Competent Person Magazine - Issue 2 2010 by Jenny Gaunt

Competent Person the

Number 2 2010

Inside: LABC guide on notifiable electrical work descriptors

6000th member Our new milestone Full marks for college Guildford thumbs up ELECTRICAL

Thermal Imaging warm to the job VENTILATION

PLUMBING

How to WIN a tester Competition challenge HEATING

MICROGENERATION

Free Law Line service for NAPIT Members Legal cover of up to £25,000 NAPIT in conjunction with Law Line UK offers free legal advice and legal cover of up to £25,000. The legal cover is helpful where there is disagreement over a contractual matter between a member and customer. In Law Line UK’s experience, small to medium sized businesses are the most likely to be involved in a legal dispute but the least likely to be able to afford to pay lawyers to assist in the resolution of such disputes. Law Line UK offers access to legal advice from a panel of carefully chosen solicitors on a full range of legal issues including all aspects of company/commercial law, tax, property, employment and dispute resolution – including court action.

Advice line on hand to support In the case of a dispute, NAPIT members should initially contact the NAPIT helpline number. Generally, issues in connection with defective work will be dealt with by NAPIT. If an issue cannot be resolved by NAPIT personnel, members will be advised to contact the Law Line UK helpline number. Law Line UK personnel will provide initial telephone advice to members on any legal problem they may have providing a written contract exists with the customer.

Legal action through the courts If further legal action through the courts is required, Law Line UK will appoint one of its panel solicitors to represent a member up to and including the initial trial. The first £50 of any costs incurred in court action in a case will be paid by the member. All other costs will be covered by the agreement between NAPIT and Law Line UK. To take advantage of this service, NAPIT members’ must have a written contract in all transactions. NAPIT members can obtain a sample written contract for use in their business from NAPIT by visiting the members section of their website or by purchasing an NCR pack from the NAPIT Customer Services section. The Law Line UK service is free to all members but is subject to certain terms and conditions. Please visit NAPIT’s new website for details www.napit.org.uk Should a dispute arise in the future just ring 0114 252 5294.

Inside News

Special features

5 College approval NAPIT awards the electrical department at Guildford College, Surrey, Approved Training Centre status.

11 The law and you Why it is important to read the small print before signing a building sub-contract. 14 Choosing the right PAT tester We focus on the importance of getting the right tools.

8 Industry focus A round-up of the stories making the news from other publications.

18 Kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms register Why NAPIT will be playing a key role in maintaining standards in this area of the building services industry.

Members

22 Focus on thermal imaging How this important technology can make detecting electrical faults easier.

9 Work place changes David Cowburn takes a look at the latest amendments to the building regulations.

29 Twenty 20 Yvette O’Donnell is the latest member of the NAPIT team to face 20 quick-fire questions.

12 6000 and growing Meet the 6000th member to join the NAPIT family – aiming to be a Wimbledon ace.

31 Simply the best We continue our look at why the superb benefits offered by NAPIT are a must for your business.

16 Trade Association News Two pages on what’s happening at Member Council level across the UK. We also turn the spotlight on an RCBO tripping problem.

32 Health and safety Wilf Archer stays on the theme of risk assessment. 38 Van review The latest offering from the Vauxhall stable.

30 Bodger Watch More examples of poor workmanship and DIY madness sent in by you to The Competent Person. 34 Spot the Difference Win an electrical tester courtesy of Seaward.

21 Training update One of our trainers, Jim Follon, reports on a successful fourday course run by NAPIT on behalf of the wholesaler ERF in Cannock, West Midlands.

Volume 7 Number 2

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NAPIT NAPIT Administration Centre 4th Floor, Mill 3 Pleasley Vale Business Park Mansfield Nottinghamshire NG19 8RL

2 2010 Number

Tel: 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk

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All technical articles are derived from NAPIT Trade Association meetings, the Technical Helpline and Ask Eddie questions. 24 Testing earth electrodes Bill Allan looks at Method 2 testing of earth electrodes in TT systems.

Training

The Competent Person is the official publication of the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers

Technical

26 Rules and exceptions on voltage drop Bill Allan considers the percentages that matter. 36 Ask Eddie More of your questions for Eddie to deal with.

Editor: Roger Ryan 5 Media, Norwich Tel: 01603 452448 Email: magazine.editor@napit.org.uk Specialist writers: Don Holmes MIET Bill Allan C. Eng. MIET

Marketing, PR & Advertising: Jenny Gaunt Tel: 0845 543 0330 Email: jenny.gaunt@napit.org.uk Design: Tattersall, Hammarling & Silk, London Printed: Printability 2000, Chesterfield

The publishers or their agents cannot accept responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in this magazine. Advertisements are included in good faith. The contents and opinions expressed in The Competent Person are not necessarily accepted or endorsed by NAPIT.

FRONT COVER: James Wilkins of Wilkins and Wilkins Property Services from Wimbledon – the 6000th member to join NAPIT – digs into his toolbag. Turn to Pages 12 and 13 for more on James. 6000th r membeestone mil Our new ks Full mar ge for colle d Guildforup thumbs

l Therma Imaging warm to the job

WIN How to er a test ion Competit e challeng

N GENERATIO MICRO

HEATING

PLUMBING N VENTILATIO

L ELECTRICA

NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk 3

Cutthecost ofpromoting yourbusiness NAPIT has joined forces with Yell, the home of Yellow Pages, and Thomson Directories to cut the cost of promoting your business. As a member of NAPIT, you can benefit from an exceptional advertising programme with Yellow Pages and Thomson Local. Both are offering the opportunity to appear within a specialist display advertisement, as illustrated right, endorsed by NAPIT at significantly reduced rates. Research shows that 86 per cent of Yellow Pages’ directory users say confidence in a business is increased if it advertises within a trade association display advertisement.* While 69 per cent of Thomson Directory users say they are more likely to call a company that includes a trade association or brand name.** With Yellow Pages referred to a massive 3.3 million times a day on average – and Thomson Directories used 15 million times a week, can you afford to ignore these markets? For more information on the benefits of corporate advertising with Yell call free on 0800 371 755 or visit www.yellgroup.com For more information contact Richard Morrow on 01252 390385 or 07967 212 593. His email address is richard.morrow@thomsonlocal.com

* Source: Abacus Research 2002 and Saville Rossiter – Base 2003, ** NRS RSGB, RSGB Omnibus Local Directories Awareness Study

NEWS

PaymentofVATreturnsnowonline Traders with annual turnovers of £100,000 or more now have to file their VAT returns online and pay their VAT electronically. The changes also mean that all businesses registering for VAT will now have to file their returns online and pay electronically. In going for this option, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs have created a podcast to alert businesses to what’s changed in the way they file and pay VAT, PAYE and corporation tax. The podcast, featuring revenue and

customs’ experts Stephen Banyard and Don Macarthur, covers three other key areas: the need for all employers to file their employer annual returns online from this spring, new penalties for late payment of PAYE being introduced in May and key changes to corporation tax filing and payment coming in next year. Director of HMRC’s Business Customer Unit, Mr Banyard said: “Our podcast is a great way for businesses to remind themselves about some of the major changes happening affecting VAT, PAYE and

corporation tax. “So whether you’re a VAT-registered trader, employer or limited company, we’d urge you to take 15 minutes to download and listen to it, to help ensure you’re prepared for the changes.”

The podcast can be downloaded from HMRC’s podcast pages at www.hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts

College earns approved training centre status NAPIT Chief Operating Officer Martin Bruno and Graham Evans, NAPIT Manager for the South West Region, visited Guildford College in Surrey to award its electrical department with NAPIT Approved Training

Centre status. NAPIT were impressed with what they saw. Mr Bruno said: “Guildford College has excellent training facilities with a dedicated centre for electricians. NAPIT is pleased to

recognise and support its efforts in tackling the skills shortage of trained electrical apprentices and we look forward in working together in promoting excellence in the electrical industry.”

Martin Bruno (centre) and Graham Evans (second left) welcome Guildford College to the NAPIT family.

Down to earth advice Many customers will not understand the importance of earthing and bonding in their homes to protect them and their families from potentially lethal electric shocks. NAPIT understands it can be difficult to explain this to customers without sounding like you are adding extra work to the bill that they feel is unnecessary. To overcome this and to help you communicate with your customers more efficiently, NAPIT is producing a new series of leaflets, Home Safety Advice. The first

focuses on earthing and bonding – and is titled: Why on earth does my bonding need checking? It is available only as a downloadable version for you to print copies when required. To download a copy of this leaflet please visit the Members’ Area of the NAPIT website. The leaflet is listed under the technical downloads

NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk 5

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COMMENT Praise from OBE professor Newly-appointed OBE, Professor Edward Sallis, principal of Highlands College, Jersey, has cited a partnership developed with NAPIT as a good example of success in education. As principal, Professor Sallis has overseen the transformation “from a good technical college to an outstanding all round institution” offering Masters’ degrees in a wide range of vocational courses. He said: “A good example of teamwork are the links the college has forged with NAPIT. A number of years ago we faced a problem of how to train professional testers on the island. “Our electricity company used to do the job and decided it was no longer profitable. Using a solution-focused approach, a key member of my team at the time Dennis Denholm brought NAPIT Chief Executive John Andrews to the island and developed a model of training that is now used across the country. “Our work with NAPIT is a fine example of how the Highlands College kept in the forefront of developments.”

TV star Danny NAPIT member Danny Lang featured on the BBC 1 Six O’Clock television news on March 2. Danny of Bradford-based Electrotect UK was fitting photo-voltaic panels to the roof of a terraced house. The BBC was filming a news story about the advantages of installing and using renewable energy technologies. Danny said afterwards: “It was a fantastic experience – the filming turned out to be one of the most bizarre days of my life but I am glad I took part.” The BBC contacted Danny after visiting his website.

17th reminder All electricians must hold their 17th Edition Wiring Regulations’ qualification in time for their surveillance visit by NAPIT by the end of 2011 – an industry standard requirement. So if you have yet to attain your 17th Edition certificate, time is running out. Contact NAPIT training on 0845 2020148 or email info@napit.org.uk for more information.

Just before the General Election was called I joined other senior members of the construction industry to discuss issues and concerns surrounding the industry with representative MPs from each of the three main political parties with a view to influencing their respective manifesto commitments. Having the chance to talk to all three parties about changes we would like to see from them all, irrespective of who wins the forthcoming election, was useful. Among the changes we called for were: • more investment in training and apprenticeships • developing the green building agenda • dropping the VAT rate to five per cent on construction activities and labour rates • and to create an environment that reduces bureaucracy and unnecessary cost to business. During the meeting I had the chance to talk personally to Mark Prisk (Conservative), Lorely Burt (Liberal Democrat) and Gordon Banks (Labour) and found them all to be supportive of my ideas. Let us hope that same support can be encouraged within the next government – whichever party that may be. The construction industry and the trades within it have been particularly badly affected by the current recession – brought about I might add by another sector entirely – and it is imperative that whoever forms the next government invests in this critical sector of the UK economy. Research has shown that for every £1 that is invested in construction, the UK benefits by around £2.84 – so investment in the construction industry is really a no-brainer for the next chancellor. Kind regards

John Andrews B.Sc. MIoD Chief Executive – The NAPIT Group

NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk 7

INDUSTRY NEWS

A round-up of the stories making the news in other publications from the building services’ industry

Sam lands NTA Award Sam Edwards, employed by Bailey Building Services and trained by Bailey Engineering Academy, won Summitskills’ Electrotechnical Operative of the Year Award. The presentation took place at the National Training Awards’ ceremony held to recognise the hard work and commitment from apprentices, engineers and management in the building services’ industry. The winners accepted their awards in front of their employers, college representatives and industry leaders. Guest speaker was Ben Law – an environmental expert featuring on Channel 4’s Grand Designs programme who gave a motivational speech. Summitskills

Asbestos warning According to the Health and Safety Executive, asbestos is responsible for 4000 deaths each year, with the hidden killer taking the lives of six electricians, four plumbers, eight joiners and 20 trades people each week – and the numbers are increasing. Asbestos related diseases can take 15 to 60 years to develop and because of this some trades people think asbestos is a health risk of times past. This ignorance could be deadly. Professional Electrician

Energy show-offs The Government intends to legislate to require energy ratings to be displayed in the foyer of all larger commercial buildings. This will bring the private sector in line with the public sector, where since 2008 more than 42,000 buildings over 1000m2 with public access have had to post their A to G ratings in a prominent position. Energy in Buildings and Industry

Driving ambition New motorists should be tested on their energy efficient driving, according to the CBI. The business group believes smarter driving could save consumers around £250 a year and says that energy efficient driving should

Ben Law of Channel 4 and Electrotechnical Operative of the Year Award winner Sam Edwards.

become a mandatory part of the driving test to cut transport emissions and save motorists’ money. The CBI wants learners to show that they can drive more smoothly. Sustainable Business

In the shade The Solar Trade Association has expressed dismay that funds in the Government’s Low Carbon Building Programme will expire within the next two months – ten months ahead of the introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentive. The programme provides grants to householders and public sector buildings to encourage the uptake and installation of renewable heat technologies. Energy in Buildings and Industry

Landlords’ neglect Tenants’ lives are at risk because landlords are failing to provide them with the right gas safety information, a CORGI survey has revealed. A third (32.3 per cent) of people living in rented accommodation have never received the basic facts from their landlords on how to keep safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. CORGI’s biggest survey asked 3000 people about their attitudes towards maintenance, repair and the dangers of neglected gas appliances. Heating & Plumbing Monthly

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Site safety worries Construction firms in Greater Manchester are being warned to tighten health and safety practices after reports claiming that 25 per cent of construction sites had failed safety tests. The Health and Safety Executive said that following checks at sites in Manchester, Trafford and Salford, it had issued a total of 56 enforcement notices at 42 sites, requiring that work be halted immediately or improvements to be made. Electrical Times

Reactors’ hitch A £140million job to reduce the height of two nuclear reactors in Trawsfynydd, North Wales, is set to be the first casualty of the Government’s cut in spending for nuclear decommissioning. The Safestore Height Reduction project – due to go ahead this year – is being put on hold in favour of works to stabilise waste left over from the active days of the reactors, which closed in 1991. Switched on If you spot an interesting industry story in the media, email the Editor magazine.editor@napit.org.uk

MEMBERS

Thechangingfaceofwork NAPIT’s David Cowburn with a look at the latest amendments to the Building Regulations

The following is an overview of April’s changes to the Building Regulations and other related legislation – with a particular focus on the areas that directly affect NAPIT members. It should be noted that there are many more amendments that relate specifically to building design and new buildings. For more details it is worth viewing the Government’s Planning Portal www.planningportal.gov.uk where you will also find guidance in the Approved Documents as they are published. At the time of writing this article, the new Approved Document G is in place but others are still being prepared. It is also important to note that while these changes are made in April, they mostly come into force from October 1. For members of Competent Person’s schemes, work that they start before October 1 can be completed to the previous regulations in most situations. Members whose approval covers the types of work highlighted here will be expected to be up to date with the new requirements when they are next assessed.

Part G – Cold water supply There must be a supply of cold wholesome water for the purposes of drinking water and to washbasins, fixed baths, bidets and showers and to sinks in food preparation areas. “Wholesome water” is water that meets the requirements set out in the Water Industry Act 1991 and is what is normally supplied as mains water. Water “of a suitable quality”, treated but not wholesome, can be supplied to WCs, urinals or washing machines (or for irrigation purposes). Such water could be greywater (domestic wastewater excluding faecal matter or urine) or harvested rainwater. Members seeking to notify the supply of water other than wholesome water will have to complete a risk assessment of the installation to ensure, among other things that wholesome water cannot become contaminated. CONTINUED OVERLEAF

Part F – Ventilation schemes Where mechanical ventilation systems – including air conditioning – are installed there is now a requirement for such systems to be commissioned “where testing and adjustment of the system is possible”. This applies even when a single point extraction fan is installed – if it can be adjusted. There is a new requirement that for all ventilation systems the building owner must be given sufficient information so that the system can be properly operated and maintained.

Be confident at your next assessment by getting up to date with the new regulations.

Part G – Hot water systems BS7671 review The review of the BS7671 IEE Wiring Regulations begins on June 9. In the next issue of the magazine, we’ll be looking in detail at how the consultation will run and how NAPIT members can have their say.

Hot water storage vessels of more than 15 litres are now notifiable whether they are vented or unvented cylinders. The previous statement requiring an unvented cylinder competence card (or certificate) has been adjusted to say that to self-certify you must be a member of a Competent Person’s scheme but since the agreed standard for membership of such schemes is the same card (or certificate) this is not a relaxation of the required qualification standards. There must be a supply of heated wholesome water – see the comments on cold water supply for a definition of wholesome water – to washbasins, fixed baths and showers and to sinks in food preparation areas. NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk 9

MEMBERS

Changes to the Regs CONTINUED Part J – Heat producing appliances There is a new requirement for the installation of carbon monoxide alarms “in appropriate circumstances” when a fixed combustion appliance is installed in a dwelling. These circumstances will be described in more detail when the revised Approved Document J is published. Not in Part J itself but in Schedule 2(A), the previous restrictions on self-certification of combustion appliances have been lifted. This used to mean that appliances rated more than100kW or in buildings of more than three stories had to be subject to Building Control and notified in advance. The revised regulations allow a suitably approved member of a Competent Person’s scheme to notify a combustion appliance without such restrictions provided they are competent to do so. Where this involves appliances larger than 100kW scheme members cannot self-certify until after their next assessment. New regulations are changing the face of industry.

Part P – Electrical safety A minor amendment is planned simply to make the references in Approved Document P relate to BS7671:2008 – they currently refer to the 2001 standard. This will not invite a review of Part P, although preparations will begin this year as CLG begin research ready for a full consultation which we believe is planned for 2013. NAPIT will be looking for opportunities to contribute early to the research so that members’ experiences will be lodged prior to consultation documents being drawn up.

Future arrangements in Wales Competent Person’s schemes operating in Wales will fall under the responsibility of the Welsh Assembly from 2012. Initially they will continue to run in parallel. Discussions between the Welsh Assembly, CLG and the scheme operators are planned over the coming months.

Local authority charging for building control In an important change, the charging regime for Building Control is to become more flexible. While the main shift is away from fixed charges – based on the physical size of work – towards charges based on the effort expended. This has introduced some benefits to members of Competent Person’s schemes. The first is that when work is being completed

10 NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk

within a larger building project, the local authorities can now reduce their charge taking into account the element of the work completed by a competent person. This is to discourage the use of nonregistered installers by building contractors. A second provision allows a local authority to add a charge to a project where they need to engage and incur the costs of a consultant to provide specialist advice. This removes a barrier to the concept of the LABC Approved Inspector Scheme which to date could only be completed where the local authority was willing to bear the costs itself. Now it can charge the householder or the main contractor for any necessary inspections. The new regulations also give local authorities the power to demand information to allow them to calculate charges – such as confirming the competence and/or registration of a person engaged to carry out electrical work. Local authorities can voluntarily use these measures from April but must follow the new requirements from October. These changes were all proposed within the Competent Persons Forum Enforcement Committee chaired by NAPIT’s John Andrews and supported by NAPIT in 2009’s consultation. The work there is now moving on to enforcement powers. The Government introduced primary legislation in 2009 to allow fixed penalties for some specific offences and we want breaches of the Building Regulations such as carrying out notifiable work without self-certification or Building Control inspection to be one such penalty.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Readthesmallprint John Kelly from law firm Berryman with a guide to avoiding the pitfalls surrounding building subcontracts

Building sub-contracts are notoriously complicated and hard to follow but often contain important administrative rules. Some are designed to protect the sub-contractor if matters happen outside of the sub-contractor’s control – an example of this may be unavoidable delays. To get the benefit of some of these rules, the subcontractor will often be required to take certain steps. Failure to do this may be fatal in obtaining the protection the contract may otherwise afford – programme and time are good examples. Contracts will usually have a job completion date. They may also have damages’ clauses if the work is not completed on time.

Check the detail If events happen that prevent completion, a subcontractor will often be entitled to claim additional time on the contract. By applying for and getting an extended contract completion date the subcontractor will remove the risk of being blamed for delays. However, if the sub-contractor does not follow the administrative rules he will not get the protection. It is often clear to me that some of my sub-contractor clients do not see the contract as something that could assist them. A common reaction when faced with the impenetrable wodge of paper is to sign it and return it – then get on with the real work on site with varying degrees of indifference to what they have signed up to. It goes without saying that you must read the contract before signing it. If you are not clear on what you are signing get it checked professionally. If you do not do this, then as an absolute minimum obtain an understanding of what is required in relation to the management of time on the contract. As time and programme are

often the biggest risk on a contract, sub-contractors should at least focus on these provisions in the document so they are clear on what is expected from them and how they can protect their own position under the contract by giving the requisite notices. By taking some basic steps from the outset, risks associated with time and delays can be minimised.

So what should a contracting party do to deal with this risk? Firstly, make sure the contractual start and completion dates are identified in the contract and are known to those in an organisation tasked with completing the contract. Secondly, read whatever provisions there are for extending the completion date and understand them. Pay particular attention to what notification requirements exist in terms of when you have to report delay, to whom and with what supporting information. Thirdly, ask the following questions each week: • What is my current contract completion date? • Am I on target to meet it? • If not, who should I be notifying about it and how? Many organisations do not like issuing delay notices and those on the other side of the bargain do not like receiving them. But a failure to issue them will often be fatal to the right to claim additional time – and if you can’t claim additional time and you don’t complete by the contract completion date you may have a problem. This problem usually manifests itself by the other contracting party raising the issue of delay and its consequences when settling final accounts.

What can happen If a sub-contractor sits in a final account meeting knowing that they did not complete by the date in the contract, and they have not given the required notices of delays and requests for extensions of time, then they have a problem. In these circumstances the contractor will often negotiate a favourable final account because the sub-contractor has been left exposed on the issue of time. If a sub-contractor can see the project is in delay they should see each delay notice issued as an insurance policy against possible set-off claims against there account. If you know nothing else about your contract, understand the notice requirements of delays and how to apply for extensions of time.

NAPIT www.napit.org.uk 11

MEMBERS

Our 6000th member is As NAPIT’s membership continues to grow, Roger Ryan meets the family business from South West London bringing up this milestone

The traditional family concern has been at the heart of the electrical contracting industry for many years. While for some corporate is cool, for others the father and son relationship in the workplace is still the backbone of the business. So it was with some satisfaction to discover that the 6000th member to join the NAPIT family is part of a father and son combination from south-west London. Wilkins and Wilkins Property Services of Wimbledon was founded in December. Retired police Milestone men: James and Paul Wilkins of Wimbledon. officer Paul (52) and his son what turned out to be the warmest day of the year so James (24) are a two-man team working in this far. prosperous area of the capital, famed for its tennis So why did Paul opt for business after a career in championships across the world. the police force: “It’s hard for young people to set up To the stranger, south-west London appears on their own in this industry,” he explained. “The untouched by the recession, as the car parks of the banks don’t seem to want to know or instead charge local superstores testify, with the latest Porches, Aston them so much in interest that it wouldn’t be feasible to Martins and Mercedes providing the transport for do so. I decided to give James a helping hand – and I shopping runs on a warm Thursday morning. am enjoying it. I caught up with Paul and James while they were “I had some money set aside, so I thought I will be working on the re-wire of a 1920s’ three-bedroom the bank manager and consultant. This will allow us to semi in need of some tlc. The owners had just moved set up a business for ourselves and take charge of into the house and were concerned about the safety our own destiny. of the electrics. “We’ve created a limited liability partnership – Major renovations were taking place and for the James is the qualified electrician, I am the hired help Wilkins the job involved fixing 21 downlighters, new and my wife Denise is the other partner. We can be socket outlets, a ten-way split board and audio feeds. found on a number of websites including Taking a break from preparation work, father and www.ratedpeople.com where this job came from. son sat down in the neat back garden for a chat on “We have a friendly and honest approach. Some cynics may laugh but we think it will pay dividends in the end. James is the gaffer on the site. I am the greyheaded source of wisdom in the background helping him and handling the form filling – and I never realised just how many forms there are in this industry.” Away from the red tape, our 6000th member James takes the lead on technical matters – having been employed in the electrical industry for more than three years. Before Wilkins and Wilkins, he had already qualified as a NAPIT inspector and tester while working for another business, having gained his C&G 2330 and C&G 2391 tickets. So what’s it like working with dad: “It can be quite frustrating at times – he’s yet to get to grips with all the technical terms but we are getting to know each other’s habits and it’s working well,” James replied. Van man: Our 6000th member, James.

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MEMBERS

a Wimbledon ace “Dad came be very helpful. He’s good at concentrating on the job in hand and getting things done.” Besides the support of an old head, James is appreciative of the help that NAPIT provides. He believes that assistance from a trade association is key to the success of any electrical contracting business.

“NAPIT field officer Richard Cunningham was very supportive with the onsite test and with his advice on the administration side,” he explained. “You have to join NAPIT if you don’t want to be considered as a cowboy. NAPIT’s help online with the rewire was great and so too was the advice on the contract for this job.”

James and Paul want the business to progress initially with bread and butter work like the rewire but both are looking to gain qualifications to progress their skill levels. Security alarms and emergency lighting are areas that James would like to become competent in. The Wilkins recognise that multi-skilling will play an increasingly important role in the building services industry of the future. Plumbing is on the agenda with property development the ultimate goal. Away from work, sailing is a passion for Paul in tandem with helping others. “I love it – I sail out of Southampton as a Watch Officer with the Rona Sailing Project,” he said. The project is one of the oldest sail training organisations in the UK, established for almost 50 years. It has taken more than 30,000 young people to sea and given them what it describes as the experience of a lifetime, greater self-confidence and a new perspective on the world. “I enjoy tall ship trans-Atlantic sailing,” Paul revealed. “In 2008 I travelled from Southampton down to Tenerife via Spain and then crossed the Atlantic to the Americas – a real experience. “I became involved with sailing as a Sea Scout at the age of 14 and just carried on. My philosophy: what you take out, you try and put back in. Working with young people keeps you young at heart. It’s far better than sitting in front of the fire with your cardigan on. “Closer to home, as a family we are interested in Scouting. I am a group Scout leader, James is an assistant Scout leader and Denise is a Cub leader.” Wilkins and Wilkins may be a fledgling business but they are big on customer relationships and ambition – serving the people of Wimbledon with pride. Let’s hope that Andy Murray is able to do the same on court this June.

Top Paul (far right) with the tall ships’ team. Middle Paul gets down to work on a socket outlet. Bottom Paul measures up the task ahead. NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk 13

TECHNICAL

Choosing the right PAT An update on what’s available in the portable appliance testing field

Many specialist firms now provide portable appliance testing services. With the downturn in traditional electrical installation work in the last couple of years they have been joined by electrical contractors who have turned to PAT testing to help offset the reduced activity in their traditional test activities. All involved in PAT testing have a wide choice of test instrumentation available – from basic pass/fail instruments capable of carrying out fundamental checks to more comprehensive testers used as part of formal preventative maintenance programmes.

Basic PAT testers At the basic level, PAT test instruments are available as relatively simple to operate devices that carry out basic electrical safety checks. Most are equipped with an earth continuity test, insulation resistance test and the ability to check to wiring of detachable mains cords. But they do not include tests which involve applying mains power to the appliance under test – for example, protective conductor current or touch current. Results are displayed as an immediate “go/no go” indication – in the form of a simple digital display and/or a pass/fail warning light – or measured values which can be recorded for traceability. These basic instruments do not possess an internal memory for results storage and are designed for use by those who may be relatively unskilled in electrical work or for those who have a relatively small number of appliances to test.

Intermediate PAT testers The next level of instruments offer a more comprehensive range of tests and often include measurements such as protective conductor current, touch current and RCD trip time. The additional functions allow the user to test a wider range of appliance types in accordance with the IEE Code of Practice. For example, appliances with electronic power switches where insulation resistance testing is not appropriate. In the most modern, tests can also be undertaken to measure protective conductor current in 3-phase equipment using special in-line test adaptors. In general, these instruments do not possess an internal memory for results storage but give measured values which can be recorded using a paper based system or suitable software package for improved traceability. They are suited to those who require a wide range of electrical tests but do not require automatic data storage. So they are ideal for those who may have an inhouse responsibility for ensuring the safety of 14 NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk

equipment used in premises like schools or by service and maintenance staff and local authorities. Manual testers are available – battery or mains powered – but mains power is required when performing tests requiring the appliance under test to be energised.

Advanced PAT testers For comprehensive test requirements, more sophisticated mains and battery powered testers are available, combining user-friendly operation with a range of other features for particular test demands or routines. These include options for manual or automatic testing – with pre-set pass/fail thresholds – and the ability to reconfigure the automatic test sequences to cater for a wide range of electrical appliance types. In the most modern instruments, the ability to create inspection and test sequences for non-electrical assets is also available. For example, when inspecting fire extinguishers or emergency lighting systems. These more advanced testers record the results and details of the test program, site and location of the asset under test, details of the operator and the time and date that testing was carried out. All of this can be transferred to PC-held test management programs for complete traceability. Advanced testers are more suitable for use by PAT testing companies and specialist service companies with large asset databases under their responsibility. In most, long life battery power eliminates the reliance on mains outlets for testing – making the instrument totally portable and suitable for universal testing applications. The more advanced and comprehensive PAT testers also incorporate a suite of other tests that can include protective conductor current, touch current and substitute leakage.

New test demands In the most modern PAT testers, RCD testing is now included in the suite of test options available. This follows the inclusion of new advice in the third edition of the IEE Code of Practice that when an extension lead or multi-way adaptor is fitted with an RCD, the operation of the RCD should be checked using an RCD test instrument to determine that the trip time is within specified limits. In the same way, the IEE Code also now recommends a choice of insulation test voltage of 250V DC or 500V DC – or the use of substitute or alternative leakage measurement for some types of electrical equipment. Again not all testers are

TECHNICAL

tester for the job

Testing domestic appliances is now an industry in itself.

Advanced testers can now be linked directly to printers.

equipped with the capability to undertake this variety of tests. The incorporation of Bluetooth technology in some advanced PAT testers allows the wireless connection of barcode scanners, label printers and other accessories. Advanced testers can also be linked directly to safety-labelling printers for the fast and automatic production of appliance test labels on-site.

Test records It is recommended that test results should be kept throughout the working life of electrical equipment to monitor the condition of the equipment and to demonstrate compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

A hand-held device offering protection to the consumer.

The use of computerised portable appliance testers with an internal memory enables data to be transferred directly from the instrument to a PC-stored database allowing an automatic update of test records, the generation of test reports and advance testing schedules. The fact that test results are automatically recorded by the test instrument, transferred electronically and stored in locked fields in a database allows for a tamper free system ensuring full traceability. The integration of test data collected by the PAT tester and computerised record systems also enables various improvements to be made in test scheduling, identifying next test due dates and the development of asset registers.

Turn to Page 34 and enter our Spot the Difference competition for your chance to win a Seaward Primetest 250 electrical tester.

NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk 15

MEMBERS

NAPITMemberCouncils stage two News of National Council elections and dates for your diary across the UK

National Council elections on the agenda It is now time to turn our attention to the next National Council meeting. NAPIT will be asking all eight Member Councils to select from among those attending meetings regularly a representative for the National Council meeting planned for October. Each elected representative will stand for a year and will also be asked to attend the second National Council meeting planned for April 2011. This latter meeting is part of the planned continued expansion of the NAPIT Trade Association. Alongside this second National Council meeting,

North West Location: The Inn on The Wharf, Burnley. Future meetings: Monday, July 5, 6.30pm to 8.30pm Monday, November 8, 6.30 to 8.30pm

East Midlands Location: NAPIT headquarters, Mansfield. Future meetings: Wednesday July 7, 5.30 to 7.30pm Wednesday November 3, 5.30 to 7.30pm.

West Midlands The Bridge Hotel, Prestbury, Macclesfield. Future meetings: Wednesday July 14, 5.30 to 7.30pm Wednesday November 10, 5.30 to 7.30pm.

Wales Location: Express Holiday Inn, Swansea Future meetings: Tuesday July 6, 5.30 to 7.30pm Tuesday November 2, 5.30 to 7.30pm.

North East Location: Holiday Inn, Newcastle. Future meetings: Monday July 12, 5.30 to 7.30pm Monday November 8, 5.30 to 7.30pm.

Home Counties Location: Blackheath Rugby Club, Greenwich. Future meetings: Monday July 5, 6.30 to 8.30pm Monday November 1, 6.30 to 8.30pm.

South West Location: Express Holiday Inn, Southampton. Future meetings: Tuesday July 6, 7.00 to 9.00pm Tuesday November 2, 7.00 to 9.00pm.

For more information about NAPIT Member Councils please visit www.napit.org.uk/tradeassoc.asp or email member.council@napit.org.uk or telephone 0845 543 0330.

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NAPIT will also be seeking the views of its Member Councils about the NAPIT Trade Association and the success of the Competent Person’s schemes through a survey. The results of this will define the development plans for the Member Councils. Additionally, NAPIT will also seek the views of its members in the Kent and Bristol areas – including all surrounding regions – to see if additional Member Councils can be set up for those members living some distance from the existing Home Counties and Welsh Councils.

South East Location: Express Holiday Inn, Norwich. Future meetings: Monday July 12, 5.30 to 7.30pm Monday November 8, 5.30 to 7.30pm.

FOCUS ON MEMBER COUNCILS

Havingyoursay There was a mixed view on introducing less The Department of Communities and Local frequent assessments for low-risk members with Government closed its consultation on the rules some identifying the high rate of change in the governing Competent Person’s schemes on industry and others valuing the annual visit as a key March 19. benefit of membership – but 75 per cent did support a NAPIT geared up to identify members’ views on reduced assessment burden. this important consultation with a mixture of analysis, Members were split almost 50:50 on the benefit of questionnaires and, importantly, debate at the scheme operators having to be UKAS accredited – Member Councils. some supported the idea of such independent As a result of this work the National Trade scrutiny but others felt that introducing UKAS could Association was able to provide a detailed response have a cost impact while failing to address the real to the cumbersome and complex documents. issues such as lack of enforcement, consumer As NAPIT Registration also responded, it was promotion and consistency across the schemes. interesting to confirm that on most, but not all items, NAPIT would like to thank members for taking time the registration scheme and the Trade Association to engage in the consultation – probably representing were in agreement. the only response that sought a direct involvement The complete responses – covering 22 individual from those most directly affected by the CLG’s questions – are on the Member Download area of our decisions. website. Those issues that produced the keenest debate can be summarised as follows: There was a desire to see greater consultation with scheme members when setting requirements. One of the most commonly expressed concerns was the acceptance by some schemes of supervision of work being carried out by individuals who are never assessed or required to demonstrate competence. Member Council representatives at a recent meeting in Mansfield.

RCBO tripping problem highlighted The new-look North West Member Council is up and running. The first meeting in Burnley was well attended. The CLG proposal was the subject of much debate – as was the forthcoming consultation on the amendment to BS7671 due out later this year. As some members had been unable to attend due to the timing of the meeting, it was agreed to move future dates to Mondays starting at 6.30pm. The next meeting of the council will take place on Monday July 5. Other council meetings were also well attended. The North East Council in Newcastle welcomed six new members. Ray Blanckley reported back to the meeting on the successful resolution of a tricky problem involving the simultaneous tripping of multiple RCBOs. This was due to the rise in Earth potential caused by a fault in a pyro cable situated in a remote dwelling on a private estate not connected with the RCBO-

protected property. At the East Midlands’ Council meeting in Mansfield Roy Sargent gave a presentation on the new Building Control Legislation laid before Parliament in February and which became law on April 1. As a result all local authorities will have to introduce a charging regime in line with this new legislation by October 1. See also Page 10. If you are interested in becoming involved in the Trade Association and would like to assist with its continual development please visit www.napitonline.com/members and log in to the Members Area, click on the Trade Association link and complete the application form. We look forward to hearing from you.

NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk 17

SPECIAL FEATURE

NAPIT leads the way wi Roger Ryan reports on a new initiative to rid the UK of cowboy installers in the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms industry

NAPIT is to play a key role in raising standards in the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms industry. A new industry standards’ register will be run by NAPIT on behalf of the Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms National Training Group. This will hold the names of competent and qualified installers – giving consumers and employers the opportunity to choose trades people they can trust. KBB Chief Executive Renee Mascari said: “The KBB National Training Group is on a mission to drive up standards and deliver training and upskilling for the KBB sector. One of the ways we can do this is by having a register for kitchen installers. “There’s a big cowboy element in our industry. Basically you don’t need any qualifications to call yourself a kitchen fitter. That has to stop because the job requires a high level of skill.”

A cut above: Watched by NAPIT Chief Executive John Andrews, Jo Healey of BBC East Midlands Today officially opens Mascari Kitchens.

New kitchen business joins NAPI A new kitchen design and installation business that makes high standards of workmanship a priority has joined NAPIT. Mascari Kitchens of Ruddington, near Nottingham, opened its doors to business in February. Rob Mascari, the managing director, says the business is a high-end specialist in contemporary kitchen design and traditional bespoke kitchens with a modern twist. He explained: “We focus heavily on ergonomic design – lighting, sound, vision and automation for kitchens. “We are a family business and have been in the industry for a long time. My mother is Chief Executive of the KBB. I have been in the industry for ten years. I started off on the installation side and have progressed to running my own business.” 18 NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk

He added: “As an organisation, NAPIT has a ring of quality about it – providing support and governance in many aspects of the building services industry. The role of NAPIT is vital. There are far too many people out there carrying out work they are unqualified to do.” Rob continued: “It’s important that there is greater control over standards in the kitchens’ industry. There are an astronomical number of complaints from consumers and retailers about poor workmanship. I know that NAPIT is at the forefront of raising consumer awareness about the importance of maintaining high standards.”

SPECIAL FEATURE

th new register National level The NTG will be the new register’s licence holder but NAPIT will be running it on a day-to-day basis. Renee explained: “The consumer can feel confident about using trades people on the register. It will also drive the training and education programme we have. “Part of the criteria of being accepted on the register is that installers will have to attain and maintain several Continual Professional Development qualifications relating to the job. This means that if you join the register, your competence will be checked on a regular basis – something that is beneficial to the industry and the consumer.” Installers will only be admitted to the register if they have reached a national level of attainment. They will need a sponsor – an employer or a major national retailer. “Initially we will have to go on the trust of those that recommend and sponsor,” added Renee, “but there’ll be no place for rogue traders.” If there are complaints about work the register will step in and investigate. Ultimate sanctions against poor workmanship could be expulsion from the register. There are already 1000 installers on the register and the KBB is confident that this will grow significantly in coming years. NAPIT’s Director of Inspection Services Richard Gould said: “We want to persuade the industry and the consumer that only competent, registered people should be allowed to install kitchens. We wouldn’t

encourage an electrician to install a kitchen, no more than we would encourage a kitchen installer to do the electrics. “The industry has never had any kind of occupational standard set out. You can be an accountant on a Friday and start work as a kitchen fitter on the Monday. The register will allow NAPITregistered electricians to find accredited kitchen fitters to work with – trades people they can trust.

Craftsmanship “At a time of recession, more and more people are looking to upgrade their kitchens rather than move house. The work is there. The likes of B&Q are reporting a rise in kitchen sales. It’s often the individual guy who is responsible for the installation. These are the people we want to join the register.” The KBB’s National Training Group is based in the same building as Mascari Kitchens in Ruddington. Courses in kitchen, bedroom and bathroom design and craftsmanship are run from its offices.

For more information about the register visit the KBB website www.kbbntg.com or contact NAPIT on 0845 543 0330

T family Rob is keen to join the new Industry Standards’ Register as soon as possible. “This will apply to anybody who works for my company or any subcontractor employed by me. It’s the only way forward,” he said. Rob has joined NAPIT as a plumbing and ventilation installer. In fitting out Mascari Kitchens’ new premises, he used NAPIT registered electrician Russell Upton of RU Switched On from nearby West Bridgford. “I met Russell on a job last year. He’s a fantastic electrician. His work is top class – very neat and tidy.” Russell completed a full rewire which included new ring and cooker circuits. “A straightforward job,” he commented, afterwards. “The new showroom looks really impressive.”

Nearly there: finishing touches are added just in time for the opening of Mascari Kitchens. He also installed audio and media centre equipment in the showroom kitchen. “I do quite a lot of this work,” he explained. “I am a one-man business. Things are busy at the moment.”

Delicious: NAPIT Chief Executive John Andrews shows his skills in the kitchen.

NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk 19

SPECIAL FEATURE

Advanceyourreputation More advice from the Buy With Confidence team on how to promote your business and win new customers I R

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In 2008, The Competent Person first reported news of the Buy With Confidence scheme – offering new business leads for members and consumer protection for their customers. As I am sure you are aware, Buy With Confidence is an initiative launched and managed by Trading Standards to provide the public with approved trades people they can trust. The idea behind the scheme is to eradicate rogue traders and promote Be seen with the Buy With Confidence scheme. honest, reliable trade • comply with consumer protection legislation professionals. • have appropriate insurance Since 2008 the scheme has grown to cover 30 • abide by the terms of membership of the scheme. local authority areas and membership has also risen Buy With Confidence also offers a wide range of to include more than 3000 business listings. other benefits to trades people. Your business is In January this year, the scheme unveiled an featured on the Buy With Confidence website with a updated website, helping customers find details of hot link to your own website. You also receive a their trusted local trades. To view this go to certificate to display on your premises and the use of www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk a Buy With Confidence logo. Additionally: Applications to join the Buy With Confidence • your business name is added to a list held by your scheme are welcome from all kinds of businesses, local authority to recommend to consumers big and small. • you are given a named contact for your business In order to become a Buy With Confidence with the Trading Standards Service member, a business must first apply or be • and you receive information on new legislation and recommended to join the scheme and must then warnings about trading scams. pass a set of tailored background checks. Joining the scheme is likely to cost NAPIT Membership of the scheme is not given lightly – members a small fee but it is hoped that the benefits among other checks, each applicant will have their will far outweigh any cost. The scheme has a strong complaints history reviewed and will receive a visit local focus and is viewed as running in tandem with from Trading Standards. the Government’s Trustmark scheme of approved Good references are required from previous trades people – giving customers further protection customers and applicants must agree to abide by the from rogue traders. scheme's code of conduct requiring them to follow the letter and spirit of the law. Criminal records’ disclosure may also be required in some circumstances. For further information on Buy With Confidence To join the scheme, a business must: visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk where a • be committed to good customer service map lists the local authorities • have been operating for a minimum of six months taking part in the scheme. • be based in a local authority area operating the scheme or carry out the majority of trading in one of these areas • not cold call customers

20 NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk

Notifiable electrical work descriptors Guidance for CPS registrants

This guide has been prepared as a result of feedback from Competent Persons Scheme Operators and enterprises that are registered with the scheme operators. The aim of the guide is to simplify the choice of notifiable works as well as enabling all electrical scheme operators to give a consistent message to reduce confusion in the industry. This guide is in two parts, the first part lists the twelve work descriptors to be used with a brief explanation below of when the descriptor should be used. Part two of this guide is based around five common scenarios that list the descriptors to be used when a number of different work activities are undertaken. It is important to remember that you are not required to notify every work activity individually if the main work activity will cover the works undertaken. 1. Circuit alteration or addition in a kitchen/special location This is to be used for alteration or addition in a kitchen/special location, for example the installation of an additional socketoutlet in a kitchen or the alteration of a shower circuit within a location containing a bath or shower. Selection will exclude descriptors 4 & 6.

2. One or more new circuits This is to be used for installing one or more new circuits within an installation, for example installing a shower or cooker supply or adding new circuits due to an extension on a dwelling. Selection will exclude descriptors 4 & 6.

3. Replacement consumer unit This is to be used when replacing the consumer unit; this may also include the replacement of the meter tails. Selection will exclude descriptor 6.

4. Rewire of all circuits This is to be used where a rewire of all circuits has taken place. This work activity may also require additional work activities to be notified if undertaken e.g. when a rewire of all circuits includes the replacement of a consumer unit. This does not preclude the reconnection of suitable electrical equipment as agreed with the client. Selection will exclude descriptors 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11.

5. Partial rewire This is to be used when a partial rewire has taken place, for example when rewiring one or more circuits but not all circuits of a dwelling. This work activity may also require additional work activities to be notified if undertaken. e.g. when a partial rewire includes the replacement of a consumer unit. Selection will exclude descriptors 4 & 6.

6. New Dwelling This is to be used when undertaking a new electrical installation in a dwelling or a newly formed dwelling. Selection will exclude all other descriptors.

7. Lighting/power outdoors This is to be used when installing fixed electrical equipment such as an external socket-outlet, garden lighting or supply to an outbuilding. Selection will exclude descriptors 4 & 6.

8. Control wiring including that of fire/security/heating/cooling/ventilation systems This should be used for the installation of any control wiring. Examples include central heating control wiring installations and security alarm systems. Selection will exclude descriptors 4 & 6.

9. ELV lighting within the building This is to be used for the installation of ELV lighting when the wiring has been installed and terminated on site, other than the installation of pre-assembled CE marked lighting sets which are not notifiable. Selection will exclude descriptors 4 & 6.

10. Electric floor or ceiling heating system This is to be used for the installation of electric floor or ceiling heating systems. Selection will exclude descriptors 4 & 6.

11. Installation/alteration of a generator/solar voltaic system This is to be used for the installation/alteration of a generator or solar PV system, for example the installation of a Wind Turbine, microCHP unit or a solar PV system. Selection will exclude descriptors 4 & 6.

12. Upgrade or alteration to means of earthing This is to be used when the existing earthing arrangements are being updated or altered including the replacement of the earthing conductor. Selection will exclude descriptor 6.

Example electrical works The examples below are not an exhaustive list and for further clarification or guidance please contact your Competent Person Scheme operator. Important Note: Full details of the work undertaken must be detailed on the BS 7671 certification issued.

Scenario 1 – Rewire of all circuits Existing dwelling has been completely rewired with the exception of the intruder alarm system wiring, which is in a suitable condition for reuse*. The installation consisted of; ELV lighting (other than the installation of pre-assembled CE marked lighting sets) in the kitchen and bathroom, smoke detectors, new consumer unit as well as an external socket-outlet and garden lighting This type of work activity would require the following selection from the notification list – 4. Rewire of all circuits 3. Replacement consumer unit * The reconnection of any suitable electrical equipment must be agreed with the client and recorded on the electrical certification issued.

Scenario 2 – Partial rewires Existing dwelling has been partially rewired; the wiring to a recently built flat roof extension has been left*. The partially rewired installation consisted of; the installation of new ELV lighting (other than the installation of pre-assembled CE marked lighting sets) in the kitchen and a new cooker circuit. This type of work activity would require the following selection from the notification list – 2. One or more new circuits, plus 5. Partial rewire, and 9. ELV lighting within the building * The reconnection of any suitable electrical equipment must be agreed with the client and recorded on the electrical certification issued.

Scenario 3 – Installation of central heating control wiring to an existing supply point The installation has an existing supply point for the new central heating system. The controls are wired from this point to various locations throughout the dwelling. This type of work activity would require the following descriptor: 8. Control wiring including that of fire/security/heating/cooling/ventilation system

Scenario 4 – Installation of a means of earthing The existing installation has no acceptable means of earthing and the means of earthing is to be provided by an earth electrode (TT System). This type of work activity would require the following descriptor: 12. Upgrade or alteration to means of earthing.

Scenario 5 – Conversion of a large individual dwelling to multiple dwellings A large individual dwelling has been altered to provide multiple dwellings. The previous electrical installation has been removed and the incoming supply is adequate for the proposed development. Each new dwelling will have its own metered supply. The installation in each dwelling consists of; new consumer unit, lighting and power circuits, smoke alarms, electric floor heating and electric shower. This type of work activity would require the following descriptor: 6. New dwelling

TRAINING

Trainingontheroad NAPIT technical officer Jim Follon reports on a successful four-day course run on behalf of ERF

Electrical wholesaler ERF invited NAPIT to deliver a four-day inspection and testing course at their Lighting Design Centre at Cannock in the West Midlands. It was the first time the course had been held there. The first session consisted of health and safety issues associated with inspection and testing – and included the Electricity at Work Regulations plus Health and Safety Executive guidance regarding test equipment. In the afternoon we discussed the basic requirements for inspection and testing as stated in Part 6 of BS 7671. Day two was all about the tests and the sequence they should be carried out in. As usual continuity of ring final circuit NAPIT training at wholesaler ERF. conductors needed detailed explanation spare batteries for the test kit – its amazing how often but didn’t cause any major problems. they fail at the most inconvenient time. Day three involved practice on the training rigs The assessments followed – first the theory, then combined with completing certificates and reports. the practical. I’m pleased to say that all the We finished with a briefing on what to expect. candidates passed with flying colours. The last day included advice on having a set of

TECHNICAL

Why you should warm Focus on the latest infrared equipment and you can make detecting electrical faults easier

Thermal imaging is a valuable inspection technology. Its scope of application is vast and growing. No longer is infrared the preserve of dedicated thermographers working for companies with large budgets. This technology is now available to every engineering discipline and eminently affordable. As a result infrared has become an important tool for electricians, plumbers, builders and heating engineers alike – allowing them to do their job quicker and better.

Fault detection Today the entry cost to the technology is around the £2000 mark and this presents small electrical contractors with a great opportunity to introduce infrared into their daily routine. However, before taking the plunge there are several important factors that need to be considered. Thermal imaging has been developed to be easy to use but that doesn’t mean that when you are armed with a camera you become an instant expert in electrical fault detection. First and foremost you need to know your subject. Dave Blain is the Managing Director of Thermascan, a company that undertakes thermographic surveys, hires out and sells the FLIR range of infrared cameras and trains would-be thermographers. “Quite simply, the basic requirement for detecting electrical faults is your qualification as a 17th edition electrician,” he explains. “Without that fundamental knowledge you won’t know if the thermal values you see on your image indicate normal operating temperatures or a potential fault.” The electrician needs to put the problem into

22 NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk

context as not everything that is showing hot is a problem. For example, is there a high current or high resistance contact where a high operating temperature may be the norm? “You’ve got to know what you’re looking at,” Dave continues. “And it is also vital that you have a thorough grounding in the principles of infrared.”

Surface coatings Reflections from cabinets and background lighting can completely skew the results. A cabinet may be glowing hot in the thermal image but its shiny surface could just be the heat from overhead lighting or indeed the body heat generated by the camera-operator. Busbars and DIN rail connectors can often cause problems, as can different surface coatings. It’s all to do with emissivity. This is a physics term that describes the ratio of emissive power of a surface at a given temperature to that of a black body at the same temperature and with the same surroundings. Values range from 1.0 for lampblack down to 0.02 for polished silver. And in most cases the infrared camera readings need to be adjusted to take this emissivity into account. “Basic infrared training is an absolute must for anyone planning to use infrared,” Dave explains. “When we sell a camera we always provide a day’s foundation course and almost without exception the customer will admit they were previously unaware of what’s involved. I would say in more than 70 per cent of cases the customer will then opt to follow this basic grounding with training for a level one qualification with FLIR ITC.” Accredited by the British Institute of Non-

TECHNICAL

to thermal imaging Destructive Testing, there are three certification levels now available. For an electrician simply conducting a survey, level one is a good option but if that survey is to include detailed analysis, level two is appropriate. Level three is aimed at those whose work involves creating and imposing thermal benchmarks and standards. Selecting the most suitable camera for the job is also critical and that’s down to what the user wants to do with infrared. The introduction of the compact, torchstyle infrared cameras has seen the infrared market expand significantly. “These are great toolbox instruments,” Dave adds. “The FLIR iSeries for example are ideal troubleshooting and checking tools, for doing a quick scan for hotspots and for proving that you have repaired the electrical fault correctly. However, if you need a camera that provides the necessary information for you to diagnose a broad range of electrical and mechanical faults, you need to move up the range.”

Clear image Dave’s advice for any electrical contractor intent on making the correct choice of infrared camera is to try before they buy. “Using a test bench which demonstrates a range of electrical faults, we encourage our customers to assess the performance of each camera for themselves. Another good option is for the customer to hire different camera models to try them out in the field.” There are two key factors when considering the best infrared model for detecting electrical faults – clarity of image and operational safety. Dave adds: “Both are best served by a camera with a minimum 320 x 240 pixel array. This gives the adequate number of measurement points on an image to provide a typical sensitivity value of 50 – 80mK.” To stand a chance of diagnosing a fault with a less sensitive camera means you have to stand closer to the subject. “And this is where safety can be compromised. An electrician needs a clear image of the problem at a good, safe distance,” Dave adds.

“To use infrared to discover a range of problems you need the flexibility of a mid-range camera, a FLIR T-Series model would be a good choice. Quite simply there’s no point in buying a low-price, low resolution troubleshooting camera that can only give you a clear image for fault diagnosis when it’s six inches away from the target.” These higher specification models have a range of standard features to make it even easier to apply infrared. For example, the new FLIR T335 with 50mk NETD, has both IR and digital camera and Picture-inPicture fusion. This feature allows a scalable thermal image to be overlayed on to a digital one to add emphasis to any temperature abnormality.

Thermal imaging technology can save an electrical contractor time and money on a daily basis.

Camera matches Interchangeable optics allow the camera to be best adapted to its application and a tiltable screen is a useful addition for examining the health of busbars in a chamber. Another standard feature is a laser pointer for pinpointing a hotspot on a component and recording the location on the IR image. Dave Blain summarises: “Just make sure the scope of your infrared camera matches the scope of your job and invest in some dedicated training. That way infrared will certainly add value to the service you provide and keep you safe in the process.”

NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk 23

TECHNICAL

Method 2 testing of Earth Bill Allan continues on the subject with a look at testing procedure and recording values

This article is the third in a series about earth electrodes. In the previous two issues of The Competent Person I first considered the factors affecting the resistance of earth electrodes and then looked at how to select the correct type of electrode for a given site and how to connect to electrodes. This article will give guidance on measuring the resistance of earth electrodes. There are two ways of doing this. Method 1 is used where a relatively low resistance is to be measured and where, as a result of this, a high level of accuracy is required – such as where the resistance of a substation earth electrode is to be measured. A purpose-made tester must be used for Method 1 testing. The test instrument can be of the threeterminal or four-terminal type. Method 1 testing is covered in detail in IEE Guidance Note 3, Inspection and Testing. But this article will consider only Method 2 as it is the most likely one used by electrical contractors in testing earth electrodes in installations which form part of a TT system.

Requirements of BS 7671:2008 The earth electrode is a vitally important part of the protective measure. Consequently, the designer must be satisfied that it will provide a permanent and reliable connection to Earth – with a suitably low value of resistance to Earth able to be maintained throughout its use. Regulation 612.7 of BS 7671:2008 requires that, where an earthing system incorporates an earth electrode as part of the installation, the electrode resistance to earth must be measured. Regulation 313.1(iv) requires that Ze be determined. Regulation Group 411.5 contains general requirements for TT systems. With regard to TT systems and their compliance with Regulation Group 411.5, Regulation 612.8.1(b) contains a similar requirement for testing of the earth electrode as given in Regulation 612.7. This involves measuring RA – the resistance to Earth of the earth electrode to which the exposed-conductive-parts of the installation are connected.

Method 2 In practice, the testing of earth electrodes involves installations which form part of a TT system or parts of an installation with separate electrodes. In both circumstances, RCD protection is normally provided for the whole installation which is likely to provide automatic disconnection in the event of a line to Earth 24 NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk

fault. The testing of earth electrodes in these situations is referred to as Method 2.

Testing the resistance of earth electrodes (Method 2) Fig.1 shows how the testing is carried out. The test procedure is as follows: • Isolate the installation at the main switch. Note: as the means of earthing is to be disconnected, it is most important that the supply to the final circuits is switched and locked off. • Disconnect the earthing conductor to the earth electrode at the main earthing terminal – alternatively, disconnection may involve removing a test link. Note: this allows the test current to flow through the earth electrode alone and reduces the likelihood of any problems with parallel earth paths. • Prepare the test instrument for use, checking that the instrument and the leads, probes and clips are in good order and are suitable for use. • Connect one lead of the earth loop impedance tester to the earthing conductor going to the earth electrode. Using a probe, connect the other lead to the line conductor at the incoming side of the main switch for the installation – assuming the use of a two-lead instrument – and then carry out the test. • The reading obtained is taken to be the electrode resistance. Note: as the resistance of the earth electrode is likely to be much greater than that of the protective conductor, the reading obtained is taken to be the resistance of the earth electrode. • After the test, ensure that the earthing conductor is reconnected to the earth electrode before switching the supply back on.

Maximum values of RA Regulation 411.5.3(ii) in BS 7671 requires that in TT systems RA multiplied by I∆n should not exceed 50v. Where RA is the sum of the resistance to Earth of the earth electrode and the protective conductor connecting it to the exposed-conductive-parts in ohms, and I∆n is the rated residual operating current of the RCD which protects the whole installation, two points need to be made about RA: • In TT systems RA is equivalent to Ze in TN systems and • RA is taken to be equal to Zs as RA will be much greater than the other constituent parts of the lineEarth loop. The maximum permitted values of Zs for a line to Earth voltage, U0 of 230 V (i.e. in single-phase and three-phase a.c. systems) for TT systems are given in Table 41.5 of BS 7671 and these are reproduced

TECHNICAL

electrodes in TT systems Line conductor

Fig 1

Meter Supply transformer

Main switch Earth connection block LNNL L

Neutral conductor

TT supply

Earthing conductor TEST

POLARITY

Continuity Earth Electrode

Line Neutral

Insulation Resistance

Earth

Main earthing terminal

85Ω

Earth Loop Impedance

Consumer unit

Prospective fault current RCD RANGE

Ω

Main protective bonding conductors

Earthing conductor

Ground level SUPPLY

INSTALLATION Earth electrode

Earth electrode

Modified version of Table 41.5 in BS 7671 Maximum earth fault loop impedance (ZS ) to ensure RCD operation in accordance with Regulation 411.5.3 for non-delayed RCDs to BS EN 61008-1 and BS EN 61009-1 for final circuits not exceeding 32A. Rated residual operating current (mA)

Maximum Zs* for a U0 of 230 V (ohms)

1667

100

500

300

167

500

100

*These figures may be taken to be the maximum permitted values of RA, as Zs is assumed to be equal to RA in TT systems.

above in a modified version of this table. Although it is beyond the scope of this article to provide a full explanation, the figures for Zs in this table are arrived at by the application of the disconnection times in Table 41.1 and the formula RA X I∆n ≤ 50V. BS 7671 adds Note 2 to this table recommending that the value of RA should be as low as practicable and values above 200 ohms may become unstable due to changes in soil conditions such as freezing and drying.

Recording values The value of RA should be recorded on the Test Result Schedule as Ze. The values of earth fault loop impedance Zs for the final circuits must also be

recorded even if, in TT systems, those values exceed the maximum Zs values given in Tables 41.2, 41.3 and 41.4. In such circumstances, additional protection by RCDs in accordance with Regulation 415.1 will ensure automatic disconnection within the required disconnection times in the event of a line to Earth fault.

Conclusion I hope this article has clarified Method 2 testing of earth electrodes. As the role of RCDs is vital in ensuring protection against electric shock in TT systems, it is of the utmost importance that they are properly tested in accordance with BS 7671. Further information, including Method 1 testing, is given in IEE Guidance Note 3, Inspection and Testing. NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk 25

TECHNICAL

Rules, limits and exceptio Bill Allan gets out the regs to check on the percentages that matter the most to your work

I will address some of the questions asked frequently on the NAPIT Technical Helpline about voltage drop. Firstly, I will look at the voltage drop requirements of BS 7671:2008 as given in Section 525 and Table 12A of Appendix 12 – noting the exemptions for certain equipment. Then I’ll provide guidance in the application of suitable voltage drop limits to the cables of sub-mains and final circuits – including those in larger installations.

Requirements of BS 7671 Regulation 525.1 requires that under normal service conditions, the voltage at the terminals of any fixed current-using equipment must be greater than the lower voltage limit allowed by the product standard for that item of equipment. Where the equipment is not the subject of a product standard, the voltage at the terminals of the equipment must be such as not to impair the safe and effective working of the equipment (Regulation 525.2). Where the effective voltage range of the equipment is not known, Regulation 525.3 states that the installation is deemed to have complied with the requirements of BS 7671 if the voltage drop between the origin of the installation – usually the supply terminals – and the terminals of the furthest item of current-using equipment does not exceed the values in Table 12A of Appendix 12. Table 12A is reproduced below as Table 1. These values relate to the nominal voltage of the installation. Table 1: Maximum voltage drop limits from Appendix 12 of BS 7671:2008 Type of supply

Lighting

230 V, the maximum permissible voltage drops are 6.9V and 11.5V respectively. Item (ii) applies to low voltage installations supplied from private supplies. These values apply to sub-main cables and to larger installations generally – including installations with their own on-site transformer. These have maximum values of six per cent for lighting circuits and eight per cent for other circuits. For a line to Earth voltage, U0 of 230 V, the maximum permissible voltage drops are 13.8V and 18.4V respectively. The asterisk in the table informs us that even in these installations the values in item (i) (i.e. three per cent and five per cent) should be used for final circuits.

Exceptions for certain equipment A greater voltage drop than the maximum values given in Table 1 may be acceptable for motors during their starting up periods and for equipment with high inrush currents. However, it must be verified that the voltage at the terminals of the equipment are within the limits specified by the relevant product standard for the equipment. In the absence of a product standard, the voltage at the terminals must be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations (Regulation 525.4).

Determining voltage drop Voltage drop is normally determined from the current demand – applying diversity as appropriate – or from the design current Ib . The formula for the latter method is:

Other uses Voltage drop =

(i) Low voltage installations supplied directly from a public low voltage distribution system

(ii) Low voltage system supplied from private LV supply*

Item (i) of the table concerns low voltage installations supplied directly by a distribution network operator from a public low voltage distribution system. These values are applicable to final circuits. In this case, the maximum permissible voltage drop between the origin of the installation and any load point should not exceed three per cent for lighting circuits and five per cent for other circuits. For a line to Earth voltage, U0 of 26 NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk

mV/A/m x Ib x Length (m) 1000

The mV/A/m figure in the above formula is determined from the appropriate table(s) in Appendix 4. Calculated voltage drops should include any effects due to harmonic currents (see Appendix 11 for more information).

Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 A common approach to the design of maximum volts drop is to utilise the voltage tolerances permitted by the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (ESQCR). As the ESQCR currently require suppliers to maintain the voltage at consumers' terminals within the range of +10 per cent to – 6 per cent of the nominal supply voltage, these limits can be built into the design.

TECHNICAL

ns on voltage drop Fig 1

Final circuits

cent and five per values to be used as appropriate for the final circuits without exceeding the maximum figure of 14.5 per cent allowed by the ESQCR (see fig 1).

Furthest point in final circuits

232.76 − 6.98 (3%) = 225.78v Lighting Sub-main 253 − 20.24 (8%) = 232.76v

Main distribution board

Total V.D 11% Other uses

General guide

Total V.D 13%

It should be noted that the maximum line to Earth voltage permitted by the 252.76 − 6.35 (5%) ESQCR – 253 volts – was used in the = 221v previous calculation. This may be acceptable in large installations which have their own supply transformer, the Fig 2 output voltage of which can be set to Final circuits Furthest point in final circuits 253 volts. 211.6 − 6.35 (3%) = 205.25v In other more common instances, the value of the line to Earth voltage is Lighting Total V.D likely to be less than this. It would be 6% Sub-main Main prudent to base the calculation on the distribution board Other uses nominal line to Earth voltage of 230 230 − 18.4 (3%) Total V.D = 211.6v volts. The calculation then becomes 6% 230 – 216.2 = 13.8 which is six per 211.6 − 6.35 (3%) cent of 230 V. The total volts’ drop = 205.25v figure for both sub-mains and final circuits is six per cent. As a general rule, we could allow three per cent for the sub-main Given that the nominal line to Earth voltage, U0 is cable and three per cent for the final circuits as shown 230 volts, this means that the supply voltage must be in Table 2 below (see also fig 2). within the range 253 V to 216.2 V. This permitted voltage tolerance can be used to provide guidance on acceptable voltage drops in consumers' installations. Table 2: General guidance on maximum For example, installations which have their own onvoltage drop limits site supply transformer are under the control of the designer who would be able to set the no-load Type of supply Lighting and other uses voltage on the low voltage side of the transformer to the highest permitted figure of 253 volts. (i) Final circuits 3% The lowest figure of 216.2 V can be taken as the minimum voltage under full-load conditions that can be accepted at the furthest point in the installation. (ii) Sub-main cables 3% From these figures, we can calculate a percentage voltage drop which would be within the limits Total voltage drop 6% specified by the ESQCR: 253 – 216.2 = 36.8 V and 36.8 is 14.5 % of 253. Therefore, the total permitted voltage drop within the installation, expressed as a percentage, including any sub-main cables, is 14.5 per cent. The problem is then to decide an acceptable maximum value for the sub-main cable which permits the maximum three per cent and five per cent values for the final circuits which it serves while keeping the total figure below 14.5 per cent. For example, if we set an eight per cent maximum figure for the sub-main, this would permit the three per

Conclusion The values quoted above should be regarded for general guidance. Depending on circumstances, they may be able to be increased. Whichever design criteria are used for voltage drops, it is advisable to check the voltage at the furthest point by actual measurement. A reduction in voltage will result in a corresponding reduction in power output. The voltage appearing at equipment terminals must be confirmed as being adequate for the safe and effective working of the equipment. NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk 27

NAPIT on the road The NAPIT exhibition team is ready to hit the road. This year NAPIT will be exhibiting at or attending a series of major industry events across the country Here we’ll be running seminars on microgeneration and the Building Regulations – and providing helpful advice on form filling. We’ll be spreading the message about the benefits of The Competent Person schemes and being part of the NAPIT family. We’ll also be talking to opinion formers about what’s happening across the building services industry. Do drop in and see us for a chat – we would be delighted to meet you. Look out for more information in The Competent Person and NAPIT’s e-newsletter.

Dates for your diary June 8–10 – Electrex, NEC, Birmingham* June 16–17 – Greenbuild Expo, Manchester Central* September 16–17 – ELEX 2010, Ricoh Arena, Coventry October 7–8 – M&E Event, Olympia, London October 20–21 – PHEX, Manchester United FC** November 17–18 – PHEX, Chelsea FC** November 30 to December 1 – ELEX 2010, Sandown Park, Surrey * NAPIT will be attending only to present seminars ** NAPIT will be attending only

SPECIAL FEATURE

Twenty 20 Yvette O’Donnell is the latest member of the NAPIT team to face 20 quick-fire questions about life and work

Q1 What is your full name? Yvette Joanne O’Donnell. Q2 Where were your born? Kings Mill Hospital, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. Q3 Where did you attend school? Park Road Infants and Junior School, Shirebrook, Nottinghamshire and then on to Shirebrook Comprehensive School. Q4 What was your first job and what did it involve? My first proper job was a machine operative at Worldwide Fruit in Spalding. This involved making sure all the machines were fit for use. If they did breakdown I tried to fix them as quickly as possible to minimise Yvette with daughters Megan and Billie. the loss of production. Q5 How and why did you join Our favourite place is Clumber Park, near Worksop, NAPIT? Nottinghamshire. Here they feed the ducks. We also I joined NAPIT through an agency in 2006. I haven’t like cycling and swimming. During the summer I also looked back. My two daughters (Megan now 8) and enjoy playing lawn green bowls. I play mainly in (Billie now 7) had both started at nursery and I competitions but I do also play in league games decided it was time to get back into work. I had during the week. worked since leaving school and I just could not get Q11 What is your favourite country visited? used to staying at home. I was happy to start at NAPIT I have only been to Cyprus. I would have to go with as I saw it as a challenge and a way to further my that. development. Q12 What is your favourite TV programme? Q6 How have you served NAPIT down the years? I would have to say Eastenders but I do like watching When I started at NAPIT I was part of the Criminal Minds too. administration team – dealing with notifications, Q13 Who is your favourite film star? renewals and new members. Two years ago I joined Will Smith. the training department after being offered the role of Q14 What was your first car and how much did it Training and Assessment Co-ordinator. cost? Q7 What does your present job entail? My first car was a Rover 1.8 costing only £150. I organise the dates for training courses and manage Q15 Who makes you laugh? the trainers’ diaries. I am also the main point of My daughters are always coming out with something contact for City & Guilds and Blueflame certification – it’s never a dull moment. and ensure all their standards are met. I send out Q16 What is your favourite restaurant? confirmation letters to candidates and make sure that Frankie & Benny’s. for City and Guilds’ exams every candidate is Q17 What is your favourite song and why? registered. Aerosmith, Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing – I just love that Q8 What is your most memorable moment while song. working for NAPIT? Q18 What and who is your favourite animal? Passing my C&G 2377 exam. I was really pleased with My auntie and uncle’s dogs Ben and Beau. They love myself so I showed everyone my score report. to have a fuss made of them when we go round. Q9 What is the most recent professional Q19 How much is a pint of milk? qualification you have attained? I honestly would not know. I don’t drink tea or coffee My last qualification was C&G 2377 PAT Testing which and the girls are not keen on cereal. I really enjoyed doing. But I also gained my Level 3 Q20 Who has had the biggest influence over your NVQ in Business Administration last year which I was career and why? also pleased with. I am now going on to tackle Level 4 I would say my mum Marilyn and dad Jim. They are NVQ in Business Administration. always asking what I’m going to do next and pushing Q10 What are your hobbies? me to achieve what I want. I like to take my daughters walking at the weekends. NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk 29

MEMBERS

Death trap discovery You bring us more stunning examples of madness from the world of amateur electricals

NAPIT member Ciaran Browne of Brotech Electric, Reading, Berkshire, writes: “You may be entertained by this imaginative combination of wire, connector blocks and electric meters I came across in a house in Reading. This was a live supply and had been used for several weeks by builders in an unoccupied house that was being converted into two flats. “On my first visit – to price the job – I found the meter position under the stairs. I was told arrangements had been made to move the meter to the entrance hall. When I turned up to start work some weeks later, this is what I was faced with. “Not only had the re-location been carried out by a non-Southern Electric employee but there was no main fuse, no means of earthing and no RCD protection. There were also undersized meter tails, an oversized protective device for the socket outlet and a distinct lack of screws holding any of it on the wall. “Inside the fuse board I found wires that had been cut but were still connected to live parts, loose un-insulated conductors and a pile of dust and dirt which had entered via the gaping holes in the top and bottom of the unit. “I immediately turned off all the switches, told the owner to suspend all works and announced that the next person to enter the property needed to be a Southern Electric engineer to sort it out. I went on to explain how dangerous the situation was and how lucky it was that the builders hadn’t been killed. “The following day I received a phone call from a Southern Electric engineer who was on-site

NAPIT member Chris Graham of Graham Electricals, of Crawley, West Sussex, writes: “I was called out to a local address to check why the shower wasn’t working. Initially, the owner said her daughter had heard a ‘pop’ from the shower pull cord switch in her bedroom. “On inspecting the shower switch the cause of the noise was evident. The picture shows the switch almost as it was found. I pulled it down a bit to check, as it was hanging from the ceiling – noting blackened red insulation and cracking insulation. “I asked to see the consumer unit which had work completed on it at some stage, noting the RCD just mounted on din rail above the CCU. The shower itself is 30 NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk

and making good. Looking back, it annoys me that there are still people carrying work to the standard I discovered in this building. This guy is out there somewhere, creating death traps whenever he gets out his screwdriver. Most trades people would agree that often regulations seem to go too far but when you encounter situations like these, the need for regulations certainly becomes apparent. It's also often hard work convincing customers that there is a problem as many people still say ‘but it works, there's no problem’. Keep up the good work NAPIT.”

a 10.5Kw shower. The cable feeding it is 6mm T&E. On examining the CBs I noted no obvious CB was detailed for the shower circuit. “I removed the CCU cover to find the 6mm T&E connected directly into live meter tail terminals. The shower is now disconnected from the live meter tails and the customer is happy with the quotation I provided her with. Luckily the RCD tripped when the live cable insulation overheated and melted through the earth sleeve. It doesn’t bear thinking about what could have happened.” If you have any pictures or stories of electrical nightmares for Bodger Watch, email them to the Editor, magazine.editor@napit.org.uk or post them to the Editor, The Competent Person, 13 Claremont Road, Eaton, Norwich, NR4 6SH.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Simply the best We look at the superb benefits offered by NAPIT Insurance

As I am sure you are aware we have seen an increase in the theft of tools and equipment and presumably this is due to the current economic climate. NAPIT Insurance provides cover for your tools and equipment with a single article limit of £1000 – while others offer as little as £350 which I am sure you would agree would not even cover the cost of replacing most test equipment. Our policy provides new for old and accidental damage cover for your tools and equipment. This includes cover for keeping them in your vehicle overnight. Some insurers may not offer overnight tools cover and could even add conditions to your policy and request that your vehicle is locked away in a garage or a secure compound.

Policy conditions Our policy is subject to very few conditions and no warranties at all. We would recommend you watch out for some of the following common policy conditions and warranties applied by some insurers: • height limit: our policy has no height limit for electrical work • industrial work exclusion: our policy has no restriction for work at commercial and industrial locations other than high risk premises such as power stations, airports and railways. Many other policies restrict work to houses, shops and offices only.

Our recommended premier policy For the ultimate protection we have devised a package policy offering Professional Indemnity and a further range of benefits for sole traders at £265 per annum. This price is based on the following limits of indemnity: Professional indemnity – providing you with £250,000 for testing inspection and certification and £100,000 for design specification and supervision or construction. Public Liability – £2,000,000. Temporary Employers Liability Cover – maximum annual wages £5000, this is ideal for sole traders who occasionally use labour only sub contractors. Tools Cover – £1500, an increased excess will apply for tools left overnight in your vehicle. Personal Accident Cover (a physical identifiable injury) – £100 per week for a period of 104 weeks or a

NAPIT Insurance cover has no height limit for electrical work. capital benefit offering £10,000 lump sum in the event of death or a permanent disability. Commercial Legal Expenses – £100,000.

Ancillary trades We can also offer cover for companies working in plumbing, property maintenance, gas and heating, small building works, and kitchen fitting (if this part of the business and does not account for more than 50 per cent of your activities).

Microgeneration In addition, we have a new bespoke facility for renewable energy and microgeneration businesses which includes cover for: • thermal panelling • wind turbines • ground source heat pumps • photovoltaic panelling.

Our service At NAPIT Insurance Services we put our clients at the heart of our decision making, ensuring our schemes are tailored around every aspect of their business. We stay on top of our game by constantly researching and seeking updated information from our clients – keeping up to date with changes within the electrical, fire and security industry.

For the protection you need, a competitive quotation and service you can count on, call NAPIT Insurance today on 0845 8330561 or email info@napitinsuranceservices.co.uk

NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk 31

SPECIAL FEATURE

Know your job and elim Dr Wilf Archer of Mindskills Therapy and Competence Coaching with more on the risk assessment theme and a reminder about identifying hazards

In the last two issues of The Competent Person we have looked at risk assessments. You will have realised that risk assessments are an essential part of any good business as they formalise the planning process. However, the biggest problem facing most small businesses is getting over the first risk assessment step – identifying the hazards. The normal solution is to define what a hazard is – a situation or condition with the potential to cause harm – but that is of no use if we cannot determine the potential or the severity of harm that the hazard relates to. What is a minor hazard in one industry can be catastrophic in another. For instance: using an aluminium ladder on a building site may not seem like a problem but the same ladder used within a hazardous (explosive) environment like a propane gas processing site could be disastrous.

Life jacket Of course not all hazards have to have severe consequences and even the most harmless can be calamitous. I remember when I was a Look around, know your job and eliminate the risk. young aircraft engineering chime. “You’ll need this,” he added. apprentice, I was asked to fix an oil leak on the engine So I climbed back on to the jetty and put on this of a Catalina flying boat. I was so excited. Even weird looking suspender belt. Somewhat bemused I though I was familiar with the engine and the problem, clambered back on to the float and started undoing I had never seen a Catalina in the flesh and now I was the spline bolts holding the bracket in place. Then, going to work on one. plink! I had dropped my spline-driver into the harbour. Off we trekked – me and my journeyman (Harry) – Harry started to laugh and shouted: “Now pull the to this remote Scottish Harbour. I put on my life jacket third string on your right.” I pulled it and like a phoenix and climbed out on to the aircraft’s float. rising from the ashes my driver broke the surface “Hoy! Captain Pugwash. Where are you going?” where I could grab it and continue on with the job. Harry called. So what did Harry do that averted a disaster? “I’m going to remove the cowling just like we Harry had correctly identified that there was a high discussed – why?” I asked. “Because you have likelihood (a certainty) of me dropping my splineforgotten something,” he replied and stretched out his driver into the water. Whether he knew it or not – Harry hand to give me a belt with a load of strings attached. had carried out a risk assessment – and if he hadn’t It looked just like one of those Australian Bush hats we would have had a 300-mile round trip back to base with corks around it but instead of corks it had a for another one. selection of tools hanging around it like a mobile wind 32 NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk

SPECIAL FEATURE

inate the risks Here is the process that Harry went through:

Identify the hazards

Identify what hazards exist and in what circumstances, ie. routine or during maintenance.

Decide who may be harmed

Consider: Employees, visitors, members of the public, contractors and special risk groups.

Evaluate the risks and decide on an action plan

Consider: Degree of harm and likelihood, as well as the numbers exposed and the duration of exposure.

Record significant findings

Keep it simple, record significant findings and develop your action plan.

Review

Review findings periodically, when there are significant changes, after an incident or where you are concerned about the validity of the assessment.

He had identified the hazards of the job (me losing the tool), assessed the risks (the severity of what would happen if I did lose the driver and of course chance that I would actually drop it) and then he implemented the most appropriate controls (he tied my tools on to a belt with a piece of string) so that the job could be completed safely and efficiently. He took account of the people, material, equipment and the working environment. To Harry the risk assessment wasn’t just about getting the paperwork right, it was about getting the job right. The paperwork is the only evidence that the risk assessment has been carried out correctly before we do the job. One thing that Harry didn’t do was that he didn’t record it so his experience could not be passed on.

Identifying hazards It would be impossible to provide you with a list of every hazard you are likely to come across, so I thought I would identify the various sources of harm that could result. Remember that what you may consider to be acceptable in one situation may not be acceptable in another. For example, take a domestic washing machine. The hazard of electrocution or electric shock is always

present while it is in operation but the risk to the user is minimal because of the controls that have been implemented. But when the cover is removed for maintenance, the hazards become exposed and the risk is increased greatly. This is why only those who are competent to know what the new risks are can safely maintain an electrical appliance – that is if they have carried out a risk assessment before they remove the casing. The problem you face is that hazards cover such a wide range of intertwined sources such as – physical, chemical, ergonomic, biological, environmental, behavioural and cultural. We speak a lot about competency nowadays and one definition of competency could be : Someone with sufficient knowledge, skills and experience to perform a given task to the required standard without endangering themselves or others while making the appropriate adjustment for changes in circumstances. So the secret to risk assessment is know your job. As you can see there is more to this hazard and risk lark than meets the eye. NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk 33

MEMBERS

The winner of our Spot the Difference competition in Issue 1 was David Williams of Hall Green, Birmingham. Congratulations! A super iPod will be winging its way to David. Here’s your chance to enter a new Spot the Difference competition – and win a Primetest 250 electrical tester, donated by Seaward. It’s the first electrical tester in its class to provide all the electrical tests required for compliance with the IEE Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing. These additional tests include an RCD trip time test, a 3-phase leakage test and a 250V DC insulation test suitable for sensitive electrical appliances and surge protected leads. The range of tests incorporated in this lightweight and highly versatile instrument means that most workplace appliances can be tested using the long life battery power. To win – all you have to do is study the two pictures of the Seaward tester and circle the eight differences in the bottom picture. Then fill in the form below. Send your entries to the Editor, The Competent Person, NAPIT Administration Centre, 4th Floor, Mill 3, Pleasley Vale Business Park, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG19 8RL, to arrive no later than June 15. The winner will be selected randomly from all current entries. Normal competition rules apply.

CLOSING DATE: JUNE 15 2010

Name Company Job title Address

Postcode Tel Daytime/evening (please circle)

If you don’t want to spoil your copy of the magazine you can send in a photocopy.

34 NAPIT 0845 543 0330 www.napit.org.uk

Business Insurance Are you shocked by the cost of insurance? We understand that having the right insurance arrangements in place is critical to the ongoing success of your business. NAPIT Insurance Services are pleased to be able to offer you a comprehensive range of products to make sure you’ve got all the protection you need: • Electrical Contractors Insurance – quick and easy to arrange, Market Leading Cover* at a price you’ll love • Van Insurance – great service from arranging a policy to sorting out claims • Financial Services – including Financial Planning, Pension reviews, Healthcare and Commercial Finance

Whatever your business needs, whatever your trade, contact NAPIT insurance Services for a quote today!

Whether it’s time to renew your policy now or in the future contact us today to find out about our great deals. Tel: 0845 833 0561 | info@napitinsuranceservices.co.uk NAPIT Insurance is a trademark of NAPIT Insurance Services which is a trading style of Clarke Roxburgh, part of Jelf Group Plc. NAPIT Insurance conducts Introducing Activities. Clarke Roxburgh Insurance Brokers Ltd is registered in England (1428872) and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (Reg No. 310320). The Jelf Group, Jelf Private Clients, Manson Financial Services and Argyll Financial Services are trading names of Jelf Financial Planning Ltd. Jelf Financial Planning Ltd (Reg No. 3072281) is part of Jelf Group plc and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Registered address: Fromeforde House, Church Road, Yate, Bristol, BS37 5JB (Registered in England and Wales) – Tel: 01454 272727. Not all products and services offered are regulated by the FSA. * based on a review of our main competitors’ policy wordings conducted in March 2009

TECHNICAL

AskEddie Old and new regulations are the centre of debate in this problem concerning an elderly distribution board and we also answer a much asked question

CPM Issue 1, Ask Eddie: with reference to the Ask Eddie question on submain cables in the last issue, 30mA time delayed RCDs are available and would be suitable for the job.

If you have a question for Eddie email the Editor, magazine.editor@napit.org.uk

When altering one or more circuits on an existing installation under the 16th Edition Regulations, working with an old distribution board containing BS 3036 fuses it was okay to put an appropriate RCD in the meter tails to comply with the regulations. Can this practice still be carried out under the 17th Edition Regulations?

Your question refers to the practice of fitting a single RCD unit at the origin of the installation – that is, between the electricity meter and the consumer unit but there are several pieces of information you have not supplied. You don’t mention the type of supply system ( for example, TN-S, TN-C-S or TT), the type of electrical installation that you have in mind, the purpose of the RCD or its rated residual operating current (I∆n), whether 30mA, 100mA or greater. In that case, I’ll tackle the question in general terms. The requirements of the current edition of BS 7671 for typical domestic premises are for most practical purposes – with certain exceptions that I won’t go into here – that all final circuits be provided with additional protection by means of 30mA RCDs. The design of modern 17th Edition consumer units allows for this, for example, those incorporating two 30mA RCDs in parallel and those permitting the use of RCBOs. To attempt to comply with this requirement for additional protection by installing a single 30mA RCD between the electricity meter and an older type of consumer unit – having no 30mA RCDs incorporated – would introduce the possibility of nuisance tripping with the attendant hazards and inconvenience that come with loss of supply. It would be an infringement of Section 314 of BS 7671. A single RCD of greater capacity, such as one with an I∆n of 100mA, would only be required to be fitted at the origin of an installation if a metal consumer unit has been installed and then only in installations forming part of a TT system (see Regulation 531.4.1). For modern consumer units to 17th Edition requirements having Class 2 construction or equivalent insulation, such an RCD would not be required.

But where two or more RCDs are connected in series, and where discrimination between them is necessary to prevent danger, the characteristics of the devices must be selected so that the intended discrimination is achieved (Regulation 531.2.9). It can’t be assumed that discrimination will be achieved simply because an upstream 100mA RCD is connected in series with a 30mA RCD further downstream. It will be necessary for the upstream device to have a time-delay facility incorporated to ensure that the downstream device has sufficient time to disconnect the fault before the time delay has expired. Where discrimination between RCDs is necessary to prevent danger and to ensure proper functioning of the installation, the manufacturer’s instructions must be taken into account (Regulation 526.3). With older types of consumer unit having rewireable fuses to BS 3036, such as you describe in the question, it may not be possible to fit some form of 30mA RCD inside the unit. In that case, the installer must ensure that the work carried out is provided with additional protection by some other means – such as the installation of spur units with 30mA RCDs incorporated.

Additional protection While the use of BS 3036 fuses is permitted by BS 7671 (subject to the requirements of regulations such as 433.1.3 and Section 533), the installer should recommend that the customer has a modern consumer unit installed – in part because of the requirement for additional protection. Further general requirements for RCDs are contained in Section 531, Regulation 411.3.3 and Section 415.1.

How far from a kitchen sink must a socket-outlet be?

Electrical accessories – such as socketoutlets – must be of a design suitable for their location or their mode of installation and must take account of any external influences likely to be encountered

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(Regulations 512.2.1 and 522.3.1). As a general recommendation, electrical accessories which are mounted above sink height should be located at a horizontal distance of at least 300mm from the edge of the sink top.

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Movanoonup Roger Ryan on the newlook Movano packed with goodies to tempt ownerdrivers to update their vehicle

Vauxhall is giving away £1400 worth of options, to include air conditioning, a multifunction trip computer, vehicle alarm and Bluetooth connectivity on all its new updated Movanos until July 31. In addition, Vauxhall is also introducing a new Expression model, priced at £20,250, bringing the entry-level cost of Movano ownership down by £1410 – below the price of the L2H2 3300 panel van. Take it as red: the new look Movano from Vauxhall. While the Expression is volume ranges from 8.0 to 17 cubic metres. the only Movano model not to benefit from this launch Complementing this versatility are payloads which pack, it still receives a generous helping of standard have now increased to 2.5 tonnes on the twin-wheel kit, such as electric windows/mirrors and a full platform. Gross vehicle weights range from 2.8 to 4.5 bulkhead. tonnes. The value-for-money theme continues throughout This higher payload and gross vehicle weight is the range. Whether it’s the front-wheel drive 3300, 2.3 made possible by the new Movano’s unique, modular CDTi Expression panel van with 100PS on tap, or one platform, meaning that for the first time it can be of the many rear-wheel drive, long wheelbase Movano configured with rear-wheel drive, as well as front-wheel derivatives with engine outputs up to 146PS, all feature drive. This adaptability also makes the Movano ideal a height adjustable driver’s seat, aux-in connection, for tailor-made conversions, such as drop-sides, adjustable steering column, all-round disc brakes with tippers and box vans, all of which will be available to ABS and a brake-pad wear indicator. order from this summer. The other major benefit for customers is that the Cargo load maximum towing weight for the Movano range has now increased to three tonnes, thanks to the option of The Movano’s cargo area offers among the best in rear-wheel drive/twin rear wheels, while front-wheel class for accessibility, loading ease, and load capacity drive, single wheel versions can tow up to 2.5 tonnes. in its segment. Three wheelbases from 3.18 to 4.33 metres can be specified, and four exterior lengths from 5.05 to 6.85 metres, allowing on-floor cargo load Spare and wear lengths from 2.58 to 4.38 metres. There are also three interior roof heights from 1.7 to 2.14 metres, while load Compared with previous Movanos, the new vehicle achieves cost savings of up to 24 per cent over four years and 150,000kms (approx. 93,000 miles). Spare and wear and tear parts – especially brake and clutch components – are particularly durable, while maintenance costs are much lower. Oil changes are now only required every 25,000 miles (or annually) and coolant only needs to be changed at approximately 100,000 miles, an impressive 25,000 miles more than its predecessor. The new Movano’s good fuel economy and low emissions are also set to benefit operators who continue to be hit hard by rising diesel costs. The Movano 3.5t L2H2 125PS panel van has a combined fuel consumption of 35.3mpg and combined CO2 Inside job: The impressive Movano. emissions of just 211g/km.

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