guidance as a general workplace rule.

However, where work involves machinery

with telescopic or folding arms the safe

working distance may need increasing

above 9m. Consideration should be given to

the height of the particular machine and

the potential extension of the arm.

HSE Guidance Note GS6 Avoidance of danger

from overhead electric power lines****

recommends protective measures to reduce

the risk of contact with overhead lines. GS6

recommends that to prevent the passage of

machinery under overhead power lines,

ground level barriers, such as 40 gallon rubble

filled oil drums, should be positioned at

regular intervals parallel to, but at least 6m

horizontally from the nearest overhead power

line.

Additionally, to provide further indication to

machine operators of the presence of

overhead power lines, GS6 recommends the

erection of non-conducting goal posts linked

by a line of coloured flags mounted at an

appropriate height immediately over the

ground level barriers (Fig 1).

TAKE CARE NEAR OVERHEAD POWER LINES

* High voltage, for alternating current (a.c.),

means any rms voltage exceeding 1000 V

between line conductors or 600 V between line

conductors and earth.

** This statistical information can be found at

www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/tables/kind3.htm

*** This document can be downloaded from

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ais8.pdf

**** This document can be down loaded from

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/gs6.htm

DANGEROVERHEAD LINES

DANGER OF DEATH

DANGER OF DEATHDANGER OF DEATH

Fig 1 Power Line Warning

20

In the spring issue of Switched On, we

questioned whether the once-in-a-lifetime

opportunity would be taken for electrically

competent persons to check, and as

necessary improve, the condition of the

electrical intake arrangements when fitting

smart electricity meters in all 26 million

domestic premises in the UK over the next

10 years.

At the end of April, we were advised that

Ofgem E-Serve would be arranging a series

of workshops with interested parties

including the Energy Networks Association,

the Energy Retail Association, the

Association of Meter Operators and the

Health and Safety Executive to discuss

safety issues relating to the installation of

smart meters. Other participants including

the Electrical Safety Council are being

considered.

The Energy Networks Association (ENA), the

industry body for UK energy transmission

and distribution licence holders and

operators, working with the Association of

Meter Operators (AMO), has already

identified a number of safety and

operational issues that will need to be taken

into consideration during the smart meter

roll-out programme, including:

• ownership of service position

equipment

• identification of service position faults,

such as damaged distribution and

supplier-owned equipment

• verification of polarity at the point of

meter change

• inappropriate meter/service positions

• communal cupboards/meter positions

• asbestos meter boards

• damaged meter boxes

• access for temporary disconnection

• lateral and rising mains

• replacement of meter tails

• earth connections

• signs of overheating

• arrangements for the future inspection

of distribution-owned equipment

• training and competence of meter

installers

• replacement of all remaining pre-1937

cut-outs with a fused neutral

• an agreed process of installation and

meter installer checklists

• documented risk assessments for various

installation types

• simplified defect reporting and

rectification processes.

Through the work conducted so far, the

ENA has also identified a number of

opportunities for distributors, including:

• working with meter operators and other

players to ensure the best experience for

the consumer by making the installation

experience as simple as possible

• addressing concerns and issues raised by

other parties represented at the safety

meetings

• dealing with issues which become

apparent before and during roll-out of

the meter programme

• ensuring that the service position is left

in a safe and, where possible, improved

condition

• correcting known issues with

distribution networks.

In addition to the workshops organised by

Ofgem E-Serve, meetings are also taking

place between Distribution Network

Operators, Meter Operators and the HSE.

These workshops are steered by the ENA

and the AMO under the auspices of

MOCOPA*. These discussions are aimed at

answering outstanding questions and

establishing a position that all interested

parties can sign up to.

Because MOCOPA is the agreement

between DNOs and Meter Operators for

work conducted at the service/meter

position, it is likely that once the

outstanding issues have been resolved, they

will be documented within the MOCOPA

Agreement and used to provide guidance

for installers before and during the smart

meter roll-out programme.

There is a considerable amount of

discussion between all interested parties

and, as a result, decisions and agreements

are moving quickly. We will be reporting

further on the electrical safety issues

relating to the smart meter roll-out

programme in future issues of Switched On.

*The Meter Operation Code of Practice

Agreement (MOCOPA) is an agreement

between electricity distribution businesses and

electricity meter operators in Great Britain.

The agreement authorises meter operators to

install and connect meters to the electricity

network by clarifying that the equipment

being provided, installed and maintained

meets appropriate technical requirements and

that work is carried out to adequate safety

standards.

All the previous issues of Switched On are available to read or

download from the ‘Business & Community’ section of our website.BACK ISSUES OF SWITCHED ON

THE UK SMART METER ROLL-OUT PROGRAMME ANDELECTRICAL SAFETY ISSUES

switched on issue 17

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