Connections Winter 2025

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Group Metropolitan takes a data centre's power supply to another level Group Metropolitan has upgraded essential equipment on one level of a data centre, for a global telecoms company that offers co-location data centre facilities.

The project - on level seven of the nine-storey building in London's Docklands - involved replacing the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and installing a new input-output switchboard. "UPSs are a fundamental part of a data centre's infrastructure," says Ben Rawson, Technical Compliance Manager at the Greenwich-based turnkey services contractor. "They're found where equipment can't be turned off, acting as a buffer and eliminating downtime. If the power goes down, batteries will take the load until the generators kick in, restoring mains power to equipment."

Replacing a UPS system is a challenge, particularly in single-fed installations such as this one. Temporary supply cables from alternative distribution equipment are installed before the replacement works are carried out. This allows the

project work to be delivered without prolonged downtime. Once the new installation is complete, the temporary supply is repurposed as a secondary alternative supply, providing full system resilience and the flexibility to transfer loads without isolation for future works.

Group Metropolitan has replaced UPS systems in this facility for more than 14 years. Initially appointed to undertake condition inspections of essential services in the building, the company was first involved in the Preventative Energised Maintenance Division (TEGG®) to check the equipment using thermography, ultrasound surveys, and power quality analysis. This revealed that a main rising bus bar that fed half the building's UPS systems was displaying elevated temperatures and was at risk of widespread power loss.

Group Metropolitan's design division developed a detailed strategy to enable replacement works to be implemented without a loss of service. They also

produced a life cycle report that prioritised and budgeted works over 10 years.

The company has replaced UPS systems on six levels and has just been commissioned to upgrade the ground floor. This will involve replacing the input/output switchboard panels and reconfiguring them to work with diverse systems to improve their resilience.

Rawson says the floor upgrades can only be carried out in phases because the work is costly and time-consuming requiring designing, planning and careful implementation.

Group Metropolitan has learnt many things, particularly the importance of arc flash awareness. An arc flash occurs when an electrical discharge travels through the air and releases an intense burst of energy. It can be fatal if operatives aren't wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE).

As a result, Group Metropolitan has upgraded its safety rules and invested in additional PPE.

WINTER 2024/25

Connections 3

ConnectionsIssue 232 / Winter 2024/25

DDN'TAEAD THIS MAG DUA SHORTCUT TDTHE BEST BITS

7DVEATD

VDU, PAUL ...

With 2025 set to bring many changes and opportunities, NICEIC Technical Director Paul Collins looks at what NICEIC is doing to help you and your business

4 ConnectionsWINTER 2024/25

HIGHLV TARGETED NICEIC's new campaign raises consumer awareness

31

THEBIG

AERO

Getting the calculations right for heating systems

37 NEED TD

SKILLS

25 TLEVELS We meet a new learner and track his experience

26 SKILLELECTAIC 21 INTHERIA Clarity on new requirements for domestic ventilation systems

We have a ring-side seat at the competition final

KNOW CRUGHTON CRMEAR The latest howlers

The big issues affecting the industry, including changes to standards

44 RSKTHE

TERM

Our helpline heroes answer your questions

66 OFF GAID An assortment of facts, stats and stories to spark your interest WINTER 2024/25

Connections 5

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Welcome

Connections ©2025 ISSN 2042-5732

niceic.com ■

111111:EII: Enquiries 01582 539000 Communications manager: Debbie Shields debbie.shields@certsure.com

PR executive: Amar Tanna

Customer services: 0333 015 6625 Sales: 0333 015 6626 Training: 0333 015 6627 Technical helpline: 0333 015 6628 Insurance: 0333 015 6629 @offi.cialNICEIC

Published on behalf of Certsure by: Think, 65 Riding House Street, London, W1W7EH Editor: Clare Dowdy clare.dowdy@thinkpublishing.co.uk Art director: Ian Hart Associate director: Anna Vassallo Client engagement director: Melissa Michael Content development director: Matthew Rock Advertising: Tom Davison tom.davison@thinkpublishing.co.uk Ben Sellers ben.sellers@thinkpublishing.co.uk Connections welcomes ideas for contributions. Please email connections@thinkpublishing.co.uk

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 ?EFC the paper wrapper are fully recyclable.

@

DVEATD VDU,

PAUL ...

Welcome to the winter issue of Connections magazine and the first of 2025, a year set to be full of change and opportunities for our industry.

To help NICEIC-certified businesses both navigate those changes and benefit from the opportunities that will no doubt arise from them, on page 12 we outline what NICEIC is doing to reach even more consumers on your behalf. Launched in 2023, our Don't do DIY Electrics campaign helped connect more than 400,000 householders with NICEIC-certified businesses through the 'find a trusted tradesperson' tool. To build on that success, we've launched the next phase of the campaign to reach more people, and again highlight the dangers of attempting to undertake electrical DIY or using a noncertified business.

There are also changes coming by way of government regulation, some of which is Find outhowNICEIC covered here (page 37), as well as households isreaching more and businesses making new choices. Many householders onyour readers will be seeing that first-hand on the behalf Page12 jobs they're doing, such as an increasing Read ourrefresher on number oflow-carbon heating installations CPD reQuirements for or more electric vehicle charging points. assessmentPagelB An important theme throughout this issue Durguide tosuccession is skills, both in terms of new people entering Page 14 planning the industry, and experienced professionals expanding their skillsets. We examine the areas where the industry needs to improve, looking at how we can give people the right technical grounding, and how we can best recognise the depth of talent that we have in the electrotechnical sector.

There's an article on apprenticeships from NICEIC CEO Richard Orton (page 29); a roundup of excellent work by student electricians at SkillELECTRIC (page 26); and a look at life as a T Level student in our new Follow the Learner series (page 25).

For those seeking advice for their business, we have a thoughtprovoking piece on succession planning (page 14) and a refresher on CPD requirements for NICEIC assessments (page 18). It contains an important update, which comes into effect on 1 March.

I hope you find this issue useful and interesting. Remember to log what you read as CPD.

OUATDP PAIOAITIES FOAVOU

Paul Collins Technical Director, NICEIC WINTER 2024/25

Connections 7

Avant Teena's new 32,000m 2 headquarters in Suffolk's Bury St Edmunds is not only the largest project ElecBuild Electrical and Building Services has worked on, but also the most energy efficient.

A BREEAM accreditation was part of the planning permission for the new building, which contains a warehouse, workshop, showroom and offices for the Finnish manufacturer of agricultural plant and machinery.

Given that the design team wanted to achieve a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating for the building, ElecBuild had to ensure they followed strict criteria and liaised with the BREEAM consultant to verify their evidence and installation.

10 ConnectionsWINTER2024/25

"An example of the evidence needed was ensuring all equipment was metered and connected to the building management system," says Chris Double, Director ofElecBuild.

After winning the tender in September 2023, ElecBuild worked with main contractor SEH French to adapt the tendered drawings to produce a construction issued design, not easy in the tight timeframe.

"Most of our designs are working drawings and plans, usually at stage four level, but this project involved developing drawings to stage five, which is very detailed," says Double. "It's been a huge learning experience for us, from the project design to coordination, material procurement and the installation. We

have used this experience to excel in areas that we previously might not have been confident about."

ElecBuild installed all the electrical elements, which included CCTV, access control, a 100 kW PV array, three electrical vehicle charging posts, fire alarm, lighting and general power. Many different manufacturers were used because of the size of the building. These included Gripple for the containment hangers and fixing, and Legrand for the containment, such as basket and galvanised trunking. Fagerhult and Zumtobel (Thorn) provided the lighting, and Zumtobel Litecom was used for the lighting controls. Hager was specified for all the wiring accessories and lighting connection modules, Schneider for the

"It'ssafetosaywe've takenmuch moreaway fromthisproject thanjust thefinished installation" CHRISDOUBLE, ELECBUILD

mains distribution and Apollo for the fire alarm detection system.

A DALI Smart System was installed because of its energy efficiency. The lighting system can be programmed and features absence detectors so that lights switch off when people leave a room, therefore saving energy.

The completed Avant headquarters was certified BREEAM Excellent, and the building will continue to be monitored to ensure that it retains its high sustainability standards.

"It's safe to say we've taken much more away from this project than just the finished installation," says Double.

"It has made us hungry for bigger, more demanding projects and has pushed us in the right direction."

WINTER 2024/25

Connections11

_J

The campaign, which has also been tested for effectiveness with a consumer audience, reaches people across social media channels including YouTube and Meta, and the wider Google network, with all adverts pointing again to the 'find a trusted tradesperson' tool on the NICEIC website.

To benefit from this new phase of the campaign even further, NICEIC-certified businesses can access the marketing toolkit on the NICEIC customer portal to discover downloadable assets that can be used across various platforms including your website and social media.

During the development of the new phase of the campaign, NICEIC commissioned a YouGov survey to find out more about the views and attitudes of householders towards undertaking electrical work in a domestic setting.

The results are interesting. Findings show that 87% of UK adults tend to agree or strongly agree that electrical work should be carried out by a qualified electrician, additionally 89% tend to agree or strongly agree that undertaking domestic electrical work could be dangerous or life threatening (YouGov,2024).

Despite a clear understanding that electrical work can be unsafe when not completed by a qualified electrician, almost one in three (30%) of those surveyed still admitted to having completed electrical DIY at home (YouGov,2024).

Whilst the stats demonstrate that consumers recognise that poor electrical work has the potential for devastating effects, including injury or even death, some are still attempting to complete electrical work in the home themselves.

These findings have helped shape the next phase of the campaign to further educate consumers of the importance of using a qualified electrician, ultimately driving more awareness ofNICEICcertified businesses.

HOW NICEIC ISREACHING EVEN MORE CONSUMERS BEHALF. ONUOUR There aremanybenefits tobeing anNICEICcertified business.

From thecredibility ofbeing withtheelectrical industry's mostrecognised certification bodytothetechnical support and continuing professional development [CPD] opportunities available, NICEIC iscommitted toraising awareness ofcertification inthe industry andconnecting consumers with NICEIC-certified businesses.

V

ou may remember that during 2023 NICE IC launched its Don't Do DIY

Electrics campaign. Since then, the campaign has gone on to achieve

over 21 million impressions through Google, YouTube and Meta, and in turn has connected over 400,000 householders with NICEIC-certified businesses through the 'find a trusted tradesperson' tool. That works out at over 1,000 householders a day!

To build on this success, NICEIC has launched the next phase of the campaign targeting householders and decisionmakers to highlight the dangers of either using a non-certified business or attempting to complete electrical works in a domestic setting themselves.

With the clear objectives ofraising awareness of the NICEIC brand and driving customers to connect with NICEIC-certified businesses, a series of new digital adverts (see above and niceic.com/dontdiy) have been created to highlight the invisible dangers of unsafe electrical work and to remind householders that they should always instruct a certified business to carry out works rather than making attempts themselves.

12 Connections WINTER 2024/25

"Tobenefit fromthisnew phaseofthecampaign even further, NICEIC-certified businesses canaccess the marketing toolkitonthe NICEIC customer portal"

Consumer campaign

"Thisnewphaseofthecampaign aimsto demonstrate justhow easyit isforhouseholders tofindNICEIC-certified businesses intheirarea" PAUL COLLINS, NICEIC TECHNICAL DIAECTDA

OFUKADULTS AGREE THAT WORK SHOULD ELECTRICAL BVA BECARRIED OUT QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN

AGREE THAT UNDERTAKING WORK DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL COULD BEDANGEROUS OR LIFE-THREATENING

The challenge remains that anyone can call themselves an electrician, therefore certification by NICEIC enables your business to stand out from the crowd. It demonstrates your business' commitment to upholding standards which in turn can enhance both your professional reputation and market competitiveness. It assures your customers that your business is serious about its work and is dedicated to maintaining high standards.

Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, commented: "We're committed to highlighting to consumers the need to use an NICEIC-certified business to ensure safe electrical installations.

The results from the first phase of the Don't Do DIY Electrics campaign were fantastic and the sheer number of householders using the 'NICEIC find a trusted tradesperson' tool demonstrates the effectiveness of the campaign.

"It was encouraging to see in the results of the YouGov survey that a large number of consumers are aware of the importance of using a qualified electrician to carry out electrical works in the home but worrying to see that despite this, almost one in three have still carried out DIY works themselves.

"This new phase of the campaign aims to bridge that gap and demonstrate just how easy it is for householders to find NICEIC-certified businesses in their area to complete any domestic electrical works. I'd highly recommend that NICEIC-certified businesses visit the customer portal to download the free assets that can be utilised across their own marketing platforms."

Formoreinformation aboutthecampaign, visitnicelc.com/dontdiy All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Pie. Total sample size was 2,131 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 15 -18 November 2024. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

WINTER 2024/25

Connections13

WHO WILL AUN THE BUSINESS VOU'AE WHEN NE?

business? Would you like to extract value at exit? Or do you just want to shut up shop? Once you understand your ultimate objective, you can plan."

Having these conversations with yourself and those around you can help you prepare for a potential exit. "It's an emotional journey," explains Wong. "Your business is a big part of your identity. It may feel disconcerting to think about letting go, but starting these discussions early can save you harder conversations later."

Thepay-off

Thisquestion isguaranteed tomake any business owner ponder.

WillI retire?

Whatbiglifeevent willmean I nolonger runmybusiness?

Inthisintroduction to ournewseries onsuccession planning, Rebecca Burn-Callander setsouttheoptions

A

s difficult as it might feel to confront these possibilities, it's vital: understanding who will run the business in future, what role you will have (if any) and how you intend to benefit (or not) from the business you've created gives you a clear path to follow.

It also offers certainty to your family, customers and team, and allows you to prepare, mentally and emotionally, for the next stage.

This process is known as succession planning, and fewer than one in 10 r---.... --, business owners ever attempt it, according to research by accountancy and advisory firm Azets.

This series will examine various exit routes in detail and help you make an informed choice.

14 ConnectionsWINTER2024/25

Starting to plan Julie Wong is a finance specialist, fractional finance director and business mentor, who works with leaders from trade businesses to help them plan for succession. "I talk about this a lot with my clients," she says. "If you've worked hard building an electrical contracting business, for example, and have a great reputation, loyal clients and a strong team, you've created value. Succession planning allows you to protect that value when you eventually hang up your boots."

Succession planning doesn't have to be a painful process. At first, it just requires a little thinking time. According to Wong, the first question to ask yourselfis: What do I want out oflife?

"How do you want to exit your business?" she asks. "Are you looking to retire? Do you want to stay involved in the

Succession planning has many benefits.

If you know you would like to sell the business to your management team, this gives them a reason to stay with the business, knowing that they will have the chance to take the reins eventually.

If you plan to pass the baton to a family member, you can ensure they work across various departments, getting to know the whole business inside and out, in order to become a better leader.

In smaller businesses, where the owner typically wins most of the business and maintains the client relationships, the company could flounder without a succession plan that explains what would happen without that individual at the helm.

As Wong says: "Alot of business owners from the Baby Boomer generation are thinking about selling up or retiring right now. It's hard to do that if you have made yourself irreplaceable."

Ensuring that you have an up-to-date client book, recording the value of each client and the job history, is one way to preserve business value, she says.

"Whether you are passing the business on to a family member or selling up, you will need to understand the value of the business and allow the next owner to step into warm shoes."

When is the right time to start thinking about succession? "Yesterday," Wong says.

"Vour business isa bi art of el di out lett dis OU harder conversations later"

Onit!

EXIT STRATEGIES Whichexitstrategymakessense for youandyourbusiness?

• Family succession: Passing thebusiness onto a son, daughter orclosefamily member isa popularchoice.

However, it canbechallenging, especially if there'smorethan onepotentialbeneficiary. buyout [MBDJ: • Management Thisoptionallowsyour management teamto buy intothebusiness.

• External sale:Sellingto an externalbuyeris a common route,oftenallowingthe founderto extractthemost valuefromthebusiness.

• Employee Ownership Trust [EDT]: EDTs allowownership to betransferred to employees withoutthe needfor a directbuyout.

It's a modelthatensures employees areincentivised to continuedrivingbusiness success,andithastax advantages too.

WeaskedourNICEICcertifiedbusinesses what theirsuccession plansare.

Of873respondents: 30%planto allowthe business to winddown 22%planto pass thebusiness to familymember/s 17%havenosuccession plansandintendto continueinthe business forever 15%will gradually remove themselves fromtheirbusiness 9%intendto sell thebusiness 7%hadotherplans

• Winddownandclosure: Forsome,this mayfeellike theonlyoption.However, to protectcustomer relationships andtreatemployees fairly, it's still importantto havea planin place.

• I'mnevergoing to retire: Planning to worktill youdrop?

Makesureyouhaveallthe factssothatthereareno surprisesdowntheline.

WINTER 2024/25

Connections15

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ROUTES INTO THEINDUSTRU

GOVERNMENT CHANGES TheDepartment far Education issetting up'SkillsEngland'asa newgovernment body ta replacethe Institute far Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

SkillsEngland will bring togethera widerange of partnersta shapethe futureskillssystem.

Ruth Devine MBE, Employer Chair ofThe Electrotechnical Skills Partnership [TESP], takesalookatskills developments throughout 2024andexplains what's in thepipeline for2025

F

or new apprenticeships in England, 2024 was a strong year. Provisional government data shows 7,230 starts on the Installation and Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship over the past academic year. This is the third year in a row that intake figures have been this high, a significant improvement on the pre-Covid average of around 5,500 annually. In total, more than 26,000 apprentices are currently progressing their training. There's also a positive picture with around 2,000 apprenticeship starts across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland over the past year.

There's no time to put our feet up, though, as we still need a continued and significant increased supply of electricians to meet our future skills needs. TESP's efforts to support employers to increase apprenticeship starts and achievements is continuing in 2025. Our aim is to encourage employers to recruit at least 10,000 new apprentices a year and to drive continuous improvement of achievement rates.

Looking at the newest sector apprenticeship standard, there were 60 Domestic Electrician apprentices in training to September 2024, a promising start. The number ofregistered training providers has more than doubled to 30,

ROGUE TRAINERS so we are keen to see enrolment data in January for the 2024-2025 academic year to find out how this is progressing.

In2024,wewerepleased ta raiseawareness of training 'packages' and theirpotential pitfalls, androlledouta videota inform potential learners.

In2025,we'llbeworking closely withAwarding Organisations ta target undesirable practices and improve thequalityof training delivery.

Standards andregulation Outside of apprenticeships, there has been lots of activity around raising and embedding competence standards, with a strengthened regulatory regime and obligations following the implementation of the Building Safety Act. The latest Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) and accompanying EAS Qualifications Guide were published in October, including new work categories for electric vehicle charging equipment (EVCE), Solar PV, electrical energy storage systems (EESS) and micro wind.

NICEIC will provide further guidance on EAS updates in the following months.

Domestic electrical work will also see strengthened qualification requirements.

In the 'green' and low carbon arena,

"Westillneeda continued andsi nificant increased supply of electricians to meetour futureskillsneeds"

THEELECTROTECHNICAL PARTNERSHIP [TESP] SKILLS TESP isanot-for-profit 'community interest company' that worksonskills projects to benefittheelectrotechnical industry.

Itscoremembers aretheElectrical Contractors' Association, theJointIndustry Board, National Electrotechnical Training,

recognition of the 'Electrician Plus' concept is growing rapidly. We now have leading awarding organisations and training providers using the logo to demonstrate that their qualifications meet the TESP criteria for entry requirements, content and assessment methodology.

TESP will publish Electrician Plus training routes for EVCE, Solar PV and EESS shortly.

So, 2024 was a busy year overall with significant progress, but there's still much to do and employers' contributions are crucial. We look forward to working with our partners and supporters in 2025 to improve the skills landscape even further, protecting public safety and assuring performance.

UnitetheUnion andSELECT. Certsure workscloselywithTESP on andthe projects suchastheExperienced Worker Assessment Electromchnical Rssessment Specification aualifications Guide. andguidance, including theElectrical TESP provides resources website, theIndustry intoEducation campaign and Careers Industry-approved training. the-es,n.Dl1/.Uk .,

(JJ :r~sp The Electrotechnical

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Skills Partnership

WINTER 2024/25

Connections17

THELATEST ONCPD NICEIC Head of Assessment Dan Smith gives a refresher onCPD requirements during your assessment, andexplains what'schanging

S

ince2020ithasbeen a requirement of your certification by NICEIC to provide documented evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) of all 'employed persons'; this means anyone engaged in electrotechnical work, including subcontractors. This followed an update to the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS), which applies to all electrotechnical certification bodies.

As this update has been in place for some time, and all NICEIC-certified businesses have had an opportunity to adapt, your assessor will need to see evidence of the requirement being met during your assessment visits.

Whatdoesthismean faryou?

From 1 March 2025, if you can't provide sufficient evidence of CPD during your assessment (previously known as the office audit), you'll be required to submit it within 30 days.

What's thevalueofCPD? Having a robust CPD framework isn't just about ticking compliance boxes. It shows you're investing in your people, which nurtures and enhances skills, and helps to retain employees. We know

18 ConnectionsWINTER2024/25

there's a skills shortage in the industry, and that keeping good staff can be a challenge. CPD helps you to do that.

CPD also helps ensure your business is keeping up with innovation, and that can open up new markets. You might want to broaden your portfolio by moving into green technologies such as electric vehicle charging points, solar PV and battery storage. But to do this work staff should possess the right skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours (SKEB).

Management system reviews arekey During the management systems review stage of the assessment (previously known as the office audit), to comply with the scheme requirements, you must make CPD records available for all employed persons, for the assessor to review and sample. The Assessor assesses against the EAS, which forms the assessment framework for certification and registration bodies.

Maintaining competence through CPD is akeypartoftheEAS, and CPD includes formal and informal activities.

It's good practice to have a framework for assessing the effectiveness ofthe CPD your employees and contractors do.

Businesses are also required to hold records ofrelevant qualifications, training (including CPD) and experience. This can be shown through documents such as personnel records, training matrices and contractor records. We find that most

"Having a robust CPD framework ... shows you'reinvesting in yourpeople"

people are doing CPD, but not recording it. It's important to log it for all employed people, including temporary, agency or sub-contracted staff.

NICEIC has produced a CPD record template, or you can use self-made CPD recording systems. If you're a member of a professional body, you're probably logging your CPD on their portals. For ECA members, the ECA eCOMS platform is a useful tool which also helps businesses capture and log CPD. There's no minimum number of hours of CPD specified within the EAS. But you must be doing something, and it must be something that takes you forward in your role, so you're not just resting on a qualification you obtained five years ago.

It's a key part of development, and CPD should be ongoing throughout your career.

In the past, people have seen CPD as formal class-based learning, but it can be done in different ways. CPD includes

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WHAT CPD INFORMATION SHOULD \IOURECORD? Foreachactivity,briefly describe whatyoudid [likejoininga webinar, ortakinganonline course).Notethedate andhowmanyhours it took.Thenhighlight the keyknowledge and skillsyougained.Most importantly,explainhow this activitycontributes to yourprofessional development.

USEFUL RESOURCES WATCH THE WIRE

/TH£ WJR£1 webinaronthe

electrotechnical assessment, whichcoverstheimportance of supervision andtrainingreQuirements for your business.niceic.com/thewire

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dutyholderandqualified supervisorguideto roles andresponsibilities. bit.ly/0S-guide

NICEIC POCKET GUIDES APP givesusersaccessto more than35technicalreference guidesandhandycalculators. bit.ly/Pocket-Guides-app

WHO ISRESPONSIBLE FDRRECORDING CPD?

"Most people aredoing CPD, butnotrecording it" watching an NICEIC webinar, reading an article in Connections magazine, looking at our Pocket Guide app, listening to live Technical Q&As, doing peer-to-peer reviews or shadowing, training and refresher courses, toolbox talks, mentoring or supervision. When you record CPD, it doesn't have to be categorised as formal or informal.

Stayprepared farassessments Failure to provide evidence of CPD activities will lead to a non-conformance being recorded during assessments.

However, NICEIC has a wealth of resources to make staying up to date easy.

Take advantage of these to prepare for the assessment process.

Theassessed business is responsible for providingrecordsof all relevantqualifications, training[includingCPD) andexperience for everyoneengagedin electrotechnical work in the business.The OualifiedSupervisor is responsible for monitoringthe suitability of everyonewithin the businesswho undertakeselectrical work,whichincludestheir qualifications,training andCPD requirements.

ISCPD ARECOGNISED DUALIFICATIDN? No,CPD is nota qualificationitself. It's a processof ongoing learningto stay upto date in yourfield.However, youcanrecordrelevant qualifications asCPD.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OFCPD BE\IDND MEETING REQUIREMENTS? CPD equipsyouandyour employees withtheskills, knowledge, experience andbehaviours [orSKEBJ to complywiththeBuilding Safetynet.It alsobuilds customer trust andkeeps youat theforefrontof the industry,whichhelpsyou staycompetitive.

READ NICEIC's principal

DOWNLOAD NICEIC'S 1-.,,,,____

1 TEMPLATESforCPDand

supervision records. bit.ly/CPD-template and bit.ly/supervision-records

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r11mumiw The government in England has pledged to implement new standards, guidelines and regulations that will require all newly constructed homes from 2025 onward to generate 75%-80% fewer carbon emissions compared with homes built according to the current regulations.

What advice can contractors give to customers to improve indoor air quality?

• Increase ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial for improving indoor air quality.

• Control the source of pollutants: Find and reduce sources ofindoor pollutants such as combustion appliances, building materials, cleaning products and so on.

• Purify the air: This helps remove particulate pollutants, gases and odours.

• Clean and maintain: Regularly clean or replace filters, vents and ductwork.

• Check ifrecirculation is efficient: Ensure any air ventilation systems are not recirculating stale indoor air.

WINDS OFCHANGE Many ofourcertified businesses aregetting intouch withourteams togetclarity ontherequirements for ventilation systems.

Here, wespellouttheissues, and ourTechnical article onp58goesintothedetails Why is ventilation such a hot topic?

NICEIC's Head of Standards, Dani Putney, explains: "The changes in England and Wales to Approved Doc F, and ventilation strategy requirements in PAS 2035 and Part Lare all prompting queries, as are concerns highlighted in the press about the effects of air quality on human health."

What is indoor air quality?

Indoor air quality refers to the quality of air within and around building structures, specifically concerning the health and comfort of the people living there. It's influenced by factors such as pollutants inside or outside the home, including biological contaminants, ventilation rates, temperature and humidity levels. Poor air quality is detrimental to the health of occupants in the short term and long term.

Solutions include air filtration, proper ventilation and measures to reduce or eliminate pollutant sources.

What are the relevant standards?

In England and Wales, ventilation systems are covered in Part F of the Building Regulations. In Scotland, they are dealt with in Section 3.14 of the Building Standards Technical Handbook. In Northern Ireland, they are in Technical Booklet K. These 2021 amended regulations mandate higher ventilation rates and mechanical ventilation for airtight new homes to improve indoor air quality. They specify increased whole-building airflow, room-specific background ventilation, and purge ventilation requirements based on window openings to allow sufficient air changes per hour.

Each provides a set of minimum standards for new ventilation systems, covering areas such as determining appropriate types of controlled ventilation, minimum performance standards and commissioning procedures to ensure ventilation systems operate correctly.

Increase inmechanical ventilation ratesforoccupiableNewrequirement dictates outdoor airsupply rates inoffices rooms Minimalisation oftheingress ofexternal pollutants throughpositioning ofvents

Assessment oftheexternalsourcesof pollution

Requirement to monitorindoorairqualityin all new-buildcommercial andhigh-riskbuildings

Thisis specificto roomsizeandfloorarea[sJ

Performance-based ventilationstrategy

Building andprojectspecific

For more on Approved Document F, which covers England and Wales, go to page 58.

How do you comply?

The Building Act stipulates that installation and commissioning should only be completed by competent installers. One way to demonstrate competence is to be certified on a Competent Persons Scheme.

Alternatively, you can advise the local Building Control Body after the installation is complete to organise a regularisation assessment.

Changes introduced by the Building Safety Regulator specifically identify Registered Building Inspectors (RBIs) and Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs) who can undertake this assessment.

NICEIC Competent Person Scheme: bit.ly/Competent-Person-Scheme NICEIC trainingin Domestic Ventilation: bit.ly/ventilation-training

WINTER 2024/25

Connections21

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Houses ofhorror

,....,

Infuture issues, wewanttofeature workalongside yourgreatrepair thebotched jobs.Please send before andafterphotos to

I.....J

Thelatesthowlers spotted by vigilant readers

Charlie Backwell at Naked Solar in N ewquay found this at a client's house when there to fit solar PV and a battery. "Interesting way to heat the swimming pool."

The customer had put an immersion heater element in a plastic box with a load of silicone sealant and left it floating in his pool to heat the water, Backwell explains.

"He wanted it wired to an immersion diverter to make use of the excess power generated by the PV system we were asked to install." Naked Solar advised him that this was incredibly dangerous and told him to remove it. "Obviously, we didn't wire in the immersion diverter either," Backwell adds.

Chris Welling of Chris Welling Electrical in Norwich was asked to do an EICR at this rental property, only to open up the unit to find this: CPC in the neutral block, no sleeving, neutral in the neutral bar (after the main switch); 2.5 mm 2 feeding the MET above the consumer unit and nothing mechanically protected or double insulated; 16 mm 2 T+E feeding the board and no RCD protection. The cooker switch was the same.

The tenants had been there for12years.NoEICRhad ever been issued and there was no RCD protection to any of the circuits, he adds. "I raised and replaced the board, so the cables sat inside (rather than outside) the consumer unit; I updated the mains tails to 25 mm 2 instead of the 16 mm 2 twin and earth. This was also placed in trunking, as no mechanical protection to the cable; I used a 16 mm 2 earth instead of2.5 mm 2 ; I made the correct terminations to the main switch and neutral bar; I bonded the gas with 10 mm 2 from the consumer unit, as this was a TN system and they had TT'd it." He finished off with a full RCBO and surge protection. Then test and certification. "One of the worst I've seen in 22 years of trading."

Paul Grace atK&J Engineering in Essex spotted this horror.

"We disconnected the supplyto the shower and left it safe, while others are doing a refit." His team will return to the site once the refit has been done "and install the appropriate light fitting for the shower".

WINTER2024/25

Connections23

As renewable technologies surge in popularity, we offer a range of training qualifications, across the UK, to support this growth, including solar PV, EV charging and battery storage.

Our qualification in the Design, Installation and Commissioning of Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS)is just one of our MCS approved qualifications that can allow you to future proof your business.

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Your expert tutor will cover a range of areas on the course such as: • The new landscape - distributed generation and the 'prosumer'.

• An overview of key safety considerations, legislation and guidance.

• The fundamental differences between AC and DC. • EESScomponents - an overview of EESSarrangements.

• Fundamental system design principles.

• Inspection, testing and commissioning.

• Notification and handover - G98, G99.

This course concludes with a multiple-choice on-screen exam, followed by a half-day practical assessment at a later date.

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•lnE■n

Inthefirstofouroccasional series, wecheck inwithnewstudent Wade Gamble tofindoutwhattheTLevel experience islikefrom theinside ByPaul Thompson

W

ade Gamble is one of the latest 50-plus-strong T Level student cohort at Leicester College.

"My dad is an electrician and I was looking for an apprenticeship," says the 16-year-old from Leicestershire. "I sent off lots of applications but didn't hear anything back, and so I thought about the T Level course."

Attracted by the split the course offers between classroom-based theory, workshop-based practical skills and onsite work experience, Gamble started his T Level in autumn 2024.

Rweekin thelifeofa TLeveller For Gamble and his course mates, a standard week is four days in college and one day on site gaining practical experience through a work placement.

Such is the popularity of the T Level course, the year group has been split into three with each group spending two days in the workshop doing practical tasks and two days in the classroom. There, they go through the theory of electrical installations and learn about the wider

construction sector. The three groups all have a day set aside for their work placement, when students will be either on site gaining experience, or spending time trying to find companies that are willing to offer such opportunities.

Gamble says: "The college day runs from 8:30am until 4:45pm so it's longer than a typical school day. But to be honest, when you're studying so much new material, time seems to pass more quickly."

The theory side of the course is proving just as interesting to him as the practical.

"We aren't learning only about the electrical side of things but also about project management and the whole of the construction industry. I wasn't really expecting that when I first started, but it is useful to know."

Practical sessions feature tuition on a wide range of installations and focus on gaining experience in scenarios students are likely to come across on their work placements.

Both the theory and the practical elements are backed up by a rigorous testing and examination regime put in place by his college lecturers. These tough tests aim to keep students fully engaged with their studies and help to benchmark their progress. "We had our first round of tests in November. They were difficult but I managed to complete everything," Gamble says.

He has a work placement lined up with local firm, NICEIC-certified East Goscote Electrics. This will contribute to the 350 work placement hours he needs to amass to gain the qualification. "I'd like to get as many work placement hours as I can - even if I'm well over the 350 I need. I want to get as much experience as possible," he says.

Sahawdoeshefeelthreemonths in? ''I'd still have preferred to have found an apprenticeship, but the T-Level is a great alternative. It allows me to gain work experience while learning about the trade."

• We'llcatchupwithWadeGamble again, to getmoreinsights fromhimonthecourse

WHU T LEVELS WORK

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Whentheylaunched ina □ a □, theindustry, apprentice youtakeonis thosewhowantto godown Technical Levelqualifications including fromNICEIC's immediately comfortable and thatroutethechance ta doso."

[TLevels) wereheralded as Technical Director, PaulCallins. usefulansite."

BothCollins andWatters thekeyto encouraging more "Theideabehind TLevels Leicester College lecturer stresstheimportance of youngsters intoengineering isto givestudentsa base □ erek Watters hasbeeninvolved workplacements.

"It canbe andtechnical professions, levelof understanding ofthe a challenge to findthem,and inhelping studentsnavigate andawayofmanaging the construction industryaswell TLevelssincetheirlaunch, and that'swherecontractors can asafocusona particular area," echoes Collins' enthusiasm. help,"saysCollins. disconnect between those hesays."Theygivestudentsan "Theyprovidelearners with Wattersagrees:"I'd whodowellat coreSTEM subjectsandthosewhogoon understanding ofwhatbeingan opportunities.

Theycancarryon encourage all businesses to chooseconstruction and electrician isallaboutandtheir intotheworkforce andbecame to asklocalcollegesabout engineering careers. roleinthewiderconstruction placements.

It's about a qualified electrician, butwith Theelectrical-specific sector.They'renota replacement universities nowaccepting the developing theworkforceand foranapprenticeship - but TLevelasavalidpathwayinto helpingbringmoreelectricians qualification wasdrawn theywillensure thatanyTLevel highereducation, it alsogives intothesector." upwithinputfromacross

A .... -·•

WINTER 2024/25

Connections 25

I

n November, eight of the UK's finest student electricians lined up to test themselves against their peers in a bid to take home the coveted SkillELECTRIC gold medal.

Hosted by Oldham College, the event is part of the WorldSkills UK competition framework, organised by industry charity National Electrotechnical Training and supported by its delivery partners NICEIC and Scolmore Group.

This year's finalists faced a gruelling three-day practical installation with an electric vehicle charging and a fault-finding task thrown in.

"The industry is constantly evolving and so the tasks we set have to reflect that," says Alex Robinson, Head of Product Development at NICEIC. He - and NICEIC - have been closely involved in supporting the event through supp lying judges, helping organise training sessions, working out judging criteria and formulating tasks.

"This competition helps participants understand the range and scope of work that is available to them beyond

the 'traditional' electrician role," says Robinson. "It helps contestants build on their existing skills through training and competition, and for employers the success of their staffbecomes a quality-mark for their business."

Developing careers; supporting young electricians; enhancing their technical ability - it's all going on at SkillELECTRIC.

I

■

TheSkillELECTIUC finalisa hard-fought battlebetween thenation's electrical talent.PaulThompson watches themcompete

26 ConnectionsWINTER 2024/25

Skills

FINALISTS HAVE THEIR SAV

Richard Westwood

DudleyCollege

FabieQ MacieJewski

LeicesterCollege

Jonathan Gough MDElectrics/ SouthernRegional College

Kalum Low MSElectricaland Renewables/SECTT

Charlie Moore

MillySmith John-Ross Campbell ACampbell Electrical Services/SECTT

CSMcKerlie Electrical Services/SECTT

Ewan Thomas

Bramham Electrical/ College of WestAnglia

JGMServices Electricians Ltd/ SECTT

WINTER 2024/25

Connections27

Skills I

FIRST PAST THEPOST Charlie Moore ofNICEIC-certified Bramham Electrical and the College ofWestAnglia won SkillELECTRIC's gold medal. Tim Bramham, Director at Bramham Electrical, says: "We are all really chuffed for Charlie. We're quite a small business and still have to pay his wages when he's at college or away on training courses or in competition - so there isn't anything in it for us financially. But Charlie doing well has given the whole team a lift. Even our clients have started to recognise his ability and ask for him specifically:' Silver went to Dudley College's Richard Westwood, with Jonathan Gough ofNICEIC-certified MD Electrics and Southern Regional College taking bronze. The work ofKalum Low of MS Electrical and Renewables and Milly Smith of CS McKerlie Electrical Services was 'highly commended'.

WHERE ARE THEV NOW? Wecatchupwithsomeoflastyear's SkillELECTIUC finalists toseehowtheir careers areprogressing

Danny McBean The gold medal winner is working nights for his employer, Grants (Dufftown), on a large installation at a distillery - arguably the dream job for a proud Scotsman.

He's continuing to gain experience on a broad range of projects and has been given some supervisory experience on smaller schemes.

BenGillin The silver medallist is still with his employer, NICEIC-certified Lloyd Morris Electrical, and has used the experience of the final to mentor two of his colleagues in competitions in Wales.

Now a fully qualified electrician, he says that his showing in the 2023 SkillELECTRIC final has had a positive impact on his career.

"It has definitely helped. My bosses really trust my work and have faith in my ability."

DemiMaeWhitehead Whitehead says her run in last year's competition increased her confidence both on and off site. Her job with William Davis Homes sees her working predominantly on domestic properties. She predicts that renewable installations - solar, heat pumps and electric vehicle charging - will be a major focus for the industry over the next few years.

28 ConnectionsWINTER2024/25

LOOKING TO THEFUTURE

Skills

APPRENTICESHIPS: THEINDUSTRV'S LIFEBLOOD digital and communication skills, and develop commercial, customer service and problemsolving capabilities.

Thevalueofapprenticeships

Aselectrical businesses digest therecent budget changes, Certsure CEO Richard Orton stresses theimportance ofcontinuing to invest inskillsdevelopment andyoung talent

T

he UK government's autumn 2024 budget introduced a raft of measures affecting businesses, but two have grabbed the headlines: changes to employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and increases in the living and minimum wages.

As electrical businesses of all shapes and sizes consider the potential impact of these changes on their finances and resource planning, we urge employers to take a long-term view and continue to invest in skills development, including apprenticeships. Closing the skills gap and helping young talent access the sector are crucial if the industry is to continue to thrive.

The rise in employer NI Cs has been one of the budget's biggest talking points. From April 2025, the government will increase the rate of employer NI Cs from 13.8% to 15%and reduce the peremployee threshold at which employers become liable to pay NI (the secondary threshold) from £9,100 to £5,000.

Although these changes are significant, employers don't

have to pay NICs for apprentices if they under 25 years old, on an approved UK government apprenticeship standard and earn less than £967 a week (£50,270 a year). This hasn't changed in the latest budget.

If you have existing or new apprentices who meet these criteria, you'll continue to pay no NICsforthem.

Employment Allowance To help offset the effect of the rises on smaller businesses, the government is also increasing the Employment Allowance.

This currently gives a discount of £5,000 to employers with NIC bills of £100,000 or less. From April 2025, this discount will rise to £10,500. The £100,000 eligibility cap will also be removed, making the allowance available to all businesses.

In her budget speech, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the increase in the Employment Allowance means that 865,000 employers won't pay any NI Cs next year, and more than one million will pay the same or less than they did previously. She added that this "will allow a small business to employ the equivalent of

"Investing inpeople remains attheforefront ofcreating a prosperous industry"

four full-time workers on the National Living Wage without paying any National Insurance on their wages".

Reeves also announced rises in the national minimum and living wages. From April 2025, the national living wage for employees aged 21 and over will go up from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour. The national minimum wage for those aged 18-20 will increase from £8.60 to £10.00 per hour, and for those aged 16-17 and apprentices from £6.40 to £7.55.

These rises may have a cost impact on many businesses, but we believe it's imperative this doesn't deter the investment in people and skills necessary to meet the wider challenges facing the industry.

And it's not just aboutthe bigger picture for the sector; apprentices make an invaluable contribution to the firms they work for. When you take on an apprentice, you're not just getting their talent, enthusiasm and commitment. You'll also reap the benefit of new skills and capabilities. As an example, the latest apprenticeship standards include work with key low-carbon technologies such as solar PV, electric vehicle charging points and battery storage. Apprentices now also learn up-to-date

Qualifying as an electrician requires hands-on, practical experience, so apprenticeship schemes provide a vital route into the industry, and a stepping stone for career development. The electrical sector has long been at the forefront of delivering highquality apprenticeships, and electrotechnical apprenticeships are still some of the most popular in construction and the built environment.

As the sector faces a growing skills gap, our need to nurture new talent has never been greater. ECA statistics show there's a national shortage of qualified electricians. Part of the challenge is that although people are enrolling in classroom-only courses, they aren't then able to move on to apprenticeships.

The ECA has found that 12 months after finishing their classroom-only courses, only 10% of potential electricians secure an apprenticeship. The remaining 90% can struggle to enter the workforce and establish themselves in the electrical industry, which may lead some to leaving the sector altogether. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for more apprenticeship places.

Businesses need to take a long-term view of skills development and continue to support entry to the industry through apprenticeships. We recognise the pressures all businesses are under, and the concerns raised by the budget announcements. But investing in people, the sector's greatest asset, remains at the heart of future-proofing the industry.

Learnmoreaboutapprenticeships at the-esp.org.uk/apprenticeships WINTER 2024/25

Connections29

Giving you access to the industry's best technical minds and resources.

Driving demand from customers.

oP ~~

Technical helpline for expert support with installations, compliance and products.

National marketing campaigns to raise public awareness of the high standards of NICEIC-certified businesses.

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NICEIC Pocket Guides app with 37+ technical guides.

'Find a trusted NICEIC tradesperson' tool to drive demand for your services.

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CPD resources including THE WIRE webinars, NICEICevents, quarterly Connections magazine and live Q&As.

Opening-up opportunities with specifiers such as facilities businesses, landlords and housing associations.

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In-person and on line training for core topics and new technologies.

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Regular assessments to help you stay compliant, with guidance and technical advice.

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NICEIC Online Certification System - saving you time and money by selfcertifying your work and completing and sending certificates and reports.

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Savings on specialist, tailored trade insurance.

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Discounts on branded NICEICworkwear and tools in our online shop and 10% off selected purchases at Tradepoint.

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There's so much more behind the badge.

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Find out more at

L.-,,, NICEIC.com/benefits

Representing you in the industry.

Communicating your voice and influencing government and sector bodies through our role on industry committees.

Shaping future policy and regulations informed byyourfeedback.

•

•ICEIC

Thebigread

rat

Meetthe experts

of

Accurate calculations arekey to heating system selection and design.

Getit rightandyou'llkeep customers' costsdownByDavidAdams

t the COP29 conference, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the UK aims to have cut carbon emissions by 81% by 2035 compared with 1990 levels as part of the government's aim of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

NICEIC-certified businesses working in new-build homes, or retrofitting existing homes and other buildings, will be at the forefront of the effort to hit those targets. From 2025, new homes must meet the Future Homes Standard, which does not allow connections to the gas grid. In addition, with 80% of the UK's buildings currently using fossil fuel heating systems, more than 24 million existing homes are likely to require retrofitting at some point during the next 25 years. This means many more electric heating systems will be installed in new and existing homes, including systems based on heat pumps, > storage heaters or underfloor heating.

WINTER2024/25 Connections31

ThebigreadI

The number of Connections readers who install electric heating systems is growing, as demand for them rises.

But any business doing this work must do so properly: selecting the right type of system and appropriate equipment for each building, with radiators or other heat emitters perfectly sized and placed to meet the heating requirements of each room. System selection and design must both be based on accurate heat loss calculations.

It alladdsup Get heat loss calculations wrong and a system will be inefficient and expensive to run. Customers will be unhappy, the installer may suffer reputational damage, the installation could be in breach of Building Regulations (see page 34) or, if the system is based on a heat pump, of MCS standards. Ultimately, poor heat loss calculations could increase public scepticism about renewables and lowcarbon technologies, which will delay progress towards net zero.

NICE IC Customer Relations Manager Atifiqbal reports a 20% increase in complaints about heat pump-based heating in the year to October 2024 compared with the previous 12 months. In most cases, he says, these complaints refer to installation problems that can be fixed: an installer may have failed to adjust a heat pump's default factory settings to suit a specific location, for example.

But NICEIC Energy Efficiency Scheme Manager Daniel Yeates echoes this, adding that most of these complaints can be traced back to inaccurate heat loss calculations. He thinks that about two or three out of every 10 heat pump installers calculate heat loss manually, but most use software or apps instead. However, even the best technology is only as good as the data fed into it. For this reason, says Yeates, NICEIC assessors seek to ensure that installers "have an understanding of what heat loss calculations mean and how they are interpreted".

Heat loss calculations for heat pump systems also need to be understood in the context of the differences between heat pump and gas boiler-based systems, says

Simon Poskett, Lead Technical Engineer at the heating engineer community and service provider Heat Geek. Gas systems use big boilers and very hot water, with a flow temperature of perhaps 70 °C. But with a heat pump, usually running with a flow temperature of30 °C to 55 °C, "you need to trickle in enough heat to replace heat that has been lost," Poskett explains.

This is why radiators in a heat pumpbased system need to be larger than for a gas system; and why better insulation throughout the house and well-designed, more airtight windows also increase system performance.

Unfortunately, data Heat Geek has gathered in recent years suggests many heat pump installations are over-sized, which may not be a disaster, but can mean the heat pumps frequently switch themselves off, reducing efficiency and increasing costs.

Poskett says problems are sometimes caused by installers basing heat loss calculations purely on information about building fabric elements drawn from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Guide Bl: Heating.

This is the source recommended in the Building Regulations to help with heat loss calculations, but its figures are not infallible and may not take into account specific features within a property. This is another reason why installers must understand best practices for completing heat loss calculations (see 'The sum of the parts', opposite).

Ensuring the accuracy of heat loss calculations is not just necessary to

"NICEIC assessors seektoensure installers 'have anunderstanding of whatheatlosscalculations mean"' 32 ConnectionsWINTER2024/25

comply with Building Regulations, but also to meet MCS Heat Pump standards for Design and for Installation. The Design standard includes a table of temperatures MCS recommends are used in heat loss calculations for specific rooms, alongside other factors to consider when calculating heat loss.

Careprinciples John Findlay, Operations and Schemes Manager at NICEIC Certification, says installers must understand the core principles of heat loss calculations before choosing to use one of the various apps available. "Learn how to calculate heat loss using current industry published methods before you start using apps," he advises.

Findlay suggests that installers competent in system design should complete ventilation and fabric heat loss calculations for existing properties based on the current state of the property, then, if appropriate, do a second calculation based on a scenario with improved insulation. The customer will then have a clear picture of the full operational and cost-efficiency benefits they could gain if they make those changes as well as installing the new heating system.

Installers of other types of electric heating system also need to optimise heat loss calculations. Dimplex uses The Electric Heating and Ventilation Association (TEHVA) DOM 8 guide, which contains guidance on heating requirements for specific types ofrooms within dwellings at different times of year, and for different types of storage heating or underfloor heating systems.

Dimplex is developing an app for use by installers in its network. It will apply the DOM 8 method to establish optimum product sizes for specific installations. For underfloor heating, product selection is not usually so complex, but there are still >

THESUMOFTHEPRATS How to calculate heat loss - and avoid pitfalls Heat loss is worked out by calculating ventilation heat loss (due to warm air leaving a building and colder air entering through open doors, windows, vents or defects in the building's fabric); and fabric heat loss (heat conducted through the fabric of the building, including walls, windows, doors, the ground floor and the roof).

Ventilation heat loss calculations concern the rate at which air enters or leaves a building, the difference in temperatures inside and outside the building, and the heat capacity of the air (usually constant). This formula can be used to calculate ventilation heat loss: IndoorTemperature(°C) RoomVolume(m3) "'. / / OutsideTemperature(°C) Qv = 0.33 X Vx N X (T,n- Tout) V,atllatioo H~t Loos Rat, {W)/

\

"-

N,mbo, of Ai Chaogos P" Hom

AirChange Factor- Productof SpecificHeat capacityand DensityofAirunder standard conditions

Fabric heat loss depends on temperature variation across materials within a building, the size of each element, and the thermal conductivity and thickness of structural materials. The rate at which the structure conducts heat is called the U-value, which expresses how many watts of heat will flow through 1 m 2 of the fabric at a temperature difference ofl Kelvin (K). This equation can be used to calculate fabric heat loss: Areaof BuildingElement(m2) "'.

QF =AX FabricHeatLossRate(W)/

/

IndoorTemperature(°C) / OutsideTemperature(°C)

U X (T;n- Tout) "'

u-value(W/m2K)

• Note: T;nand Tautused across an internal structure such as wall or suspended floor.

Calculations must include any heated area and any surface or element through which heat might flow.

Accurate internal measurements of every surface of the fabric in each room - walls, doors, ceilings and windows, including frames of doors, windows and rooflights are needed to calculate U-values for each room. CIBSE Guide Bl and other standard industry publications give U-values for different materials, such as rendered brick walls with brick and plaster of specific thicknesses, timber frame constructions, or internal plasterboard stud partitions. But some features within an individual building, such as unusual floor or window shapes, may not be listed within industry standard guides.

U-values can also be affected by a thermal bridge or cold bridge in a structure, such as a break in cavity insulation, poor insulation, or a component such as a lintel or wall tie. In such cases it may be necessary to use the thickness and thermal conductivity of individual layers within an element to calculate a U-value for that element.

The colder the average temperature outside the building, the greater the heat loss. Average minimum

winter temperatures vary considerably between northern Scotland (-5 °C), northern England or Northern Ireland (-4 °C); and London (-2 °C) or southern England (-1 °C). It may also be necessary to account for a building's exposure to prevailing winds and adverse weather conditions.

If a property is attached to another, best practice is to assume the adjoining property is unheated and at a mean UK average temperature oflO °C. (The same figure is used for unheated rooms within a building.)

Air change rates may also be affected by the age of the building, with older buildings likely to see a faster air change rate than buildings constructed in compliance with more recent versions of the Building Regulations.

The subject of heat loss from a building and designing heating systems is complex and this is only an overview ofrequirements. NICEIC Training is among the training providers that can help: knowledge and understanding criteria for fabric and ventilation heat losses in dwellings are covered in the NICEIC Certification air source heat pump training and assessment package - see shop.niceic. com/heat-pumps-installation-course

REGULATIONS AEDUIAEMENTS Summary of Part L of the Building Regulations (England) Part L of the Building Regulations that apply in England outlines requirements for conserving fuel and power in buildings.

Volume 1, Section 1 states that heat gains and losses should be limited through the building fabric and "from pipes, ducts and vessels used for space heating, space cooling and hot water services" - including electric heating systems. Extensions to existing dwellings, initial provision of fixed building services or an increase to the installed capacity of fixed building services may also require "consequential improvements" to the system (see Section 12 of Part L, Volumel).

Section 5.8 of Part L, Volume 1 states that specification of space heating systems in dwellings should be based on an appropriate heat loss calculation, and a sizing methodology that "takes account of the properties of the dwelling".

Systems "should not be significantly oversized".

Section 5.12 states that heat pumps "should be selected to meet the full space heating requirement at the design condition chosen for heat loss calculations" and not assume any heat will be supplied by additional electric heaters. The document also includes guidance for electric underfloor heating.

"The most important principle tofollow istoacguire asmuch information relevant totheinstallation aspossible" > key principles installers

should follow, summarised in Part L of the Building Regulations and in the DOM 8 guide.

Whichever type of electric heating system is installed, the most important principle to follow is to acquire as much information relevant to the installation as possible, says Wayne Bell, Manager of the pre-sales department at Dimplex.

The other crucial step is to complete all relevant training courses, and to keep this expertise up to date.

NICEIC Training is among the training providers able to help, but other sources of training are also available and useful. Paskett says he expects the new Low Carbon Heating Technician apprenticeship, which was launched in September, to be a useful addition to the range of training available for the next generation of electric heating installers.

Reassuring customers Armed with the knowledge needed to calculate heat loss and to play a part in the design and/or installation of electric heating systems in new builds or when retrofitting existing housing, NICEICcertified businesses will also be able to explain the operational or cost benefits of such systems to customers. Paskett thinks this is particularly important for consumers who are "unpicking fear, uncertainty and doubt in the national press about heat pumps".

He says: "[Customers] may want to switch to a heat pump for carbon reduction reasons and to future-proof their homes, but they're petrified that they might spend £15,000 then find that

it doesn't work the way it's supposed to.

Trust in the installer is vital."

Accurate heat loss calculations dramatically reduce the chances of such problems, helping to build trust in any installer of these technologies. So, says NICEIC's Iqbal, the most important thing any business installing electric heating systems can do really is to "Do heat loss calculations properly!" And to consider the problems they could create for themselves and their customers if they fail to do so.

For further information: • Building Regulations England Part L bit.ly/PartLregs • Building Regulations Scotland bit.ly/BuildingRegsScotland • Building Regulations Wales bit.ly/BuildingRegsWales • Building Regulations Northern Ireland bit.ly/BuildingRegsNI • Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Guide Bl: Heating bit.ly/GuideBlHeating • The Electric Heating and Ventilation Association (TEHVA) DOM 8 guide bit.ly/TEHVA-DomS • MCS Heat Pump Design and Installation standards bit.ly/HeatPumpDesign and bit.ly/HeatPumplnstallation e NICEIC Air Source Heat Pump installation training shop.niceic.com/heat-pumpsinstallation-course • Heat Geek heatgeek.com

Supporting our industry through life's challenges The Electrical Industries Charity offers support services to those who serve and have served within the electrical and energy industries.

Access our free and confidential helpline:

0800 652 1618 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday

www.electricalcharity.org

.t1\for more information

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Carefully curated each month to bring you and your team the most relevant and up-to-date information on the topics that matter most. You can expect to receive information such as: •

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NEED TDKNOW Theinside trackanindustry updates andchanges

WARM HOMES PLAN CHANGES ARE BOOST TD INSTALLERS, SAVS NICEIC'S DANI PUTNEV In November 2024, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced changes to its Warm Homes Plan, which aims to provide upgrades to 300,000 homes through clean heating technology and improved insulation. The new measures and extra funding announced signal that the government is making this a priority, with potentially significant implications for heating, renewables and electrical installers.

Domestic heating is a significant contributor to our greenhouse gas output, accounting for 14% of total national emissions 1 . To meet the UK's targets for cutting carbon emissions by 45% by 2030, and net-zero emissions by 2050, the transition from fossil fuel-based heating systems must be speeded up.

More funding Primarily, this will be achieved by upgrading traditional gas boiler heating systems to energy-efficient alternatives, such as air-source heat pumps. The government announced an extra £30m in funding for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme this financial year, and an increase in allocated spending for the next financial year, taking the budget to £180m. Administered by Ofgem, the scheme provides upfront capital grants to support the installation of heat pumps and biomass boilers in homes in England and Wales. Installers, on behalf of householders, can apply for a grant of £7,500 off the cost and installation of an air-source heat pump.

In an effort to meet its target of 600,000 heat pump installations per

year by 2028, the government also announced major changes to the planning rules. Previously, a heat pump within 1 m of a neighbouring property required planning permission. From 2025, permitted development rights will remove the 1 m boundary rule, enabling heat pumps to be installed within 1 m of the property boundary and increasing the size limit of the heat pump for homes from 0.6 m 3 to 1.5 m 3 • It is estimated that 34% of those who order a heat pump are discouraged or drop out for planning reasons. So this intervention may be crucial in unlocking demand and increasing heat pump installations in the medium term. It's a real opportunity for certified businesses in 2025 to be right at the heart of the UK's clean homes transformation.

A confidence boost This is further supported by changes to the regulatory framework that underpins the transition to lowcarbon heating, the Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM). The CHMM, which comes into effect on 1 April 2025, includes a market standard for heat pumps as a proportion of fossil fuel boiler sales, currently set at 6%. This

is designed to provide manufacturers with certainty and the confidence to invest and to make heat pumps attractive to households.

Social housing wins The social housing sector is also impacted, with £1.29bn committed to the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund over the next three years.

The investment aims to enable the upgrading of a significant amount of the social housing stock below Energy Performance Certificate band C, while also reducing carbon emissions, and helping to grow the retrofit sector.

The policies announced amount to a range of targeted interventions, which have been designed in collaboration with manufacturers and installers, with the potential to drive demand and accelerate adoption oflow-carbon technologies.

In 2024, a record year for heat pump installations, average monthly installs were up 39% compared with 2023, indicating that consumers will choose new solutions if the incentives are right.

With the new investments and policy changes, there is a real opportunity to build on that momentum.

NICEIC's HeatPumps installation and maintenance training course isnowavailable through thegovernment's HeatTraining Grant.

,II

1 Decarbonising Heating at Home report, Institute for Government

shop.niceic.com/heatpumps-installation-course

WINTER 2024/25

Connections37

Need toknow

/THEWIREi WILLVDUWIN

THE NEXT NICEIC THE WIRE'S INSTALLATION HIGHLIGHTSAWARD? FOR2024 Free to NICEIC-certified businesses and their employees, the NICEIC's webinar series, THE WIRE, delivered more than 17 hours ofhighquality CPD content, reaching over 13,900 live viewers and 44,000 ondemand viewers in 2024.

One of the webinars that got the most live views was Top tips for completing certificates and reports. And Amendment 3 (2024) BS 7671:2018 Wiring regulations was one of the most popular webinars watched on-demand.

"THE WIRE has once again proved to be a valuable resource for NICEIC-certified businesses and the wider electrical industry," says Sam Donaghy, NICEIC Head of Technical Advice and Practice.

To revisit the year's most watched webinars, go to niceic.com/thewire

38 ConnectionsWINTER 2024/25

Could one of your jobs win the next NICEIC Installation Award?

Our new competition highlights the best work ofNICEIC-certified businesses. To be in with a chance of winning an NICEIC training course of your choice (subject to entry requirements), send us a direct

message via the NICEIC Linkedln, Instagram or Face book page with photos or a video of your entry and tell us why it deserves to win the next NICEIC Installation Award title.

Our next entry deadline is 31 March 2025. One entry per NICEICcertified business.

IMPORTANT EMAIL SECURITV ALERT You should always be mindful of email security. To protect your business from financial scams, we encourage you to remain vigilant when receiving emails claiming to be from NICEIC. With online sales at their peak, fraudsters are sending more phishing emails than ever.

Stay vigilant when receiving emails requesting payments, to protect your business from financial scams.

If you ever have doubts about the legitimacy of an email that claims to be from NICEIC, please forward the suspicious email to customer.services@niceic.com for verification.

REVISION TIMEFOR 85 5839-1 A reminder that the British Standard for fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic premises, BS 5839-1, is undergoing significant updates. The draft for public comment closed earlier this year, and the final version is expected to be published on 29 April 2025. This update will refine guidelines on system design, installation and maintenance to enhance fire safety.

Key changes include stricter recommendations for forms of automatic fire detection for premises where people sleep, and clearer requirements for manual call point placement in multi-storey buildings.

We'll provide more details as soon as the final document is released.

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REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE ON MCS SCHEME MCS hasconfirmed that it will announce plansfortheredevelopment of MCS in Januaryi!Oi!5.Astherearenoimmediate changes, pleasemakesureyour businesscontinues to maintainthe requirements ofthecurrentNICEIC MCS Contractor Scheme.

NICEIC andotherMCS certification bodieswillattaintheupdated accreditation duringi!Oil5-i!Oi!6.

After this,we'lltransitionyourbusiness to the redeveloped scheme.

Atpresent,MCS isunable to confirmthetimelineforthis process asit's setbyUKAS. We'llbringyou more information asitbecomes available.

PRODUCT RECALLS AND SAFETV REPORT Aproductrecallhasbeenissuedfor certainMartindale/Drummond test lamps, primarilyintendedto testfor absence of voltagewhencarryingoutasafeisolation procedure priorto workingonlowvoltage circuitsorequipment.

TheOfficefor ProductSafetyandStandards [OPSSJ saystheaffectedmodelspresenta riskof electricshockbecause of anintermittent indication fault.Seebit.ly/lamp-recall Also,MKElectrichasissueda product safetyreportfor MKessentialsthree-pin socketswithswitches.Thisis NOT a productrecallandtheonlyrecommended correctiveactionisto removethe productsfromsale,althoughanysuch itemsinstockshouldnotbeinstalled.

Seebit.ly/MK-sockets for details.

MANCHESTER AND WECA ECA ADDRESS SKILLS GAP WITH NEW ALLIANCE Greater Manchester's Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance, which launched in November 2024, is the first of its kind in the UK. The alliance includes the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) - which has led on the initiative for local employers - Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, electrical businesses and education providers.

ECA's research and work with the local skills improvement plan is helping the initiative identify the key areas that need addressing, especially where

there is no provision currently in place.

Andrew Eldred, ECA's Chief Operating Officer, says: "Together we can deliver for the region, for local people and for business."

Chris Fletcher, Policy Director and GMLSIP Director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, hopes the alliance "will become a model of how organisations can work together to tackle skills gaps in this sector".

ECA's aim is for the initiative to take off elsewhere, connecting ECA members, skills providers and local authorities.

WINTER 2024/25

Connections 39

Need toknow

ONTOUR

WITHELEX The NICEIC team are gearing up to visit six ELEXSHOW venues in England. First up is Bolton Arena in Bolton on 7 March, then London's Alexandra Palace on 28 March, Westpoint in Exeter on 25 April, Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate, in May, Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry, in September and Sandown, Esher on 6-7 November.

As usual, our experts will be on hand at NICEIC's stand. And on the stage, yet more of our experts will give technical presentations.

Then in June, we'll be at the InstallerSHOW at the NEC, Birmingham.

CHANGES TDFIRE SAFETV CODE BS 9991:2024 Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings code of practice has been published and came into effect on 30 November 2024.

The British Standards Institution has produced a freely available Executive Briefing guide, which has a summary of the principal changes.

For more information and a link to the Executive Briefing, go to bit.ly/BSI-Executive-Briefing

NEW RULES FOR PRIV~TE RENT~L HOMES INNORTHERN IREL~ND From 1 April 2025, landlords offering properties for rent in Northern Ireland must have all fixed electrical installations inspected and tested by a qualified electrician at least every five years. This will bring Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the UK. Landlords in NI will have to provide prospective tenants with a certificate of compliance. Any electrical fault notified to the landlord between inspections must be repaired within 28 days.

Existing tenancies will have until 1 December 2025 to comply.

-40 ConnectionsWINTER 2024/25

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THE WIRE live and on-demand Watch THE WIRE CPD-accredited webinars live or on-demand at work, on your lunchbreak, or from your sofa.

Our industry experts deliver informative, engaging and trusted insights on the latest need-to-know topics.

Missed an episode?

If you miss the live webinar, join at a time and place that suits you. THE WIRE on-demand library features over 30 hours of CPD-accredited webinars.

Coming up live: Electricalfundamentals Ventilation Qualificationsand apprenticeships EICRcodingfor commercial and industrial installations

Looking for answers?

Check out our monthly live-stream Technical Q&A across social media channels: Facebook, Linkedln and YouTube. Talk directly to experienced experts and engage with your peers.

Want to meet in person?

Get exclusive access to our technical team and connect with colleagues at our new in-person CPD events in 2025.

Hear the latest regulatory updates, take home some business tips, or learn how to boost your wellbeing.

c+ Find out more online at niceic.com/events

Asktheteam

ooyouhavea Query? technical

CALL OUR THEKEV QUESTIONS HELPLINE ON

VOU'VE BEEN ASKING USRECENTLV.03330156628 TEAM HELPLINE ...

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Durtechnical engineers answer yourquestions onsocketoutlets, consumer units,andperiodic inspections andreporting I am working on an extension to a house in England. The customer would like the socketoutlets to be installed at the same height as those in the original property that is being extended.

However, ApprovedDocumentM (ADM) advises that socket-outlets should be installed such that their centre line is between 450-1200 mm above floor level. Can I install the new socket-outlets at the same height above floor level as those in the restoftheproperty?

Yes you can. Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations states, in respect of access and use of dwellings, that: 'Reasonable provision shall be made for people to (a) gain access to, and (b) use the building and its facilities' However, it continues to state that: 'The requirements of this part (of the Building Regulations)

do not apply to (a) an extension of or material alteration of a dwelling'.

Considering the requirements of BS 7671 in respect of such work, provided that the height of the outlet permits a plug to be inserted without stress on the flexible cable the socket-outlets can be installed to match the existing outlets (553.1.6).

'When changing a consumer unit, do we have to

test insulation resistance at 500 Vfor existing circuits or is it acceptable to test at 250 Vin case any vulnerable equipment is still connected?

Where equipment has been connected to a circuit, an insulation resistance test at 250 V DC shall be applied between the live conductors and the protective conductor connected to the earthing arrangement (643.3.3).

Electrical Safety First's publication Best Practice Guide 1. Replacing a consumer unit in residential and similar premises recommends, in Section 7 covering inspection, testing and certification, that a measurement of the combined insulation resistance of all the circuits in the installation is made. It further advises that the measurement need only be made between the line and neutral conductors connected together and the protective conductor connected to the earthing arrangement, to avoid potential damage to any electronic components. Dependent on the number of circuits, it may not be physically possible to make a reliable connection to all live conductors simultaneously.

Where this is the case, circuits should be tested individually.

I am carrying out periodic inspection and testing on private rented properties in Wales. I have been advised that if the overall outcome given on the Electrical Installation Certificate is given as unsatisfactory the property is considered to be unfit for human habitation. ls this correct?

The Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022 states in Regulation 6(1) that the landlord must ensure that there is a valid electrical (installation) condition report in respect of the dwelling during each period of occupation. Regulation 6(6) states that a dwelling is to be treated as unfit for human habitation at a time when the landlord is not in compliance with a requirement imposed by regulation 6.

The explanatory note to the Regulations states that where a landlord fails to comply with a requirement imposed by regulation 6, the dwelling is to be treated as if it were unfit for human habitation; and the dwelling will continue to be treated as ifit were unfit for human habitation until the failure has been rectified by the landlord.

Visit legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2022/6 for The Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022.

The guidance document Fitness for human habitation: guidance for tenants (contract holders) issued by the Welsh Government advises that Occupation contracts will usually contain a term which states that a contract-holder is not required to pay rent in respect of any day or part day during which the dwelling is unfit for human habitation.

It further advises that: A contract-holder should consider carefully whether withholding rent is the right thing to do. A landlord and ultimately a court may not agree the property is unfit for human habitation. Consequently, the contract-holder may find themselves in rent arrears and possibly subject to possession proceedings.

Where a contract-holder considers the withholding of rent the right thing to do, it would be advisable to set the rent aside until the issue has been resolved, either through agreement with the landlord or through the court.

The full document is online at gov.wales/fitness-human-habitationguidance-tenants-contractholders- html It can be seen that tenants may withhold paying rent on a property because the overall outcome of the EICR is given as unsatisfactory. It is essential therefore that those carrying out periodic inspection and testing ensure that the overall outcome given on the EICR is an accurate assessment of the condition of the electrical installation.

When carrying out a periodic inspection on a privately rented domestic property, the inspector has recorded a classification code C2 because the existing consumer unit is made of combustible material (e.g. plastic). Is this coding decision appropriate?

Not necessarily. The latest edition of Best Practice Guide no. 4 (BPG4) produced by Electrical Safety First recommends that a classification code C3 would be appropriate for specific installation conditions where the consumer unit or similar switchgear is not inside a non-combustible enclosure and is located under a wooden staircase or within the sole route of escape from the premises.

This recommendation is based on the existing consumer unit being in a serviceable condition in respect of, for example, IP ratings (regulation group 416.2) so that there is no access to live parts, and all conductor terminations should be secure with no signs of thermal distress/damage.

BPG4 further recommends that, if unsatisfactory connections were found during inspection of a consumer unit installed in the positions described previously, a code C2 classification should be recorded.

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WINTER 2024/25

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Technical

Technical

CONSIDERATIONS FDA WHERE CONSUMER UNITS RAE INSTALLED OUTDOORS Objective: This article considers the factors that must be taken into consideration when installing equipment such as consumer units on the outside of a premises to facilitate the connection of alternative sources of supply and the charging of electric vehicles to an existing electrical installation. It will also consider the various ways in which such an addition to an electrical installation may be carried out in order to conform to the relevant requirements of BS 7671.

Introduction

Fig 1 How not to do it. Additions to an existing consumer unit must conform to the requirements of regulation

Additions to an existing electrical installation such as when installing electric vehicle charging points, heat pumps and battery storage systems can be achieved in different ways. These include the following, although not all options may be appropriate at every property:

Use of existing consumer's distribution equipment In some cases, there may be sufficient spare capacity and continued availability of compatible equipment such as RCCBs, RCBOs, circuit-breakers and the like to connect the new equipment to an existing consumer unit within the premises.

Where this option is to be employed it must be determined that any devices or components to be incorporated into the existing consumer unit are suitable for such use by the consumer unit's manufacturer (536.4.203). See Fig 1.

Provision of an additional consumer unit at or near the existing consumer's distribution equipment In other cases, there may be sufficient space available, in a suitably accessible location, to install an additional smaller consumer unit near the existing intake equipment and first piece of consumer's distribution equipment. As is the case with using the existing consumer unit, this option has the benefit of placing all

48 ConnectionsWINTER2024/25

536.4.203

switchgear that may need to be operated by the consumer in the same accessible location. See Fig 2.

Donotinstallconsumer's electrical equipment in theexternarmeter box!

Provision of an additional consumer unit on the exterior of the property On occasion however, neither of the previous options may be a practical proposition and this, coupled with the physical location of the equipment to be installed in relation to that of the existing first piece of consumer's distribution equipment, may lead to the installation of a consumer unit on the exterior of a domestic premises. This option will be considered in greater detail in the remainder of this article.

A meter enclosure must be provided at the service position of a premises to allow for the installation of the intake and metering equipment. The space allocation within this enclosure allows for the replacement of equipment at the end of its service life, installation of smart metering equipment and for some degree offuture supply capacity upgrade.

Only intake and metering equipment should be installed in the meter enclosure.

No allowance of space has been made for housing additional equipment not

Technical

associated with those functions.

If a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) or Meter Operator (MOP) attends the premises to carry out work on their equipment and insufficient space is provided within the meter enclosure, work will not be able to proceed. The customer will need to organise (at their expense) the removal of unapproved equipment to create the space needed for the work to be carried out.

NICEIC strongly recommends that registered contractors do not install any other equipment within meter enclosures.

See Fig 3.

The installation of equipment in meter boxes was covered in greater depth in an article published in Issue 220 (Winter 2021-22) of Connections.

BS7671 requirements where consumer units areinstalled outdoors Suitability for the environment either intrinsically or extrinsically by provision of supplementary protection As is the case for any electrical installation work, equipment must either be of a design appropriate to the situation in which it is to be used, or it should be installed in a manner appropriate to any conditions likely to be encountered (512.2.1). Where equipment is not

Fig 2 Secondary consumer unit added in the vicinity of existing consumer unit

Fig 3 Consumer's electrical equipment should not be installed within meter boxes

intrinsically suitable for the external influences to which it will be exposed once installed, it may still be used, however, ifit is provided with the necessary degree of protection by other methods.

In such cases, any such supplementary protection must not have an adverse effect on the operation of the equipment being protected (512.2.2).

Where a consumer unit is not deemed to be suitable for use externally its installation in such a location might be acceptable ifit was installed within a separate enclosure providing the required degree of protection in respect of, for example, ingress by water or solid foreign particles. However, it would be necessary to confirm that so doing would not have a detrimental effect on the operation of protective devices housed within the consumer unit as it is necessary to ensure proper functioning and reliability of the measures being relied on for protection of the installation (512.2.4).

Alternatively, the consumer unit could be placed in a location outside the dwelling, but not directly exposed to the weather, such as inside a garage or outbuilding or under a porch or car port.

PD IEC TR 61439-0:2022 Lowvoltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. Part 0: Guidance to specifying assemblies is a technical report providing explanations of characteristics of assemblies such as

consumer units, guidance on defining desired characteristics and selecting appropriate options to meet the needs of a particular application, and assistance to those specifying such assemblies. Where mention is made to 'clauses' hereafter in this article these are references to clauses within this technical report.

Further PD IEC TR 61439-0 states that an assembly may be specified as being suitable for indoor or outdoor locations.

Any references to the technical report in this article will only relate to suitability for outdoor locations.

External influences The following external influences will need to be taken into consideration when installing a consumer unit externally: • Ambient temperature (AA) • Presence of water (AD) or high humidity (AB) • Presence of solid foreign bodies (AE) • Presence of corrosive substances (AF) • Impact (AG) • Presence of flora and/or mould growth (AK) - not discussed in this article • Presence of fauna (AL) • Solar radiation (AN) and ultra-violet radiation Ambient temperature Electrical equipment, including consumer units, must be suitable for the highest and lowest temperatures to be expected WINTER2024/25

Connections49

Technical

at their point ofinstallation (522.1). For outdoor locations, assemblies conforming to the BS EN 61439 series will be designed for use in ambient temperatures of between -25 °C and +40 °C (Clause 8.7).

Presence of water (AD) or high humidity In general, in respect of presence of water, assemblies are considered suitable for outdoor use where they provide a degree of protection of at least IPX3 (Clause 8.3). Within BS 7671, this can be seen in the requirements for external influences for outdoor lighting installations (714.512.2.105).

Notably a higher degree of protection ofIPX4 is required for PV power supply systems (712.512.102) and EV charging installations (722.512.2.201). It is a general requirement that means must be provided, such as drainage holes at the lowest points of enclosures, wherever water may collect, or condensation may form (522.3.2). See Fig 4.

Simple measures such as only terminating cables or wiring systems such as conduits on the underside of the enclosure or via the back of the unit will minimise the likelihood of water ingress.

Assemblies conforming to the BS EN 61439 series are suitable for operation in conditions oflO0 % humidity at between -25 °C and +27 °C (Clause 8.8).

Presence of solid foreign bodies (AE) Where equipment is to be installed outdoors it should provide a degree of protection of at least IP3X (714.512.2.105 & Clause 4.1). As was the case for protection against ingress of water, BS 7671 requires a higher degree of protection ofIP4X for PV power supply systems (712.512.102) and EV charging installations (722.512.2.202).

In the case of both resistance to ingress by water/humidity and solid foreign bodies, it is essential that the required degree ofingress protection is maintained after installation (522.6.4).

Presence of corrosive substances (AF) Noting that water is considered to be a polluting substance, equipment constructed fully or partly of metal installed outdoors will be susceptible to

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Fig 4 Wherever water may collect or condensation may form means must be provided to permit its escape corrosion. The likelihood of corrosion taking place will be increased at points where the protective coating has been damaged and not been recoated afterwards; especially so where the atmosphere is salt-laden as would be expected to be the case for installations close to the coast (522.5.1). Ferrous metallic assemblies conforming to the BS EN 61439 series intended for outdoor use are required to be resistant to such conditions (Clause 8.6).

lmpact(AG) For a consumer unit for outdoor use, BS EN 61439-3:2012 1 requires a minimum degree of protection against mechanical impact ofIK07 (Clause 8.2.1).

This minimum degree of protection is also required for solar PV systems (712.512.102). However, those parts of an EV charging installation installed outdoors are required to be protected against impacts of high severity (AG3), with a minimum degree of protection against impact ofIK08 (722.512.2.203).

BS 7671 specifies that, in a fixed installation where impacts of medium severity (AG2) or high severity (AG3) can occur, protection shall be provided by: (i) the mechanical characteristics of the wiring system, or (ii) the location selected, or (iii) the provision of additional local or general protection against mechanical damage,or (iv) any combination of the above (522.6.2).

Moreover, the degree of protection provided must be maintained on completion of the installation process (522.6.4). See Fig 5.

Presence of fauna (AL) It is important that any required degree ofingress protection (IP rating) of equipment is maintained not only to prevent penetration by water and solid objects but also by animals of various sizes. It is an all-too-common occurrence to find that animals ranging in size from small insects and spiders to rodents such

Technical

as mice (see Fig 6) have made their way into electrical enclosures and caused damage or operation of protective devices.

While maintaining the integrity of an enclosure to prevent entry of the larger rodents is readily achievable, keeping insects, spiders and the like out is more problematic, particularly when providing drainage holes to allow for the escape of water or condensate. As a rule, any entries should be kept as small as is practicably possible.

Solar radiation (AN) and ultra-violet (UV) radiation Equipment installed outdoors will be exposed to some degree of exposure to direct sunlight (solar irradiance) and UV radiation. Where the degree of exposure is sufficient to cause damage or premature failure, such equipment so located should be either intrinsically suitable for such exposure or it should be provided with additional protection sufficient to protect it from damage (522.11). Enclosures declared suitable for outdoor use conforming to the BS EN 61439 series intended to be exposed to direct sunlight will be manufactured in a manner which makes them suitable for such use (Clause 8.5.3).

lower IP degree, for example IP33, will suffice, can: • increase temperatures within the assembly due to the lack of ventilation with the ejfect that the insulation ages more quickly; • increase the risk of condensation causing tracking due to there being no ventilation and therefore no air exchange with the environment outside of the assembly; and • make the assembly larger and more expensive due to the need to manage the lack of ventilation.

IEC TR 61439-0:2022. Clause 4.1 This warning is equally applicable to the selection of such products.

Summary Fig 5 Provision of a barrier to provide impact protection to EV charging equipment

Manufacturers' instructions Whenever selecting equipment for use in an electrical installation account should be taken of manufacturers' instructions (510.3). Even where a consumer unit meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for use outdoors in respect of the factors discussed previously in this article, a manufacturer may well still state in the product information that the equipment is only suitable for indoor use.

Beware ofoverspecification!

PD IEC TR 61439-0 warns against overspecifying an assembly: Specifiers are cautioned against over-specifying their requirements; it may not lead to a more appropriate assembly for their application. More onerous requirements for one criterion usually have a negative impact on others. For example, an outdoor assembly being specified to comply with IP66 of IEC 60529, when a

Fig 6 Any entries should be kept as small as is practicably possible to prevent entry by small animals

Increasingly, consumer units are being installed outdoors to supply equipment such as electric vehicle charging points, heat pumps and battery storage systems.

Oddly,this seems to be the cause of much discussion within the electrical contracting industry. Although, less common in domestic and similar installations, suitably selected and installed electrical equipment is often installed outdoors, returning acceptably long periods of useful service. More latterly, many electrical vehicle charging equipment assemblies have also been installed outdoors and so long as good workmanship and proper materials have been used (134.1.1)and appropriate equipment has been employed to cater for the ambient conditions (section 512) these will also remain serviceable for a considerable time.

PD IEC TR 61439-0:2022 provides guidance on defining desired characteristics and selecting appropriate options to meet the needs of a particular application, and assistance to those specifying assemblies. The points covered in this published document ofrelevance to the selection of consumer units to be installed outdoors are summarised in this article.

Footnote 1 BS EN 61439-3:2012 Incorporating corrigenda September 2013, December 2015 and March 2019. Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies Part 3: Distribution boards intended to be operated by ordinary persons (DBO)

WINTER2024/25

Connections51

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Technical

IMPEDANCE AND ITS IMPACT ONVOLTAGE DROP INCABLES Objective: This article examines impedance, and more specifically, considers its impact on voltage-drop in cables when supplying electrical loads having a poor power factor. This will be demonstrated with a practical example. It is worth noting that such considerations are rarely required in a domestic dwelling where most cable sizes are typically less than 16 mm 2. It may be useful to refer to Appendix 4 of BS 7671 when working through the examples given in this article.

Impedance vresistance Resistance is a property that opposes the flow of current. In a direct current (DC) circuit under steady-state conditions, resistance is the only opposition to current flow.

However, when considering an alternating current (AC) in a circuit, it should be remembered that other factors such as the effects of inductance and capacitance must also be considered.

The influence of inductance and/or capacitance on a circuit is dependent on the supply frequency. The term 'reactance' is used to describe these effects, which can be either inductive or capacitive.

Keyterms: resistance, reactance andimpedance Further consideration of the terms resistance, reactance and impedance include: • Resistance (R): measured in ohms (Q) is an inherent property of all conductors. When alternating current passes through a resistance, it causes a voltage-drop that is in-phase with the current.

• Reactance (X): measured in ohms (Q) is the opposition on circuit elements, such as in capacitors and inductors, to impose changes in current or voltage.

Reactance exists wherever there are

Fig 1 Impedance triangle showing relationship between circuit components and power factor

Reactance(X) (X=XL-Xd

Resistance(R)

magnetic (inductive) or electrostatic (capacitive) fields, in which its value depends on both the inductance/ capacitance elements, and the frequency of the supply.

If a circuit containing only reactance was connected to an AC supply, the effect of the rate of change of supply voltage would cause the circuit current to either lag or lead the voltage by 90° depending on whether the element is inductive or capacitive respectively.

• Impedance (Z): measured in ohms (Q) is the total opposition to current flow in an AC circuit containing both

Where cos0= power factor

resistance and reactance. This can be determined using the equation: Z = ✓ R 2 +X 2

Impedance is present in most circuits supplied from an AC source. As such, the current flowing through an impedance will be out of phase with the supply voltage by an angle between 0 and 90 degrees. The power factor of the circuit can be determined using the trigonometry ratio:

cos¢=

R

Z

WINTER2024/25

Connections53

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Technical

The relationship between these three terms is shown in the impedance triangle (Figl).

In order to establish the design current (h) for a specific circuit, the impedance must be determined. The design current can be found using:

Equation 1: Where load power factor is not known: Voltage drop=

XI

0x(mV /A/m)x

XI

b

XL

Equation 2: Where load power factor is known:

Uo

lb

(mV/A/m)z 1000

Volt age drap=

=z

cos 0x(mV /A/m)r+sin 1000

b

XL

Where: 0 is determined by cos·' (power factor)

Distribution and circuit cables In cable analysis, each line conductor of the distribution or circuit cable can be modelled as having a series resistance R and an inductive reactance XL, as shown in the single-line diagram (Fig 2).

Capacitive reactance Xe is generally a concern for parallel conductors operating at high voltage and over longer distances, such as transmission cables.

Such effects are negligible for distribution and circuit cables and are therefore not shown in Fig 2.

Where circuit cable conductors exceed 16 mm 2, which is common in distribution circuits used in industrial or commercial type installations, the tables for currentcarrying capacity and voltage-drop in Appendix 4 of BS 7671 give separate values of voltage drop per ampere per metre (mV/A/m) for r, x and z.

The intention of BS 7671 in providing individual values ofr, x and z in these tables is to allow for an accurate assessment of voltage-drop to accommodate loads having a large inductive element, for example induction motors or capacitive elements, such as noise filtering within electronic equipment. Generally, most connected loads will be inductive in nature.

Appendix 4 of BS 7671 recognises, in paragraph 6, that where there is power factor in a circuit, the use of the tabulated values of mV/ A/m may lead to a calculated value of voltage drop which is higher than the actual value. Where the power factor

Example2 ¢ = cos·1 (0.75) ¢ = 41.41°

voltage drop=

((cos41.41 x 0.9 + sin 41.41 x 0.14)) 1000

voltage drop =

((0.75 X 0.9 + 0.66 X 0.14)) 1 000

of the load is not known, the tabulated (mV/A/m)z values should be used (see Equation 1).

However, if the load power factor is known, then using the tabulated (mV/A/m) rand (mV/A/m)x values will provide a more accurate assessment of voltage-drop (see Equation 2). See also paragraph 6 of Appendix 4 of BS 7671.

When carrying out circuit design, using the load power factor will provide a more accurate value and will in most cases result in a smaller conductor size.

Example Consider a 100 kVAthree-phase induction motor having a design current (h) of 144 A with a power factor of0.75 lagging and cable route length of120 m. From Table 4H4A a 70 mm 2 aluminium cable has been selected and from Table 4H4B column 4, the mV/A/m values are: r = 0.90, x = 0.14 and z = 0.92. Assuming no other factors apply, determine the volt-drop in the supply cable.

• x10 The design current ( lb ) ; -100 1-v3X400

Source voltage

3

= 144 A

Load voltage

Us

UL

lb (Design current)

-

Zcable(O)

Fig 2 Line diagram showing the component parts of a cable

x 144 x 120

x 144 x 120 = 13.3 V

(i) If the power factor was not known, equation 1 would be used: voltage drop =

0 •92

1000

x 144 x 120 = 16 V

(ii) If the power factor is known, equation 2 would be used: (see Example 2).

Table 4Ab in Appendix 4 recommends that the maximum voltage drop should not be greater than 5 % of the nominal supply voltage'. In the previous example this would equate to 20 V; ifwe assume 5 V has been dropped in the distribution cable, then using equation 1 would have resulted in an oversized cable being installed: 5V+l6V=21V

Summary This article has used a practical example to help examine the impact ofimpedance on voltage-drop in circuit cables, particularly when supplying electrical loads with poor power factor.

For large industrial type installations, using the known power factor in voltagedrop calculations often yields a more accurate result allowing the selection of a smaller csa of conductor while optimising cable design and reducing installation costs.

Footnote 1 Section 525 also gives a number of examples of where the volt-drop limits in Appx 4 may be exceeded.

WINTER2024/25

Connections55

Technical

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER CONNECTION FDA NEUTARLCDNDUCTDA Objective: Poor connections, particularly those involving neutral conductors, are often identified during electrical inspection and testing, with some incidents periodically reported to the NICEIC. If these issues remain unrectified, they can lead to thermal distress, conductor/connection failure or possibly cause fires. It is essential therefore to apply the same level of diligence when connecting or inspecting neutral conductors as with any other live conductor.

Introduction It should be remembered that a neutral conductor is a live conductor. Part 2 of BS 7671 defines a live part as: 'Live part. A conductor or conductive part intended to be energized in normal use, including a neutral conductor but, by convention, not a PEN conductor'.

Typically, in the least complex domestic and similar premises, the current in the neutral conductor is equal to that in the line conductor.

Regulation 524.2.1 requires that in single-phase, two-wire circuits, the neutral conductor should have a crosssectional area (csa) not less than that of the line conductor in all cases.

Regulation 524.2.1 also requires that the neutral conductor, if any, shall have a cross-sectional area (csa) not less than that of the line conductor: • in three-phase and single-phase three-wire circuits, where the size of the line conductors is less than or equal to 16 mm 2 for copper, or 25 mm 2 for aluminium, and • where the neutral conductor carries current without a corresponding reduction in load current of the line conductors, typically in the presence

56 ConnectionsWINTER 2024/25

of harmonics, and where the neutral conductor must take account of the current-carrying capacity of the circuit (523.6.3).

If the total harmonic content due to triplen harmonics is greater than 33 % of the fundamental line current, due to non-linear connected loads such as LED drivers, variable speed drives, and uninterruptible power supply systems, an increase in csa of the neutral conductor may be required (524.2.2). The sizing of cables in the presence oftriplen harmonics is covered in a technical article in Connections, issue 231.

It should be remembered that the current in the neutral conductor may be greater than that in any of the phase conductors due to the imbalance between the connected single-phase loads, caused by a combination of varying current demands and/or power factors in each phase.

Additionally, consideration must also be given to overcurrent in the neutral conductor of a circuit (single-phase or three-phase) during an overload or short-circuit.

However, it is permissible within a three-phase installation to have a neutral

conductor with a reduced csa where each line conductor has a csa greater than 16 mm 2 for copper or 25 mm 2 for aluminium, and where the conditions of regulation 524.2.3 are met.

Electrical connections Every connection between conductors or between a conductor and other equipment shall provide durable electrical continuity, and adequate mechanical strength and protection (526.1).

Inadequate connections made in current-carrying conductors, including a neutral conductor, can lead to an increase in resistance and a subsequent rise in temperature at the point of connection.

Such conditions can pose a risk of thermal distress, damage to electrical equipment and/or its surroundings, or lead to a potential risk of fire. Poor connections can also increase circuit impedance, which may result in the failure of, or a delay in operation of, an overcurrent protective device under fault conditions.

Arcing within an accessory or equipment resulting from a loose connection can also increase the risk of thermal damage. When a gap is formed between the points of contact within a poor connection an electric arc can

Technical

Fig 1 Thermal damage at terminations of EV charging equipment most likely caused by loose connections (Image courtesy Cenex, 2021)

develop. In such cases, a high-temperature discharge occurs in the form of hot plasma, created when electrical current flows through the ionized air, between the contact points within the poor termination. Such high temperatures (in excess ofl,000 °C) can lead to subsequent breakdown in both the conductive and insulating materials of the conductor or contact terminal allowing the formation of carbon deposits, which further exacerbates the thermal process.

To better understand the potential heat generation that can be produced at a poor connection, consider the following example: If the resistance of a defective connection between a neutral conductor and the terminal of the main switch of a consumer unit is found to be 2 Q and the current flowing in the neutral conductor is measured at 30 A, under these conditions, the heating power (P) generated at the connection would be:

p = 12R 30 2 X 2 = 1800 W This level of thermal energy is sufficient to cause significant damage and is potentially dangerous.

Preventative measures andbestpractice It is important to maintain good working practices during installation work to ensure proper termination of electrical connections and equipment. The materials used for terminating such a connection must also be suitable for the intended application. Regulation group 526 outlines the considerations for selecting the appropriate means of connection.

There is a fundamental requirement within Section 134 of BS 7671 that every electrical installation is subjected to appropriate inspection and testing: • during construction, and • on completion, before it is put into service to confirm compliance with the relevant requirements of that standard (134.2.1).

This is also supported by regulation 641.1 which also calls for inspection and testing to be carried out both during the construction of the installation and on completion of the work.

Such routine inspection and testing aims to help identify any signs of wear, corrosion or loosening of connections

before a dangerous situation arises, thereby mitigating the risk of thermal damage and/or fire.

Summary The neutral conductor is both a live conductor and a current-carrying conductor. It is crucial, therefore, that every connection, including that between neutral conductors and between a neutral conductor and equipment needs to be properly made, so that it provides durable electrical continuity and has adequate mechanical strength. In addition to the requirements for new installation work, a contractor carrying out electrical inspection and testing or maintenance within an existing installation should also take the opportunity to check the connections of not only line conductors but also those of neutral conductors.

WINTER2024/25Connections

57

Technical

MECHANICAL VENTILATIO FDA DWELLINGS Objective: This article provides an overview of the general requirements and regulations surrounding the installation of mechanical ventilation systems in dwellings. It explores the purpose of mechanical ventilation, relevant UK building regulations, various ventilation strategies, and common system types. It offers insights into the role electricians play in this aspect of building work. Future articles will focus on detailed ventilation design and related technical aspects.

Introduction The installation of mechanical ventilation systems within dwellings often falls under an electrician's scope of works.

Although they may not actively seek this type of work, as such systems require a connection to the dwelling's electrical system, it is work that is generally undertaken by an electrician.

Ventilation systems, just like electrical systems, must be properly designed, installed and commissioned.

This article provides an overview of the general requirements of mechanical ventilation, with future articles looking further into specific ventilation design.

Purpose ofmechanical ventilation Mechanical ventilation as used within a dwelling is part of an overall ventilation strategy to ensure the indoor air is not a hazard to either the occupants or the dwelling itself. A correctly designed and installed ventilation system maintains a healthy indoor environment by removing odours, pollutants and moisture generated by domestic activities such as cooking, bathing and washing/drying of clothes (termed 'wet rooms' these areas include kitchens, utility rooms, bathrooms and sanitary accommodation).

Building regulations Building regulations in the UK are devolved matters under primary

58 ConnectionsWINTER 2024/25

legislation for each of the four countries (The Building Act 1984 England & Wales; The Building (Scotland) Act 2003 and The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) Order 1979, all as amended). In England and Wales, mechanical ventilation is considered a 'controlled service or fitting', i.e. building work that falls under current building regulations.

Crown dependencies have control over their own building regulations, some are listed below.

e IsleofMan - Building control Act 1991, as amended • Channel Islands - Building Bye-Laws (Jersey) 2007, as amended - The Building (Guernsey) Regulations, 2012 Note: Not all locations of the Channel Islands have been included.

Building regulations share a common goal (amongst other provisions) of securing the safety, health and wellbeing of persons in and around buildings, and of others who may be affected by buildings or matters connected with buildings. However, each country can and does differ in how its building regulations and supporting technical guidance communicates their requirements. The relevant building regulations and associated guidance for each country are as follows:

England The Building Regulations 2010, as amended - Schedule 1 to the building regulations is broken into parts, lettered A-S (excluding I and N). Part F relates to ventilation. Approved Document F Volume 1: Dwellings* gives guidance on how to meet the requirements of the building regulations. '½ second volume (Volume 2) applies to buildings other than dwellings.

Wales The Building Regulations 2010, as amended - Schedule 1 to the building regulations is broken into parts, lettered A-S (excluding I and N). Part F relates to ventilation. Approved Document F Volume 1: Dwellings* gives guidance on how to meet the requirements of the building regulations. '½ second volume (Volume 2) applies to buildings other than dwellings.

Scotland The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004, as amended - Section 3.14 of Scotland's building regulations relates to ventilation; this is a mandatory standard for provisions of ventilation. A Domestic Technical Handbook is available that contains guidance on how to meet the standards of the regulations. This follows a similar strategy to that set out by England and Wales.

Technical

Northern Ireland The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 - Part K of Northern Ireland's building regulations sets out the requirements for provision of ventilation of buildings. Technical Booklet K provides practical guidance on how to meet the requirements of the building regulations. lsleofMan The Building Regulations 2014 - Part 3A and Part F relate to ventilation. The Isle of Man follows England's Approved Documents, although with a delay of approximately one year.

Channel Islands: Jersey Building Bye-Laws (Jersey) 2007, Bye Law 7:Materials and Workmanship.

Approved technical guidance document Part 5 provides advice and guidance on the standards for ventilation and air quality in buildings.

Guernsey The Building (Guernsey) Regulations, 2012 - Part F of Guernsey's building regulations sets out the requirements for provision of ventilation ofbuildings. Guernsey Technical Standard F (Fl) provides practical guidance on how to meet the requirements of the building regulations.

Fig 1 Natural ventilation with background ventilators and intermittent extract fans

While building regulations differ, ventilation strategies are generally similar in nature.

Note: Building regulations, like the wiring regulations, are not necessarily retrospective.

opening doors or windows that lead directly to the external air.

Types ofmechanical ventilation systems

UK building regulations outline ventilation strategies that focus on controlling odours, pollutants and moisture within dwellings. These strategies typically involve the following steps: • Extraction of pollutants and water vapour: Pollutants and moisture are extracted from the room where they originate to prevent their spread throughout the dwelling. This extraction can be either continuous or intermittent and is commonly achieved through mechanical extract ventilation.

• Fresh air supply: Fresh air is introduced into the dwelling to dilute and disperse any remaining pollutants and moisture. This can be accomplished either naturally using background ventilators (also referred to as trickle vents) or mechanically via mechanical supply ventilation.

• Purge ventilation: Intermittent use of purge ventilation removes high concentrations of pollutants and moisture generated during specific activities. This is often achieved by

There are three main types of mechanical ventilation systems, each with distinct functions: 1. Natural ventilation with background ventilators and intermittent extract fans • This system is suitable for less airtight homes. It includes intermittent extractor fans located in all wet rooms and includes background ventilators, such as trickle vents, which are commonly incorporated into window frames. (Fig 1) 2. Continuous mechanical extract ventilation • This system operates continuously, either with centralised fan units connected by ducts to each wet room or with decentralised separate continuous extract fans in each wet room. While background ventilators are still necessary, their required free area is smaller than that required for intermittent extractor fans. (Fig 2) 3. Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery • This system also operates continuously but is balanced, as the supply air is mechanically controlled. No background ventilators are required.

These systems are typically centralised. (Fig3)

Fig 2 Continuous mechanical extract ventilation

Fig 3 Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery

Ventilation strategies

WINTER2024/25

Connections59

Technical

Relevant part/section

The ventilation system's electrical supply shall be correctly designed

of the building regulations for dwellings

111111111111111111111 p

p

4

N/A

p

12

N/A

Where combustible appliances are used, the ventilation system must not interfere with the design of the appliance

J

J

3

L

J(3B)

3

J

The system shall be energy efficient

L

L

6

F

L(3D)

11

L

Manual controls shall be sited so they are within reach of the occupants

M

M

4

R

M

8

M

Where a fire compartment is breached, it shall be done in a suitable manner

B

B

2

E

B

2

B

Ventilation may also be used to remove excess heat from a room

0

0

3

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

The ventilation system shall not be excessively noisy

E

E

5

G

E

9

E

Table 1 Other relevant building regulations

While these are the most common ventilation systems, building regulations do not preclude the use of other systems, such as positive input ventilation, passive stack, and single room heat recovery.

The choice of ventilation system often depends on the building's airtightness: the more airtight the building (modern passive house design), the more sophisticated the ventilation system needed.

NICEIC's Pocket Guide 32, Domestic Ventilation Systems, provides an overview of the types of domestic ventilation systems. This pocket guide is available in the NICEIC Pocket Guide application, available to download in both the App store and Play store.

Design overview For a ventilation system to function correctly, it needs to be properly designed.

Some considerations may include: • Ductwork: Where installed, ductwork should be constructed to minimise air resistance.

• Air flow: The correct volume of air must be moved, taking account of the resistance of the ducting.

• Noise levels: Noise produced by the system shall be reasonable for the location in which it is installed.

• Thermal envelope: The ventilation installation shall not adversely affect the thermal envelope of the dwelling.

• Efficiency: The system shall operate efficiently.

SJ ConnectionsWINTER 2024/25

• Interference: The system shall not interfere with other systems or services.

Specialist advice should be sought when designing a ventilation system. NICEIC Training, along with some manufacturers, offer courses for individuals looking to demonstrate competence in the supply, design, installation, commissioning and handover of Domestic Ventilation systems. The course, available through NICEIC Approved Training Centres, meets the training requirement of the Competent Person Scheme.

Other work Work other than installing the mechanical ventilation system may be required to ensure the whole dwelling is adequately ventilated. Examples include: • Ensuring internal doors allow airflow - this is achieved by having a 10 mm undercut to the internal doors. Where the final floor finish is not fitted or is not known, the bottom of the door should be 20 mm above the floor surface.

• Ensuring the installation of sufficient background ventilators where required.

Other relevant building regulations Building regulations for ventilation are specific to the geographical location in which the work is performed.

Additionally, there are other building regulations that overlap with these

ventilation requirements. Some of these overlapping requirements are listed in Table 1.

Notifying building control In England and Wales, the installation of a ventilation system is classified as notifiable work unless the work is considered minor. Minor works are those that meet the criteria outlined below.

0.24 (Wales) 'Where the work is of a minor nature as described in the schedule of nonnotifiable work (Schedule 4 to the Building Regulations), the work must still comply with the relevant requirements but need not be notified to the building control body' 0.10 (England) 'Minor works must comply with the relevant requirements of the Building Regulations, but the building control body does not need to be notified.'

0.10 (England) & 0.25 (Wales) 'For mechanical ventilation and airconditioning systems, minor works include any of the following. a) Replacing parts. b) Adding an output or control device if testing and adjusting the system would not ajfect its energy efficiency or would not bepossible. c) Providing a self-contained mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning appliance when all the following apply. i. Any electrical work is exempt from

Technical

PART28

a requirement to give advance notice to a building control body. ii. Testing and adjusting the system would not ajfect its energy efficiency or would not bepossible. iii. The appliance is not installed in a room that contains an open-fiued combustion appliance.'

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Commissioning forms are included in Appendix C of Approved Document Ffor both England and Wales.

Manufacturers may also provide forms for commissioning of their equipment.

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NICEIC offers a Competent Person Scheme for ventilation systems installed in England and Wales. This permits installers to self-certify and notify building control through the NICEIC Online Certification System, rather than seeking permission from local building control before the work begins.

Ventilation works in other regions are not generally notifiable unless part oflarger works, such as a new dwelling or an extension to an existing dwelling.

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Fig 4 Example ventilation commissioning form

Summary This article discusses the installation of mechanical ventilation systems in dwellings, a task often carried out by electricians due to the need for an electrical connection. Also considered was the purpose of mechanical ventilation, and the need to remove pollutants, moisture and odours, for

compliance with building regulations.

This article has considered different ventilation strategies while outlining common system types. Also highlighted was the importance of proper design, installation, and commissioning, and the need for electricians to ensure compliance with building regulations.

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Connections61

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1-y -

The Institution of Engineering and Technology

Do you have the essentials for your next job?

Whether the job is big or small, from changing a consumer unit to rewiring an entire commercial facility, from those jobs you can do with your eyes closed to a never-before-attempted solar or EV install, the most essential kit in your armoury is a copy of the IET Wiring Regulations - the 'brown book'.

No matter what the job is, the Regs sets the standard every time ... so, have you got a copy in your toolkit?

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Technical

3. What is the calculated heating power (P) generated at a poor connection with a resistance of 3 Q and a current of20 A flowing through it? a) 1000W b) 1100W c) 1200W d) 1400W

4. Which one of the following statements is false and would not pose a risk with a poor connection in current-carrying conductors, including the neutral conductor?

In the following multiple-choice 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+A3:2024.

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

1. Which of the following technical booklets relating to building regulations in Northern Ireland refers to ventilation?

a) PartA b) PartF c) PartK d) PartO

2. Which type of ventilation system does not require background ventilators? a) Passive stack b) Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery c) Natural ventilation with intermittent extract fans d) Continuous mechanical extract ventilation

a) Increase in circuit impedance b) Thermal distress/damage c) Type of overcurrent protective device d) Delayed operation/failure of protective device

5. An increase in cross-sectional area (csa) of the neutral conductor may be required where the total harmonic content due to the presence oftriplen harmonics is greater than what percentage of the fundamental line current? a) 30% b) 31% c) 32% d) 33%

6. Where the power factor is not known which one of the following tabulated values would be used to calculate the voltage-drop?

8. What is the impedance of a 120 m length of a cable that has resistance of 1.9 mQ/m and a reactance of 0.14mQ/m? a) 0.229Q b) 0.2448Q c) 2.2448Q d) 0.227Q

9. Guidance on the characteristics oflowvoltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies is given in: a) BS7671 b) PDIECTR61439-0 c) BS EN 60439-4 d) PAS63100

10. What is the minimum degree of ingress protection for assemblies intended to be used outdoors? a) IP33 b) IP44 c) IP55 d) IP65

11. According to Appendix 5 of BS 7671, what classification is given to situations such as coastal locations where the presence of corrosive or polluting substances of atmospheric origin is significant? a) ABS b) AE4 c) AG3 d) AF2

a) (mV/A/m), b) (mV/A/m)x c) (mV/A/m)z d) (mV/A/m)L

12. Consumer units for outdoor locations conforming to the BS EN 61439 series are designed for use in ambient temperatures of between:

7. The influence ofreactance on a circuit is dependent on which one of the following?

a) +25 °C and -40 °C b) -25 °C and +40 °C c) -35 °C and +40 °C d) +35 °C and -40 °C

a) Voltage b) Frequency c) Impedance d) Conductance

WINTER2024/25 Connections63

Technical

Answers and rationale Q

A

Rationale

1.

c)

Technical booklet K. Ventilation

-

2.

b)

Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery is a balanced system, therefore there is no requirement for background ventilators

-

3.

c)

P = 12 R = 20 2 X 3 = 1200 W

-

4.

c)

The type of overcurrent protective device selected for the circuit would not have any relevance to a poor connection

-

5.

d)

Greater than 33 %

524.2.2

6.

c)

Where the power factor is not known the voltage-drop can be calculated using the tabulated value for (mV/A/m)z

Appx4

7.

b)

Reactance due to inductance will increase with an increase in frequency causing the current to lag behind the voltage by go 0:

BS7671 or other reference

Paragraph6

-

Xi= 2rrfL Reactance due to capacitance will decrease with an increase in frequency causing the current to lead the voltage by go 0:

X C -

8.

a)

i

2rrfC

Impedance: Z = -,/R2 + X 2 = -,/1.92 + 0.14 2 = 1.905 mO/m

-

Total impedance= 1.905 X 10- 3 X 120 = 0.229 !1 9.

b)

PD IEC TR 61439-0:2022 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies.

Part 0: Guidance to specifying assemblies

10.

a)

IP33

11.

d)

AF2

12.

b)

-25 °C and +40 °C

64 ConnectionsWINTER2024/25

PD IEC TR 614390:2022 Clause4.1 Appx5 PD IEC TR 614390:2022 ClauseB.7

CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE GOES TO40,000 NICEIC-CERTIFIED BUSINESSES Toadvertiseinfutureissues, pleasecontactTomDavison onaea 37717830 oremailtom.davison@thinkpublishing.co.uk

Who'dhavethoughtit?

DFFGAiD CRUISING GOES ECO Cruiseshipsaren'tknownfor theirecocredentials, buta newoneplanned for chillyclimescould changethat.Polarexpedition company Selar hopestheCaptain Arcticwill bethefirst cruise shippowered byrenewable energy,namelysun andwind.Its fivesolid35m-tallsailsaremadeof aluminium andcantwist upto 180°to catchthe Andto catch wind,orfolddownwhennotrequired. ft 2 of solar therays,they'recoveredin ao,ooo panels.Selarsaystheshipwill cruisewithoutany 90%less noise,vibrationorsmellandwill produce CO2 thanmostcruiseshipsof theregion.

ELECTRIC ROCKS SHOCK SCIENTISTS Received wisdom has itthat only photosynthetic organisms (plants and algae) produce the planet's oxygen. But nearly 4,000 m under the surface of the Pacific Ocean, metallic minerals are pulling off this feat.

According to Gizmodo, Northwestern University chemist Franz Geiger figured that natural mineral deposits on the ocean floor (known as polymetallic nodules) contain cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and manganese - all critical components ofbatteries. "Geiger had previously found that combining rust with saltwater generates electricity, and hypothesised that the nodules could produce enough electricity to produce oxygen - a process called seawater electrolysis," the site reports. Hey presto, a natural 'geobattery'.

ELECTRIFVING SPEED ...

Wherewill electrictransportend?Fromwheelchairs and scootersto carsandcruiseships[seeabove),nowthereare ambitions to bringelectricboatsto themassmarket.

Swedish batteryandchargingsupplierPolestarhasjoined forceswith boatfirmCandela ontheCandela C-8andP-8 Voyager.

Thesehydrofoilspeedboatswhipalongabovethe surfaceof thewaterat 30knots,andwearetoldtheyuse"up boatsof thesamesize to" 80%lessenergythanconventional "dueto reduced waterfriction".Theirsecretweapon?

Computercontrolled foilswhichpromisezerowakeandcomplete silence.

66 Connections WINTER 2024/2s