Connections Spring 2023

C I

Equans helps bring down energy bills in Leeds

Equans has retrofitted 190 homes in Leeds, replacing gas boilers with air source heat pumps, and fitting solarPV.

The £9m project in Holt Park for Leeds City Council also saw the global firm complete minor electrical work, including removing and replacing electrical fittings when installing EWI. Before all this happened, Equans made sure that the flats and the grid had sufficient capacity for the new electrical elements being installed.

The aim of this major overhaul was to drive down carbon emissions

and reduce residents' energy bills150 of the flats are council-owned.

As well as Equans' work, new high-performance windows, doors and insulation have been installed, including specially designed 'warm roofs', which have insulation attached to the floor decking and rafters.

The project was a pilot scheme for the government's Social Housing

Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF)introduced by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy -to improve the energy performance of social-rented homes. The government has since gone on to release SHDF wave 1 and 2 funding. So learnings from Holt Park will be used to inform future retrofit projects.

As an energy services provider, 100,000-strong Equans operates in more than 50 countries, and has 13,500 staff in the UK and Ireland.

For more on making rented homes fit for habitation, go to This Will Be Big on page 24.

"LearningsfromHoltPark willbeusedtoinformfuture retrofitprojects"

What does it take to build healthy relationships with landlords and help them keep their properties habitable?

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Connections

©2023

ISSN 2042-5732 www.niceic.com

DVEATD VDU, PAUL ...

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Welcome to your Spring issue of Connections, which I am delighted to share with you as I settle into my new role as technical director ofNICEIC. I feel privileged and excited to take the reins from John O'Neill, who is now enjoying a well-earned retirement.

Being the trusted custodian of our core value -technical integrity -is a responsibility I take extremely seriously. As you know, everything we do and stand for hinges on this value, and I intend to uphold it and keep it front and centre of all we do as we move forward.

Never before has there been a more enticing or prosperous time to be involved in our industry, as more and more contractors like you will be called upon to help facilitate the infrastructure needed to get

us to net zero.

OUATDP PAIDAITIES FDAVDU

However, we must focus on continually raising standards to protect the industry's integrity (page 33). We know from our recent survey this is your number one priority for us, and we are committed to continuing to deliver in this area.

All rights reserved. This publication (and any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in any format without the prior written permission of the publisher. Think Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.

Printed by Acorn Web Offset, West Yorkshire. Connections and its paper wrapper are printed on paper from European mills, meeting the highest quality and environmental standards. Both the magazine and the paper wrapper are fully recyclable.

BookyourNICEIC

Helpfacilitatesafe

Another way we can all protect the industry is to give something back, and I am encouraged by the developments in apprenticeship standards, such as training on low-carbon technologies and the like (page 35). Having started my career as an electrical apprentice, I know how valuable these early experiences can be. Given the ageing demographic of our sector, and the skills shortage we face, I urge you all to support and nurture future talent.

Finally, I want to draw your attention to our feature on page 24, which unpicks the many ways certified businesses are being called upon to ensure buildings are fit for human habitation. Whether undertaking inspection and testing work or installing mechanical ventilation, fire detection and alarms, or smart technology, you have it in your gift to help deliver safe and healthy homes. Your unique skill set makes you an excellent resource for landlords who need your expertise to protect their tenants and investment.

I hope you enjoy the magazine, and don't forget to log any learnings on your CPD record.

Paul Collins Technical director, NICEIC

A pair of derelict Edwardian industrial buildings in London's Hackney have been transformed not once but twice by R&I Services (M&E) Ltd. The north London contractor and main contractor Sullivan Brothers Construction Ltd were originally brought in by The Benyon Estate to make 100 De Beauvoir work as a film studio. So it was electrically designed for film equipment to move around and connect anywhere.

But when online ticketing business DICE took on the building, R&I returned to adapt it. First up, they installed new lighting, power, data and ventilation to new pods and meeting rooms on the first and second floors.

"We originally had one data rack per floor controlling its respective office space," says R&I's Keith Phipps. "But DICE needed all data to be relocated to a comms room as they were taking over the whole building and needed to manage IT from a single location." This meant running more than 600 cables back to the first-floor comms room and terminating them into new server racks.

And on the ground floor, they replaced the LED suspended lighting with steel trunking and conduit for track lighting and spotlights.

"Because we used wireless systems for everything, alterations made to the building were easily achieved by simply adding devices and reprogramming," he says. However, all contractual work completed for The Benyon Estate had to remain, or at least be able to be put back, to the original specification if the tenant was to leave. "This proved challenging when adding and altering circuits for new power and data," Phipps adds.

R&I may not be as old as 100 De Beauvoir, but in NICEIC terms it has long roots. It started life as JP Electrical, and still has its original NICEIC certificate of enrolment from 1960. Phipps bought the company in 2001, having started there as an apprentice under the founder, Jack Phillips.

"Becauseweusedwireless systems... alterationsmade tathebuildingwereeasily achievedbysimplyadding devicesandreprogramming"

KEITHPHIPPS,RSI

GeorgeNewham

FROMOUALIFIEDSUPERVISORTONICEICASSESSOR

{3{3When I first enquired about this role, I was inan office job. Now, I'm out and about, meeting a huge mix of people, and seeing some really interesting installations.

I'd been self-employed and employed across domestic, commercial and industrial. Then I was a qualified supervisor in two consecutive companies.

I'd always liked the technical side of things, and ever since my first assessment as a QS I was interested in the role of assessor. I was impressed by the technical knowledge my assessor had, and the resources he could call on within NICEIC.

When I first started, I shadowed different assessors a week at a time. They were very supportive. I thought the job might be very technical, but a big part of it is communicating with people. We are frontline ambassadors, and people skills are important. Assessors are often in

contractors' homes, so it's about reading the room, and being understanding and respectful. I find that being semiinformal, if someone wants to have a chat, can really help. And some people don't know what to expect, if they're applicants to join NICEIC, so it's about putting them at their ease.

If a contractor asks me something technical and I'm not 100% sure, I'm not afraid to say I'll get back to them, as someone in NICE IC will know the answer. That's very reassuring.

One of the best things about this work is seeing so many different installations -I've come to realise there are lots of different ways of doing the same sort of job. I also get to see different types of installations, that could be a hospital, solar PV or a caravan site -plenty of those in my area of north-east Essex. That means I'm learning all the time.

Becoming an assessor has been everything I'd hoped for. There's a fantastic support network in place, my area manager, Dan Smith, is very friendly and helpful, and I really enjoy being part of a team.

"Oneofthebest thinsaboutthis wcirkisseeinso mandifferent installations"

AndyMassey

FROMBRITISHGASTONICEICASSOCIATETUTOR

l3l3 I was a technical and training manager for British Gas in its electrical services division, doing some partnership work with NICEIC through smart metering, when I was made redundant. NICEIC's national training manager, Asad Majid, suggested I become an associate tutorit had never crossed my mind.

A big part of this job is keeping your skills levels up: I've retaken some ofmy qualifications, I keep up to date with the updated regs 18th Edition and Amendments C&G 2391, and I also

get trained up in new technologies, such as PV. Recently there has been a standards change in PAT testing, now 5th Edition, so I retook the qualification assessments, just so I can see what it's like for the candidates.

The courses I cover are: basics, the EFMO (Electrical Fundamentals for Maintenance Operatives), safe isolation, PAT testing, EV charging, solar PV, battery storage, 18th Edition Regs, 2391 inspection and testing. I also build and maintain the training rigs.

I'd never done commercial training before -at BG it had all been in-house. Once I was at NICEIC, I noticed that people were a lot more engaged in the classroom. And I'm teaching a wider range of subjects, so I'm using more of my experience and knowledge now.

I really enjoy meeting the candidates and I get a buzz out of training-seeing people leave with a smile on their face when they've passed a course, and helping those who struggle to get through. And when I meet up with other tutors it's a chance to talk things over, and gain friendship and experience.

There's a lot less stress than in my previous job, because as a manager at BG I was always on call, and travelling around the country a lot.

I've been doing this for 13 years, and am now 61 with 45 years' experience in the electrical industry. It's a great way to finish off my electrical career -putting something back into an industry I've got so much out of. And it gives me a real sense of pride.

"Ietabuzzout ofTrainin-seeing ~ealeleavewith asmileontheir facewhenthe've assedacourse" RNDVMRSSEV

Look on any web chat for electrical contractors, and indeed for many other businesses, and there is always a thread about whether to incorporate as a company or remain self-employed. Both formats work for individuals; setting up as a company does not necessarily mean you want to employ others or run a large business. But there is extra complexity to running a company and over the years the government has whittled down the various advantages to these singleperson businesses.

So this is a nerdy article that starts with some example numbers for what you might earn by each route: sole trader or limited company. The caveat is that comparisons can never be black and white because individual circumstances vary. There is no right answer for every single business, but there is good guidance.

The least ambiguity is around what you pay His Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC) as a sole trader. Using the figures from April 2023, your first £12,570 earned will be tax-free (the Personal Allowance).

You're paying 20% on the next band up to £50,270 and then 40% from there up to £125,139. This article doesn't cover higher earnings, which attract 45%. Nor do we delve too much into expenses, on the assumption that you incur the same expenses whether you are a company or a sole trader (see 'Do you need to pay VAT?').

The first example starts with a profit, or net earnings, of £50,270 after expenses. This means just avoiding the Higher Rate income tax band of 40%. It leaves you with £42,730 after income tax but, as the table

(right) shows, you will also have to pay two types of National Insurance Contributions (NI Cs). They are a hefty amount -bringing your take-home pay for the year down to almost £38,800. You cannot avoid NI Cs as a sole trader and, although they support State Pensions, not every accountant believes the benefits merit the cost. Part of the reason is that you still qualify for some of those State Pensions even if you don't pay this much in NI Cs.

In the debate about how to structure your business, NICs matter, because if you choose to incorporate they can be reduced. That boosts what you get to keep. The table shows the same business could take home £40,256 if trading as a company.

We also ran the comparisons for earnings net of expenses of £80,000 and £100,000. A sole trader could take home £55,860 in the first case and £67,314 in the latter. Via a limited company, we calculate final remuneration as £57,734 and £67,473. (Remember that there is variety possible in how you set up the company, so these are indicative figures.)

than income tax on all the earnings your work makes for it, net of all the usual expenses plus your salary. What remains after the corporation tax has been paid is profit belonging to the shareholder. In effect, this means that when you fill in your personal tax return (yes, you still have to do that), you'll be declaring income from salary as well as income from your shareholding -called dividend income.

People go to all this trouble because dividends are taxed at a lower rate than income. For decades, the differential made incorporation a good deal for individuals. That appeal has been weakened, however, by successive governments' policies. "The company route is not as attractive as it was a few years ago," says Ben Allman, a partner at accountancy firm Ballards. "Now it is more of a grey area."

Allman reckons the two most influential factors are the ability to use a spouse's tax allowances and rates; and whether the business needs to draw all profits out of the company in the same year.

SOLETRADER

Netearnings £50,270

Taxableincome £37,770

Incometax £7,540

TotalNICs £3,896.42

Take-homepay £38,833.58

COMPANIJ

Netearnings £50,270

Taxableincome £37,770

TotalNICs £479

Corporationtax £7,072

Oiviclencl tax £2,463

Take-homepay £40,256

BENALLMAN,BALLARDS

So by incorporating. you get to keep a couple of grand more but there is extra administration involved, plus higher accountancy fees for a company. Moreover, once you hit six figures, that couple of grand has shrunk to a couple of hundred. As you'd still have to pay the bean-counter's fees for doing the more complicated accounts, staying a sole trader looks like the winner.

Before going into some of the nuances, however, it is worth explaining the company tax structure. (This is not the only way to do it but is the most popular if you are effectively a one-person operation.) First, you set up a company. Doesn't cost much; Companies House should approve it in a day. You create a couple of shares and make yourself the shareholder. You become an employee of that company and take a deliberately low salary -no more than the Personal Allowance. So that bit is tax-free. The company then pays corporation tax rather

Let's take the latter point first. If you are a sole trader, you have to pay tax on all you earned that year. But a company can retain earnings -the shareholder can choose not to extract all the dividend income. Retaining earnings gives you greater flexibility in what you pay as tax and when. This is always a good thing. The reality check is that some of us need all the income we make every year, whatever form it comes in. So retained earnings are an option when work is going well and you don't have big bills to pay at home.

Which brings us to our nearest and dearest, specifically the Other Half. Ballards has run figures where both partners in a marriage take a low salary and equal dividend income from the business. When the company earns £80,000, this format brings home £61,652 -substantially more than the earlier figures. The obvious condition is that your spouse has to be doing something in the company: HMRC takes a dim view of fake employment. Moreover,

this figure is based on neither spouse earning outside the business.

This set-up is nothing to do with marriage per se. It is a matter of trust sharing half the business with your wife or husband. So what about if two electrical contractors, say, became equal partners in a limited company rather than sole traders? On Ballards' calculations, for a company earning £150,000 versus sole traders on £75,000 each, they would save hundreds of pounds by incorporating, but not thousands.

All in all, incorporation for individuals is losing its appeal. The web chats often raise the point that working for a limited company reduces your liability as an employee, whereas a sole trader risks "losing their house" in any legal fight. That argument, though, has to be viewed in the context of professional indemnity insurance and personal negligence claims -issues for another article.

"Thecomanyrouteisnot asattractiveasitwasa fewyearsago.Nowitis moreofarearea"

TOGGOOD TDMISS!

Certification by NICEIC is an earned endorsement that identifies your business as being at the forefront of the industry. Underpinned by industryagreed standards, our robust assessment processes enable us to verify the ongoing competence of your business.

A crucial part of this is the periodic surveillance assessment, which typically occurs annually. By becoming an NICEIC certified business, you agree to participate in these assessments within the specified timeframe.

Given their importance, should a company miss or repeatedly reschedule visits, we must act to protect other NICEIC certified businesses, the brand and consumers. Such action may include suspension of certification until a successful visit has been

undertaken or, ultimately, removal from our schemes, should repeated attempts prove unsuccessful.

We'll remind you that your assessment is due. But as you'll have seen in our recent alerts, it is down to you to get that all-important appointment booked. This change is in direct response to your feedback and addresses the issue of appointments being booked at inconvenient times, which, when not spotted, can lead to late cancellations and void visits, costing you money.

The improved process removes this issue by allowing you to book the appointment on a day that works for you within our timeframe for the visit.

Just as failing to keep up to date with your car or van MOT would hamper you, failure to take your assessment can result

PREPARINGFORVDURNICEICASSESSMENT

Whenpreparingforyourassessment,checkoutourtoptipsatthe customerportalmy.niceic.com.Onceloggedin,navigatetoclownloacls anclselect'assessmentguidance'.Here,you'llfindadocumentcalled ElectricalSurveillanceGuide.

in consequences that may impact the effective operation of your business. Keep your business on track; when prompted, make that appointment without delay.

BOOKINGVOUI~ASSESSMENT Astheelateofyourassessment approaches,we'llcontactyou bySMStextanclemail.

• Updateyourdetailsinthe customerportal[my.niceic.cam) or bycalling03330156625

• IJau'IIberemindedofwaysta bookyourassessment,which includephoning01582539008 [9am-5pm,Man-Fri)oremailing assessmentvisit@niceic.com

• Remember,bookingthe assessmentisyourresponsibility, andfailuretadosowillhave implicationsfaryourongoing certificationwithNICEIC

MECCAND FDA GROWN-UPS

Inthesecondinourseriesonvaninteriors, wedelveinsideaself-assembledsystem

The owner of this VW Transporter ordered the racking kit online. It's a generic system, meaning it can be dismantled and fitted to other van makes. Previously, he had a much more costly racking system fitted by a specialist company, but that van was written off. His two previous vans had wooden racking, which, in his experience, "flexed, warped and splintered".

He likens this racking system to "grown-up Meccano" as it arrives flat-packed. It took him three hours to assemble. He chose the bright red metalwork to contrast with the dark blue of his van and uniform.

Once the side door is slid open, shelves are on view, stacked with cases full of crimps, cable connectors, fixings and j cable clips. He's given each one a yellow label, to make it quick to find things -

particularly for an apprentice or someone » who is new to the business.

Fast-moving consumables such as circuit breakers and silicone are positioned in the top half of the shelving,

making it easy to keep an eye on stock levels. Meanwhile, test equipment and tools are in the middle section as they're also used frequently. Socket sets, which are used less often, are on the right.

"I've kept the heavier items such as cables and spare boxes of screws low, to keep the weight ratio down," he adds.

And to stop drill bits rolling around, they're stored in an offcut of drainage tube. "I looked at putting in a raised floor, but the VW Transporter's ceiling isn't that high."

He uses a Veto Pac tool backpack. "I live in a densely populated town, so ifI can't find parking near the property, I put this on my back, and have two arms free to carry other stuff, which means I might be able to get everything there in one trip."

The cordless vacuum cleaner runs on an 18 Volt power tool battery. This and other items on the floor like the backpack, as well as the storage cases, can be removed easily to make room if supplies need to be collected for a job.

HowNICEIC assessmentshelp RothwellGroupLtdwin prestigiouscontracts

Rothwell Group Ltd (RGL) in York is an SME working on major national projects. How does a family-owned business become a highly regarded contractor with UK blue chip companies?

For the company directors, it's about an obsession with quality. The group's motto is 'first time, on time, every time'. "We've got high standards and we always go the extra mile," says director James Rothwell (pictured above left). "We give our clients best value, and this secures repeat business and allows for the company's continued growth. Our reputation within the industry is at the forefront and is key to the continued growth of the business."

The company, which has been certified by NICEIC for more than 30 years, was started by Dave Rothwell in 1986. His son, James, and co-director, Stephen Stead, took over in 2005. They saw there was a gap in the market to offer clients a turnkey solution providing a

quality service. They have developed RGL into a multi-disciplinary business to

include construction alongside electrical

and mechanical services.

Employees are key to the success of

the business, and RGL carefully resources staff and trains them to meet its high

standards. This has led to the progression

of the business into a multi-million-pound

concern, while maintaining its reputation for being without compromise.

"We're now a 'go to' contractor for some of the biggest companies in the country," James adds. It's this highqualitywork that helps RGL continue to punch above its weight. "During our NICEIC assessments, we're fully compliant in every category," Stephen says. When existing clients ask to see the assessment report as part of their audit process, they are reassured that the group's high standards continue. Likewise, prospective clients scrutinise the reports, as part of their tender process. RGL's standards played an important part in the firm winning major frameworks in the last year. RGL has been involved in the regeneration of the Old Carriage Works, a 12-acre complex in Holgate, York, into a state-of-the-art

maintenance delivery unit for Network Rail.

RGL handled the supply, installation and commissioning of the LV electrical distribution replacement project and is installing new energy efficient LED lighting to the maintenance bays and a new addressable fire alarm system to the whole facility.

"We have to maintain our high standards," James adds, "and the NICEIC assessment report is one of the ways our customers have confidence that we are doing so."

RGL became an Employee Ownership Trust in 2022, which allows all the employees to be included in the next chapter of the business's progress. www.rothwell-group.co.uk

"Wehavetomaintainourhighstandards,andthe NICEICassessmentreportisoneofthewaysour customershaveconfidencethatwearedoingso"

WHAT'SINSTOREFDAENEAGV?

Withenergyefficiencyhighontheagenda,NICEIC'snewcoursewill help certifiedbusinessesgivecustomerstheperfectstoragesolutions

COURSENOTES

RichardFletcher-Mccraight of RDL ElectricalServiceshadalready completedNICEIC'ssolarcourse,and sawthe courseanenergystorage asthe nextpieceinthejigsaw."I'm inundatedwith callsfrompotential prosumers,"hesays."Peoplewith a bit marein thebankarelookingfar waysta helpthemwiththe current energycrisis.Savvycustomers understandtherearebenefitsta be gained-astheproductshavesuch a longwarrantyattached,it makes goadbusinesssense."

Things I neverknew

• Animportantpartof theQuoting processis ta findouthawmuchtime

customersarein thehouseduringthe day.If they'reat home,notasmuch is goingintothe battery.Butthey'll benefittremendouslyfroma batteryif they'reoutall day.

• Vaucanbe'islanded',meaning self-sufficient, if you'vegotenough modules.Batteriesstareenergy in thedaytimeandyoucan switchoff thegridsupplyvia yourappor byothermeans, dependingantheproduct.If there'sa powercut,it then sendspowerta same chosendedicated circuitsana secondary consumer unitartaall afthem.

• Vaudon'tneedta buysolarpanels ta benefitfrombatteries.Lawercast 'timeof day'tariffs areavailable, far exampleovernight. Sayouchargethe batterythroughthe nightandusethat staredenergyduring the day.

• Carbonemissions aremassivelyreduced becauseyou'reusing staredenergy. Andit removes sameenergy demands atpeak time anthe grid.

The high cost of energy, the risk of rolling blackouts, and the urgency of the low-carbon agenda are all focusing customers' minds.

They're calling up certified businesses with big questions about energy storage. To set certified businesses up to help them, NICEIC has introduced a new course on Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS).

Certified businesses who see which way the wind is blowing

of the user, irrespective of the status of on-site generation (such as at night or when there's little or no wind).

EESS may be installed for any number ofreasons, most typically to increase self-consumption from any installed renewable energy sources. This could be from solar or wind generation and will account for periods of time when the output from such generation exceeds the needs of the consumer (prosumer) at that time. Installations without storage will export such over-generation to the grid. Stored energy can then be used at a time to suit the needs are making the most of this opportunity, with the first sessions on offer quickly selling out. Such is the popularity of this topic that NICEIC is running EESS sessions on a weekly basis right into the autumn. These sessions will take place at its Dunstable HQ and

Chesterfield training centres. They're also available to run at certified businesses' premises, as well as remotely via the NICE IC virtual classroom platform. Covering small-scale battery storage, this one-day, CPD-accredited, fundamentals course is aimed at the residential and small commercial sectors. And it complements NICEIC's four-day solar PV course.

WHATILEARNED

DavidLewisofDaleElectricalServices foundhimselfrememberingbeingan thefirstCityandGuildssolarPVcourse in80D5,andreflectinganhawmuch lifehaschanged."Backthen,Iwasn't reallyabletamakeanythingofthe newopportunityasIwasasaletrader, newtatheworldofelectricsand withoutthemoneytafundnewtools

THEFUNDAMENTALS FOR SMALL-SCALEELECTRICAL ENERGVSTORAGESVSTEMS

Mytakeaways

• Itwasextremelyhelpfultacaverthe recentchangesinAmendment8and itsnewChapterBi?,andtainvestigate sameofthecalculationsthatare

"It comes back to the variability of solar generation," says Nik Mitchell, NICEIC's technical training manager. "When people are installing a solar PV

system, the energy storage piece helps, either at the same time or as a bolt-on.

"The course covers key aspects of design, installation, commission and handover of Electrical Energy Storage Systems," Mitchell adds. "What's more, it aligns to the particular requirements of BS 7671 and reflects the guidance provided by the IET Code of Practice for Electrical Energy Storage Systems."

reQuiredbytheMCStademonstrate tapotentialcustomershawbattery storagecansignificantlyincrease theirself-consumptionofan-site renewablegeneration.

• Dneofthemastsignificant recentchangesthatwascovered anthecourseistheremovalofthe reQuirementtadisconnectfromthe DSDearthingfacilitywhenoperating in islandmade.

• OtherimportantreQuirementsthat wereemphasisedarethecurrentrating ofeQuipmentthatcouldbecarrying suppliesfromseveralsources,details ofRCD/SPDprotectionreQuirements andthechangestaDCcablecolours.

• I'mhopingthatthetechnicalnature ofEESSwillopenupanavenueaway fromthephysicalsideofbeingan

Thiscoursehasbeendesigned toprovideanintroduction to ElectricalEnergyStorageSystems [EESSJandcoverstheinstallation ofACorDCcoupledsystemsinto low-voltageinstallations.Such systemsprovideforthestorageof electricalenergysothatitcanbe usedwhenitisneeded.Thecourse coverstheparticularrequirements ofBS7671andreflectsthe guidanceprovidedbytheIETCode ofPracticeforElectricalEnergy StorageSystems.

Tobookaplaceonacourse, visitwww.shop.niceic.com/ renewables

This introductory course on Electrical Energy Storage Systems is set to be followed by a full awarding organisation qualification route. electrician,asvariouspartsofmybody arestartingtaprotestattheconstant exposuretathe rigoursofbeing 'anthetools'.

"Whenpeopleare installingasolarPV system,theenergy storagepiecehelps,

eitheratthesametime orasabolt-on"

NIKMITCHELL,NICEIC

andtestingeQuipment,"hesays."But lByearslater,I'mactuallyabletaget involvedandamalmostan'aidhand'!"

THECONTARCTDA-LRNDLDADRELATIONSHIP

The health and safety of homes has hit the headlines in recent months. The death oftwoyear-old Awaab Ishak due to mould in the family's social housing in Rochdale led to the Regulator for Social Housing's report on social landlords nationally. This found 'widespread failings' in the sector, and in early March, housing secretary Michael Gove announced a drive for higher standards.

Electrical contractors, of course, have an increasingly important part to play in ensuring everyone has access to safe and healthy homes.

Since 2021, Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) have provided an MOT for the electrics in homes. They're now mandatory in private rented sector tenancies in England, Scotland and Wales, with Northern Ireland expected to follow suit. Electrical safety checks have already been extended to the social rented sector in Scotland and Wales, with England likely to follow in the near future. By identifying damage, deterioration, defects and areas for improvements, this is a clear benchmark for habitable homes.

But the concept of'fit for habitation' goes way beyond EICRs, and includes fire alarms, effective lighting, even smart technology, and good ventilation so that properties are free of mould or damp. This applies to social and private tenants and presents a wealth of opportunity for those with the right skills and relationships. But what does it take to build and maintain those relationships?

Jason Hulme is responsible for 54,000 social housing dwellings. He's a service manager in the electrical department ofNICEIC certified Leeds Building Services. "One of our main purposes is to ensure people's safety living in their homes," he says, and he is clear about what that means for his external electrical contractors: "They are expected to be able to demonstrate their commitment to health and safety, and working with communities, have awareness and policies surrounding safeguarding, demonstrate

their ambition and actions taken to reduce their effects on the environment, and share their competencies as a business such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001."

Like many social landlords, Hulme uses multiple electrical contractors working on various domestic contracts such as EICRs, isolated rewires of premises, and kitchen and bathroom rewires. He also has a 100-strong team of directly employed electricians.

Meanwhile, private landlords come in all shapes and sizes, but whatever their make-up, when they are choosing an electrical contractor, being certified is often an imperative.

Staff at estate agent Winkworth (which has 100 franchises nationwide)

ONELANDLORD'S EXPERIENCE

Landlord Susie Giles has two rental properties in south-east London. Recently, she brought in an NICEIC registered contractortodo some work on one dwelling, which is in a converted warehouse. To comply with EICRrules the contractor carried out over £1,000 worth of work, including fuse board improvements, new trunking and wiring, a number of residual current devices (RCDs) and new spotlights.

"Electricalcontractorshave anincreasinglyimportant parttoplayinensuring everyonehasaccessto safeandhealthyhomes"

--MODULAR WIRING ACCESSORIES--~

recommend that their clients look for the NICEIC badge -for them, it's partly about the right insurance. Its property management teams arrange quotes, manage repairs and instruct landlords to get all electrical equipment tested once a year.

"We advise our offices with property management responsibilities on behalf of landlords that they should hire electrical contractors who are NICEIC members, because it gives additional cover to their members' clients if there's an issue," says a Winkworth spokesperson.

Tim Davies backs up this point, demonstrating that even small landlords are worth cultivating. A London-based solicitor, Davies plans to rent out his primary property where he is currently owner-occupier, when he moves to another city. "In the current context, Section 21 regulations mean that

NICEIC'scourses

landlords have to comply with EICRs and EPCs or they will not have protection if they need to evict," he says. "I always check tradespeople are accredited with professional bodies, so that any paper trails are legally watertight."

Mike Smith, technical director with the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA), stresses the value of insurance and its appeal to landlords. "You need to have the appropriate insurances and the competencies required to carry out the work." Some landlords are also on the look-out for contractors who are

RAEVDUAEADV,WILLINGANDABLETDBECOME A LANDLORD'SRIGHT-HANDMANDAWOMAN?

Thingstoconsider:

• Encourage satisfied customers to recommend you on local online forums to enhance a good reputation in your area

• Maintain membership of a trade association such as ECA in addition to certification by NICE IC

• Consider additional certification such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

• Keep on top of gaining testimonials on comparison websites and addressing any feedback, good or bad

• Have evidence of working in communities such as charity donations or volunteering opportunities

• Be aware of clients' sustainability goals, such as achieving net zero, and how you can contribute to them

A vigil in Rochdale for two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died from a respiratory condition caused by mouldy

"StaffatWinkworth recommendthattheirclients lookfortheNICEICbadge"

covereverythingfrom renewables,solarPV, heatpumps,EVand batterystoragetofire alarminstallation.Make useofthem,anddon't forget,formorebespoke needsweofferaninhouseservicewhereby wecantailorpackages andevencometoyou.

THEAERSSUARNCEOFINSURANCE

Grant Barnfather of NICE IC Insurance Services says: "When we consider being 'fit for habitation' in this area, insurance is fundamental in protecting your customer, the public, your employees and your livelihood. When entering into larger contracts, the risk grows with them, and you may want to consider changes to your insurance requirements.

Whether this is anew requirement, simply a higher level of cover or maybe even something specialist, it is always important to engage with your insurance broker regularly, seekingtheir advice to identify whether your policy is fit for purpose.

"We understand the ever-changing environment and work hard to regularlyengagewithourcustomers. Our aim isto not only service but also to provide education around the ever-present risk that is industry specific. In addition, we advise our customers around our products to ensure each policy is tailor-made with cover that is designed specifically to grow with your business."

WHRTDD LRNDLDADSEXPECT?

Jason Hulme, service manager in the electrical department of Leeds Building Services, says: "Our electrical contractor partners are expected to be able to demonstrate their commitment to Health and Safety, workingwith communities, have awareness and policies surrounding safeguarding, demonstrate their ambition and actions taken to reduce their effects on the environment, and share their competencies as a business such as ISO 9001and ISO 14001."

HMO landlord Andy Graham is looking for: reliability, punctuality, professionalism, an understandingofhis requirements, value for money and an up-to-date knowledge of the legislation.

ECA'sMike Smith says: "You need to have the appropriate insurances and the competencies required tocarryoutthework."

members of competent person schemes. Being certified can give these prospective clients peace of mind when it comes to your credentials.

For others in this sector, it's a regs issue. Andy Graham is a Sheffield-based landlord whose property portfolio of mostly Houses in Multiple Occupation (HM Os) is based primarily around the East Midlands. "The legislation that landlords have to be aware of is quite complex, so I need to know the people I'm working with have up-todate knowledge." Beyond that, Graham looks for reliability, punctuality,

professionalism, an understanding of his requirements (including HM Os), and value for money. Rather than having a tender list, he has an informal pool of contractors. But if they are busy or not based in the right area, or if"the price isn't right", he works off referrals. But they will always beNICEIC certified.

If you'reaskedto cut cornersto securea big contractwith a landlord, walkaway!It's never worthcompromising yourintegrity.

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Standard distribution boards, fully compatible with Amendment 2 devices including SPD,AFDDs, RCBOs,and MCBs.

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Thelatesthowlers spattedby vigilantreaders

Adam

overheated. They surface-mounted replacements with a good amount of air circulation. "The mangled burnt mass is what happens when you install the drivers behind the oak timber and then seal them in," he says. "Essentially that then means they have no air flow around them and they overheat, catch fire and nearly burn a house down."

and

David Tabb ofVector Electric in Bristol found this arrangement when he was working on a bathroom refurbishment. "Onlythe sockets had RCD protection -but they had no MCB!"Vector Electric has offered to either install a new 18th Edition Consumer Unit withSPDand RCBOs,orto

put the circuits they are modifying (lights and sockets) ontoRCBOs.

Infutureissues,wewanttofeatureyourgreatrepairworkalongsidethebotched jobs.Pleasesendbeforeandafterphotostoconnections@thinkpublishing.co.uk

Fairfield of Fairfield Electrical in Frome was called out to a fire, where a load of LED drivers had been boxed into a small drinks cupboard

had

ARISINGTHEBAA

The electrical industry is changing-and quickly-because of the speed of technological advances, and because of the crucial role the industry will play in getting the UK to reduce carbon emissions. That means the (often high) standards of workmanship, skills and knowledge must improve. Connections brings together three people from organisations working to deliver those improvements: Paul Collins, Martyn Allen and Mike Smith, respectively technical directors of NICEIC, Electrical Safety First (ESF) and Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA). Here, they explain how raising standards in the industry will benefit all contractors and their customers.

ByDavidAdams

Connections: Why is it so important that standards improve in our industry, and what actions have been taken already?

Mike Smith, technical director, Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA): "One piece offeedback we get as an association -and I know NICEIC does too -is that [contractors] who run a quality business feel let down by the industry and government failing to level the playing field. Other people are allowed to undercut them, to cut corners in training and standards, and to deliver a substandard service.

"A lot of time and effort has gone into the Trailblazer initiative and apprenticeships, but we've also had years of deregulation and the route to many trades has been through short courses. That has undermined apprenticeships. A lack ofregulation led to a Wild West approach to training and qualification.

"Competence and qualifications have been ongoing issues for many years, but the Grenfell Tower fire raised the issue of competence in the public's eye and prompted the government to appoint Dame Judith Hackitt to compile her report [Building a Safer Future: Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety: Final Report published May 2018].

"That has brought this and other built environment related industries together. There's now the Industry Response Group and lots of working groups under the Steering Group on Competences for Building a Safer Future. "Industry bodies have also come together with the EAS [Electrotechnical Assessment Specification] to define what competency looks like. It's not just about individual competence -we have to look at organisational capabilities and management. We're almost there, but this year we need to pass that across to the regulator and the wider industry, to ask ifit fits with what everybody else is doing."

Paul Collins, technical director, NICEIC: "It started before Grenfell, but work we've done with ECA and ESF has accelerated change. The EAS has been evolving over a number of years as government policy and competence schemes feed into it. There's a lot of work going on to update competence requirements, for high-risk buildings and energy storage systems, for example. It feels more joined up now; there's been a lot of work done between us and other organisations to set standards."

Martyn Allen, technical director, Electrical Safety First (ESF): "Grenfell meant that every trade was expected to have a look at what they could do better. The electrotechnical sector was doing this before, but perhaps not at the same pace or with so broad a remit.

"We're doing what we can to improve standards in the regulated space, but we've also got consumers doing work themselves. For example, there are loads of'how to' videos out there, some not so bad, some not great at all. We spend a lot of time encouraging consumers to get a professional in, but we can't stop them having that work done by somebody else.

"Very few cases come to court for poor quality work. We need stronger enforcement and the more we can do to lobby government to get more powers so we can take action, the better. Legislation around mandatory electrical safety checks has already come in for the rented sector pretty much throughout the UK now -Northern Ireland will get there this year, we hope.

"Then you've got the drive to net zero. We've got EV [electric vehicle] charging points, we've got EVs having to be the only new cars you can buy from 2030. You've got electrification of everything, including the way we heat buildings. There will be lots of opportunities in electrotechnical, but we also have a skills shortage, so we need a big drive to get more people into the sector."

PC: "Technology is evolving very quickly. If electricians don't move ahead with that, someone else will do all the technology aspects and leave the electrician behind. But you've got to be competent to do that work. You've got to have the right skills, the right experience and the right knowledge to do it correctly. If you don't, it gives the industry a bad name."

MA: "That's why we need robust enforcement. We also need an education programme, to make sure people are aware of the need to get competent people to do the installations. But also, if people are exploiting consumers, they must be taken to task."

MS: "One thing we haven't mentioned is issues in the supply chain, [with] substandard equipment. The temptation is for contractors to cut corners and buy cheap products. That undermines safety, never mind the quality ofinstallation."

MA: "We spend a lot of our time lobbying for changes to the online marketplace space. There's a [government] review of the product safety landscape due out soon, but there is no regulation for third-party sellers of electrical goods. Contractors must make sure they buy only from reputable sources they know and trust."

MS: "With net zero, we're educating contractors about the opportunities, the skills needed, training that's out there already, plus roadshows, webinars, face-to-face meetings with our branches. You've got to have that technical knowledge and understanding.

"Where do I go for this information? Some ofit is provided by ESF. For support, contractors would look to the trade association, to find out about opportunities in the marketplace. And then, how do I get the accreditation that my business deserves, so that people know and trust us as a business? That's where we three organisations can work together."

PC: "We can offer assessment and certification of businesses doing the work, as well as providing training. When changes come along, we add to EAS and make sure the businesses are aware ofit: we do a lot

of communications and feed it out via the assessors, podcasts, webinars and Connections articles."

MS: "I think there's a concept we have to get across: that CPD [continuing professional development] is part of a lifelong learning curve. We have to continually update and learn. And to earn the trust of our customers we have to be able to prove we've done that.

"I'd like to drive out the unregulated part of the industry. I want registration of companies and certification to standards that we all adhere to and that customers can trust; so that we have an industry that doesn't need policing by a regulator, because it is a high-performing, highquality industry."

NICEIC-CompetentPersonsForum

NICEIC/ECR/ESF-BSIJPEL64 andassociatedsubcommittees for development ofBS7671

ECR-ConstructionLeadership Council(CLCJWorkingGroup 2 (InstallerCompetence)

NICEIC/ECR/ESFmsManagement Committee

NICEIC-PAS2030/2035 development(energyefficiency measures)

NICEIC-ScottishBuilding Standards(CertifierofConstruction SchemeProvider)

Don'tmissyourchancetagrill ourtechnicalexperts,whowill betauringaroundtheUKinJune andJuly.Breakfastwillbeanus, andtheteamwillbeanhandta answeryourQuestions. Findyournearesteventat , www.niceic.com/events

EESSCOURSEGOESVIRTUAL

OurnewElectricalEnergyStorageSystemscourseis nowbeing offeredasavirtualclassroomsession.Coveringsmall-scale batterystorage,thisone-day,CPD-accredited,fundamentals courseis aimedat theresidentialandsmallcommercialsectors. It alsocomplementsNICEIC'sfour-daysolarPVcourse.Tofindout moreaboutthecoursefromtworecentcandidates,seepage22. Tobook,visitwww.niceic.com/training

SKILLELECTRIC 2023 DUALIFVINGHEATS

Talentedelectrotechnicalstudents arehavingtheirskillstestedin SkillELECTRICi!Oi!3'snational Qualifyingheats,whichrunfromApril toJune,withthefinalinNovember.

Thecontest,whichispartof theWorldSkillsUKcompetition network,isdesigned to promoteand showcasehighstandardsandskills acrosstheelectrotechnicalindustry.

l,loucanfollowcandidates' journeyatwww.skillelectric.org. uk/about/competition-journey/

NICEICADDSENERGVSTORAGE TECHTDMCSCERTIFICATION

NICEIC has added Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS) as new technology under its MCS scheme.

The newcomer joins solar PV, solar thermal and heat pumps, adding another piece of the jigsaw for contractors looking to verify their competence in the growing low carbon landscape.

"This introduction reflects where the market is going," says Daniel Yeates, NICEIC's energy efficiency scheme manager. "More and more batteries will be used to store energy, and ensuring correct installation is vital."

Ian Crabbe, managing director of Evergreen Renewable Energy, backs this up. The Lyme Regis firm, which has been installing batteries for seven years, is the first to be certified under the MCS for EESS technology. "Customers want to know that the people installing these things know what they're doing. The industry needs policing; we've seen some pretty poor installations by people who are not competent," he says. "It's great that there's now a standard."

To find out more visit www.niceic.com/ join-us/microgeneration-certificationscheme-(mcs)

MCS low carbon report focuses ministers' minds

The microgeneration scheme certification body MCS has launched its Low Carbon Landscapes report, which makes MCS data more easily available to the sector and policymakers. The report series promises to provide an annual market outlook, summarising the adoption oflow carbon technologies and analysing the trends and policies that drive uptake.

At its launch, shadow minister Dr Alan Whitehead MP pledged to deliver a national retrofit strategy focused on an area by area approach, and committed to delivering a small-scale energy revolution if Labour is elected at the next general election.

With increased consumer awareness on environmental goals, NICEIC certified businesses are in a strong position to help the government meet its targets.

APPRENTICESHIP GOESGREEN

FromthisSeptember,theInstallation andMaintenanceElectrician Apprenticeshipgetsgreener,digital andmoreethical.

Apprenticeswilllearnhowto installEVchargingpoints;the foundationcablingandconnections skillsforheatpumpsandsolar andthermalpanels;andthegreen solutionsavailableinalleconomic settings.They'llalsobeskilledin usingbusinesscommunication andcollaborationapps,anddigital learningplatforms.Andto helpraise standards,they'lllearnethical andsustainableworkbehaviours, pluscareandconsiderationfor customerswithdiverseneeds.

PAULCOLLINSNEW TECHNICALDIRECTOR

NICEIChasappointedPaulCollinsas its newtechnicaldirector,replacing JohnO'Neill,whoretiredinMarch.

SincejoiningNICEICineaas,Paul hasheldvariousroles,mostrecently, headoftechnicalservices.As technicaldirector,hewillcontinue to representNICEIConvarious committeesandworkinggroups.

WHVHOMEOWNERS'ELECTRICAL 'MOT'WOULDBOOSTSAFETV

an Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR). Today, only England's private rented sector (PRS) must undertake fiveyearly EICRs, although planned legislation is expected to extend the requirement to the social rented sector (SRS). In Wales, such checks in both the PRS and SRS were required by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act, which came into effect on 1 December 2022.

Each year, there are more than 2,000 domestic fires in England and Wales caused by faulty electrical installations, some with severe, or fatal, consequences. However, different levels of electrical protection for households have created a 'tenure lottery', according to Electrical Safety First.

Wayne Mackay, head of policy and public affairs at the campaigning charity, believes Lord Foster's private member's bill -the Domestic Premises (Electrical Safety Certificate) Bill -can reduce this inequality. It will require an electrical home 'MOT' before a property is sold.

ESF has long campaigned for all homes to have regular electrical checks, verified by

Yet the owner-occupied sector -the largest tenure type in England and Wales -has no such requirement. It also houses the largest proportion of older people, who are most susceptible to electrical risk. Lord Foster's bill aims to address this regulatory gap.

For homeowners, there is a 'trigger point' -when a property changes ownership -where it could be implemented easily. Lord Foster's Bill proposes that, before a property is sold, an EICR is undertaken and provided at point of sale, as is already the case with an Energy Performance Certificate.

ESF believes Lord Foster's Bill offers an effective means ofreducing the electrical safety tenure lottery, extending essential safety protection to millions of people. With the transition to net zero increasing reliance on electricity, reducing electrical risks will become even more critical in the future.

NEW!SEARCHABLE PDFOFBUILDING REGULATIONS

AnenhancedManualtothe BuildingRegulationshas beenreinstated,andafully searchablePDFofallApproved Documentshasbeenpublished inEngland.

Thisispartofthe recommendationsfromthe IndependentReviewofBuilding RegulationsandFireSafetyto enhancethesafetyofbuildings inEngland.Thepublicationsare intendedtoimproveaccessto theregsforeveryoneworkingin theconstructionsector.

ThepdfisavailableatWWW. gov.uk/guidance/buildingregulations-and-approveddocuments-index

NICEICJOINSWORKINGGROUPTDIMPROVEEICR

NICEICispartofanewElectricalInstallationConditionReport [EICRJimprovementworkinggroup,whichaimstoprovide greaterclarityforinspectorsancltransparencyforlancllorcls ancltenants.

"Toachievethisrequiresaculturalshiftinthewaywelook atrisk,"saysMartynAllen,technicaldirectoratElectricalSafety First,whoestablishedanclchairstheworkinggroup.

Whilestanclarclsanclguidelinesprovideanagreedwayofdoing something,inreallifetheyhavetobeinterpreted.However,there aresignificantconsequencesifEICRclassificationcodes areappliedincorrectly.

AswellasNICEIC,theworkinggroupincludesBEAMA,NAPIT, SELECT,IET,ECA,EAL,anclfireanclrescueservices.Othermembers willcomefromrelevantgovernmentdepartmentsacross Westminsterancltheclevolveclnations,toencouragegreater regulatoryalignment.

Discussionswithencl-userorganisations,suchasthe NationalResidentialLancllorclsAssociationancltheAssociation ofResidentialLettingsAgents,arealsounderway.Allensays: "Lancllorclsneecltofeelconfidentthat,wherevertheirpropertyis

located,theyaregettingthesamehighstanclarclofserviceancl assuranceofsafetyfromanEICR."

Oneofthefirstthingsthegroupisconsideringishowtoimprove consistencyinallocatingclassificationcodesinEICRs.Aninspector is,withoutdoubt,thebestpersontojudgethelevelofrisk attributecltoaninstallationfaultorclamage-anclallocatethemost appropriateclassificationcocle-buttherearetoomanyexamples ofinconsistenciesnotexpectedindomesticinstallations.

Thegroupisalsolookingatthelackofasystemforarbitration. AlancllorclquestioningtheaccuracyofanEICRhasnoroutefor appeal.Alltheycancloisemployanothercontractorinthehopeof gettingadifferentoutcome.

AkeyoutcomeforthegroupwillbeestablishinganewBest PracticeGuide10,toprovideaspecificationforperiodicinspection ancltestingofthefixedelectricalinstallationinrentedhomes. Thisisexpectedtobepublishedshortly.

ESF'sbestpracticeguidescanbeclownloacleclfrom www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/professional-resources/ best-practice-guides

EE THE PROB LEMCLE ARLYWITH

0 N -

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THEKEVDUESTIDNS UDU'VEBEENASKINGUSAECENTLU. DVEATDVDU,TEAMHELPLINE ...

OurtechnicalengineersareanhandtaansweryourQuestions, coveringtopicsfromsupportingcablesagainstcollapse ta additionalprotectionfarexteriorlightsofdomesticpremises

During a recent periodic inspection of an installation, it was noted that the prospective fault current at the origin of the installation exceeded the rated short-circuit capacity of the installed protective devices. Is this permitted byBS7671?

With reference to Regulation 434.5.1, in general, the rated short-circuit breaking capacity of each device shall not be less than the maximum prospective fault current at the point at which the device is installed. However, a lower breaking capacity is permitted where an upstream protective device or devices having the necessary rated short-circuit breaking capacity, is installed on the supply side and provides 'back-up protection'.

In such cases, the characteristics of the protective devices shall be co-ordinated such that the energy let-through (Pt) of the device does not exceed that which can be withstood, without damage, by the device on the load side.

As part of a domestic kitchen refurbishment, the client has requested that all appliance isolators are installed within a kitchen unit. ls this permitted or do the isolators need to be adjacent to the appliances?

Isolating switches do not need to be installed adjacent to the appliances they control, provided that they are:

e located in an accessible position (132.12), e when located remotely, and/or it is not apparent what equipment is controlled, clear indication of this is provided, durably marked (537.2.7), and e means are provided to prevent unwanted or unintentional closure (462.3 and 537.2.4). Similar requirements apply where the device may be used as a means of switching off for mechanical maintenance (see 464.2 and 537.3.2.4).

DSamDonaghyTechnicalengineeringmanager(ICraigKempStandardsengineerIIIMarkBarnes-Rider StandardsengineerDMarkCooperl;JNormanBradshawIllCraigCunninghamDDuncanMcfarlane

IllJonathanDare(IGeorgeGeorgiou[II]BobbyMullarkeymSteveClifton[ElPaulDudley Technicalhelplineengineers

In conjunction with the question below, can I install a BS 1363-2 socket outlet at a distance

of less than 2.5mfrom the edge of zone 1 in a location containing a bath or shower, if it is in a bathroom cabinet with a closable door?

Yes, where the cupboard is suitably constructed and the door can be closed. This is substantially the same situation often encountered where there is a socket-outlet installed in a hallway almost immediately outside the door of a location containing the bath or shower.

Is the space within an airing cupboard in a bathroom or shower room that would otherwise be in a particular zone were it not for the cupboard door, be considered to be within that zone?

No. Regulation

701.32.1 states that ceilings, walls, doors, floors and fixed partitions may be taken into account where they effectively limit the extent of the zones.

What is the conditional rating of a consumer unit and why is this of any significance?

Conditional short-circuit current is defined in Part 2 of BS 7671 as the 'prospective current that a circuit or a switching device, protected by a specified short-circuit protective device, can satisfactorily withstand for the total operating time of that device under specified conditions of use and behaviour'.

A consumer unit incorporating components and protective devices specified by the manufacturer conforming to BS EN 61439-3, including the United Kingdom National deviation given in Annex ZB of that standard, has a conditional short-circuit rating of 16 kA. Typically, it can be assumed that the prospective short-circuit current for single-phase 230 V supplies, taking account of service cable length in excess of 2 mis 16 kA (536.4.201).

This conditional rating makes it possible to install a consumer unit to BS EN 61439-3 at the origin of a premises having a 230 V single-phase supply. The 16 kA conditional testing described in Annex ZB of that standard also verifies the performance of the incoming device, its connections, busbar, cable links, circuit-breakers, residual current operated circuit-breakers and any other items in the consumer unit not separately rated at 16 kA or higher.

Additionally, where a consumer unit to BS EN 61439-3 is used in domestic (household) premises, and the maximum prospective fault current declared by the distributor is 16 kA, it is not necessary to measure or calculate prospective fault current at the origin of the supply (see Appendix 14 of BS 7671).

AEDUIAEMENTS FDA CAABDNMONOXIDE DETECTORSINDWELLINGS

Objective:This article looks at the requirements for the provision of carbon monoxide detection in dwellings and similar premises, and the associated guidance issued by the devolved administrations in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland current at the time of publication

Introduction

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas, which is highly toxic and dangerous to living organisms with a respiratory system i.e. humans and animals, where present in sufficient quantity.

CO is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels, either in their solid, gaseous or liquid state -for example fuels used by fixed combustion (heating) appliances and fuel used in internal combustion engines (ICE).

Generation of CO may be caused by factors such as:

• incorrect or poor installation;

• defective, damaged or inadequately maintained systems;

• inadequate provision of air to enable complete combustion; or

• inadequate removal of products of combustion to the external air.

It is important to also bear in mind that CO can migrate from other unrelated properties or infrastructure (heavy traffic areas or car parks for example) and that this can also have a negative impact on individuals.

To reduce the risk of CO poisoning, changes have been made in Building Regulations and associated guidance issued in England and the devolved nations, including the provision of means to warn of potentially dangerous levels of CO in such premises.

WhatisaCOdetector?

A CO detector is a device that detects the presence of carbon monoxide in

a concentration that is hazardous to health and which in response to that CO concentration gives an audible, and in some cases visible, alarm. CO detectors should comply with BS EN 50291-1:2018 Gas detectors - Electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide in domestic premises. Test methods and performance requirements.

CO detectors toBSEN50291-1 are intended only to detect carbon monoxide from fixed combustion appliances and are designed to give an alarm signal at much higher carbon monoxide levels than carbon monoxide fire detectors. This makes them unsuitable for use to provide early warning of fire and so they are excluded from the scope of BS 5839-6 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises.

RequirementsinEngland

Building Regulations 2010

Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations 2010, applicable to England and Wales, contains the requirements which must be met in order to comply with Regulation 4 (Requirements relating to building work) and Regulation 6 (Requirements relating to material change of use).

Requirement J3, which applies only to dwellings, states that:

Whereafixedcombustionappliance is provided,appropriateprovisionshall bemadetadetectandgivewarningof thereleaseofcarbonmonoxide.

Approved Document J

In England, Approved Document J: 2010 (ADJ) Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems, including the July 2022 amendments which came into effect from 1st October 2022, gives guidance on how to comply with this requirement.

Indent c. of Paragraph 1.1 states that Requirement J3 will be met if appropriate means of warning of a release of CO are provided for fixed appliances that burn solid fuels, gas fuels (other than gas fuelled appliances used solely for cooking) and oil fuels. A note to this paragraph further states that the installation of CO alarms can also reduce the risk of poisoning from other types of appliance.

ADJ includes additional provisions relating to CO detectors for:

• appliances burning solid fuel (including solid biofuel) with a rated output up to 50 kW (paragraphs 2.34; 2.35; 2.36);

• gas burning appliances with a rated input up to 70 kW (net) (paragraphs 3.43; 3.44; 3.45); and

• oil burning appliances with a rated output up to 45 kW (paragraphs 4.30; 4.31; 4.32).

Where a new or replacement fixed solid fuel appliance, gas burning appliance (excluding gas appliances used solely for cooking) or oil burning appliance is installed in a dwelling, a CO alarm should be provided in the room in which the appliance is located.

Installed CO alarms should:

e comply with BS EN 50291-1:2018, and

• be a Type A alarm powered by a battery

designed to operate for the working life of the alarm, and • incorporate a warning device to alert users when the working life of the alarm is due to pass.

Mains-powered Type A CO alarms complying with BS EN 50291-1:2018 having fixed wiring (not plug-in types) may be used as an alternative, provided they are fitted with a sensor failure warning device.

A note to Paragraph 2.35 explains that Type A CO alarms are fitted with an output function for triggering ancillary devices such as remote alarms or specialist alarms for older people and disabled people.

Paragraph 2.36 states that the CO alarm should be located in the same room as the appliance:

a. on the ceiling at least 300 mm from any wall or, ifit is located on a wall, as high up as possible (above any doors and windows) but not within 150 mm of the ceiling; and b. between 1 m and 3 m horizontally from the appliance.

Provision of a CO alarm should not be regarded as a substitute for correct installation and regular servicing of combustion appliances.

Further guidance on the installation of CO alarms is given in BS EN 50292:2013 Electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide in domestic premises, caravans and boats. Guide on the selection, installation, use and maintenance and from manufacturers' instructions.

Rented accommodation (The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

(Amendment) Regulations 2022

These regulations apply to all homes in England and Wales rented out by private landlords or registered providers of social housing, unless excluded. Excluded tenancies are detailed in the regulations.

The regulations are not aimed at owneroccupied properties.

Thefollowingtenanciesareexcluded fromtheregulations:

Sharedaccommodationwitha landlordorlandlord'sfamily

Longleases

Studenthallsofresidence

Hotelsandrefuges

Carehomes

Hospitalsandhospices

Lowcostownershiphomes

Otheraccommodationrelatingto healthcareprovision

From 1st October 2022, all relevant landlords must ensure:

1. A CO alarm is equipped in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).

2. CO alarms are repaired or replaced once informed and found that they are faulty.

The regulations apply to unlicensed houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

Licensed HM Os are exempt from Parts 1 to 5 of the regulations but only because the regulations also amend the HMO licensing obligations in the Housing Act 2004 so as to impose similar requirements.

Licensed HMOs in England

Section 67 of the Housing Act 2004 gives requirements for licensing conditions. Paragraph (3) states that a licence must include the conditions required by Schedule 4 of the Act.

Schedule 4 Conditions to be included in licenses under Part 2 (Licensing of houses in multiple occupation) or Part 3 (Selective licensing of other residential accommodation) states that a licence under Part 2 or 3 must include the following conditions relating to CO:

[4A)WherethehouseisinEngland, conditionsrequiringthelicenceholder

a)toensurethatacarbonmonoxide alarmisinstalledinanyroomin thehousewhichisusedwhollyor partlyaslivingaccommodation andcontainsasolidfuelburning combustionappliance; bltokeepanysuchalarminproper workingorder;and

c)tosupplytheauthority,ondemand, withadeclarationbyhimastothe conditionandpositioningofany suchalarm.

NorthernIreland

The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012

Regulation 72 of these regulations states that:

Whereacombustionappliance Is InstalledInadwelling,reasonable provisionshallbemadetodetect andgivewarningofthepresence ofcarbonmonoxidegasatlevels harmfultopeople.

Regulation 69 (2) specifies that this requirement does not apply to a combustion appliance designed solely for cooking purposes.

Technical Booklet L. Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems

Indent (c) of Section 0.2 in Technical Booklet L advises that the requirement of regulation 72 will be met if the building provides for the safe accommodation of combustion appliances which incorporates an appropriate means of detection and warning of a release of carbon monoxide.

Sections 2.51; 2.52; and 2.53 contain guidance on the provision of CO detectors. This guidance is broadly similar to that

given for England and Wales in Approved Document J. However, with respect to the siting of the CO detector/alarm, it recommends additionally that if the combustion appliance is installed in a room or space not normally used e.g. a boiler room/cupboard, the detector/alarm should be located just outside the room or space to allow the alarm to be heard more easily.

Scotland

Building (Scotland) Regulations

2004

Schedule 5 of the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 contains the requirements which must be met in order to comply with Regulation 9 (Building standards -construction) thereof.

Requirement 3.20 states that:

Everybuildingmustbedesignedand constructedInsuchawaythatthe productsofcombustionarecarried safelytotheexternalairwithout harmtothehealthofanyperson throughleakage,spillage,orexhaust norpermitthere-entryofdangerous gasesfromthecombustionprocessof fuelsintothebuilding.

Technical handbook -Domestic

This gives guidance on how to comply with the requirements of the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004, applicable to Scotland.

Section 3.20.20 contains the following guidance.

A CO detection system should be installed in all dwellings where:

• a new or replacement fixed combustion appliance (excluding an appliance used solely for cooking) is installed in the dwelling, or

• a new or replacement fixed combustion appliance is installed in an interconnected space, for example, an integral garage.

Any installed CO detectors should comply with BS EN 50291-1:2010 and be powered by a battery designed to operate for the working life of the detector. The detector should incorporate a warning device to alert the users when its working life is due

to expire. Alternatively, hard wired mains operated CO detectors complying with BS EN 50291-1:2010 (Type A) may be used, provided they are installed with fixed wiring (and not plug in types) and they are fitted with a sensor failure warning device.

A CO detection system to alert occupants to the presence of CO should consist of at least:

• A CO detector in every space containing a fixed combustion appliance (excluding an appliance used solely for cooking), and

• A CO detector to provide early warning to high risk accommodation, that is, a bedroom or principal habitable room, where a flue passes through these rooms.

Unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer, CO detectors should be either:

• ceiling mounted and positioned at least 300 mm from any wall, or

• wall mounted and positioned at least 150 mm below the ceiling and higher than any door or window in the room.

CO detectors in the space containing the combustion appliance should be sited between 1 m and 3 m from the appliance. Where the combustion appliance is located in a small space, and it is not possible to locate the detector within that space, the detector may be located at the appropriate distance outside the space.

A CO detector should not be sited:

• in an enclosed space (for example in a cupboard or behind a curtain)

• where it can be obstructed (for example by furniture)

• directly above a sink

• next to a door or window

• next to an extract fan

• next to an air vent or similar ventilation opening

• in an area where the temperature may drop below -10°C or exceed 40°C, unless it is suitable for such conditions

• where dirt and dust may block the sensor

• in a damp or humid location, or

• in the immediate vicinity of a cooking appliance.

Additional guidance on the siting of carbon monoxide detectors, including enhanced coverage, can be found in BS EN 50292:2002.

Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 (including amendments up to The Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 (Tolerable Standard) (Extension of Criteria) Order 2019)

Indent (k) of part (1) of Section 86 (Definition of house meeting tolerable standard) states that a house meets the tolerable standard for the purposes of this Act ifit has satisfactory equipment installed for detecting, and for giving warning of, carbon monoxide present in a concentration that is hazardous to health.

Summary

CO detectors identify and warn of the presence of carbon monoxide in a concentration that is hazardous to health. CO detectors should comply with BS EN 50291-1:2018.

CO detectors to BS EN 50291-1 are intended only to detect carbon monoxide from fixed combustion appliances and are not suitable for use fire detection and fire alarm system in domestic premises conforming to BS 5839-6.

Building Regulations in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland all require provision of CO detection in dwellings. However, the requirements for such differ in the devolved nations. This article summarises these requirements and associated guidance.

The most up to date guidance issued by the devolved governments may be found at the following websites:

England: www.gov.uk/guidance/buildingregulations-and-approved-documentsindex

Wales: www.gov.wales/building-regulations

Northern Ireland: www.finance-ni.gov. ukjarticles/buildingregulations-technical-booklets

Scotland: www.gov.scot/policies/buildingstandards/monitoring-improvingbuilding-regulations/

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ISLANDMODEOPERATION INAPAOSUMEA'SLOW VOLTAGEELECTRICAL INSTALLATION [PEI]

Objective: A prosumer's low voltage electrical installation (PEI) shall be capable of operating safely in all operational modes. This article looks at the provisions of Chapter 82 of BS 7671 - Prosumer's low voltage electrical installations relating to PE Is intended to be capable of operating in island mode

Introduction

Publication of BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 saw the introduction of Chapter 82 Prosumer's low voltage electrical installations. Chapter 82 contains requirements and recommendations applicable to the following operating modes for a prosumer's electrical installation (PEI):

• Connected mode, where operation relies on a connection to the public distribution system to enable:

• direct feeding mode - the public distribution network supplies the PEI to consume energy (see Annex B82.1.1, B82.2.1, B82.3.1), and

• reverse feeding mode - the PEI

Fig 1 PEI having multiple origins for the available sources of supply supplies the public distribution network by means of the embedded generation and/or Electrical Energy Storage System (EESS), if present (see Annex B82.l.3, B82.2.3, B82.3.3).

• Island mode, where the PEI is disconnected and isolated from

ISOLATOR IMPORT/EXPORT METER

Fig2Agrid connected system with DNONETWORK local generation and means of alternative supply to serve essential loads in the event ofDNO supply failure

CONTACTOR (CONTACTSCLOSED I WHILEDNO SUPPLY CONNECTED)

SIGNALCable INVERTER

BATTERY CHARGER/ DISCHARGE CONTROLLER

ISOLATOR

NEUTRAL-EARTH SWITCHINGCONTACTOR (CONTACTSOPENWHERE DNO SUPPLYCONNECTED)

SINGLEWAYFLOW

the public distribution system but remains energised through the local generation source(s) and/or EESS, if present (see Annex B82.l.2, B82.2.2, B82.3.2).

This article concentrates on the requirements for island mode operation.

Isolation from the grid

When operation in island mode is possible, a switching device suitable for isolation according to Chapter 53 capable of disconnecting all live conductors from the public distribution network shall be provided (826.1.1.1).

When a PEI is operating in island mode the relevant requirements for

isolation of Chapter 46 and Section 537 should also be met in respect oflow voltage generators within an installation (551.2.4 and 551.6.1). For the purpose of these requirements, batteries are considered to be generators (see indent (v) of 551.1.1).

When the public distribution network is not energised, due to an outage for example, and where a premises contains a PEI, this should either operate in island mode or automatically disconnect all local power supplies (826.1.3).

Transfer from direct feeding mode to island mode and vice versa can be achieved by operating the switching

device for islanding, which may be either directly controlled (manually or remotely) or automatically controlled (824.2). Any such transfer switch shall comply with Regulation 512.1.2 and the relevant product standard, and be suitable for isolation (826.1.1.5).

A grid-bypass contactor meeting the requirements of Regulation 512.1.2, as shown in Fig 2, is typically used to disconnect all poles of the supply, including the neutral, when operating in island mode. This provides isolation between the embedded generation system and that of the public distribution supply system (826.1.1.2.2).

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Referring to Fig 2, depending on the load capability of the PV system and EESS, switching into island mode may provide a supply for the complete installation, or only for those circuits where continuity of supply is necessary (826.4). In such cases, the system shall be capable of supplying the intended load. Guidance on load shedding and load management is given in Appendix 17 ofBS 7671.

Whilst operating in island mode, all live conductors of the grid-connected supply shall be disconnected from the public distribution system. In order to prevent incorrect operation ofRCDs, a neutral switching device shall be provided to connect the neutral and earth of the PEI without overlapping the switching of the distributor's neutral (826.1.1.2.2).

Connection to the local earthing arrangement shall be facilitated by the installation of a transfer switch meeting the requirements of Regulation 537.1.5.

Manufacturers often incorporate such types of switching relay within the inverter. These relays are normally open when in grid-connected mode and typically close automatically when switching over to island mode operation. This functional switching usually takes place via an interlinked signal cable in conjunction with the main grid isolation contactor device for timely operation.

Before the Electrical Energy Management System (EEMS) allows the inverter(s) for the embedded generation and/or energy storage system to switch back to parallel connected mode enabling direct/ reverse feeding, synchronisation must be achieved between the output supply characteristics of the inverter and that of the distribution network.

Protection against electric shock Protection for persons and property shall be provided and must remain effective in all operating modes within the PEI (826.1.1.1).

In particular, where protection

against electric shock is provided by Automatic Disconnection of Supply (ADS) for all intended operating modes, the system earthing may differ between the operating modes including:

• In connected mode, without galvanic separation, the PEI remains connected to the public distribution network. The system earthing for the PEI therefore remains the same as that used for the public distribution network.

• In island mode, the PEI is disconnected from the public distribution network. The system earthing of the PEI may therefore differ from that used for the public distribution network.

During the changeover period between selection of sources of supply, the earthing arrangement must be maintained. A separate Earth electrode system conforming to the requirements of Regulation 542.2.2 shall be provided, although there is no requirement to disconnect a means of earthing provided by the public distribution network (826.1.1.2.1).

Protective devices

The maximum disconnection times stated in Chapter 41 applicable to the type of system earthing arrangement employed shall be met for a PEI. When selecting devices to provide protection against electric shock, consideration shall be given to the minimum value of earth fault current (between one line conductor and PE conductor), noting that this minimum value may vary between the available operating modes (826.1.1.3).

Protection against overcurrent

The relevant requirements of Chapter 43 for protection against overcurrent must be met. Regulation 826.1.2.1 requires overload and short-circuit currents to be determined at every point where a protective device is installed in a PEI, including:

• for all possible configurations of each type of PEI, and

• for situations corresponding to the minimum and maximum current magnitudes

Consideration shall also be given to:

• the maximum short-circuit current (in connected mode) for selection of breaking capacity, and

• the minimum short-circuit current (in island mode) for setting of tripping characteristics of the short-circuit protective device.

The selection and erection of overcurrent protective devices used within the PEI shall also take account of all possible directions of current flow and polarity.

It should be borne in mind that the location of the origin may vary in the various possible operating modes. However, the general rules apply regarding the location of protective devices, and a short-circuit protective device shall be installed at each possible origin of the relevant distribution circuit.

To limit the number of short-circuit protective devices on an individual circuit, it is recommended that all local power supplies, including energy storage units, are connected directly to the main distribution board (826.1.2.2).

Summary

A prosumer's low voltage electrical installation (PEI) shall be capable of operating safely in all operational modes. When operating in island mode, the PEI shall provide a suitable means of earthing for the installation, including provision of suitable means of transfer switching arrangements.

It is also necessary to maintain shock and fault protection for the installation which is effective for all possible configurations of operation of the PEI. This will require consideration of maximum and minimum shortcircuit currents and all possible variations in direction of current flow and polarity.

TVPESOFSPDANDTHEIR USEINELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

Objective:Section 443 of BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 contains requirements for protection against transient overvoltages either of atmospheric origin or due to switching. Where the application of this section requires the installation of overvoltage protection measures, regulation 443.1 specifies that any installed surge protective devices (SPDs) should be selected and erected in accordance with Section 534 of that standard. This article looks at the types of SPD recognised by BS 7671 and their connection within an installation

Introduction

SPDs can be used to provide protection against transient overvoltages either of atmospheric origin (443.4.1) or due to switching (443.4.2). Within DD CLC/TS 61643-12:2009 Surge protective devices connected to lowvoltage power distribution systemsSelection and application principles, Clause 4 (Systems and equipment to be protected) advises that the following two factors need to be considered when

evaluating an installation in respect of the useofSPDs:

• the characteristics of the low-voltage power distribution system on which it will be used, including expected types and levels of overvoltage and current:

• system earthing arrangement (TN-S, TN-C-S, TT, IT etc.)

• nominal voltage

• cause of the overvoltage (lightning, switching or temporary overvoltage); and

• the characteristics of the equipment requiring protection:

• the rated impulse withstand voltage of the equipment, tested in accordancewithEN606641; and

• the impulse immunity requirements of the equipment, tested in accordance with EN 61000 4-5.

Based on the above, suitable Types of SPD may be selected for installation at appropriate points within the installation.

Fig llimp 10/350 µs discharge current impulse waveform used to represent the surge current resulting from a direct lightning strike

Fig 2 In 8/20 µs discharge current impulse waveform used to represent the surge current resulting from an indirect lightning strike

Fig 31.2/50 µs voltage impulse waveform used to represent a standard lightning impulse

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SPDTypes

Classification of SPD Type relates to the tests the device must be able to meet. The test requirements for SPDs for power systems shall comply with BS EN 61643-11:2012+A11:2018Lowvoltage surge protective devices. Surge protective devices connected to low-voltage power distribution systems. Requirements and test methods.

There are three classes of tests. The introduction to BS EN 6164311:2012+A11:2018advises that the Class I test is intended to simulate partial conducted lightning current impulses, while the Class II and Class III tests involve impulses of shorter duration.

Class I tests are carried out with a 10/350 µs current impulse as shown in Fig 1 (Clause E.5 of BS EN 623051:2011). This represents a standard lightning impulse.

For Class II, tests are carried out with the nominal discharge current In 8/20 µs voltage impulse (see Fig 2).

For Class III, tests are carried out with a 1.2/50 µs voltage 8/20 µs current combination wave generator (see Fig 3).

An SPD may be classified according to more than one test class. Where this is the case, the tests required for all declared test classes shall be applied to device.

TypelSPDs

Type 1 SPDs, meeting test Class I, are designed to divert high surge currents associated with direct lightning strikes to earth safely and limit the transient overvoltage to prevent damage to the installation wiring and connected

equipment. They also protect against risks to human life.

Where protection against high surge currents associated with direct lightning strikes is required, for example when a building has a structural Lightning Protection System (LPS) or an overhead line at risk of direct strike, Type 1 power SPDs should be installed as close as possible at each origin (534.4.1.3) or point of entry of an electrical service into the electrical installation (534.4.1.6) (seeFig4).

Type2SPDs

Type 2 SPDs, meeting test Class II, when located at the origin of the electrical installation address the risk of overvoltage arising from an indirect lightning strike, limiting the transient overvoltage to levels which are safe for connected equipment. Such an arrangement is suitable for installations in locations where direct lightning strikes are unlikely, such as in built-up urban areas.

Where an installation does not have a LPS installed and does not require protection against the effects of direct lightning, a Type 2 SPD shall be installed as close as possible to the origin(s) of the electrical installation (534.4.1.4).

In industrial installations, Type 2 SPDs may be installed in sub-distribution boards or close to the equipment to be protected, downstream from Type 1 and/ or Type 2 SPDs installed at the origin of the installation (534.4.1.5) (see Fig 5).

Type3SPDs

Sensitive equipment within the installation may benefit from protection provided by a Type 3 SPD in addition to that provided by Type 1 and/or Type2SPDs.

Section 534 recognises SPDs as Type 3 where the voltage protection level (denoted by UP on the SPD's labelling) is lower than the susceptibility threshold of sensitive equipment.

It should be noted that Type 3 SPDs should only be installed in installations where Types 1 and/or 2 SPDs are present upstream of their intended position.

They may be installed within sub-distribution boards (typically Type 2+3 SPDs), near or within items of equipment deemed susceptible to damage from overvoltage (534.4.1.5), or in fixed socket-outlets or mobile socket-outlet trailing leads.

Type 3 SPDs may also protect equipment from switching transients originating from within the premises (seeFig6).

Combined Type SPDs (e.g. Type 1+2, Type 1+2+3, Type 2+3)

An SPD may be classified according to more than one test class (for example, test Cass I (Tl) and test Class II (T2)). In this case, the tests required for all declared test classes shall be performed. Type 1+2 SPDs are installed close to the intake position, such as at the first distribution board, in buildings which are at risk of direct lightning strike having a lightning protection system and/or are fed by an overhead line.

Fig 4 Example of Type 1 SPD

Fig 5 Example of Type 2 SPD

Fig 6 Example of Type 3 SPD that could be fitted behind a socketoutlet

Amend 1 • 1 ' ent 2 The

18th Editi

Nominal voltage Line to neutral of the installation voltage (up to and Required rated impulse voltage of equipment (kV) (V) including) (V)

Overvoltage Overvoltage Overvoltage Overvoltage category IV category III category II category I (equipment with (equipment (equipment with (equipment with very high rated with high rated normal rated reduced rated impulse voltage) impulse voltage) impulse voltage) impulse voltage) Energy meters, Distribution Domestic Sensitive electronic Telecontrol boards, switches, appliances, tools equipment systems socket-outlets

Aatedimpulsevoltages andequipmentovervoltage categories

In respect of overvoltages entering the installation at its origin, the amplitude of that overvoltage will be most severe close to the origin, with the amplitude falling as the electrical installation extends into the premises.

Electrical equipment within an installation shall have a rated impulse voltage not less than the value given for its overvoltage category in Table 443. 2 of BS 7671. Table 1 of this article, based on Table 443.2, describes the required impulse voltages of equipment for a nominal voltage of230/400 V AC.

Fig 534.2 of BS 7671, reproduced in this article as Fig 7, summarises where the various SPD Types should be located within an installation.

ConnectionofSPDs

Where protection against high surge currents associated with direct lightning strikes is required for a three-phase system with neutral, Type 1 SPDs should be installed at the origin of the electrical installation.

BS 7671 recognises two Connection Types as suitable for this purpose:

e CTl (534.4.3.1), and

e CT2 (543.4.3.2).

Connection Type 1 (CTl) (4+0 configuration)

In this connection type, the assembly contains SPD elements between each live conductor and protective Earth (PE) (seeFigS).

Table 1 Required rate impulse voltage of equipment (based on Table 443.2 of BS7671)

Fig 7 Locations for the various SPD Types within an installation

Trainingthatworks foryou

Connection Type CTl is suitable for:

•TN-Sand TN-C-S system earthing arrangements, and

• TT system earthing arrangements, where the SPDs are fitted downstream (load side) of an RCD.

Connection Type 2 (CT2) (3+1 configuration)

In this connection type, the assembly contains SPD elements between each live conductor and protective Earth (PE) (seeFig9).

Connection Type CT2 is:

• suitableforTN-S and TN-C-S system earthing arrangements.

• must be used for TT system earthing arrangements where the SPDs are fitted upstream (supply side) of an RCD (see 534.4.6).

This arrangement will ensure that failure of the SPD will not prevent the downstream RCD from seeing the fault and prevent it from operating.

With reference to Fig 9, a higher energy SPD (typically a spark-gap type) is used between the neutral and the protective conductor of a 3-phase device located at or near the origin. This is necessary as the lightning currents from neutral to the protective conductor are higher.

In the absence of a risk assessment, the impulse discharge current (Lmp)of the SPD between N-PE can be taken to be 4 times that of the SPDs connected between

ConnectionType2(CT2)

.._ Voltageswitching SPD/surgearrestor OCPD- Overcurrentprotective device

Fig 9 Connection Type CT2

L-N. This is reflected in the requirement for Type 1 SPDs given Regulation 534.4.4.4.2 and Table 534.4 and for Type 2 SPDs in Regulation 534.4.4.4.1 and Table 534.3.

Table 3 of DD CLC/TS 61643-12, reproduced as Table 2 in this article, summarises the modes of protection which may be employed in LV systems.

It should be noted that optional modes of protection between line and neutral conductors are advised for the protection of electronic equipment. Type 3 SPDs have line to neutral modes of protection as switching transients occur in this mode. System configuration at the installation point of SPD

Table 2 Possible modes of protection for various LV systems

In the following questions you should choose one of the four options that, in your opinion, is the correct answer. You may find it useful to refer to the technical articles in this issue of Connections and BS 7671:2018+A2:2022.

The answers to the questions, accompanied by a briefrationale, can be found at the end of the technical section.

1. Source selection in a Prosumer's Electrical Installation (PEI) is performed by the:

a. Building Management System (EMS)

b. Electrical Energy Management System (EEMS)

c. Building Energy Efficiency Management System (BEEMS)

d. Cable Management System (CMS)

2. When an installation has multiple sources of supply operating in parallel, any simultaneously accessible exposed-conductive-parts and/or extraneous-conductiveparts shall be connected to the same earthing arrangement when the distance between them is not more than:

a. 0.75m

b. 1.25m

C. 2.50m

d. 3.0m

3. To prevent incorrect functioning ofRCDs while the PEI is operating in island mode, the functional neutralearth relay is normally:

a. closed when in grid-connected mode

b. open when in island mode

c. closed when in island mode

d. closed whengrid-contactor is also closed

4. Carbon monoxide (CO)gas detectors for use in domestic premises should conform to the requirements for construction, testing and performance given in:

a.BS5466-2

b. BS EN 54-26

c. BS EN 14604

d.BSEN50291-1

5. In England and Wales, guidance on how to comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations 2010 for combustion appliances and fuel storage systems is given in:

a. Approved Document J

b. Technical booklet L

c. Domestic technical handbook

d. Technical bulletin 022

6. Provision of carbon monoxide alarms is required for solid fuel appliances only in the Building Regulations for:

a. England

b. Wales

c. Scotland

d. Northern Ireland

7. Which type ofSPD is designed to divert surge currents associated with direct lightning strikes?

a. Typel

b. Type2

c. Type3

d. Type4

8. Electrical equipment installed at or near the origin of an electrical installation should conform to overvoltage category:

a. I

b. II

C. III

d. IV

9. Where in a 3-phase installation forming part of TT system, an SPD is installed upstream of an RCD, which connection type as described in Section 534 of BS7671 must be used?

a. CTl

b. CT2

C. CT3

d. CT4

10. Which type ofSPD shall be installed at or close to the origin of an electrical installation where the provision ofSPDs is required by Section 443, the structure is not equipped with an external lightning protection system and does not require protection against the effects of direct lightning?

a. Type4

b. Type3

c. Type2

d. Typel

Answers and rationale

1. b. The electrical energy management system (EEMS) is responsible for overall control 822.1 (ii) and monitoring of the PEI. This may be linked to a user interface to provide convenient access of control.

2. c. Exposed-conductive-parts and/or extraneous-conductive-parts are deemed to be 826.1.1.2.1 simultaneously accessible when they are not more than 2.50 m apart.

3. c. When the installation is connected in parallel with the grid the functional neutral-earth 826.1.1.2.2 relay is open and is then closed automatically when switching to island mode operation.

4. d. BS EN 50291-1:2018 Gas detectors - Electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide BSEN50291-1 in domestic premises - Part 1: Test methods and performance requirements.

5. a. Approved Document J.Technical booklet Lis applicable in Northern Ireland. The Domestic technical handbook is applicable in Scotland. Technical bulletin 022 is a joint Gas Safer Register and HSE publication relating to the installation of previously used and second-hand gas cooking appliances.

6. b. In Wales,ApprovedDocument J - Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems includesguidance on the provision of CO alarms where solid fuel appliances are installed in support of Requirement J Warning of release of carbon monoxide of the Building Regulations 2010 (SI 2010/2214) for England and Wales. However the note to section 1.1 of ADJ (Wales) states that: 'Whilst, for the purposes ofrequirement J2A, it is considered appropriate to require carbon monoxide alarms only with solid fuel appliances, such alarms can still reduce the risk of poisoning from other types of appliance.

7. a. Type 1 SPDs, sometimes referred to as equipotential bonding SPDs, are designed to divert 534.4.1.1 surge currents associated with direct lightning strikes. 534.4.1.3

8. d. Overvoltage category IV electrical equipment is suitable for installation at or near the origin 443.6.2 of an electrical installation.

9. b. Connection type CT2 must be used for TT system earthing arrangements where the SPDs 534.4.6 are fitted upstream (supply side) of an RCD.

10. c. Where the installation of SPDs is required by Section 443 and the structure is not equipped 534.4.1.4 with an external lightning protection system or does not require protection against the effects of direct lightning, Type 2 SPDs shall be installed as close as possible to the origin of the electrical installation.

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DAWHDHRD K-9.HERTHADW HRSDAVE

When the people at Heathrow Airport needed to refurbish a1960scargotunnel, they turned to Spot the Dog. 'Dog' is stretching it a bit, as Spot was developed by Boston Dynamics and, rather than an adorable face and wagging tail, he is equipped with a scanner to provide 3D laser scans.

Construction firm Mace has been tasked with updating ageing mechanical and electrical services in the tunnel. Spot, who was renamed Dave by Mace staff, retrieves data from the building site, which is then used alongside 3D models and augmented reality to track accuracy and progress on the construction work. The robot improves safety because its human colleagues make fewer trips down into the dark, slippery tunnel. I fit all works out with Dave, expectto see more of him elsewhere.

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