Connections Summer 2021

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SUMMER 2021 / ISSUE 218

Cover and spine VERSION

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EV CHARGING POINTS | FEMALE APPRENTICES | SERENITY ZONES ART

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This, 1

This...

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CROWNING GLORY “We’ve done a lot of work for the royal household,” says Lowe & Oliver’s (L&O) Adam Lygo, pointing to jobs in Windsor Castle’s royal lodge, library and state entrance, and in the state

apartments at Kensington Palace. “So the royal link is nothing new to us.”

How fitting, then, for L&O to have won the tender for the refurbishment of the Victoria & Albert Museum’s Raphael Court, home to 10 artworks on loan from the Queen’s Royal Collection.

The team at Oxfordbased L&O is also familiar with the museum, having worked on a number of projects there over the

past 30 years. This is by far their most prestigious job though – and their first gallery.

First, the room was fitted out with scaffolding for the high-up work. L&O stripped out the old lighting and luminaires, installed a new lighting control system, luminaires and socketoutlets, and upgraded the data distribution systems.

The priceless art remained in place throughout the

work, protected by timber shielding.

The new intelligent lighting control circuit means the lighting can be programmed, timed and focused for scene setting, for guests, for the cleaner in the evening, or for a specific event.

L&O are already back at the museum too, working on five photographic galleries that are due for completion next year.

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EVER HOPE TO LEARN (OK, NOT LITERALLY)

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40 Changes to markings on products in the UK 43 TT earthing arrangements at a remote building 47 PME supply to an outbuilding using an SWA cable 52 Smart buildings part 2 – KNX installations 55 Smart buildings part 3 – Retrofitting KNX 58 Electric vehicle charging equipment installations 65 Product Focus

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OUR SHORTCUT TO THE BEST BITS

31

PRODUCTION

7OVER TO

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YOU, KEVAN...

66

Kevan Parker, managing director of Certsure, sets out what’s on the agenda for this summer

“The market for electric vehicles is really starting to boom” Matthew Tunstall, director of operations, InstaVolt

21 CAUGHT ON

CHECK THIS OUT

CAMERA

The latest howlers spotted by vigilant readers

INTERESTING NUGGETS FROM NICEIC, ELECSA AND BEYOND

9LIGHTS, CAMERA, 10 FEELING ACTION!

Crest Power sets the scene for the next generation of home cinemas

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PUMPED

LG Electrical helps transform a pumping station into a glitzy wedding venue

12 SPLITTING THE

14 19 LEADING FROM DON’T PANIC!

Orange Fox Electrical calls time on delays by splitting the power supply at a Norfolk pub

Southwark Council is setting the pace on getting women into apprenticeships

DIFFERENCE

THE FRONT

Panic rooms are so last year... OKTO Technologies has perfected the “serenity zone” for the super-rich

22 ON IT!

BEN WRIGHT; WATERLIGHTS; LOUISE HAYWOOD-SCHIEFER; SHANE CROMMER; OKTO TECHNOLOGIES

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DON’T READ THIS MAG

TECHNICAL SECTION TURN TO PAGE 39 EVERYTHING YOU COULD

Don't read this mag, 1

VERSION

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Issue 218 / Summer 2021

31 NEED TO KNOW The inside line on the updates and changes affecting your industry

36 ASK THE TEAM

Professional insurance is changing – here’s your guide

Our helpline heroes answer your technical questions

EV charging points are popping up everywhere, so high standards really matter

An assortment of facts, stats and stories to spark your interest

24 66 THIS WILL BE BIG OFF GRID

SUMMER 2021

5

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EVER HOPE TO LEARN (OK, NOT LITERALLY)

SUBS

40 Changes to markings on products in the UK 43 TT earthing arrangements at a remote building 47 PME supply to an outbuilding using an SWA cable 52 Smart buildings part 2 – KNX installations 55 Smart buildings part 3 – Retrofitting KNX 58 Electric vehicle charging equipment installations 65 Product Focus

ART

OUR SHORTCUT TO THE BEST BITS

31

PRODUCTION

7OVER TO

CLIENT

YOU, KEVAN...

66

Kevan Parker, managing director of Certsure, sets out what’s on the agenda for this summer

“The market for electric vehicles is really starting to boom” Matthew Tunstall, director of operations, InstaVolt

21 CAUGHT ON

CHECK THIS OUT

CAMERA

The latest howlers spotted by vigilant readers

INTERESTING NUGGETS FROM NICEIC, ELECSA AND BEYOND

9LIGHTS, CAMERA, 10 FEELING ACTION!

Crest Power sets the scene for the next generation of home cinemas

4

SUMMER 2021

BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN

PUMPED

LG Electrical helps transform a pumping station into a glitzy wedding venue

12 SPLITTING THE

14 19 LEADING FROM DON’T PANIC!

Orange Fox Electrical calls time on delays by splitting the power supply at a Norfolk pub

Southwark Council is setting the pace on getting women into apprenticeships

DIFFERENCE

THE FRONT

Panic rooms are so last year... OKTO Technologies has perfected the “serenity zone” for the super-rich

22 ON IT!

BEN WRIGHT; WATERLIGHTS; LOUISE HAYWOOD-SCHIEFER; SHANE CROMMER; OKTO TECHNOLOGIES

REPRO OP

DON’T READ THIS MAG

TECHNICAL SECTION TURN TO PAGE 39 EVERYTHING YOU COULD

Don't read this mag, 1

VERSION

24

Issue 218 / Summer 2021

31 NEED TO KNOW The inside line on the updates and changes affecting your industry

36 ASK THE TEAM

Professional insurance is changing – here’s your guide

Our helpline heroes answer your technical questions

EV charging points are popping up everywhere, so high standards really matter

An assortment of facts, stats and stories to spark your interest

24 66 THIS WILL BE BIG OFF GRID

SUMMER 2021

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Elesca Virtual House

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Over to you, Kevan, 1

Welcome VERSION REPRO OP

© 2021 ISSN 2042-5732

OVER TO YOU, KEVAN...

www.niceic.com

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Enquiries 01582 539000 Communications executive: Debbie Shields debbie.shields@certsure.com

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Customer services: 0333 015 6625 Sales: 0333 015 6626 Training: 0333 015 6627 Technical helpline: 0333 015 6628 Insurance: 0333 015 6629 @officialNICEIC or @officialELECSA

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Published on behalf of Certsure by: Think Media Group, 20 Mortimer Street, London, W1T 3JW

OUR TOP PRIORITIES FOR YOU

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Editor: Clare Dowdy clare.dowdy@thinkpublishing.co.uk Managing editor: James Sutton Group art director: Jes Stanfield Client engagement director: Anna Vassallo Content development director: Matthew Rock Executive director: Jackie Scully Advertising: Samantha Tkaczyk samantha.tkaczyk@thinkpublishing.co.uk

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

Both the magazine and the paper wrapper are fully recyclable.

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COVER IMAGE: SEAN RODWELL/AERIFORM

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.

Flicking through some past editions of Connections the other day, I realised that while consumers and the mainstream media have only just picked up on the low-carbon agenda in recent years, our industry has been on it for a very long time.

This summer, NICEIC celebrates its 65th birthday. After all these years, we’re still supporting – and will continue to champion – technical excellence in our sector, highlighting successes and calling for change where it’s needed.

One example of this is our coverage of electric vehicle charging points (EVCPs) in this issue, which comes in response to a government report highlighting unwelcome levels of poor workmanship in this area. We all know that electric vehicles are in sharp focus at the moment, and we want to make Improving sure that EVCPs are installed in a way that is safe for both contractors and consumers. standards on Our technical article on this topic, starting EVCP installations on page 58, is well worth a read and will Keeping you help you stay up to date with the latest up to date with requirements that you should be considering EAS compliance when working on EVCP installations.

Meanwhile, other articles in this issue Putting a lowwill help to keep you informed on a range carbon future of technical and industry matters. As John front of mind O’Neill elaborates on page 31, being able to show your and your team’s continuing professional development is an important part of the new EAS assessment regime – and, indeed, NICEIC and ELECSA’s too.

Don’t forget that articles such as Dani Putney’s commentary on page 35 count towards this CPD requirement. Keeping you abreast of developments in the policy arena, Dani explains that even though government grants will come and go, it’s a lowcarbon economy that will support and sustain us in the future.

Until next time...

Kevan Parker Managing director, Certsure SUMMER 2021

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Home cinemas, 1

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CHECK THIS OUT Interesting nuggets from NICEIC, ELECSA and beyond

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Lockdown has put home cinema installations in the spotlight for Hertfordshire-based Crest Power

Lockdown has been good for streaming services like Netflix, but plenty of people have also been missing the real cinema experience – and some have even been getting them installed at home.

Over the past 16 years, Shaun Drury of Hemel Hempstead-based Crest Power has installed more than 100 home cinemas, most of them for design and build specialists Oakbridge Bespoke.

More than 80% of the firm’s high-end houses now have cinema rooms, with homeowners spending up to £50,000 a pop. “A lot of people want to keep up with the Joneses,” Drury says.

For acoustic and light reasons, cinema rooms are typically in the basement. Crest and fellow contractors JD Electrics sort out the power supply, and Oakbridge brings in tech experts Webstract to install the hardware.

With home cinemas, it’s all about the surge. “We put in a power supply with surge protection to protect the equipment, and because of the surge when you turn the equipment on, we generally use Type C circuit breakers,” Drury says.

Then you need to cool the AV rack, with either natural cooling or air conditioning. Otherwise, “it will take years off the life of the equipment,” Drury explains. Crest also puts in heatmonitoring devices, “so that if the ambient temperature increases, it cuts the power”.

All this is relatively straightforward on a new build, but when it’s a refurb of an old cellar, for example, “you have to get your head around the existing infrastructure,” Drury warns.

Meanwhile, Crest has responded to the extra demand for home entertainment by adding seven new members of staff.

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Pumping station, 1

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FEELING PUMPED

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When he’s not busy pumping iron, LG Electrical’s Liam Garner is converting Victorian waterworks into impressive wedding venues

ART

You might not associate a pumping station with the tasteful elegance required of a wedding venue, but Liam Garner of Nottingham-based LG Electrical knows otherwise.

Garner recently helped convert Lakeside, a Grade II* listed Victorian pumping station just outside Nottingham, into a swanky wedding venue. “It’s by far the best project I’ve ever done,” he says. “It would have been a dream job for anyone.”

He was a one-man band when he started the job, but his operation soon expanded. “I brought on 10 lads working underneath me, so I’ve grown as a business because of this project and how high-spec it is.” Garner has now got a handful of projects on the go and is booked up for the next two years.

Lakeside was originally the Bestwood Pumping Station, designed in the 1870s by engineer Thomas Hawskley, who is credited with creating a steam-powered system to supply water to homes at constant high pressure. LG Electrical did the full electrical installation as part of the renovations, including lighting, emergency lighting, power, fire alarms, data, access control, TVs, installation of the generator, and all the containment, testing and inspections. “With the lights on, it’s breathtaking,” Garner adds.

Garner initially trained as an electrician after a career as a semiprofessional footballer. He’s still no slouch and now combines his job with competitive bodybuilding.

He has featured in Men’s Fitness and has even been flown to Miami twice to take LIAM GARNER, LG ELECTRICAL part in photoshoots. “Being disciplined physically in fitness has helped me mentally in terms of getting where I am with my business,” he says.

PRODUCTION CLIENT

SHANE CROMMER

“It’s by far the best project I’ve ever done.

It would have been a dream job for anyone”

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Pumping station, 1

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FEELING PUMPED

SUBS

When he’s not busy pumping iron, LG Electrical’s Liam Garner is converting Victorian waterworks into impressive wedding venues

ART

You might not associate a pumping station with the tasteful elegance required of a wedding venue, but Liam Garner of Nottingham-based LG Electrical knows otherwise.

Garner recently helped convert Lakeside, a Grade II* listed Victorian pumping station just outside Nottingham, into a swanky wedding venue. “It’s by far the best project I’ve ever done,” he says. “It would have been a dream job for anyone.”

He was a one-man band when he started the job, but his operation soon expanded. “I brought on 10 lads working underneath me, so I’ve grown as a business because of this project and how high-spec it is.” Garner has now got a handful of projects on the go and is booked up for the next two years.

Lakeside was originally the Bestwood Pumping Station, designed in the 1870s by engineer Thomas Hawskley, who is credited with creating a steam-powered system to supply water to homes at constant high pressure. LG Electrical did the full electrical installation as part of the renovations, including lighting, emergency lighting, power, fire alarms, data, access control, TVs, installation of the generator, and all the containment, testing and inspections. “With the lights on, it’s breathtaking,” Garner adds.

Garner initially trained as an electrician after a career as a semiprofessional footballer. He’s still no slouch and now combines his job with competitive bodybuilding.

He has featured in Men’s Fitness and has even been flown to Miami twice to take LIAM GARNER, LG ELECTRICAL part in photoshoots. “Being disciplined physically in fitness has helped me mentally in terms of getting where I am with my business,” he says.

PRODUCTION CLIENT

SHANE CROMMER

“It’s by far the best project I’ve ever done.

It would have been a dream job for anyone”

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Norfolk pub, 1

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It would be fair to say The Wheatsheaf is a little isolated.

The road it sits on is simply known as The Street!

SUBS ART PRODUCTION

SPLITTING THE DIFFERENCE

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An awkward supply set-up at this Norfolk pub was no match for the team at Orange Fox Electrical, who called time on eight years of delays A mere eight years ago, the owners of a pub and some cottages near Holt, north Norfolk, set out to split the electricity supply.

At the time, The Wheatsheaf and its five tenanted cottages shared the supply. Each tenant was being charged for their power via the pub, which was on a commercial contract. “That meant they couldn’t have any autonomy on their charges and energy provider,” explains Karen Harris, director at Orange Fox Electrical.

The Wheatsheaf had a 200 A, three-phase UKPN supply, which had been fused down to 100 A and fitted with a three-phase whole current meter. One phase went to the kitchen in the pub, and the further two phases supplied the converted barns.

“Due to delays, difficulties with contractors, and tradespeople letting the owner down, it had been exceptionally difficult for the owner to find a way forward,” Harris says diplomatically.

Orange Fox’s solution was to install a

12

“More people are going ahead with projects that they have put off over the past 12 months” KAREN HARRIS, ORANGE FOX ELECTRICAL

multi-service distribution board and split concentric service cables with red head isolators, while also reconfiguring the meter cupboard (above).

The firm also helped to get the project moving by arranging for a swathe of contractors to attend all on the same day. “We had UKPN, Siemens, the old energy supplier, the new energy supplier and our engineers on site to ensure the smooth transition to single meters for each dwelling,” Harris recalls.

Up until March 2020, Orange Fox – which is run by Karen and her husband Dan – employed six engineers. Now it has 10 electricians and five apprentices.

“More people are going ahead with projects that they have put off over the past 12 months,” says Karen.

But she believes this recent growth can’t just be attributed to the pandemic.

The team has also been more active on social media, posting at least once a day to attract more attention – and more work.

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Apprentices

Apprentices

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Apprentices, 1

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LEADING FROM THE FRONT

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Southwark Council’s housing department now has two female electrical apprentices. It’s baby steps, but the tide could be turning. Fellow local authorities, take note…

SUBS

Southwark Council wants its workforce to reflect its residents. That means aiming for a true mix of ethnicities and genders across a sprawling organisation.

Southwark’s 900-strong housing and modernisation department is responsible for carrying out repairs and engineering work on the local authority’s 38,000 units of housing stock. That’s the biggest collection of council housing in London and the fourth biggest in the UK. In the department, 62% of the workforce are from black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, and 55% are female. But among the department’s 100 tradespeople, women have long been woefully underrepresented.

“It’s seen as a traditionally male environment,” says head of repairs and maintenance Christine Bramman.

“But why wouldn’t I want my sex represented in the trades?”

ART PRODUCTION CLIENT

WORDS: CLARE DOWDY / PHOTOGRAPHY: LOUISE HAYWOOD-SCHIEFER

Opening doors

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Things are changing fast among the council’s electricians. Of the current batch of five electrical apprentices, three are women – two of them in the housing department. So, how did Southwark Council entice them into such a male stronghold?

According to apprenticeships and pathways manager Lorna Fraser, it all started with an open day to promote the trades. “We invited loads of people through community organisations we work with,” she says.

At the open day, a female electrician from a different Southwark department was on hand to bust the stereotypes.

Her presence “demonstrated that there’s no discrimination against women,” says Fraser. That event and the accompanying recruitment campaign led to a 60% increase in female apprentices across the organisation.

Once on board, apprentices encounter women all the way up, from their direct managers (40% of whom are women) to Stephanie Cryan, who is Southwark Council’s cabinet SUMMER 2021

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member for council housing, and chief executive Eleanor Kelly. “Women are very much front and centre in the organisation,” says Bramman. “Some of the old, traditional cultures of a maledominated workforce are long gone.”

“It’s a bit like success begets success,” adds Fraser. “If you get good examples, you’ll get more.”

Work in progress Although Bramman likes to think of Southwark as a model for the future, she acknowledges that “we’ve still got things to do.” With just two female apprentices in housing, it’s still early days, and she’s loath to put a date on when gender parity might arrive. But Fraser points out that female planners have gone from accounting for 33% of their department to 60% in recent years.

They’re hoping for a similar snowball effect for electricians. “The biggest thing was breaking the ice, to show that we’re serious about this. I just see it growing further,” Bramman adds.

And it certainly will with dedicated apprentices like Alexandra Beckett and Carina X on board.

GIRLS’ OWN STORY Alexandra Beckett and Carina X started their recruitment journey with an open day at Southwark’s Construction Skills Centre. After getting through the gruelling application process, they’re now attending college one day a week to study for their Level 3 City & Guilds Electrical Installation and Maintenance apprenticeship, while spending the other four days out in the field with their mentors.

Alexandra Beckett Beckett was studying towards a degree in psychology when she decided to change direction after visiting a jobs fair at the Construction Skills Centre. That’s where she heard about Southwark Council’s apprenticeship schemes.

“I was interested in having a career, and I liked the fact that it was learning a trade,” she says. But why

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Apprentices

Apprentices

VERSION

Apprentices, 1

Check this out

Check this out

LEADING FROM THE FRONT

REPRO OP

Southwark Council’s housing department now has two female electrical apprentices. It’s baby steps, but the tide could be turning. Fellow local authorities, take note…

SUBS

Southwark Council wants its workforce to reflect its residents. That means aiming for a true mix of ethnicities and genders across a sprawling organisation.

Southwark’s 900-strong housing and modernisation department is responsible for carrying out repairs and engineering work on the local authority’s 38,000 units of housing stock. That’s the biggest collection of council housing in London and the fourth biggest in the UK. In the department, 62% of the workforce are from black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, and 55% are female. But among the department’s 100 tradespeople, women have long been woefully underrepresented.

“It’s seen as a traditionally male environment,” says head of repairs and maintenance Christine Bramman.

“But why wouldn’t I want my sex represented in the trades?”

ART PRODUCTION CLIENT

WORDS: CLARE DOWDY / PHOTOGRAPHY: LOUISE HAYWOOD-SCHIEFER

Opening doors

14

Things are changing fast among the council’s electricians. Of the current batch of five electrical apprentices, three are women – two of them in the housing department. So, how did Southwark Council entice them into such a male stronghold?

According to apprenticeships and pathways manager Lorna Fraser, it all started with an open day to promote the trades. “We invited loads of people through community organisations we work with,” she says.

At the open day, a female electrician from a different Southwark department was on hand to bust the stereotypes.

Her presence “demonstrated that there’s no discrimination against women,” says Fraser. That event and the accompanying recruitment campaign led to a 60% increase in female apprentices across the organisation.

Once on board, apprentices encounter women all the way up, from their direct managers (40% of whom are women) to Stephanie Cryan, who is Southwark Council’s cabinet SUMMER 2021

BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN

member for council housing, and chief executive Eleanor Kelly. “Women are very much front and centre in the organisation,” says Bramman. “Some of the old, traditional cultures of a maledominated workforce are long gone.”

“It’s a bit like success begets success,” adds Fraser. “If you get good examples, you’ll get more.”

Work in progress Although Bramman likes to think of Southwark as a model for the future, she acknowledges that “we’ve still got things to do.” With just two female apprentices in housing, it’s still early days, and she’s loath to put a date on when gender parity might arrive. But Fraser points out that female planners have gone from accounting for 33% of their department to 60% in recent years.

They’re hoping for a similar snowball effect for electricians. “The biggest thing was breaking the ice, to show that we’re serious about this. I just see it growing further,” Bramman adds.

And it certainly will with dedicated apprentices like Alexandra Beckett and Carina X on board.

GIRLS’ OWN STORY Alexandra Beckett and Carina X started their recruitment journey with an open day at Southwark’s Construction Skills Centre. After getting through the gruelling application process, they’re now attending college one day a week to study for their Level 3 City & Guilds Electrical Installation and Maintenance apprenticeship, while spending the other four days out in the field with their mentors.

Alexandra Beckett Beckett was studying towards a degree in psychology when she decided to change direction after visiting a jobs fair at the Construction Skills Centre. That’s where she heard about Southwark Council’s apprenticeship schemes.

“I was interested in having a career, and I liked the fact that it was learning a trade,” she says. But why

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Apprentices, 2

Apprentices

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become an electrician?

“The reception I’ve been given is really nice.

“I’ve always been interested It’s the best work environment I’ve ever had” in how things work,” she says. And although she had ALEXANDRA BECKETT no family members in the trade to set an example, she was encouraged to take the plunge by friends.

Escaping an office environment also appealed. Before the apprenticeship, “I’d always been in jobs which were long hours, a lot of work for not much reward”, she says.

For Beckett, Southwark’s building services yard has a family vibe. “I’m really comfortable going in there. The reception I’ve been given is really nice.

They all know each other so well, and it’s a good atmosphere. It’s the best work environment I’ve ever had.”

Before the pandemic, Beckett was on the tools every day, fixing problems in tenants’ apartments. She describes going into a pensioner’s home to help fix their cooker. “It does feel quite rewarding,” she says. Now she’s “on the voids”, working on empty flats, doing things like putting in new circuits.

She advises other young women “not to be shy about going into a trade”. However, she cautions that the academic element of the four-and-a-half year course can be tough. “Make sure you want to go the distance, because the studying side gets difficult.”

Carina X It was a long and winding road that brought Carina X to Southwark. Having been privately educated on a scholarship and then having achieved a degree in psychology, she initially worked in marketing and management for companies including BT, the BBC and the Energy Saving Trust.

Then, after a couple of significant career swerves, she had a stint as first mate on a luxury yacht in the Caribbean and spent a decade teaching English at a Spanish university. Today, as a single parent approaching 50, Carina recognises that her career has been unconventional and that she’s “not your stereotypical apprentice electrician”.

Despite a successful corporate life, she has always been very practical and does all her own domestic repairs. “But

I didn’t consider the trades,” she says.

“I thought I had to prove myself in a suit and heels.”

As a single parent, going back into the corporate world with its long hours seemed tricky. Everything changed, though, after a chance encounter with a friendly council locksmith. “He told me about Southwark’s apprenticeship scheme, how they were actively advertising for more women, how the hours are child-friendly, how you’re paid while you train, and how you can earn a really decent wage once you’ve qualified.”

Currently in the second year of her apprenticeship, Carina would

“I thought I had to prove myself in a suit and heels” CARINA X

encourage anyone with an interest to go for it. “As a woman, even if you’ve been brought up with a dad or brother on the tools, it’s hard to imagine yourself doing it. You need to see yourself reflected in people to emulate them. There’s already good racial diversity in the trades at Southwark. It feels great to be increasing the gender diversity too.”

Carina says she’s proud to be an electrician. Her one regret is that she didn’t start on this path at 16.

“I’ve got massive respect for what it takes to hone your craft: intelligence, responsibility, problem-solving, the grit and determination first to qualify and then to resolve critical or even emergency issues for social housing tenants, day in and day out. Not anyone can do what we do. It’s amazingly satisfying, and I couldn’t always say the same of corporate life.”

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Elesca Shop House

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Panic rooms, 1

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DON’T PANIC!

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The last thing you need is an AK-47 disturbing your serenity...

OKTO TECHNOLOGIES

What do the filthy rich do if an intruder breaks into one of their properties? Hot-foot it to their newly fitted “serenity zone”, of course Move over, Jodie Foster. Panic rooms – typically a converted bathroom intended to keep you and your family safe in the event of a home invasion – are officially old hat. “Imagine how stressful that would be,” says Philip Dowds of OKTO Technologies, specialists in top-end security systems.

These days, ultra-high-networth individuals (UHNWIs) are installing £1m-plus “serenity zones”. Typically, that means transforming the top-floor master suite into an impenetrable fortress. It has the same, if not higher, levels of security as a panic room, but it boasts all the design aesthetics UHNWIs are used to.

With 12 electricians on staff, 64-strong OKTO has designed and

installed serenity zones in both London and Dublin. The team co-ordinates with an interior designer “so the place still looks beautiful”, says Dowds. The spec includes walls, ceilings and floors made of super-strong, heat-resistant Kevlar® and bulletproof steel doors.

“The ability to communicate with the outside world is beyond critical,” Dowds adds, “so serenity zones are fitted with up to five automatic fallback systems

across fully diverse lines of communication.” These include phone lines buried deep into the building (importantly running in opposite directions in case one line is cut). And if that’s compromised, there are other connections over Wi-Fi, 5G and a satellite link. “This is communication which cannot be allowed to fail,” Dowds explains. It’s all backed up with batteries too, just in case the intruders cut off the mains supply.

Dowds admits that panic rooms are still more popular than serenity zones, mainly because they’re easier (and cheaper) to do. But he predicts that we’re going to see more serenity zones.

“They’re on the increase,” he says.

“The ability to communicate with the outside world is beyond critical, so serenity zones are fitted with up to five automatic fallback systems across fully diverse lines of communication” PHILIP DOWDS, OKTO TECHNOLOGIES SUMMER 2021

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Underfloor Heating

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Caught on camera, 1

Houses of horror VERSION REPRO OP SUBS

Gary James of Crown Electrical ART PRODUCTION CLIENT

Services, Cirencester, found these cables (above) – extended using sandwich bags, connectors and tape – when some kitchen tiles were removed in the wake of odd test results on an electrical installation condition report.

“Getting the customer to allow us to remove 12-month-old kitchen tiles was just the start of it,” he says. He set about removing all the bags and cables, and the client was left with all the sockets where she wanted them, plus one double blanking plate to accommodate the few remaining cable extensions.

The team then did one more visit “to make sure that the kitchen tiler hadn’t then covered over the double blanking plate.”

Adam Herron of ACR Electrical Services in north London was carrying out an inspection report at a property when he found this Cat 5 cable (above) being used to loop on for another downlight in a bathroom.

“Copper strands twisted, two pairs for live and two pairs for neutral, and they’d forgotten about the CPC!” He disconnected it and rewired it.

Paul Cox of

The latest howlers spotted by vigilant readers Robert Findlay of RNR Electrical in Glasgow was carrying out an electrical installation condition report for a local takeaway and found this (left) in one of the switch fused isolators. “Someone had cut copper pipe to the shape of the fuse carriers,” says Findlay. His team “stripped it out and replaced it, as we were unable to source replacement fuse carriers”.

CW Electrical Services in Accrington was called out to a fault on a shower (left) in a property that had just been bought.

“I discovered this unbelievable sight,” he says. “Obviously, the shower had been replaced and the old connection was wrong. The installer had used a connection block to extend the cable and just tucked it down the side of the shower, which had then burnt out the blocks. It’s amazing no one was killed.”

He disconnected the whole unit, removed the tiles and installed a new section of cable back to the isolator. He then reinstated the tiles and shower before making the final connection.

In future issues, we want to feature your great repair work alongside the botched jobs. Please send before and after photos to connections@thinkpublishing.co.uk SUMMER 2021

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On it, 1

On it!

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WHY RISK IT?

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Insurance cover is changing. Paul Thompson highlights the types of insurance and levels of coverage that contractors need

ART PRODUCTION

As the world begins to peer out from behind the sofa in the wake of the various COVID-19 lockdowns, the thrill of paying your insurance premium is unlikely to be the first thing on your mind. After all, there are far more exciting things to do than remembering to fork out for your business insurance.

But failure to do so could put your firm at risk. In a litigious industry, there are plenty of examples of businesses folding as a result of claim and counter-claim.

The past 18 months have been challenging for all business owners, and understandably some may have

CLIENT

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE This protects business owners against client claims of incorrect advice. It’s recommended for organisations providing advice or professional services, and it’s a requirement for any registered business undertaking periodic inspections and issuing EICRs within their scope of registration.

EMPLOYERS’ LIABILITY INSURANCE This is one of the few insurance types that is mandatory in the UK. Employers must have a minimum of £10m in coverage to trade legally. It safeguards businesses against legal and compensation expenses from employee claims.

PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE This is recommended for all and essential for some. All NICEIC and ELECSA registered contractors require at least £2m in coverage. It covers claims of injury and property damage by members of the public and clients.

22

taken their eye off the ball when it comes to insurance. But while COVID-19 has been wreaking its havoc, the world has continued to turn, and some changes have been introduced affecting our industry.

As of June 2020, all NICEIC-approved contractors undertaking periodic inspections and issuing EICRs must hold at least £250,000 of professional indemnity (PI) insurance. This rule also applies to NICEIC domestic and ELECSA Part P installers registered to operate under the NICEIC/ELECSA Private Rented Sector (PRS) Scheme.

It’s renewal time…

It’s vital that businesses recognise the new rules and understand the importance of having the correct cover in place, says Grant Barnfather (right), who heads up NICEIC and ELECSA Insurance Services.

“When the PRS legislation came into force, we automatically upped the PI cover of those insured through NICEIC and ELECSA Insurance Services to ensure the level of protection was adequate,” he says. “At the point of renewal, this additional coverage will be chargeable at a highly competitive premium.”

Cover can be tailored for those businesses that might not need the extra PI coverage. However, it’s worth noting that should your requirement change during the insurance term, it may become more expensive to add it back in.

“For those insured directly through NICEIC and ELECSA Insurance Services or elsewhere, it is important to maintain a relationship with your broker,” Barnfather adds. “They can typically provide advice and create bespoke coverage to suit your needs.”

“It’s important to maintain a relationship with your broker. They can typically provide advice and create bespoke coverage to suit your needs” l For more information, visit niceic-and-elecsa-insurance.com

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This will be big, 1

This will be big VERSION

In among the chaos and disruption of 2020,

REPRO OP

there was also opportunity. In Kingston upon Thames, south west London, Martin Cook and David Symons spotted theirs: electric vehicle charging points (EVCPs).

The business they founded, Jolt, is entirely based around installing EVCPs. “We thought there was a gap in the market that we could fill with our service experience,” says Cook (right).

He and Symons both have backgrounds in retail customer service, although Cook was running his own electrical services firm before the pair set up Jolt last year.

They’re not alone. Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more popular, and that’s driving demand for the installation of EVCPs across the UK. What’s more, it’s likely that changes to building regulations will soon make it mandatory to install EVCPs alongside new residential buildings.

To support this rising tide of demand, the government is providing £1.3bn in funding for EV charging infrastructure over the next four years, with a further £1.5bn to follow by 2030, when sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will come to an end.

So the work is out there. Indeed, when Artisan Electrics’ Jordan Farley started posting YouTube videos about

You’ve got to admit that looks a lot cooler than a three-pin plug (and it’s a lot greener than a petrol pump)

SUBS ART PRODUCTION CLIENT

WORDS: DAVID ADAMS, PHOTOGRAPHY: BEN WRIGHT

CHARGING AHEAD Electric vehicle charging points are big business for contractors with the right training. It’s time the sector moved on from shoddy workmanship...

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This will be big, 1

This will be big VERSION

In among the chaos and disruption of 2020,

REPRO OP

there was also opportunity. In Kingston upon Thames, south west London, Martin Cook and David Symons spotted theirs: electric vehicle charging points (EVCPs).

The business they founded, Jolt, is entirely based around installing EVCPs. “We thought there was a gap in the market that we could fill with our service experience,” says Cook (right).

He and Symons both have backgrounds in retail customer service, although Cook was running his own electrical services firm before the pair set up Jolt last year.

They’re not alone. Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more popular, and that’s driving demand for the installation of EVCPs across the UK. What’s more, it’s likely that changes to building regulations will soon make it mandatory to install EVCPs alongside new residential buildings.

To support this rising tide of demand, the government is providing £1.3bn in funding for EV charging infrastructure over the next four years, with a further £1.5bn to follow by 2030, when sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will come to an end.

So the work is out there. Indeed, when Artisan Electrics’ Jordan Farley started posting YouTube videos about

You’ve got to admit that looks a lot cooler than a three-pin plug (and it’s a lot greener than a petrol pump)

SUBS ART PRODUCTION CLIENT

WORDS: DAVID ADAMS, PHOTOGRAPHY: BEN WRIGHT

CHARGING AHEAD Electric vehicle charging points are big business for contractors with the right training. It’s time the sector moved on from shoddy workmanship...

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Elesca Insurance House

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This will be big, 2

PAUL COLLINS, TECHNICAL SERVICES MANAGER, NICEIC AND ELECSA

SUBS ART PRODUCTION CLIENT

installing EVCPs in 2019, demand spiked from residential and commercial clients.

“We’re getting hundreds of enquiries a month,” he says. “This work now accounts for about 50% of the business.”

Contractors who invest in the training needed to work with these technologies will be able to grab a piece of the action.

But installing EVCPs is “almost never straightforward”, warns Farley, who set up Cambridge-based Artisan Electrics in 2016. “We do get some easy installs, where the consumer unit is on the other side of the wall from where the charging point is going, but most are more complicated.”

Those complications might involve, for example, amending or upgrading existing infrastructure. Yet it’s clear that not every installer is following the best practice on these jobs, particularly where the work has been sub-contracted multiple times by EVCP manufacturers, utility companies or EV dealers. “Companies have jumped on the bandwagon and are offering cheap installations, so they’ve cut corners,” says Farley.

Check your workings Last year, the government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) commissioned a technical audit of EVCP installations funded by government grants. The audit, conducted by the UK’s Centre of Excellence for Low

Plug in your car at home, charge it up – and in the blink of an eye you’re ready to go! What’s not to love?

BEN WRIGHT

VERSION

“We need to do something about this as an industry”

Carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies, revealed multiple safety issues (as detailed by NICEIC and ELECSA’s technical services manager Paul Collins overleaf).

OZEV is determined to stamp out these poor practices. “Where installers don’t meet the expected standards, we are taking appropriate action to ensure they either improve their performance or are removed from our schemes,” says an OZEV spokesperson. “Action is needed to ensure quality on issues specific to chargepoint installations, such as the correct provision of RCD protection.”

Collins recalls feeling disappointed by the audit findings. “We need to do something about this as an industry,” he says.

“Companies have jumped on the bandwagon and are offering cheap installations, so they’ve cut corners” Another neat and tidy installation

by Farley and the Artisan team

JORDAN FARLEY, MANAGING DIRECTOR, ARTISAN ELECTRICS

Skills investment Contractors seeking to follow best practice can start by signing up to NICEIC training on EVCP installation.

This training provides the technical knowledge needed to install EVCPs in compliance with BS 7671, the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations and the new IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation. Demand for places has been strong throughout 2020 and the first half of 2021, according to NICEIC and ELECSA’s training development manager Nik Mitchell.

Farley agrees that it’s essential for contractors to know what they’re doing, especially when they encounter complications. “Often, the place where customers want the charging point is the furthest possible point from the distribution board, so it’s awkward to get the cable out there. Or the distribution board is in the middle of the building, so you need long cable runs through different rooms and walls. You might have situations where someone thinks this will be a day’s work, but actually they end up needing lots of surveys and maybe architects’ drawings and groundworks.”

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This will be big, 3

VERSION

RAISING THE BAR ON STANDARDS The technical audit’s findings are sobering.

Can NICEIC training come to the rescue?

REPRO OP SUBS ART

Welcome to the world of acronyms. OZEV, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, tasked Cenex, the UK’s Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies, with carrying out a technical audit on EVCP installations that had been funded by the Electric Vehicle Homegrant Scheme. Hope you got all that...

The audit looked at the condition of those parts of the existing installation on which the new work was reliant for reasons of safety, including earthing and bonding arrangements and intake equipment. The audit also examined the standard of work directly associated with the EVCP installation.

OZEV commissioned the audit report in 2020, which then went to industry stakeholders. It identified several nonconformities across the installations inspected. NICEIC and ELECSA’s technical services manager Paul Collins finds this concerning. “In safetycritical industries such as ours, technical integrity and Invest in task-specific training precision are paramount. So it l Enroll on our one-day electric vehicle was extremely disappointing charging courses. Find out more about to read the findings of the the face-to-face and virtual classroom technical audit,” he says. “It options at niceic.com/training highlighted some examples of l Tune in to the next episode of The extremely poor workmanship, Wire on Wednesday 28 July at 8pm, some of which posed safety which discusses the considerations issues. It’s clear there’s a around EVCP installations. If you don’t need for improvement, and have time to watch it live, catch up lessons must be learned.” on demand at niceic.com/events l Check out the technical articles on the customer portal.

Here to help To help improve standards, NICEIC will be stepping up its Research your products efforts to provide technical l Read the manufacturer’s advice. support by offering free CPD l Undertake any specific training on the topic, like the article the manufacturer offers. on page 58 of this issue.

We’re also increasing the Confirm the existing installation availability of formal training is up to scratch before installing by adding more dates to our any new equipment Electric Vehicle Charging l Check out the technical article Infrastructure course, which on page 58 for more on this. is now available on Saturdays via our Virtual Classroom platform. On top of that, we’ll be increasing surveillance on NICEIC and ELECSA registered businesses undertaking EVCP installations, working with those businesses where needed.

“While the report is sobering, we must also recognise the many examples of excellent work out there, much of which is being carried out by NICEIC and ELECSA registrants,” Collins adds. “It’s also vital to realise the great opportunity that the electrification of transport offers our profession. I urge all electrical contractors undertaking EVCP works to ensure their skillset is sound. The tools are there to help you – please make good use of them.”

WHERE TO START...

CLIENT

BEN WRIGHT

PRODUCTION

Customer focus Cook and Symons of Jolt stress the importance of visiting the site to complete a full survey and point out how big a difference it can make if an installer stays on site a little longer to make sure the customer knows exactly how the equipment works. Jolt also manages the process of applying for OZEV grants on customers’ behalf and offers advice on the best utility tariffs to use.

Some contractors installing EVCPs are already reporting that they’ve

WHAT’S THE POINT?

28

“Some contractors forget about the earthing arrangements”

InstaVolt’s EVCPs offer a contactless option.

Unfortunately it’s just for the other kind of charging...

MATTHEW TUNSTALL, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, INSTAVOLT

had to repair or replace poor quality installations. “Sometimes charging points don’t have the safety devices that are required by regulation, like load protection,” says Farley. “Cables might not be secured properly, and we’ve seen additional consumer units that have been crammed into existing meter boxes.” At Jolt, Cook says that he has even had to replace some burned-out EVCPs. “Some contractors forget about the earthing arrangements,”

ELECTRIC MORE EV VEHICLES ARE CHARGING POINTS MORE POPULAR ARE NEEDED THAN EVER

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MORE CONTRACTORS ARE NOW INSTALLING EVCPs

adds Matthew Tunstall, director of operations at EVCP specialist InstaVolt.

Plugging in InstaVolt, based near Basingstoke in Hampshire, has developed a different business model to most EVCP installers.

It leases parcels of land at sites such as petrol station forecourts and drivethrough restaurants, then manages and funds the planning and DNO applications, before installing, maintaining and drawing income

BUT THEY’RE TRICKY TO DO (and some of the work is shoddy)

SO GET SOME GOOD TRAINING

AND GET A PIECE OF THE ACTION!

from EVCPs that are available for public use. The site owner receives rental income from InstaVolt and also benefits from being able to offer their customers the chance to charge their EVs on site.

There are currently around 650 InstaVolt EVCPs at locations such as petrol stations, motorway service stations and fast food restaurants across the UK. The company aims to have 5,000 rapid EVCPs in operation by 2025. “The market for electric vehicles is really starting to boom,” says Tunstall.

Farley agrees. “It could get to the point where we’re only doing chargepoint installations, because there’s so much demand for it,” he predicts.

Collins, too, is optimistic. However, he also sounds a note of caution. “This is a great opportunity, but if you’re going to do it, do it properly.”

SUMMER 2021

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This will be big, 3

VERSION

RAISING THE BAR ON STANDARDS The technical audit’s findings are sobering.

Can NICEIC training come to the rescue?

REPRO OP SUBS ART

Welcome to the world of acronyms. OZEV, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, tasked Cenex, the UK’s Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies, with carrying out a technical audit on EVCP installations that had been funded by the Electric Vehicle Homegrant Scheme. Hope you got all that...

The audit looked at the condition of those parts of the existing installation on which the new work was reliant for reasons of safety, including earthing and bonding arrangements and intake equipment. The audit also examined the standard of work directly associated with the EVCP installation.

OZEV commissioned the audit report in 2020, which then went to industry stakeholders. It identified several nonconformities across the installations inspected. NICEIC and ELECSA’s technical services manager Paul Collins finds this concerning. “In safetycritical industries such as ours, technical integrity and Invest in task-specific training precision are paramount. So it l Enroll on our one-day electric vehicle was extremely disappointing charging courses. Find out more about to read the findings of the the face-to-face and virtual classroom technical audit,” he says. “It options at niceic.com/training highlighted some examples of l Tune in to the next episode of The extremely poor workmanship, Wire on Wednesday 28 July at 8pm, some of which posed safety which discusses the considerations issues. It’s clear there’s a around EVCP installations. If you don’t need for improvement, and have time to watch it live, catch up lessons must be learned.” on demand at niceic.com/events l Check out the technical articles on the customer portal.

Here to help To help improve standards, NICEIC will be stepping up its Research your products efforts to provide technical l Read the manufacturer’s advice. support by offering free CPD l Undertake any specific training on the topic, like the article the manufacturer offers. on page 58 of this issue.

We’re also increasing the Confirm the existing installation availability of formal training is up to scratch before installing by adding more dates to our any new equipment Electric Vehicle Charging l Check out the technical article Infrastructure course, which on page 58 for more on this. is now available on Saturdays via our Virtual Classroom platform. On top of that, we’ll be increasing surveillance on NICEIC and ELECSA registered businesses undertaking EVCP installations, working with those businesses where needed.

“While the report is sobering, we must also recognise the many examples of excellent work out there, much of which is being carried out by NICEIC and ELECSA registrants,” Collins adds. “It’s also vital to realise the great opportunity that the electrification of transport offers our profession. I urge all electrical contractors undertaking EVCP works to ensure their skillset is sound. The tools are there to help you – please make good use of them.”

WHERE TO START...

CLIENT

BEN WRIGHT

PRODUCTION

Customer focus Cook and Symons of Jolt stress the importance of visiting the site to complete a full survey and point out how big a difference it can make if an installer stays on site a little longer to make sure the customer knows exactly how the equipment works. Jolt also manages the process of applying for OZEV grants on customers’ behalf and offers advice on the best utility tariffs to use.

Some contractors installing EVCPs are already reporting that they’ve

WHAT’S THE POINT?

28

“Some contractors forget about the earthing arrangements”

InstaVolt’s EVCPs offer a contactless option.

Unfortunately it’s just for the other kind of charging...

MATTHEW TUNSTALL, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, INSTAVOLT

had to repair or replace poor quality installations. “Sometimes charging points don’t have the safety devices that are required by regulation, like load protection,” says Farley. “Cables might not be secured properly, and we’ve seen additional consumer units that have been crammed into existing meter boxes.” At Jolt, Cook says that he has even had to replace some burned-out EVCPs. “Some contractors forget about the earthing arrangements,”

ELECTRIC MORE EV VEHICLES ARE CHARGING POINTS MORE POPULAR ARE NEEDED THAN EVER

SUMMER 2021

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MORE CONTRACTORS ARE NOW INSTALLING EVCPs

adds Matthew Tunstall, director of operations at EVCP specialist InstaVolt.

Plugging in InstaVolt, based near Basingstoke in Hampshire, has developed a different business model to most EVCP installers.

It leases parcels of land at sites such as petrol station forecourts and drivethrough restaurants, then manages and funds the planning and DNO applications, before installing, maintaining and drawing income

BUT THEY’RE TRICKY TO DO (and some of the work is shoddy)

SO GET SOME GOOD TRAINING

AND GET A PIECE OF THE ACTION!

from EVCPs that are available for public use. The site owner receives rental income from InstaVolt and also benefits from being able to offer their customers the chance to charge their EVs on site.

There are currently around 650 InstaVolt EVCPs at locations such as petrol stations, motorway service stations and fast food restaurants across the UK. The company aims to have 5,000 rapid EVCPs in operation by 2025. “The market for electric vehicles is really starting to boom,” says Tunstall.

Farley agrees. “It could get to the point where we’re only doing chargepoint installations, because there’s so much demand for it,” he predicts.

Collins, too, is optimistic. However, he also sounds a note of caution. “This is a great opportunity, but if you’re going to do it, do it properly.”

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The inside line on industry updates and changes

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GET IT ON THE RECORD The EAS update means contractors need to think carefully about their CPD. John O’Neill, NICEIC and ELECSA’s technical director, outlines some of the key changes

ART PRODUCTION CLIENT

By now, I hope you’ve all received the information we shared about the industrywide 2020 update to the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS).

Understandably, this news is generating a lot of conversation in the press and on social media, much of which, I’m pleased to say, welcomes the update. At NICEIC and ELECSA, we also welcome the update. It has been designed to raise standards, safeguard consumers and protect the technical integrity of our industry, so we see it as delivering improvement and driving us all forward.

One of the biggest developments in the EAS update relates to new applicants wanting to join a certification/ registration body such as NICEIC. From 1 September, short courses, auditable evidence and certificates of competence

What does this update mean for you?

All registered electrical contractors will notice changes as assessment processes are enhanced. One area that’s worth focusing on is continuing professional development (CPD).

Moving forward, your NICEIC and ELECSA assessor will ask for evidence of CPD for all employed persons. You must take steps now to start recording the learning you are undertaking.

CPD comes in many forms, from self-learning by reading technical

OUR TOP TIPS ON CPD COMPLIANCE

1 Get recording

If you don’t yet have a way of recording your CPD, visit our EAS webpage at niceic.com/eas and download our CPD record template (above).

2

Subscribe to our newsletters

We’re restructuring our monthly newsletter material.

From September, we’ll be issuing two a month: l A Technical CPD newsletter delivering technical articles, on-demand webinars and more.

Gained sufficient knowledge of product marking now the UK has left the EU. This is important as it aids me in understanding which equipment has been approved for sale and use in the UK.

will no longer be recognised. That means we won’t be able to accept these as qualifying forms of technical education for new applicants.

But that’s not the only change brought about by the update.

l A Need to Know bulletin of regulatory updates, NICEIC news and other industry information.

These newsletters will deliver free, ready-made packages of CPD learning.

Subscribe today at niceic. com/contractor/essentials/ newsletter-sign-up. If you already receive our monthly newsletters, don’t worry – you don’t need to resubscribe.

3 Tune into The Wire

The Wire is our exclusive CPD-accredited technical

articles, listening to podcasts or attending webinars, through to more formal methods such as attending training courses or acquiring new qualifications.

Whatever the method or source, you need to ensure that everyone in your business is undertaking CPD and that you’re logging it. Doing this doesn’t have to be overly complex. And we’re committed to helping you meet the new standard.

even easier to identify key CPD opportunities and will provide a handy reference point for updating your personal log.

webinar programme. The last series alone reached more than 10,000 contractors. All episodes are available to watch live or on-demand. Visit niceic.com/ contractor/essentials/events/ the-wire to learn more.

5 Training tailored to you

Like The Wire, the Technical Section of this magazine is now CPD-accredited. This stamp of approval is recognition of the industry-leading material featured. Moving forward, we’ll also include a CPD checklist in each issue. The list will make it

l To learn more about the EAS update and the new requirements, visit niceic.com/eas

the most 4 ofMakeConnections

NICEIC and ELECSA’s training portfolio includes a huge range of courses run by expert tutors.

Training is offered face-to-face, in the virtual classroom, and with blended and bespoke options. See what’s available at niceic.com/ contractor/training-courses

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Need to know, 2

Need to know VERSION

SHORT BUT SWEET REPRO OP

SUCCESS IN PETITION FOR BETTER PUB SAFETY

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CARDIFF APPRENTICE TAKES TOP HONOUR PRODUCTION CLIENT

An apprentice from NICEICregistered Blues Electrical in Cardiff has seen off more than 2,000 hopefuls to win Screwfix’s Trade Apprentice of the Year competition.

Kaiden Ashun, 21, took the top honours in the digital final, having impressed an expert judging panel including NICEIC technical director John O’Neill and representatives from the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering and the Federation of Master Builders.

The judges handed the prize to Ashun for his

entrepreneurial nature, his passion for a future in the trade and his desire to keep on upskilling. The top prize bundle, worth more than £10,000, included £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget and £2,000 worth of technology to kick-start his career.

“My whole family is in the trade,” Ashun says. “It’s a great job to get into, as you can be your own boss and you get great satisfaction from a job well done and a happy customer.”

Ashun is studying towards an electrotechnical

installations qualification at Cardiff and Vale College.

As part of the prize, the college also received a £2,000 donation from Screwfix towards helping other young apprentices study their trade.

In the final, Ashun also discussed how he hopes to encourage others to take on an apprenticeship. He is currently one of 17 apprentices at Blues Electrical. “He has always been motivated and enthusiastic, and this win has boosted that even more,” says Carina Henriques, Blues Electrical’s head office manager.

There is growing support for a change to the rules relating to electrical checks in pubs, following the tragic death of Harvey Tyrrell in 2018. The seven-year-old died at the King Harold pub in Romford, East London, after touching a light connected to a faulty circuit running around the pub garden’s perimeter. More than 450,000 signatures have been gathered calling for more stringent checks, and the government is reportedly looking into the issues raised by the campaign.

HALOGEN LAMP BAN Remember that sales of halogen lamps will be banned from this September, as part of the government’s plan to tackle climate change.

From that date, retailers will no longer be allowed to sell most halogen lamps – primarily used in kitchen spotlights – in an effort to encourage the use of lowenergy LED lamps instead.

LEDs are expected to account for 85% of the lamp market by 2030, cutting carbon emissions by a whopping 1.26 million tonnes.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY FIRST CALLS FOR A SAFER SOCIAL RENTED SECTOR Electrical Safety First (ESF) is calling for five-yearly checks of electrical installations by a registered competent person to be made mandatory for England’s social rented sector.

The charity wants social housing to have parity with the private rented sector, where electrical safety check

legislation has already been introduced.

Scotland has already updated its standard for social housing to include five-yearly electrical checks.

Wales is committed to introducing mandatory checks for both sectors, but legislation isn’t expected until 2022.

Northern Ireland has

no specified regulations for either sector but has committed to introduce them into the PRS. Meanwhile, in England, social housing providers must make sure their stock is safe, but no one law outlines how they should demonstrate that.

ESF’s report looks at the situation across the UK, the challenges

ahead and the views of local authorities and social housing providers.

A survey of the social rented sector by ESF also found strong support for mandatory checks.

Read the full report at: bit.ly/2T1wCii

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Need to know, 3

Need to know VERSION REPRO OP

LOW CARBON STILL ON THE AGENDA FOR NEW HOMES

SUBS

The government’s Green Homes Grant scheme may have closed, but the low-carbon agenda continues, according to Dani Putney, NICEIC and ELECSA’s certification and accreditation services manager (right).

“The closure was disappointing for contractors who had invested time and money in broadening their skills and certifications to operate under the £1.5bn scheme,” she says. “But there is still a commitment to decarbonisation, and the rollout of low-carbon installations in homes and buildings continues nonetheless.”

The prime minister has committed to the ambitious target of cutting emissions by 78% by 2035 compared with 1990 levels, and the

SHORT BUT SWEET

ART

consultation on the Future Homes Standard will help to deliver clarity by looking into issues such as effective insulation, smart technology and ventilation improvements.

The government has already said that new-build properties must be carbonneutral by 2025 with, for example, gas boilers no longer being allowed.

Ground- and air-source heat pumps will replace them as the primary heating technology. A total of 600,000 heat pumps will need to be installed by 2028, creating 50,000 jobs by 2030.

Existing housing stock must be considered too, of course, with the government recently announcing stricter Energy Efficiency Ratings.

SAY HELLO TO THE NICEIC CERT APP The NICEIC Cert App is here and ready to download. This handy app allows you to work offline to start completing Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificates, Domestic Electrical Installation Certificates and Domestic Electrical Installation Condition Reports. It’s now available on both iPads and Android tablets.

Search “NICEIC Cert App” in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

PRODUCTION

VIRTUAL EUROPEAN CHARITY RACE

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VIEWS

CLIENT

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our Connections magazine survey.

Following our recent relaunch, it was great to see that two-thirds of you described the magazine as better than before, with 65% of you rating the value of the magazine as excellent.

Looking at the most popular bits, as expected, the technical content came out on top, closely followed by our NICEIC updates and Caught on Camera.

We’re constantly looking to improve, so one critical question was what you want to see more of. Again, technical content was top of the list, alongside more best-practice case studies, advice on emerging opportunities, career development tools and general business support.

Two teams from Certsure recently did their bit for charity and virtually took in the sights of Europe. In a fundraising initiative organised for the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC), the “Cirque De Sore Legs” and “Not Fast, Just Furious” teams competed by running, cycling and swimming through several checkpoints in the virtual race between 3 May and 18 June, as part of the £15,000 fundraising effort.

WILL AMLOT; TOM HUMBERSTONE

RAPID RISE IN PRS-RELATED CALLS TO OUR HELPLINE Calls to the NICEIC and ELECSA technical helpline more than doubled in the run-up to the deadline for electrical checks in the private rented sector (PRS).

Ahead of the new PRS legislation coming into force, the helpline peaked at more than 600 calls a day. Most came from contractors looking for clarity on the rules relating to EICRs and

guidance on the right coding. Landlords and letting agents were also calling in looking for advice about the new rules, particularly how they would be enforced during the pandemic.

Sam Donaghy, NICEIC and ELECSA’s technical helpline manager (right), says: “Many of the questions from contractors related to appropriate coding

on EICRs – which, as we all know, are not always straightforward – while landlords sought guidance on the legislation itself.

In both scenarios, we signposted callers to the NICEIC website.”

Online resources include details of the latest government advice on COVID-19, which states that although the planned implementation and timings of the PRS

legislation will not change, a “pragmatic, risk-based approach to enforcement” is being encouraged. Other materials include Electrical Safety First’s Best Practice Guide 4 and the Wiring Regulations Advisory Group’s FAQs section.

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91NICJUL21130.pgs 09.07.2021 17:01

Ask the team, 1

Ask the team VERSION REPRO OP

THE KEY QUESTIONS YOU’VE BEEN ASKING US RECENTLY. OVER TO YOU, TEAM HELPLINE…

8 4 7

1

SUBS

From queries about the regulations to best-practice advice, our technical engineers are on hand to answer your questions

PRODUCTION

In the context of BS 5839-6, and referring to clause 10.1.4 of that standard, a carbon monoxide detector is a point-type device designed to respond to carbon monoxide (CO) produced by a fire where there is incomplete combustion as a result of a lack of oxygen.

CO detectors should conform to BS EN 54-26: 2015, Fire detection and fire alarm systems – Part 26: Carbon monoxide detectors – Point detectors.

Combination heat/CO detectors should conform to BS EN 54-30: 2015, Fire detection and fire alarm systems – Part 30: Multi-sensor fire detectors – Point detectors using a combination of carbon monoxide and heat sensors.

CO detectors respond to most types of fires appreciably faster than heat detectors and are not prone to false alarms as a result of contamination by dust, steam and cigarette smoke. However, the electrochemical sensor element within the detector has a finite life and typically requires replacement after around seven years. This may make them unsuitable for use in premises that are unlikely to be subject to regular maintenance.

It should be noted that the installation and use of CO detectors conforming to the BS EN 50291 series – Gas detectors, electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide in domestic premises – are excluded from the scope of BS 5839-6 (see clause 10.1.4 of the standard).

A

CLIENT

36

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A

The most significant change introduced in the 2020 amendment to BS 5839-6 – Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings – Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises was the inclusion in clause 24.2 of a new indent 15, stating that a warning, aimed at the householder, should be included within the instructions to users provided by manufacturers of smoke alarms. This new indent further advises that the wording of this warning should be as follows or equivalent:

9

Why does BS 5839-6: 2019+A1: 2020 exclude carbon monoxide detectors to BS EN 50291-1?

BS 5839-6: 2019 was amended in 2020. What changes were made in this amendment?

WARNING. Experience has shown that children might not be woken by fire alarm tones. It is important that children are never left alone in a dwelling. Families should have a fire escape plan that is rehearsed, so that everyone knows how to escape if fire occurs. The immediate priority when fire occurs is to ensure that any sleeping children are woken from sleep and are immediately taken to a place of safety outside the property, along with all other occupants. The fire and rescue service should always be called without delay, no matter how small the fire.

Carbon monoxide detectors to BS EN 50291-1 are intended only to detect carbon monoxide from faulty or inadequately ventilated heating appliances and are designed to give an alarm signal at much higher carbon monoxide levels than carbon monoxide fire detectors. This makes them unsuitable to provide early warning of fire.

A

Is it acceptable for me, as the electrical contractor, to remove the distributor’s service fuse at the origin of an installation to find out its current rating?

How can I find out the rating of the distributor’s service fuse?

No. Except in the rare circumstances where this is permitted by a formal agreement with the distributor, you must not remove the service fuse, whether to find out its current rating or for any other reason. The service fuse and its carrier are the distributor’s property, and an electrical contractor is not authorised to interfere with these.

Also, unauthorised removal of revenue seals may leave you liable to prosecution in relation to alleged theft of electricity (illegal abstraction).

More importantly, it can be very dangerous to attempt to remove the service fuse where the service head has suffered damage or deterioration, particularly in the case of older pattern, metal-clad types.

Distributors’ and meter operators’ employees who are authorised to remove service fuses have received specific training on the appropriate procedures and on the hazards that may be present. These employees are also provided with a range of personal protective equipment, including full-face visors and specially designed gloves to provide both electrical insulation and physical protection from arcing and the like.

You might be able to find out the rating (and type) of the distributor’s service fuse from the Electrical Installation Certificate or from an Electrical Installation Condition Report on the installation.

Otherwise, you could contact the distributor and request this information.

The distributor has an obligation to provide you with a written statement of the type and rating of the service fuse and certain other information, if you can show reasonable cause for needing it (such as for use in connection with the design, certification or inspection and testing of the installation).

The obligation for the distributor to provide the information is set out in regulation 28 (and particularly indent c) of the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002, which states that:

A

A

ILLUSTRATIONS: TOM HUMBERSTONE

ART

In connection with the recommendations given in BS 5839-6:2019+A1: 2020 for fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises, what is a carbon monoxide fire detector?

3

5 6

Meet the team 1 Sam Donaghy Technical engineering manager 2 Craig Kemp Standards engineer 3 Mark Barnes-Rider Standards engineer 4 Mark Cooper 5 Norman Bradshaw 6 Craig Cunningham 7 Duncan McFarlane 8 Jonathan Dare 9 George Georgiou Technical helpline engineers

A distributor shall provide, in respect of any existing or proposed consumer’s installation which is connected or is to be connected to his network, to any person who can show a reasonable cause for requiring the information, a written statement of – l the maximum prospective short circuit current at the supply terminals; l for low-voltage connections, the maximum earth loop impedance of the earth fault path outside the installation; l the type and rating of the distributor’s protective device or devices nearest to the supply terminals; l the type of earthing system applicable to the connection; and l the information specified in regulation 27(1); – which apply, or will apply, to that installation.

If the energy meter has been replaced recently, there may be a label on the fuse carrier indicating the rating of the service fuse. If this is used when completing a report, the source of this information should be noted.

2

Can I find out the rating of the distributor’s service fuse by checking the current stated on the fuse carrier?

No. You cannot assume that the current stated on the fuse carrier is the same as the rated current (In) of the service fuse itself. The current stated on the fuse carrier is the rated uninterrupted current (Iu) of the cut-out assembly (clause 5.2a of BS 7657: 2010, Specification for cut-out assemblies up to 100 A rating, for power supply to buildings).

Although the fuse carriers for modern service cut-outs may be rated at either 60 A or 100 A per phase, it is possible to obtain fuses of ratings up to 100 A to fit both types of fuse carrier. Therefore, a service fuse carrier displaying a 60 A uninterrupted current rating could actually contain a fuse of up to 100 A rated current.

Furthermore, BS 7657 specifically requires that both ratings of fuse carrier shall fit all associated fuse bases (clause 7.1.3).

A

Do you have a technical query?

CALL OUR HELPLINE ON 03330 156628

SUMMER 2021

37

91NICJUL21131.pgs 09.07.2021 16:52

Ask the team, 1

Ask the team VERSION REPRO OP

THE KEY QUESTIONS YOU’VE BEEN ASKING US RECENTLY. OVER TO YOU, TEAM HELPLINE…

8 4 7

1

SUBS

From queries about the regulations to best-practice advice, our technical engineers are on hand to answer your questions

PRODUCTION

In the context of BS 5839-6, and referring to clause 10.1.4 of that standard, a carbon monoxide detector is a point-type device designed to respond to carbon monoxide (CO) produced by a fire where there is incomplete combustion as a result of a lack of oxygen.

CO detectors should conform to BS EN 54-26: 2015, Fire detection and fire alarm systems – Part 26: Carbon monoxide detectors – Point detectors.

Combination heat/CO detectors should conform to BS EN 54-30: 2015, Fire detection and fire alarm systems – Part 30: Multi-sensor fire detectors – Point detectors using a combination of carbon monoxide and heat sensors.

CO detectors respond to most types of fires appreciably faster than heat detectors and are not prone to false alarms as a result of contamination by dust, steam and cigarette smoke. However, the electrochemical sensor element within the detector has a finite life and typically requires replacement after around seven years. This may make them unsuitable for use in premises that are unlikely to be subject to regular maintenance.

It should be noted that the installation and use of CO detectors conforming to the BS EN 50291 series – Gas detectors, electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide in domestic premises – are excluded from the scope of BS 5839-6 (see clause 10.1.4 of the standard).

A

CLIENT

36

SUMMER 2021

BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN

A

The most significant change introduced in the 2020 amendment to BS 5839-6 – Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings – Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises was the inclusion in clause 24.2 of a new indent 15, stating that a warning, aimed at the householder, should be included within the instructions to users provided by manufacturers of smoke alarms. This new indent further advises that the wording of this warning should be as follows or equivalent:

9

Why does BS 5839-6: 2019+A1: 2020 exclude carbon monoxide detectors to BS EN 50291-1?

BS 5839-6: 2019 was amended in 2020. What changes were made in this amendment?

WARNING. Experience has shown that children might not be woken by fire alarm tones. It is important that children are never left alone in a dwelling. Families should have a fire escape plan that is rehearsed, so that everyone knows how to escape if fire occurs. The immediate priority when fire occurs is to ensure that any sleeping children are woken from sleep and are immediately taken to a place of safety outside the property, along with all other occupants. The fire and rescue service should always be called without delay, no matter how small the fire.

Carbon monoxide detectors to BS EN 50291-1 are intended only to detect carbon monoxide from faulty or inadequately ventilated heating appliances and are designed to give an alarm signal at much higher carbon monoxide levels than carbon monoxide fire detectors. This makes them unsuitable to provide early warning of fire.

A

Is it acceptable for me, as the electrical contractor, to remove the distributor’s service fuse at the origin of an installation to find out its current rating?

How can I find out the rating of the distributor’s service fuse?

No. Except in the rare circumstances where this is permitted by a formal agreement with the distributor, you must not remove the service fuse, whether to find out its current rating or for any other reason. The service fuse and its carrier are the distributor’s property, and an electrical contractor is not authorised to interfere with these.

Also, unauthorised removal of revenue seals may leave you liable to prosecution in relation to alleged theft of electricity (illegal abstraction).

More importantly, it can be very dangerous to attempt to remove the service fuse where the service head has suffered damage or deterioration, particularly in the case of older pattern, metal-clad types.

Distributors’ and meter operators’ employees who are authorised to remove service fuses have received specific training on the appropriate procedures and on the hazards that may be present. These employees are also provided with a range of personal protective equipment, including full-face visors and specially designed gloves to provide both electrical insulation and physical protection from arcing and the like.

You might be able to find out the rating (and type) of the distributor’s service fuse from the Electrical Installation Certificate or from an Electrical Installation Condition Report on the installation.

Otherwise, you could contact the distributor and request this information.

The distributor has an obligation to provide you with a written statement of the type and rating of the service fuse and certain other information, if you can show reasonable cause for needing it (such as for use in connection with the design, certification or inspection and testing of the installation).

The obligation for the distributor to provide the information is set out in regulation 28 (and particularly indent c) of the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002, which states that:

A

A

ILLUSTRATIONS: TOM HUMBERSTONE

ART

In connection with the recommendations given in BS 5839-6:2019+A1: 2020 for fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises, what is a carbon monoxide fire detector?

3

5 6

Meet the team 1 Sam Donaghy Technical engineering manager 2 Craig Kemp Standards engineer 3 Mark Barnes-Rider Standards engineer 4 Mark Cooper 5 Norman Bradshaw 6 Craig Cunningham 7 Duncan McFarlane 8 Jonathan Dare 9 George Georgiou Technical helpline engineers

A distributor shall provide, in respect of any existing or proposed consumer’s installation which is connected or is to be connected to his network, to any person who can show a reasonable cause for requiring the information, a written statement of – l the maximum prospective short circuit current at the supply terminals; l for low-voltage connections, the maximum earth loop impedance of the earth fault path outside the installation; l the type and rating of the distributor’s protective device or devices nearest to the supply terminals; l the type of earthing system applicable to the connection; and l the information specified in regulation 27(1); – which apply, or will apply, to that installation.

If the energy meter has been replaced recently, there may be a label on the fuse carrier indicating the rating of the service fuse. If this is used when completing a report, the source of this information should be noted.

2

Can I find out the rating of the distributor’s service fuse by checking the current stated on the fuse carrier?

No. You cannot assume that the current stated on the fuse carrier is the same as the rated current (In) of the service fuse itself. The current stated on the fuse carrier is the rated uninterrupted current (Iu) of the cut-out assembly (clause 5.2a of BS 7657: 2010, Specification for cut-out assemblies up to 100 A rating, for power supply to buildings).

Although the fuse carriers for modern service cut-outs may be rated at either 60 A or 100 A per phase, it is possible to obtain fuses of ratings up to 100 A to fit both types of fuse carrier. Therefore, a service fuse carrier displaying a 60 A uninterrupted current rating could actually contain a fuse of up to 100 A rated current.

Furthermore, BS 7657 specifically requires that both ratings of fuse carrier shall fit all associated fuse bases (clause 7.1.3).

A

Do you have a technical query?

CALL OUR HELPLINE ON 03330 156628

SUMMER 2021

37

91NICJUL21131.pgs 09.07.2021 16:52

Walraven VERSION REPRO OP SUBS ART PRODUCTION CLIENT

BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN

91NICJUL21107.pgs 06.07.2021 16:16

Technical section, 1

Technical VERSION

LET’S GET

REPRO OP SUBS ART

YOUR INDUSTRY-LEADING REFERENCE GUIDE

PRODUCTION

40 CLIENT

43 47

Changes to markings on products placed on the market in the UK Converting to a TT earthing arrangement at a remote building Exporting a PME supply to an outbuilding using an SWA cable

52 55 58 65

Smart buildings part 2 – KNX installations Smart buildings part 3 – Retrofitting KNX Common shortcomings in electric vehicle charging equipment installations Product Focus – The pick of the latest offerings

NICEIC AND ELECSA TECHNICAL ARTICLES ARE NOW CPD CERTIFIED As an externally verified seal of approval, the CPD certification demonstrates our commitment to delivering gold-standard levels of technical know-how. Check out our latest batch of articles now and keep yourself at the forefront of technical excellence.

SUMMER 2021

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39

91NICJUL21132.pgs 09.07.2021 18:04

Technical

VERSION REPRO OP

CHANGES TO MARKINGS ON PRODUCTS PLACED ON THE MARKET IN THE UK

SUBS ART

Objective: As a result of the UK leaving the EU, changes have been made to the requirements for the safety markings on goods including electrical products sold in Great Britain. This article, based on official government guidance, provides some detail on the new product marking requirements applicable to all parts of the UK.

PRODUCTION

Introduction

CLIENT

Now that the UK has left the EU, the United Kingdom Conformity Assessed (UKCA) mark replaces the CE marking in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) for most electrical products.

By applying the UKCA mark to a product, the manufacturer is stating that it meets UK safety regulations.

Northern Ireland will continue to follow EU rules and display the CE mark. If a UK-approved body has been used to assess a product that originates from Northern Ireland and that is sold in Great Britain (GB), the UKNI mark will also be displayed.

mark. The only exception to this is any product that originates from Northern Ireland, which will still be able to be sold with the CE marking alone.

Focusing on the implications for the marking of electrical products for sale in the UK, a number of changes are being introduced for the marking of products.

CE marking

Many products that are traded on the single market in the European Economic Area (EEA) are marked with the letters CE, using the symbol shown in Fig 1.

Background

The UK voted to leave the EU in 2016 and officially left the trading bloc on 31 January 2020. However, there was mutual agreement between the UK and the EU to delay any changes on safety markings until 31 December 2020.

To give manufacturers time to implement the changes, a phased introduction has been agreed as follows: l Products that were manufactured and ready for sale before 1 January 2021 can still be sold with the CE marking. l The CE marking will be accepted in England, Wales and Scotland until 31 December 2021, assuming that GB and EU rules remain aligned. l From 1 January 2022, most electrical products sold in GB must have the UKCA

40

Technical section, 2

Technical

SUMMER 2021

BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN

the market in GB. It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking. The conformity assessment processes and standards that can be used to demonstrate conformity for the UKCA marking are largely the same as they were for the CE marking.

The newly introduced UKCA marking is not recognised in the European market. As a result, any electrical products manufactured outside of the EU will require CE marking before they can be placed on sale in the EEA.

UKNI marking

l allows their free movement within

the European market.

When a manufacturer places the CE marking on a product, they are declaring conformity with all of the legal requirements to achieve CE marking.

The manufacturer is thus ensuring validity for that product to be sold throughout the EEA. This also applies to products made in third countries which are sold in the EEA and Turkey.

Not all products must bear the CE mark. Only those product categories subject to specific directives relating to the CE marking are required to be CE marked.

UKCA marking

Fig 3 UKNI marking symbol

Manufactured goods placed on the market in Great Britain

Fig 1 CE marking symbol

Fig 2 UKCA marking symbol The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a new UK product marking that is used for goods being placed on

Summary

This article provides an overview of the changes to product marking introduced as a result of the UK leaving the EU. Products that were manufactured and ready for sale before 1 January 2021 can continue to be sold with the CE marking in GB until 31 December 2021, provided that UK and EU rules remain aligned.

From 1 January 2022, most electrical products sold in GB must have the UKCA mark. The only exception to this rule is products that originate from Northern Ireland, which will still be able to be sold with CE marking alone, or alongside the UKNI mark if a UK body was used to carry out the mandatory third-party conformity assessment.

Further, more in-depth information may be obtained from the following government websites: l CE marking: www.gov.uk/guidance/ ce-marking l UKCA marking: www.gov.uk/ guidance/using-the-ukca-marking l UKNI marking: www.gov.uk/guidance/ using-the-ukni-marking

Table 1 Accepted markings for different markets

Manufactured goods placed on the market in Northern Ireland

The CE marking is required for many products, and: l demonstrates that the manufacturer has checked that the products meet EU safety, health or environmental requirements; l indicates a product’s compliance with EU legislation; and

The UKNI marking is a new conformity marking for products placed on the market in Northern Ireland which have undergone mandatory third-party conformity assessment by a body based in the UK. In Northern Ireland, EU conformity markings continue to be used to show that goods meet EU rules. For most manufactured goods, this is the CE mark, discussed earlier in this article.

However, if a UK body has been used to carry out the mandatory third-party conformity assessment, the new UKNI marking must also be applied using the symbol shown in Fig 3.

Importantly, it should be noted that the UKNI marking should never be applied on its own, as the CE marking is also required.

As was the case for the UKCA marking, the UKNI marking is not recognised within the EEA and so any goods placed on there must carry the CE marking on its own without the UKNI marking.

Table 1 below, reproduced from the UK government guidance on product marking, summarises the acceptable forms of marking for the different markets.

Qualifying Northern Ireland goods placed on the market in Great Britain (unfettered access)

Goods placed on the EU market

Type of goods

Accepted marking or combination of markings

Goods placed on the GB market until the end of 2021

UKCA or CE

Goods placed on the GB market from 1 Jan 2022

UKCA

Goods placed on NI market using an EU conformity assessment body

CE

Goods placed on NI market using an EU conformity assessment body

CE and UKNI

Qualifying Northern Ireland goods being placed on the GB market under unfettered access

CE or CE and UKNI

CE

SUMMER 2021

41

91NICJUL21133.pgs 09.07.2021 17:22

Technical

VERSION REPRO OP

CHANGES TO MARKINGS ON PRODUCTS PLACED ON THE MARKET IN THE UK

SUBS ART

Objective: As a result of the UK leaving the EU, changes have been made to the requirements for the safety markings on goods including electrical products sold in Great Britain. This article, based on official government guidance, provides some detail on the new product marking requirements applicable to all parts of the UK.

PRODUCTION

Introduction

CLIENT

Now that the UK has left the EU, the United Kingdom Conformity Assessed (UKCA) mark replaces the CE marking in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) for most electrical products.

By applying the UKCA mark to a product, the manufacturer is stating that it meets UK safety regulations.

Northern Ireland will continue to follow EU rules and display the CE mark. If a UK-approved body has been used to assess a product that originates from Northern Ireland and that is sold in Great Britain (GB), the UKNI mark will also be displayed.

mark. The only exception to this is any product that originates from Northern Ireland, which will still be able to be sold with the CE marking alone.

Focusing on the implications for the marking of electrical products for sale in the UK, a number of changes are being introduced for the marking of products.

CE marking

Many products that are traded on the single market in the European Economic Area (EEA) are marked with the letters CE, using the symbol shown in Fig 1.

Background

The UK voted to leave the EU in 2016 and officially left the trading bloc on 31 January 2020. However, there was mutual agreement between the UK and the EU to delay any changes on safety markings until 31 December 2020.

To give manufacturers time to implement the changes, a phased introduction has been agreed as follows: l Products that were manufactured and ready for sale before 1 January 2021 can still be sold with the CE marking. l The CE marking will be accepted in England, Wales and Scotland until 31 December 2021, assuming that GB and EU rules remain aligned. l From 1 January 2022, most electrical products sold in GB must have the UKCA

40

Technical section, 2

Technical

SUMMER 2021

BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN

the market in GB. It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking. The conformity assessment processes and standards that can be used to demonstrate conformity for the UKCA marking are largely the same as they were for the CE marking.

The newly introduced UKCA marking is not recognised in the European market. As a result, any electrical products manufactured outside of the EU will require CE marking before they can be placed on sale in the EEA.

UKNI marking

l allows their free movement within

the European market.

When a manufacturer places the CE marking on a product, they are declaring conformity with all of the legal requirements to achieve CE marking.

The manufacturer is thus ensuring validity for that product to be sold throughout the EEA. This also applies to products made in third countries which are sold in the EEA and Turkey.

Not all products must bear the CE mark. Only those product categories subject to specific directives relating to the CE marking are required to be CE marked.

UKCA marking

Fig 3 UKNI marking symbol

Manufactured goods placed on the market in Great Britain

Fig 1 CE marking symbol

Fig 2 UKCA marking symbol The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a new UK product marking that is used for goods being placed on

Summary

This article provides an overview of the changes to product marking introduced as a result of the UK leaving the EU. Products that were manufactured and ready for sale before 1 January 2021 can continue to be sold with the CE marking in GB until 31 December 2021, provided that UK and EU rules remain aligned.

From 1 January 2022, most electrical products sold in GB must have the UKCA mark. The only exception to this rule is products that originate from Northern Ireland, which will still be able to be sold with CE marking alone, or alongside the UKNI mark if a UK body was used to carry out the mandatory third-party conformity assessment.

Further, more in-depth information may be obtained from the following government websites: l CE marking: www.gov.uk/guidance/ ce-marking l UKCA marking: www.gov.uk/ guidance/using-the-ukca-marking l UKNI marking: www.gov.uk/guidance/ using-the-ukni-marking

Table 1 Accepted markings for different markets

Manufactured goods placed on the market in Northern Ireland

The CE marking is required for many products, and: l demonstrates that the manufacturer has checked that the products meet EU safety, health or environmental requirements; l indicates a product’s compliance with EU legislation; and

The UKNI marking is a new conformity marking for products placed on the market in Northern Ireland which have undergone mandatory third-party conformity assessment by a body based in the UK. In Northern Ireland, EU conformity markings continue to be used to show that goods meet EU rules. For most manufactured goods, this is the CE mark, discussed earlier in this article.

However, if a UK body has been used to carry out the mandatory third-party conformity assessment, the new UKNI marking must also be applied using the symbol shown in Fig 3.

Importantly, it should be noted that the UKNI marking should never be applied on its own, as the CE marking is also required.

As was the case for the UKCA marking, the UKNI marking is not recognised within the EEA and so any goods placed on there must carry the CE marking on its own without the UKNI marking.

Table 1 below, reproduced from the UK government guidance on product marking, summarises the acceptable forms of marking for the different markets.

Qualifying Northern Ireland goods placed on the market in Great Britain (unfettered access)

Goods placed on the EU market

Type of goods

Accepted marking or combination of markings

Goods placed on the GB market until the end of 2021

UKCA or CE

Goods placed on the GB market from 1 Jan 2022

UKCA

Goods placed on NI market using an EU conformity assessment body

CE

Goods placed on NI market using an EU conformity assessment body

CE and UKNI

Qualifying Northern Ireland goods being placed on the GB market under unfettered access

CE or CE and UKNI

CE

SUMMER 2021

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Luceco VERSION REPRO OP SUBS ART PRODUCTION CLIENT

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91NICJUL21152.pgs 12.07.2021 12:49

Technical section, 3

Technical VERSION REPRO OP SUBS

CONVERTING TO A TT EARTHING ARRANGEMENT AT A REMOTE BUILDING

ART

Objective: Many domestic premises have one or more detached outbuildings such as a garage, home office/studio or greenhouse, which may require an electrical supply from the main installation for lighting and power. This article considers the use of a TT system earthing arrangement rather than the PME earthing facility to the host premises in such detached buildings where supplied via a steel-wire armoured cable.

PRODUCTION

Introduction

CLIENT

One of the more common queries to our helpdesk concerns running a supply to an outbuilding where the main premises utilises a Protective Multiple Earth (PME) earthing facility from the Distribution Network Operator (DNO).

In general, BS 7671 permits the use of a PME earthing facility to such an outbuilding. Where there are no extraneous-conductive-parts present, there is no requirement for main protective bonding to be provided in the outbuilding. However, where there are extraneous-conductive-parts such as metallic services or metallic structural parts, main protective bonding must be provided for these parts (411.3.1.2).

The export of a PME earthing facility to such an outbuilding is discussed in a companion article elsewhere in this issue.

BS 7671 permits the functions of a circuit protective conductor and a protective bonding conductor to be combined in a single conductor where the requirements for both uses are met (542.1.1). The minimum sizing requirements where PME conditions apply are significantly more onerous than where they do not, as the sizing is based on the cross-sectional area (csa) of the protective earth neutral (PEN) conductor of the incoming supply (544.1.1).

In such cases, a designer may choose to adopt a TT system earthing

arrangement relying on locally installed earthing electrodes as an alternative to the use of the PME earthing facility for all or part of an installation. However, this is not without its own issues, which will be considered further in this article.

Adequacy of armour to serve as the circuit protective conductor for the distribution circuit cable For the purposes of this example, imagine the outbuilding in question is supplied from the origin in the main building via a two-core steel-wire armoured (SWA) cable having 6 mm2 copper conductors and 90°C thermosetting insulation. The SWA cable has been installed alone, “clipped direct”. The cable is protected by a 32A Type-B circuit-breaker. It has already been established that this armouring is suitable to serve as a protective conductor and so may be utilised for the distribution circuit cable.

As the PME earthing facility available at the main premises will not be used for the installation of the outbuilding, the armouring must be earthed at the supply end in the main premises and insulated from the TT system earthing arrangement to be used at the outbuilding end to comply with regulation 542.1.3.3.

This may be achieved in a number of ways, described in this article.

Where regulation 421.1.201 does not apply Regulation 421.1.201 While regulation 421.1.201 requires consumer units within domestic/ household premises to be of noncombustible construction or to be enclosed in a cabinet or similar of non-combustible construction, this requirement does not apply to consumer units in garages and other buildings which are not an integral part of, or attached to domestic premises, or which are at a sufficient distance away that they pose no risk of fire spread to the domestic premises.

The use of a consumer unit of all-insulated construction Where regulation 421.1.201 does not apply, the use of a consumer unit of all-insulated construction provides a cost-effective, practical means of isolating the PME earthing facility from the TT system earthing arrangement at the outbuilding, where: l the incoming SWA cable is glanded into the consumer unit body; and l no connection is made between the earthed cable gland body and earthing SUMMER 2021

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Fig 1 Use of allinsulated consumer unit to isolate the PME earthing facility from the TT system earthing

CLIENT

terminal of the consumer unit, or any other exposed-conductive-part or extraneous-conductive-part of the outbuilding installation (see Fig 1).

Termination of the SWA cable into a non-metallic glanding plate affixed to a consumer unit of metallic construction Where regulation 421.1.201 does not apply, it is also possible to achieve the necessary separation between the two earthing arrangements by glanding the incoming SWA cable into an insulating gland plate, of paxolene or similar material, fitted to replace all or part of an original metallic gland plate or outer casing of a metallic consumer unit (see Fig 2). The basic principle is the same as the use of a consumer unit of all-insulated construction as described earlier.

Accessibility of the SWA gland within the enclosure In both of the methods described previously, the earthed gland body passes through the outer casing of

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Fig 2 Use of an insulating gland plate to isolate the PME earthing facility from the TT system earthing the consumer unit and could allow simultaneous access to the two separate earthing arrangements in contravention of regulation 542.1.3.3, and so reliable measures likely to remain effective for the life of the installation would need to be provided to prevent any such simultaneous access within the consumer unit.

This might be achieved by the insertion of an insulating barrier over the incoming gland with a cable entry only sufficient to allow the live conductors still within the serving layer to pass through into the enclosure.

The fabrication of this arrangement may be time-consuming, and a siteassembled arrangement would have to be agreed as an acceptable design arrangement with the person ordering the work. Other sufficiently robust and lastingly effective methods could also be employed to prevent potential instances of simultaneous contact.

Where regulation 421.1.201 applies Termination of the SWA cable into a non-metallic adaptable box close-coupled to a consumer unit of metallic construction In cases where regulation 421.1.201 applies and a metallic cased consumer unit is employed, the isolation between the two earthing arrangements could be achieved by a terminating the incoming SWA cable into an adaptable box of nonmetallic construction close-coupled to a metallic cased consumer unit (see Fig 3).

The use of insulating SWA glands Insulating SWA glands expressly designed to provide a break in continuity between the armouring and the enclosure into which it is installed are available from a number of manufacturers (see Fig 4). These are significantly more expensive (around 10 times the price) when compared to a conventional SWA gland of equivalent size, but a designer might consider their use to be a time- and cost-effective

Fig 3 Use of an insulating adaptable box to isolate the PME earthing facility from the TT system earthing option when considered against some of the other alternatives described in this article.

Provision of the earth electrode arrangement This article will not consider the provision of the earthing electrode as a means of earthing at the outbuilding in any detail. However, irrespective of the type of material the consumer unit is manufactured from, where an installation forms part of a TT earthing system, regulation 411.5.2 typically requires the use of one or more RCDs as a protective measure for fault protection, and they shall be placed at the origin of the installation (see also regulation 411.5.3).

Whatever arrangement is ultimately employed, the resistance of the electrode(s) should be as low as possible. Note that BS 7671 recommends an external earth fault impedance not exceeding 200 Ω in order to ensure stability at all material times throughout the year (see regulation 531.2.3 and note 2 to table 41.5).

Fig 4 The use of an insulating SWA gland to isolate the PME earthing facility from the TT system earthing As is the case whenever installing earth electrodes – and, in particular, those driven into the ground vertically – care must be taken to avoid impact and subsequent damage to buried service cables, pipes and the like. In some cases, any such impact may cause disruption and incur repair costs. In other cases, such as impact with live conductors, this may pose a significant risk.

The introduction of a second earthing arrangement brings with it the risk of simultaneous accessibility between exposed-conductive-parts and extraneous-conductive-parts not connected to the same earthing system. And it is worth reiterating that any such simultaneous accessibility would be considered a contravention of the second paragraph of regulation 411.3.1.1.

Summary Where an installation utilises a PME earthing facility, in many cases the armouring of an SWA will not be sufficient to act as a main protective bonding conductor and so either a

separate conductor must be installed or, alternatively, it may be chosen not to utilise the PME earthing facility and to use instead a TT system arrangement at the outbuilding.

Whatever earthing system has been provided by the distributor, where a contractor has been engaged to provide a supply to an outbuilding, it is their responsibility to ensure that a suitable and adequate means of earthing and protective bonding, if required, is in place.

Care must therefore be taken when installing the electrodes that provide the earthing arrangement and to ensure that it is not possible to make simultaneous contact with parts anywhere which are connected to different earthing systems.

INTERESTED IN THIS TOPIC? Why not check out the episode of The Wire on SUPPLY TO OUTBUILDINGS? It’s available to watch on demand now. Visit niceic.com/events to register

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Fig 1 Use of allinsulated consumer unit to isolate the PME earthing facility from the TT system earthing

CLIENT

terminal of the consumer unit, or any other exposed-conductive-part or extraneous-conductive-part of the outbuilding installation (see Fig 1).

Termination of the SWA cable into a non-metallic glanding plate affixed to a consumer unit of metallic construction Where regulation 421.1.201 does not apply, it is also possible to achieve the necessary separation between the two earthing arrangements by glanding the incoming SWA cable into an insulating gland plate, of paxolene or similar material, fitted to replace all or part of an original metallic gland plate or outer casing of a metallic consumer unit (see Fig 2). The basic principle is the same as the use of a consumer unit of all-insulated construction as described earlier.

Accessibility of the SWA gland within the enclosure In both of the methods described previously, the earthed gland body passes through the outer casing of

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Fig 2 Use of an insulating gland plate to isolate the PME earthing facility from the TT system earthing the consumer unit and could allow simultaneous access to the two separate earthing arrangements in contravention of regulation 542.1.3.3, and so reliable measures likely to remain effective for the life of the installation would need to be provided to prevent any such simultaneous access within the consumer unit.

This might be achieved by the insertion of an insulating barrier over the incoming gland with a cable entry only sufficient to allow the live conductors still within the serving layer to pass through into the enclosure.

The fabrication of this arrangement may be time-consuming, and a siteassembled arrangement would have to be agreed as an acceptable design arrangement with the person ordering the work. Other sufficiently robust and lastingly effective methods could also be employed to prevent potential instances of simultaneous contact.

Where regulation 421.1.201 applies Termination of the SWA cable into a non-metallic adaptable box close-coupled to a consumer unit of metallic construction In cases where regulation 421.1.201 applies and a metallic cased consumer unit is employed, the isolation between the two earthing arrangements could be achieved by a terminating the incoming SWA cable into an adaptable box of nonmetallic construction close-coupled to a metallic cased consumer unit (see Fig 3).

The use of insulating SWA glands Insulating SWA glands expressly designed to provide a break in continuity between the armouring and the enclosure into which it is installed are available from a number of manufacturers (see Fig 4). These are significantly more expensive (around 10 times the price) when compared to a conventional SWA gland of equivalent size, but a designer might consider their use to be a time- and cost-effective

Fig 3 Use of an insulating adaptable box to isolate the PME earthing facility from the TT system earthing option when considered against some of the other alternatives described in this article.

Provision of the earth electrode arrangement This article will not consider the provision of the earthing electrode as a means of earthing at the outbuilding in any detail. However, irrespective of the type of material the consumer unit is manufactured from, where an installation forms part of a TT earthing system, regulation 411.5.2 typically requires the use of one or more RCDs as a protective measure for fault protection, and they shall be placed at the origin of the installation (see also regulation 411.5.3).

Whatever arrangement is ultimately employed, the resistance of the electrode(s) should be as low as possible. Note that BS 7671 recommends an external earth fault impedance not exceeding 200 Ω in order to ensure stability at all material times throughout the year (see regulation 531.2.3 and note 2 to table 41.5).

Fig 4 The use of an insulating SWA gland to isolate the PME earthing facility from the TT system earthing As is the case whenever installing earth electrodes – and, in particular, those driven into the ground vertically – care must be taken to avoid impact and subsequent damage to buried service cables, pipes and the like. In some cases, any such impact may cause disruption and incur repair costs. In other cases, such as impact with live conductors, this may pose a significant risk.

The introduction of a second earthing arrangement brings with it the risk of simultaneous accessibility between exposed-conductive-parts and extraneous-conductive-parts not connected to the same earthing system. And it is worth reiterating that any such simultaneous accessibility would be considered a contravention of the second paragraph of regulation 411.3.1.1.

Summary Where an installation utilises a PME earthing facility, in many cases the armouring of an SWA will not be sufficient to act as a main protective bonding conductor and so either a

separate conductor must be installed or, alternatively, it may be chosen not to utilise the PME earthing facility and to use instead a TT system arrangement at the outbuilding.

Whatever earthing system has been provided by the distributor, where a contractor has been engaged to provide a supply to an outbuilding, it is their responsibility to ensure that a suitable and adequate means of earthing and protective bonding, if required, is in place.

Care must therefore be taken when installing the electrodes that provide the earthing arrangement and to ensure that it is not possible to make simultaneous contact with parts anywhere which are connected to different earthing systems.

INTERESTED IN THIS TOPIC? Why not check out the episode of The Wire on SUPPLY TO OUTBUILDINGS? It’s available to watch on demand now. Visit niceic.com/events to register

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EXPORTING A PME SUPPLY TO AN OUTBUILDING USING AN SWA CABLE

ART

Objective: Many domestic premises have one or more detached outbuildings such as a garage, home office/studio or greenhouse, which may require an electrical supply from the main installation for lighting and power. This article considers the use of the PME earthing facility in such detached buildings where supplied via a steel-wire armoured (SWA) cable.

It may be helpful to cross-refer to the article discussing PME earthing and the risks associated with its use in Issue 217 of Connections while reading this article.

PRODUCTION

Introduction

CLIENT

One of the more common queries to our helpdesk concerns running a supply to an outbuilding where the main premises utilises a Protective Multiple Earth (PME) earthing facility from the Distribution Network Operator (DNO).

In general, BS 7671 permits the use of a PME earthing facility to such an outbuilding. Where there are no extraneous-conductive-parts present, there is no requirement for main protective bonding to be provided in the outbuilding. However, where there are extraneous-conductive-parts such as metallic services or metallic structural parts, main protective bonding must be provided for these parts (411.3.1.2).

BS 7671 permits the functions of a circuit protective conductor and a protective bonding conductor to be combined in a single conductor where the requirements for both uses are met (542.1.1). The minimum sizing requirements where PME conditions apply are significantly more onerous than where they do not, as the sizing is based on the cross-sectional area (csa) of the protective earth neutral (PEN) conductor of the incoming supply (544.1.1).

In such cases, a designer may choose to adopt a TT system earthing arrangement relying on locally installed earthing electrodes as

an alternative to the use of the PME earthing facility for all or part of an installation. However, this is not without its own issues.

For a number of other special installations such as swimming pools and agricultural premises for livestock, a PME system is not recommended unless special precautions are taken such as installing earth mats and/or earth electrodes.

Other than as described above, there is no general stipulation within BS 7671 that disallows the exporting of PME earthing to another building.

What are the risks associated with a PME supply?

In a PME earthing arrangement, the supply neutral conductor is connected to earth at the source, with multiple additional earth electrodes connected to it at intervals along its length.

Therefore, the fault return path for both line-earth and line-neutral faults is via the combined conductor.

Using the combined PEN conductor in this way has the advantage of providing a low-impedance return path and allowing for rapid disconnection of overcurrent protective devices under fault conditions.

In general, PME provides a reliable earthing facility for consumers and, as a result, it should be employed within an installation where provided wherever this is permitted and practicable. However, use of a PME arrangement can pose a risk in certain circumstances. These were covered in detail in an article in Issue 217. 1

Supplies to an outbuilding via steelwire armoured cable The following examples consider an outbuilding supplied from the origin in the main building via a two-core steelwire armoured (SWA) cable having 6 mm2 copper conductors and 90°C thermosetting insulation. The SWA cable has been installed alone, “clipped direct”. The cable is protected by a 32 A Type-B circuit-breaker. The conductor size was chosen to address any potential voltage drop issues.

Adequacy of armour to serve as the circuit protective conductor If the armour of the SWA is to be used as a circuit protective conductor (cpc), its csa should satisfy the requirements for a protective conductor using either the 1 A Primer on Protective Multiple Earthing.

Connections Issue 217. Spring 2021.

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adiabatic equation given in regulation 543.1.3 or be selected using Table 54.7 of BS 7671.

REPRO OP

Fig 1 Typical arrangement for a supply to an outbuilding with no extraneousconductive-parts

SUBS

By calculation From Fig 3A4 of BS 7671, the current (I) causing disconnection within 0.1 to 5 seconds is 160 A, and the operating time (t) for this distribution circuit is 5 seconds.

From Table 54.4, the factor (k) for steel armouring of a cable employing 70°C thermoplastic insulation 2 is 51. So, using the equation given in regulation 543.1.3:

From BS EN 13602: 2013, the resistivity (p) for copper is 17.24 mΩ/m.

From BS EN 10257-1: 2011, the resistivity (p) for steel is 138 mΩ/m.

The csa of the steel-wire armouring is calculated using:

As stated earlier, from Table G2 of BS 5467: 2016, the csa of the armouring for two-core 6 mm 2 cable is 22 mm2.

22 < 80.046

ART PRODUCTION

Fig 2 Armouring of supply cable used as both cpc and protective bonding conductor

CLIENT

By selection From Table 54.2, the factor (k1) for line conductors having 70°C insulation is 143.

From Table 54.4, the factor (k2) for steel armouring of a cable employing 70°C thermosetting insulation is 51.

Using the formula from column 3 of Table 54.7:

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From Table G2 of BS 5467: 2016 Thermosetting insulated, armoured cables (of rated voltages 600/900 V for fixed installations), the csa of the armouring for two-core 6 mm2 cable is 22 mm2.

Therefore, the armouring is suitable for use as a cpc whether using calculation or selection.

Adequacy of armour to serve as the main protective bonding conductor where no extraneous-conductiveparts are present If the outbuilding does not contain any extraneous-conductive-parts, there is no requirement for main protective bonding to be provided (see Fig 1).

2 The calculation is based on the normal operating temperature of the thermosetting insulated conductors not exceeding 70°C and so is based on the currentcarrying capacity of the equivalent thermoplastic PVC insulated cable. This is to ensure compatibility between items of equipment and the conductors to which they are connected – See paragraph 2 of regulation 512.1.5.

Adequacy of armour to serve as the main protective bonding conductor where extraneousconductive-parts are present If the outbuilding contains any extraneous-conductive-parts such as metallic services (as shown in

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As such, it can be seen that the armouring of this cable is not sufficient to act as a main protective bonding conductor.

Referring again to Table G2, it can be seen that, for the armouring to be adequate, it would be necessary to use a two-core cable with 50 mm2 circular conductors and armour csa of 86 mm2.

This is an unrealistic proposition for the application.

Possible solutions where the armour is not suitable for use as the main protective bonding conductor The three most likely solutions in this example where the armour is of insufficient csa to be used as a main protective bonding conductor are to: (i) install a three-core 10 mm2 SWA cable and use one of the cores as the protective conductor; (ii) install a separate protective conductor with a csa of 10 mm2 alongside the SWA; or (iii) choose to not employ the PME earthing facility at the outbuilding and to install electrodes to provide a TT system earthing arrangement.

The former two options become less attractive as the distance between the main premises and the outbuilding increases. The practicality of employing the latter option is dependent on soil/ ground conditions in the locality and the risks associated with the driving in of electrodes. This approach is discussed in-depth elsewhere in this issue of Connections.

Summary

The earthing system in most common use in the UK utilises a PME earthing facility.

This has the advantage of providing a low-resistance earth loop path for fault current, but conversely could cause the touch voltage on connected metalwork to rise to a dangerous level if there is a break in the supply PEN conductor.

Where an outbuilding requires a supply and the main part of the premises has a PME earthing arrangement, this may also be used for the installation in an outbuilding in most cases.

Indeed, quite often, there may be no extraneous-conductive-parts and hence no requirement to carry out further protective bonding.

It is quite common for the distribution circuit to an outbuilding to be provided via a steel-wire armoured cable. Where the armouring is to be used as a combined cpc and main protective bonding conductor, it must meet the requirements of both regulations 544.1.1 and 543.1.1 of BS 7671.

As a rough approximation, a steel conductor needs to have a csa which is eight times larger than that of a copper conductor to provide equivalence.

Fig 2) or any metallic structural parts, main protective bonding must be provided for these parts (as per 411.3.1.2).

The sizing of this protective bonding conductor must be based on the PEN conductor of the supply, using Table 54.8 of BS 7671 (544.1.1).

For the purposes of this example, the incoming PEN conductor has a copper csa equivalent to 35 mm2.

From Table 54.8 of BS 7671, for a 35 mm2 PEN conductor, the copper equivalent csa of the main protective bonding conductor must be no less than 10 mm2.

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adiabatic equation given in regulation 543.1.3 or be selected using Table 54.7 of BS 7671.

REPRO OP

Fig 1 Typical arrangement for a supply to an outbuilding with no extraneousconductive-parts

SUBS

By calculation From Fig 3A4 of BS 7671, the current (I) causing disconnection within 0.1 to 5 seconds is 160 A, and the operating time (t) for this distribution circuit is 5 seconds.

From Table 54.4, the factor (k) for steel armouring of a cable employing 70°C thermoplastic insulation 2 is 51. So, using the equation given in regulation 543.1.3:

From BS EN 13602: 2013, the resistivity (p) for copper is 17.24 mΩ/m.

From BS EN 10257-1: 2011, the resistivity (p) for steel is 138 mΩ/m.

The csa of the steel-wire armouring is calculated using:

As stated earlier, from Table G2 of BS 5467: 2016, the csa of the armouring for two-core 6 mm 2 cable is 22 mm2.

22 < 80.046

ART PRODUCTION

Fig 2 Armouring of supply cable used as both cpc and protective bonding conductor

CLIENT

By selection From Table 54.2, the factor (k1) for line conductors having 70°C insulation is 143.

From Table 54.4, the factor (k2) for steel armouring of a cable employing 70°C thermosetting insulation is 51.

Using the formula from column 3 of Table 54.7:

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From Table G2 of BS 5467: 2016 Thermosetting insulated, armoured cables (of rated voltages 600/900 V for fixed installations), the csa of the armouring for two-core 6 mm2 cable is 22 mm2.

Therefore, the armouring is suitable for use as a cpc whether using calculation or selection.

Adequacy of armour to serve as the main protective bonding conductor where no extraneous-conductiveparts are present If the outbuilding does not contain any extraneous-conductive-parts, there is no requirement for main protective bonding to be provided (see Fig 1).

2 The calculation is based on the normal operating temperature of the thermosetting insulated conductors not exceeding 70°C and so is based on the currentcarrying capacity of the equivalent thermoplastic PVC insulated cable. This is to ensure compatibility between items of equipment and the conductors to which they are connected – See paragraph 2 of regulation 512.1.5.

Adequacy of armour to serve as the main protective bonding conductor where extraneousconductive-parts are present If the outbuilding contains any extraneous-conductive-parts such as metallic services (as shown in

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As such, it can be seen that the armouring of this cable is not sufficient to act as a main protective bonding conductor.

Referring again to Table G2, it can be seen that, for the armouring to be adequate, it would be necessary to use a two-core cable with 50 mm2 circular conductors and armour csa of 86 mm2.

This is an unrealistic proposition for the application.

Possible solutions where the armour is not suitable for use as the main protective bonding conductor The three most likely solutions in this example where the armour is of insufficient csa to be used as a main protective bonding conductor are to: (i) install a three-core 10 mm2 SWA cable and use one of the cores as the protective conductor; (ii) install a separate protective conductor with a csa of 10 mm2 alongside the SWA; or (iii) choose to not employ the PME earthing facility at the outbuilding and to install electrodes to provide a TT system earthing arrangement.

The former two options become less attractive as the distance between the main premises and the outbuilding increases. The practicality of employing the latter option is dependent on soil/ ground conditions in the locality and the risks associated with the driving in of electrodes. This approach is discussed in-depth elsewhere in this issue of Connections.

Summary

The earthing system in most common use in the UK utilises a PME earthing facility.

This has the advantage of providing a low-resistance earth loop path for fault current, but conversely could cause the touch voltage on connected metalwork to rise to a dangerous level if there is a break in the supply PEN conductor.

Where an outbuilding requires a supply and the main part of the premises has a PME earthing arrangement, this may also be used for the installation in an outbuilding in most cases.

Indeed, quite often, there may be no extraneous-conductive-parts and hence no requirement to carry out further protective bonding.

It is quite common for the distribution circuit to an outbuilding to be provided via a steel-wire armoured cable. Where the armouring is to be used as a combined cpc and main protective bonding conductor, it must meet the requirements of both regulations 544.1.1 and 543.1.1 of BS 7671.

As a rough approximation, a steel conductor needs to have a csa which is eight times larger than that of a copper conductor to provide equivalence.

Fig 2) or any metallic structural parts, main protective bonding must be provided for these parts (as per 411.3.1.2).

The sizing of this protective bonding conductor must be based on the PEN conductor of the supply, using Table 54.8 of BS 7671 (544.1.1).

For the purposes of this example, the incoming PEN conductor has a copper csa equivalent to 35 mm2.

From Table 54.8 of BS 7671, for a 35 mm2 PEN conductor, the copper equivalent csa of the main protective bonding conductor must be no less than 10 mm2.

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Technical

VERSION REPRO OP

SMART BUILDINGS PART 2 – KNX INSTALLATIONS

SUBS

Objective: The aim of this article is to guide the contractor through the typical installation process for a centralised KNX system using DIN rail-mounted devices. A subsequent article will look at a decentralised system using individual modules.

ART

Introduction

PRODUCTION

As discussed in “Smart buildings part 1” (Connections Issue 217), the KNX control Bus is a communication cable typically arranged in line, tree and star topologies, or a combination of these throughout the installation, while terminating at every KNX compatible device.

The system operates at Separated Extra Low Voltage (SELV1), typically between 21 V and 32 V, (BS EN 500905-2). This provides greater flexibility in special locations such as those containing a bath, shower or similar.

The KNX system permits the control of any individual or group of circuits or separate items of equipment from any switch, sensor, or a combination of devices and from any location where internet access is available. To enable switching 2 and control, devices must be configured within the application software, which will be considered in a subsequent article.

BS EN 50090-9-1: 2004 – Home and Building Electronic Systems (HBES): Installation Requirements, Generic cabling for HBES Class 1 Twisted Pair outlines the common rules for the control of mainspowered devices using such types of wired networks and the need for such systems to coexist with other mains and Ethernet distribution networks.

Before undertaking such a project, factors relating to the size, infrastructure and main purpose of the building need to be established by the installer/ designer. Decisions made early in the design process will determine the types of devices to use when considering the switching and control arrangements for the electrical circuits. Failure to include a circuit may prove difficult to integrate into the system at a later date.

CLIENT

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Fig 2 Consumer unit and enclosure containing KNX devices from different manufacturers

Mains configuration

Fig 1 230 V radial circuits wired back to actuators

Circuit arrangements in a centralised installation

Careful consideration must be given to the location of DIN rail-mounted actuators.

Devices installed in one centralised location may allow for easier access for maintenance and fault diagnosis should the need arise. However, this will generally lead to an increase in low-voltage (230 V) cabling at the point of distribution and control, requiring additional space for its installation.

General power and lighting circuits throughout the installation should be arranged into small groups and terminated directly into their corresponding channels on the switching/dimmable actuators.

For example, dividing the lighting circuits within a large room into smaller groups

A KNX system incorporating actuators, power supply units and communication gateway/IP router modules will generally require more space for containment than a typical consumer unit can provide and additional separate enclosure(s) may be required, as shown in Fig 2.

A typical circuit layout is shown in Fig 3. Circuit configuration can vary, so reference should be made to the device manufacturer’s technical literature.

Consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies used in a domestic property and operated by ordinary persons must meet the requirements for BS EN 61439-3: 2012. Additionally, all installed devices, including those used for signalling communication, transformers and the like, must be type-tested as suitable for use within the chosen make and model of consumer unit. As discussed in “Smart buildings part 1”, it is a fundamental requirement that all device manufacturers registered with the KNX Association meet the common standards for compatibility within an installation.

Consideration must be given to the provision of sufficient space and lighting around the installed equipment (regulation 529.3) to facilitate access for the initial system setup, management and programming. This process may take several days to complete depending on the types of connected devices involved and the complexity of the switching/control arrangements.

As mentioned previously, twisted pair cables used for the KNX communication Bus are intended to coexist with different cable systems and are permitted within the same cable duct or containment system. Although KNX Bus cables are insulated for the highest voltage present; 230/400 V with an impulse rating of 2 kV/4 kV respectively as stated by the KNX standard and Table 443.2

of BS 7671, precautions must be taken at the point of termination into a device when housed in an enclosure to maintain segregation between the low-voltage (230 V) and SELV circuits. This must be maintained throughout the installation.

Actuators

All actuators are microprocessorcontrolled, with the ability to provide single or multiple functions of switching, variable dimming and circuit monitoring in one unit. The ability to configure individual functions, set limits or retrieve information, such as a circuit’s energy consumption 3 , is typically accessed through a gateway/router interface with an Ethernet or USB link4 and via a PC running the application software.

Other typical in-built functions include automatic load detection, the ability to recognise the type of lamp connected and integrated temperature monitoring for the detection of a circuit overload. It is therefore, recommended that KNX DIN rail-mounted devices are installed below the overcurrent protective devices within an enclosure, as any heat dissipated by the overcurrent devices during normal operation may have a detrimental effect on the function of the actuators. It is therefore 3 The ability to provide energy monitoring may depend on device manufacturer.

4 Alternative methods are available for connection to the communication Bus. For example, an IP router interface may allow access through an IP address over Wifi.

Fig 3 Typical example of a circuit layout

would enable luminaires to be dimmed more selectively and pre-set lighting scenes to be selected via a multi-grid KNX switch, pre-configured within the application software.

Similarly, other localised circuits including radial socket-outlet circuits and those supplying blinds/shutters may also be controlled from the switch.

1 Although a twisted-pair cable can be used for both SELV and PELV in a network supply system and is recognised in the BS EN 50090 series, the KNX standard states that the Bus voltage meets the requirements for SELV. Additionally, where a cable incorporates a secondary pair, PELV may be used.

2 Some KNX device manufacturers pre-programme devices to a “factory state default” permitting all connected actuators within a system to switch on/ off during the initial power-on stage before advanced programming is carried out.

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SMART BUILDINGS PART 2 – KNX INSTALLATIONS

SUBS

Objective: The aim of this article is to guide the contractor through the typical installation process for a centralised KNX system using DIN rail-mounted devices. A subsequent article will look at a decentralised system using individual modules.

ART

Introduction

PRODUCTION

As discussed in “Smart buildings part 1” (Connections Issue 217), the KNX control Bus is a communication cable typically arranged in line, tree and star topologies, or a combination of these throughout the installation, while terminating at every KNX compatible device.

The system operates at Separated Extra Low Voltage (SELV1), typically between 21 V and 32 V, (BS EN 500905-2). This provides greater flexibility in special locations such as those containing a bath, shower or similar.

The KNX system permits the control of any individual or group of circuits or separate items of equipment from any switch, sensor, or a combination of devices and from any location where internet access is available. To enable switching 2 and control, devices must be configured within the application software, which will be considered in a subsequent article.

BS EN 50090-9-1: 2004 – Home and Building Electronic Systems (HBES): Installation Requirements, Generic cabling for HBES Class 1 Twisted Pair outlines the common rules for the control of mainspowered devices using such types of wired networks and the need for such systems to coexist with other mains and Ethernet distribution networks.

Before undertaking such a project, factors relating to the size, infrastructure and main purpose of the building need to be established by the installer/ designer. Decisions made early in the design process will determine the types of devices to use when considering the switching and control arrangements for the electrical circuits. Failure to include a circuit may prove difficult to integrate into the system at a later date.

CLIENT

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Fig 2 Consumer unit and enclosure containing KNX devices from different manufacturers

Mains configuration

Fig 1 230 V radial circuits wired back to actuators

Circuit arrangements in a centralised installation

Careful consideration must be given to the location of DIN rail-mounted actuators.

Devices installed in one centralised location may allow for easier access for maintenance and fault diagnosis should the need arise. However, this will generally lead to an increase in low-voltage (230 V) cabling at the point of distribution and control, requiring additional space for its installation.

General power and lighting circuits throughout the installation should be arranged into small groups and terminated directly into their corresponding channels on the switching/dimmable actuators.

For example, dividing the lighting circuits within a large room into smaller groups

A KNX system incorporating actuators, power supply units and communication gateway/IP router modules will generally require more space for containment than a typical consumer unit can provide and additional separate enclosure(s) may be required, as shown in Fig 2.

A typical circuit layout is shown in Fig 3. Circuit configuration can vary, so reference should be made to the device manufacturer’s technical literature.

Consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies used in a domestic property and operated by ordinary persons must meet the requirements for BS EN 61439-3: 2012. Additionally, all installed devices, including those used for signalling communication, transformers and the like, must be type-tested as suitable for use within the chosen make and model of consumer unit. As discussed in “Smart buildings part 1”, it is a fundamental requirement that all device manufacturers registered with the KNX Association meet the common standards for compatibility within an installation.

Consideration must be given to the provision of sufficient space and lighting around the installed equipment (regulation 529.3) to facilitate access for the initial system setup, management and programming. This process may take several days to complete depending on the types of connected devices involved and the complexity of the switching/control arrangements.

As mentioned previously, twisted pair cables used for the KNX communication Bus are intended to coexist with different cable systems and are permitted within the same cable duct or containment system. Although KNX Bus cables are insulated for the highest voltage present; 230/400 V with an impulse rating of 2 kV/4 kV respectively as stated by the KNX standard and Table 443.2

of BS 7671, precautions must be taken at the point of termination into a device when housed in an enclosure to maintain segregation between the low-voltage (230 V) and SELV circuits. This must be maintained throughout the installation.

Actuators

All actuators are microprocessorcontrolled, with the ability to provide single or multiple functions of switching, variable dimming and circuit monitoring in one unit. The ability to configure individual functions, set limits or retrieve information, such as a circuit’s energy consumption 3 , is typically accessed through a gateway/router interface with an Ethernet or USB link4 and via a PC running the application software.

Other typical in-built functions include automatic load detection, the ability to recognise the type of lamp connected and integrated temperature monitoring for the detection of a circuit overload. It is therefore, recommended that KNX DIN rail-mounted devices are installed below the overcurrent protective devices within an enclosure, as any heat dissipated by the overcurrent devices during normal operation may have a detrimental effect on the function of the actuators. It is therefore 3 The ability to provide energy monitoring may depend on device manufacturer.

4 Alternative methods are available for connection to the communication Bus. For example, an IP router interface may allow access through an IP address over Wifi.

Fig 3 Typical example of a circuit layout

would enable luminaires to be dimmed more selectively and pre-set lighting scenes to be selected via a multi-grid KNX switch, pre-configured within the application software.

Similarly, other localised circuits including radial socket-outlet circuits and those supplying blinds/shutters may also be controlled from the switch.

1 Although a twisted-pair cable can be used for both SELV and PELV in a network supply system and is recognised in the BS EN 50090 series, the KNX standard states that the Bus voltage meets the requirements for SELV. Additionally, where a cable incorporates a secondary pair, PELV may be used.

2 Some KNX device manufacturers pre-programme devices to a “factory state default” permitting all connected actuators within a system to switch on/ off during the initial power-on stage before advanced programming is carried out.

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important to ensure good airflow around the installed equipment.

As is the case with any control device, consideration must be given to its rated current and the type of connected load.

Actuators typically have a maximum current rating of up to 16 A, with the ability to dim 500 W resistive and 300 W inductive/capacitive loads per channel 5 , essentially allowing multiple circuits across many rooms to be controlled from a single device. However, consideration must be given to the need to divide lighting circuits over multiple actuators to limit the risk of a total loss of lighting during a fault. Additionally, having more individual circuits is likely to provide greater control and accuracy for energy monitoring, where applicable, while providing the opportunity to maximise energy savings.

SUBS ART

KNX actuator applications PRODUCTION

Dimmable lighting actuators can dim almost every type of lamp and facilitate smooth, flicker-free operation by adjusting the dimming curves within the application software. Such software will also allow for future updates to include next-generation lamps.

CLIENT

Blind/shutter actuators, in conjunction with other sensors gathering GPS and elevation data, can track the direction of the Sun, enabling slats on window blinds, where fitted, to be adjusted to the optimal angle throughout the day, providing antiglare protection or alternatively operating roller blinds, skylights and ventilation flaps.

It is possible to set up combined operation with other lighting and heating actuators within the application software to provide comfortable environmental conditions.

Thermal actuators are typically used for controlling 24 V/230 V heating valves or underfloor heating manifolds. Alternatively, individual radiator valves with in-built KNX actuators may provide enhanced temperature control and offer greater efficiency of heating within a room, although typically a direct connection to the KNX Bus would need to be made available to every radiator. Using such a device may provide additional benefits, including the ability to monitor air pressure within the room, enabling the detection of an open window while allowing the heating within the room to be switched off. Such features are usually only available through separate binary input actuators and remote sensors, as mentioned above.

Summary Before undertaking a KNX project, careful thought must be given to the overall design, layout and needs of the system, which will likely affect the installation method and cost. The decisions made at the beginning may prove beneficial in the longer term as the need to include additional circuits back to the actuators later may prove difficult.

A KNX system typically operates at SELV, providing greater flexibility in an installation. This is especially useful for special locations where there is an enhanced shock risk present.

The siting of distribution and associated control devices within a KNX system must be carefully considered.

Adequate space must be provided for the installer to undertake the programming and commissioning of the system, in which some training may be required.

It is also important to provide good air circulation for temperature dissipation within the installed environment, with the aim of preserving the useful life of sensitive devices.

5 Current ratings of individual devices may vary between different manufacturers.

SMART BUILDINGS PART 3 – RETROFITTING KNX Objective: The aim of this article is to discuss the installation of a decentralised KNX system with individual switching and dimming modules, typically used when upgrading an existing installation.

Introduction This is the third article in a series, and it is assumed that the reader has read the previous two articles: an introduction to the KNX system (in Issue 217), and KNX installations using DIN rail-mounted devices (elsewhere in this issue).

It may prove difficult to install a centralised KNX system within a smaller building because of: l limited installation space to accommodate the multi-channel switching/dimming actuators and other control equipment; or l the increased number of individual circuits and hence larger consumer unit(s) needed to contain devices to achieve the maximum benefit from the KNX system.

Whatever the reasons, the installer/ designer may decide to use individual actuators as an alternative means for the control of localised circuits. Such devices have the same configuration, safety monitoring and load detection features as would be included with the DIN rail-mounted type, while having a similar switching capacity of 5-16 A and the ability to dim 300 W - 2,000 W of inductive/ capacitive and resistive type loads. 1

Individual devices Typical devices are relatively small and compact and are available in surface or flush-mounted types, as shown in Fig 1.

Their design means they can easily be incorporated into the casing of luminaires, switch back boxes 2 and/or placed into ceiling voids for in-line connection to groups of luminaires. Some KNX socketoutlets to BS 1363 may already offer the ability to incorporate switching actuators, removing the need for a separate module.

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Fig 1 An example of wall switch components

(a) Flush-mounted actuator device

Note: While it is recognised that available space within an existing consumer unit may be limited, a DIN railmounted power supply unit (PSU) with internal choke, as discussed in “Smart buildings part 2”, will still be required to enable communication on the KNX Bus. Additionally, a gateway interface 3 is required in all systems for initial setup and programming. However, it may be possible to remove this device from the system after programming to provide additional space and if no external remote-control features via the Ethernet network are required. 4 The use of such types of modular device is becoming more prevalent among contractors undertaking the conversion of a standard electrical installation into a smart Bus-controlled KNX system, while allowing the installation to retain its existing circuit wiring and consumer unit. However, it is always necessary to verify the condition and adequacy of the

(b) KNX multi-function illuminated switch existing installation prior to making any alterations or additions (regulation 132.16 of BS 7671).

The option to use individual KNX modules offers greater flexibility for future expansion within the installation.

For example, the increased cost relating to a KNX system over that of a standard installation may allow specific areas within a building to be given priority for smart control over other less occupied and less relevant areas. This would not 1 The specifications and functions of individual devices may vary between different manufacturers.

2 Deep back boxes (~ 47 mm) or extension collars may be required. Some manufacturers provide dedicated boxes with additional space for use in cavity walls for containment of flush mounted actuators.

3 A gateway interface used for communication with other systems, such as internet protocol (IP) or digital addressable lighting interface (DALI) for the control of digital addressable lighting, will need to remain connected to the KNX Bus. 4 Some manufacturers may include the gateway interface or IP router integral with the PSU.

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important to ensure good airflow around the installed equipment.

As is the case with any control device, consideration must be given to its rated current and the type of connected load.

Actuators typically have a maximum current rating of up to 16 A, with the ability to dim 500 W resistive and 300 W inductive/capacitive loads per channel 5 , essentially allowing multiple circuits across many rooms to be controlled from a single device. However, consideration must be given to the need to divide lighting circuits over multiple actuators to limit the risk of a total loss of lighting during a fault. Additionally, having more individual circuits is likely to provide greater control and accuracy for energy monitoring, where applicable, while providing the opportunity to maximise energy savings.

SUBS ART

KNX actuator applications PRODUCTION

Dimmable lighting actuators can dim almost every type of lamp and facilitate smooth, flicker-free operation by adjusting the dimming curves within the application software. Such software will also allow for future updates to include next-generation lamps.

CLIENT

Blind/shutter actuators, in conjunction with other sensors gathering GPS and elevation data, can track the direction of the Sun, enabling slats on window blinds, where fitted, to be adjusted to the optimal angle throughout the day, providing antiglare protection or alternatively operating roller blinds, skylights and ventilation flaps.

It is possible to set up combined operation with other lighting and heating actuators within the application software to provide comfortable environmental conditions.

Thermal actuators are typically used for controlling 24 V/230 V heating valves or underfloor heating manifolds. Alternatively, individual radiator valves with in-built KNX actuators may provide enhanced temperature control and offer greater efficiency of heating within a room, although typically a direct connection to the KNX Bus would need to be made available to every radiator. Using such a device may provide additional benefits, including the ability to monitor air pressure within the room, enabling the detection of an open window while allowing the heating within the room to be switched off. Such features are usually only available through separate binary input actuators and remote sensors, as mentioned above.

Summary Before undertaking a KNX project, careful thought must be given to the overall design, layout and needs of the system, which will likely affect the installation method and cost. The decisions made at the beginning may prove beneficial in the longer term as the need to include additional circuits back to the actuators later may prove difficult.

A KNX system typically operates at SELV, providing greater flexibility in an installation. This is especially useful for special locations where there is an enhanced shock risk present.

The siting of distribution and associated control devices within a KNX system must be carefully considered.

Adequate space must be provided for the installer to undertake the programming and commissioning of the system, in which some training may be required.

It is also important to provide good air circulation for temperature dissipation within the installed environment, with the aim of preserving the useful life of sensitive devices.

5 Current ratings of individual devices may vary between different manufacturers.

SMART BUILDINGS PART 3 – RETROFITTING KNX Objective: The aim of this article is to discuss the installation of a decentralised KNX system with individual switching and dimming modules, typically used when upgrading an existing installation.

Introduction This is the third article in a series, and it is assumed that the reader has read the previous two articles: an introduction to the KNX system (in Issue 217), and KNX installations using DIN rail-mounted devices (elsewhere in this issue).

It may prove difficult to install a centralised KNX system within a smaller building because of: l limited installation space to accommodate the multi-channel switching/dimming actuators and other control equipment; or l the increased number of individual circuits and hence larger consumer unit(s) needed to contain devices to achieve the maximum benefit from the KNX system.

Whatever the reasons, the installer/ designer may decide to use individual actuators as an alternative means for the control of localised circuits. Such devices have the same configuration, safety monitoring and load detection features as would be included with the DIN rail-mounted type, while having a similar switching capacity of 5-16 A and the ability to dim 300 W - 2,000 W of inductive/ capacitive and resistive type loads. 1

Individual devices Typical devices are relatively small and compact and are available in surface or flush-mounted types, as shown in Fig 1.

Their design means they can easily be incorporated into the casing of luminaires, switch back boxes 2 and/or placed into ceiling voids for in-line connection to groups of luminaires. Some KNX socketoutlets to BS 1363 may already offer the ability to incorporate switching actuators, removing the need for a separate module.

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Fig 1 An example of wall switch components

(a) Flush-mounted actuator device

Note: While it is recognised that available space within an existing consumer unit may be limited, a DIN railmounted power supply unit (PSU) with internal choke, as discussed in “Smart buildings part 2”, will still be required to enable communication on the KNX Bus. Additionally, a gateway interface 3 is required in all systems for initial setup and programming. However, it may be possible to remove this device from the system after programming to provide additional space and if no external remote-control features via the Ethernet network are required. 4 The use of such types of modular device is becoming more prevalent among contractors undertaking the conversion of a standard electrical installation into a smart Bus-controlled KNX system, while allowing the installation to retain its existing circuit wiring and consumer unit. However, it is always necessary to verify the condition and adequacy of the

(b) KNX multi-function illuminated switch existing installation prior to making any alterations or additions (regulation 132.16 of BS 7671).

The option to use individual KNX modules offers greater flexibility for future expansion within the installation.

For example, the increased cost relating to a KNX system over that of a standard installation may allow specific areas within a building to be given priority for smart control over other less occupied and less relevant areas. This would not 1 The specifications and functions of individual devices may vary between different manufacturers.

2 Deep back boxes (~ 47 mm) or extension collars may be required. Some manufacturers provide dedicated boxes with additional space for use in cavity walls for containment of flush mounted actuators.

3 A gateway interface used for communication with other systems, such as internet protocol (IP) or digital addressable lighting interface (DALI) for the control of digital addressable lighting, will need to remain connected to the KNX Bus. 4 Some manufacturers may include the gateway interface or IP router integral with the PSU.

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VERSION

to maintain signal quality and system reliability, as previously explained in Parts 1 and 2 of this series of articles.

REPRO OP

Installation

SUBS ART

Fig 2 KNX cables run in parallel with 230 V cables to individual control modules

PRODUCTION CLIENT

preclude the smart conversion being undertaken at a later date. However, provision for the installation of KNX cables would still need to be considered at the time of initial installation for those deferred areas where any future additions may at some point be required, as it may be difficult to integrate any future cables after the completion of work.

Using individual modules will typically allow the existing electrical installation to remain in place, although the separate control devices will require

a direct connection to the communication Bus, which will involve running KNX cables in parallel with all low-voltage (230 V) cables throughout the installation, as shown in Fig 2.

The KNX Bus cables can be arranged in line, tree and star topologies, and these can be mixed throughout the property.

This provides the option to branch off at any point within the system for a more convenient method of installation.

However, careful thought must be given to the maximum length of the cables

The KNX cable is designed to coexist with other systems and is suitable for installation in the same containment system as for 230 V cables. However, it may prove difficult when attempting to gain access in an existing cable duct or wall chase to a switch and/or socketoutlet, and so a separate wall chase may be required, as shown in Fig 3.

Where it is likely that KNX Bus cables are contained within an item of current-using equipment, in a wall switch and/or luminaire for example, care must be taken to ensure that segregation is maintained between low voltage (230 V) cables and single insulated Bus conductors terminating into the modules (regulation 9.1 of BS EN 50090-9-1). Some modules are provided with a retaining cable clamp and cover for segregation; alternatively, an additional protective shield may be required.

back box, as shown in Fig 3 (b).

A deep accessory box or extension box may be required. However, where such an installation is not practical, an alternative solution involving, for example, alterations to the circuit wiring to permit the relocation of the switching actuator, may be necessary.

Some actuators are pre-wired with short input leads for direct connection to the KNX switch. However, where it is necessary to extend these cables due to the relocation of the actuator, the manufacturer’s data must be considered in respect of selecting an appropriate cable type and maximum length of cable run. Additionally, suitable methods for termination of the extended cable must be employed as a means of ensuring signal quality to prevent loss of functionality of the circuit (regulation 557.6.2). Likewise, appropriate measures must be taken to avoid or minimise the effects from electromagnetic disturbances, as required by regulation 444.1.

Although it is often possible to use a standard wall switch with an actuator, in practice the switch will need to be replaced to achieve full functionality of

the KNX system. Using a programmable KNX multi-gang switch with retractable or push button(s) will allow function(s) to be set up and allocated to each switch.

Such types of switches will often include in-built sensors and graphical displays enabling connection to some types of actuator using binary outputs, allowing more advanced system integration.

Where such types of multi-functional switches are used, and to avoid the possibility of confusion, regulation 514.1.1 states that the switch should be labelled indicating its purpose.

Inspection and testing Every electrical installation should be inspected and tested at regular intervals.

The inclusion of such small control devices within an installation may lead to difficulties or confusion when attempting to carry this out. The risk of damage to sensitive electronic devices may become problematic, especially when trying to identify an electrical fault in a circuit or a faulty device in a KNX Bus line.

Additionally, it is also a requirement that each device must be made accessible for future inspection and/or to facilitate

its replacement (regulations 132.12 and 513.1). With this in mind, and to mitigate such issues, clear identification of the location of each KNX device must be provided and may be recorded on suitable documentation including the Electrical Installation Certificate, detailing any circuits/equipment that are vulnerable to testing, and on any installation drawings, as required in the BS EN 50090 series and regulation 514.9.1 of BS 7671.

Summary When installing individual KNX modules throughout an installation, careful thought must be given to their positioning and the implications for the rest of the building and the given electrical installation.

The location of devices used throughout an installation must be clearly identified on drawings or recorded on certificates for persons carrying out future inspections and/or alterations within the installation.

Great care must be taken when using test equipment in such types of installation containing sensitive electronic devices.

Operation Where a standard wall switch, as shown in Fig 3 (a), is to be replaced, a flushmounted actuator must be installed to provide low-voltage switching or binary switching 5 , typically contained within the Fig 3 KNX wall switch and actuator with multiple inputs controlling two channels of lighting (as used in Fig 2)

5 Depending upon the set parameters within the software, several outputs can be controlled via binary switching, which is based on the status change of two inputs (0 and 1) at a device. A typical example may include a three push-button plate switch with one retractable switch used for on/off, another for dimming up/down and the third used to activate a security alarm and turn on all lighting.

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to maintain signal quality and system reliability, as previously explained in Parts 1 and 2 of this series of articles.

REPRO OP

Installation

SUBS ART

Fig 2 KNX cables run in parallel with 230 V cables to individual control modules

PRODUCTION CLIENT

preclude the smart conversion being undertaken at a later date. However, provision for the installation of KNX cables would still need to be considered at the time of initial installation for those deferred areas where any future additions may at some point be required, as it may be difficult to integrate any future cables after the completion of work.

Using individual modules will typically allow the existing electrical installation to remain in place, although the separate control devices will require

a direct connection to the communication Bus, which will involve running KNX cables in parallel with all low-voltage (230 V) cables throughout the installation, as shown in Fig 2.

The KNX Bus cables can be arranged in line, tree and star topologies, and these can be mixed throughout the property.

This provides the option to branch off at any point within the system for a more convenient method of installation.

However, careful thought must be given to the maximum length of the cables

The KNX cable is designed to coexist with other systems and is suitable for installation in the same containment system as for 230 V cables. However, it may prove difficult when attempting to gain access in an existing cable duct or wall chase to a switch and/or socketoutlet, and so a separate wall chase may be required, as shown in Fig 3.

Where it is likely that KNX Bus cables are contained within an item of current-using equipment, in a wall switch and/or luminaire for example, care must be taken to ensure that segregation is maintained between low voltage (230 V) cables and single insulated Bus conductors terminating into the modules (regulation 9.1 of BS EN 50090-9-1). Some modules are provided with a retaining cable clamp and cover for segregation; alternatively, an additional protective shield may be required.

back box, as shown in Fig 3 (b).

A deep accessory box or extension box may be required. However, where such an installation is not practical, an alternative solution involving, for example, alterations to the circuit wiring to permit the relocation of the switching actuator, may be necessary.

Some actuators are pre-wired with short input leads for direct connection to the KNX switch. However, where it is necessary to extend these cables due to the relocation of the actuator, the manufacturer’s data must be considered in respect of selecting an appropriate cable type and maximum length of cable run. Additionally, suitable methods for termination of the extended cable must be employed as a means of ensuring signal quality to prevent loss of functionality of the circuit (regulation 557.6.2). Likewise, appropriate measures must be taken to avoid or minimise the effects from electromagnetic disturbances, as required by regulation 444.1.

Although it is often possible to use a standard wall switch with an actuator, in practice the switch will need to be replaced to achieve full functionality of

the KNX system. Using a programmable KNX multi-gang switch with retractable or push button(s) will allow function(s) to be set up and allocated to each switch.

Such types of switches will often include in-built sensors and graphical displays enabling connection to some types of actuator using binary outputs, allowing more advanced system integration.

Where such types of multi-functional switches are used, and to avoid the possibility of confusion, regulation 514.1.1 states that the switch should be labelled indicating its purpose.

Inspection and testing Every electrical installation should be inspected and tested at regular intervals.

The inclusion of such small control devices within an installation may lead to difficulties or confusion when attempting to carry this out. The risk of damage to sensitive electronic devices may become problematic, especially when trying to identify an electrical fault in a circuit or a faulty device in a KNX Bus line.

Additionally, it is also a requirement that each device must be made accessible for future inspection and/or to facilitate

its replacement (regulations 132.12 and 513.1). With this in mind, and to mitigate such issues, clear identification of the location of each KNX device must be provided and may be recorded on suitable documentation including the Electrical Installation Certificate, detailing any circuits/equipment that are vulnerable to testing, and on any installation drawings, as required in the BS EN 50090 series and regulation 514.9.1 of BS 7671.

Summary When installing individual KNX modules throughout an installation, careful thought must be given to their positioning and the implications for the rest of the building and the given electrical installation.

The location of devices used throughout an installation must be clearly identified on drawings or recorded on certificates for persons carrying out future inspections and/or alterations within the installation.

Great care must be taken when using test equipment in such types of installation containing sensitive electronic devices.

Operation Where a standard wall switch, as shown in Fig 3 (a), is to be replaced, a flushmounted actuator must be installed to provide low-voltage switching or binary switching 5 , typically contained within the Fig 3 KNX wall switch and actuator with multiple inputs controlling two channels of lighting (as used in Fig 2)

5 Depending upon the set parameters within the software, several outputs can be controlled via binary switching, which is based on the status change of two inputs (0 and 1) at a device. A typical example may include a three push-button plate switch with one retractable switch used for on/off, another for dimming up/down and the third used to activate a security alarm and turn on all lighting.

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COMMON SHORTCOMINGS IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING EQUIPMENT INSTALLATIONS

SUBS ART

Objective: The UK government offers financial support to those wanting Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCP) installed at their premises.

Grant-funded installations may then be subject to an audit examining the standard of the installation work. This article considers some of the most common shortcomings identified in the audit process.

Fig 2 Access to live parts at the intake position

PRODUCTION

Introduction

CLIENT

Since 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have, via the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and now the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), offered financial support to those who want Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCP) installed at their premises.

Access to this funding was conditional on the electric vehicle to be charged, the charging equipment being installed and the contractor carrying out the work all being approved by OLEV and subsequently OZEV. Any grant-funded installations may be subject to an audit to look at the standard of the installation work being done. These audits have highlighted a number of recurring, often significant, shortcomings.

The auditing framework judges installations against the requirements of BS 7671 and some of the recommendations given in the Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Where possible, non-compliances are coded as for an Electrical Installation Condition Report, taking account of the guidance given in Best Practice Guide 4 – Electrical installation condition reporting: Classification codes for domestic and similar electrical installations.

This article considers some of the shortcomings identified by the audit.

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service equipment leaving ~20-25 mm of uninsulated live conductors. Without doubt, work should not have proceeded until this dangerous condition was rectified (see Fig 2).

Adequacy of supply The capacity of the supply arrangement was only deemed to be inadequate in a small number of premises audited. This was reported as a potentially dangerous situation, although it is not immediately apparent why this would be the case. It is, however, non-compliant.

Fig 1 Labelling can be an important requirement

The existing installation Regulation 132.16 states that no addition or alteration shall be made to an existing installation unless it has been confirmed that the rating and condition of any existing equipment, including that of the earthing and bonding arrangements and of the distributor’s equipment, will be adequate for the altered circumstances.

Intake equipment A visual inspection was made of accessible service cables, service heads, meter tails, metering equipment and, where fitted, isolating switches.

There were two instances where damage observed at service heads was classified as potentially dangerous, although on closer examination, an observation that improvement was recommended would seem more appropriate. It was stated in the report that “a discerning installer would acknowledge these issues and refuse to work on the premises until rectified by the relevant DNO”. As, in both cases, there seemed to be no immediate or potential danger, this statement appears disputable.

More worryingly, there was at least one instance of meter tails entering the

installation work was carried out when it should not have been.

The required bonding labelling was absent at around 5% of installations. It was reported that, in nearly 3% of installations, the bonding clamp was affixed more than 600 mm from the meter outlet union, although it was not acknowledged that this requirement (regulation 544.1.2) allows for reasonable practicality and so is not an absolute requirement.

The existing distribution equipment A number of non-compliances were reported in relation to main consumer units and further issues identified at the secondary (sub-main) consumer units and interconnecting wiring at the premises.

Several instances of missing blanking plates and one of a missing lid were recorded as presenting an immediate danger. It is assumed therefore that the inspection had determined that this allowed access to live parts (see Fig 3).

Since 2016, regulation 421.1.201 has required that “within domestic (household) premises, consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies shall comply with BS EN 61439-3 and shall either have their enclosure manufactured from non-combustible material, or be enclosed in a cabinet or enclosure constructed from noncombustible material”. There were a significant number of instances of the use of consumer units which did not comply with this requirement, and for which improvement was recommended.

Far too commonly, warning notices or labels required by Section 514 had not been provided or, at least, were not present at the time of inspection.

A number of other non-compliances were also observed relating to integrity of enclosures, cable entries, terminations and glands.

Supply earthing The report states that installers were generally “good at ensuring the distributor’s earthing arrangement is present and satisfactory” before carrying out their EVCP installation work. It seemed, however, that some installers experienced difficulties when confirming the adequacy of existing TT system earthing arrangements.

Main protective bonding Where access was possible to the point that a water, gas or oil supply entered the premises, the bonding was found to be satisfactory in around 82% of cases, either because any necessary bonding was adequate (~ 95 %) or unnecessary as the incoming pipework was nonmetallic (~ 5%). Worryingly, the necessary bonding was not present at just over 6% of premises, but nevertheless the EVCP

Fig 3 Missing blank on consumer unit, permitting access to live parts SUMMER 2021

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Technical

VERSION REPRO OP

COMMON SHORTCOMINGS IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING EQUIPMENT INSTALLATIONS

SUBS ART

Objective: The UK government offers financial support to those wanting Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCP) installed at their premises.

Grant-funded installations may then be subject to an audit examining the standard of the installation work. This article considers some of the most common shortcomings identified in the audit process.

Fig 2 Access to live parts at the intake position

PRODUCTION

Introduction

CLIENT

Since 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have, via the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and now the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), offered financial support to those who want Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCP) installed at their premises.

Access to this funding was conditional on the electric vehicle to be charged, the charging equipment being installed and the contractor carrying out the work all being approved by OLEV and subsequently OZEV. Any grant-funded installations may be subject to an audit to look at the standard of the installation work being done. These audits have highlighted a number of recurring, often significant, shortcomings.

The auditing framework judges installations against the requirements of BS 7671 and some of the recommendations given in the Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Where possible, non-compliances are coded as for an Electrical Installation Condition Report, taking account of the guidance given in Best Practice Guide 4 – Electrical installation condition reporting: Classification codes for domestic and similar electrical installations.

This article considers some of the shortcomings identified by the audit.

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Technical

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service equipment leaving ~20-25 mm of uninsulated live conductors. Without doubt, work should not have proceeded until this dangerous condition was rectified (see Fig 2).

Adequacy of supply The capacity of the supply arrangement was only deemed to be inadequate in a small number of premises audited. This was reported as a potentially dangerous situation, although it is not immediately apparent why this would be the case. It is, however, non-compliant.

Fig 1 Labelling can be an important requirement

The existing installation Regulation 132.16 states that no addition or alteration shall be made to an existing installation unless it has been confirmed that the rating and condition of any existing equipment, including that of the earthing and bonding arrangements and of the distributor’s equipment, will be adequate for the altered circumstances.

Intake equipment A visual inspection was made of accessible service cables, service heads, meter tails, metering equipment and, where fitted, isolating switches.

There were two instances where damage observed at service heads was classified as potentially dangerous, although on closer examination, an observation that improvement was recommended would seem more appropriate. It was stated in the report that “a discerning installer would acknowledge these issues and refuse to work on the premises until rectified by the relevant DNO”. As, in both cases, there seemed to be no immediate or potential danger, this statement appears disputable.

More worryingly, there was at least one instance of meter tails entering the

installation work was carried out when it should not have been.

The required bonding labelling was absent at around 5% of installations. It was reported that, in nearly 3% of installations, the bonding clamp was affixed more than 600 mm from the meter outlet union, although it was not acknowledged that this requirement (regulation 544.1.2) allows for reasonable practicality and so is not an absolute requirement.

The existing distribution equipment A number of non-compliances were reported in relation to main consumer units and further issues identified at the secondary (sub-main) consumer units and interconnecting wiring at the premises.

Several instances of missing blanking plates and one of a missing lid were recorded as presenting an immediate danger. It is assumed therefore that the inspection had determined that this allowed access to live parts (see Fig 3).

Since 2016, regulation 421.1.201 has required that “within domestic (household) premises, consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies shall comply with BS EN 61439-3 and shall either have their enclosure manufactured from non-combustible material, or be enclosed in a cabinet or enclosure constructed from noncombustible material”. There were a significant number of instances of the use of consumer units which did not comply with this requirement, and for which improvement was recommended.

Far too commonly, warning notices or labels required by Section 514 had not been provided or, at least, were not present at the time of inspection.

A number of other non-compliances were also observed relating to integrity of enclosures, cable entries, terminations and glands.

Supply earthing The report states that installers were generally “good at ensuring the distributor’s earthing arrangement is present and satisfactory” before carrying out their EVCP installation work. It seemed, however, that some installers experienced difficulties when confirming the adequacy of existing TT system earthing arrangements.

Main protective bonding Where access was possible to the point that a water, gas or oil supply entered the premises, the bonding was found to be satisfactory in around 82% of cases, either because any necessary bonding was adequate (~ 95 %) or unnecessary as the incoming pipework was nonmetallic (~ 5%). Worryingly, the necessary bonding was not present at just over 6% of premises, but nevertheless the EVCP

Fig 3 Missing blank on consumer unit, permitting access to live parts SUMMER 2021

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Technical section, 11

Technical VERSION

The chargepoint installation

REPRO OP SUBS ART PRODUCTION CLIENT

Newly installed distribution equipment Several newly installed main consumer units were inspected under the audit, with no issues identified.

Far too many non-compliances were identified in newly installed sub-main distribution equipment.

The most common issues were missing warning notices or labels and inadequacies in respect of cabling, terminations and glands. There were a number of other non-compliances noted, including: enclosure/cover inadequacies; inappropriately located equipment; unidentified conductors; signs of water ingress; signs of heat damage; plastic-cased consumer units not enclosed in non-flammable material; and inadequate mounting.

Again, the absence of blanks was highlighted as being potentially dangerous, presumably as access to live parts was deemed possible. A potentially dangerous condition was also reported where signs of water ingress were detected. It is not clear from the images provided in the report whether this latter recommendation was correct in the circumstances. Water can and does enter electrical equipment sometimes, but in many cases, particularly if it makes no contact with electrical components and means are provided to permit its exit, this is not necessarily potentially dangerous.

Chargepoint circuit In a worryingly high number of cases, the dedicated circuit supplying the EVCP equipment was not labelled/ identified adequately.

The co-ordination of the rating of the overload protective device (In) and the current carrying capacity of the cabling (Iz) was incorrect in a number of cases.

Earthing The report highlighted a number of shortcomings in respect of earthing arrangements for EVCPs. It is important that sufficient effort is put into identifying the system earthing arrangement, including, for TN systems, contact with the relevant distributor. Any installation work should be based on the earthing arrangement present at the time the EVCP is installed.

RCDs No installations were found without RCD protection having a rated residual current not exceeding 30 mA. The majority of installed RCDs were of Type A. A small number were of Type B. Where Type A RCDs are installed, BS 7671 also requires protection against DC fault currents. Such required protection was provided in all but a few cases, where the absence was recorded as being potentially dangerous.

Type AC RCDs were installed in a small number of cases.

There were multiple instances of RCDs installed in series. Of this number, issues relating to selectivity were identified in many cases, the non-compliance being noted as improvement recommended.

Of the RCDs subjected to a test using the integral test button, the RCD failed to operate in only very few instances. Four did not, and this was identified, correctly, as being potentially dangerous.

Regulation 514.12.2 requires the installation of a notice indicating that any installed RCDs should be tested using the integral test button every six months. This notice was absent at 30% of the premises audited, warranting an observation that improvement was recommended.

More than 50% of installed RCDs were subjected to testing using an RCD test instrument. In a small number of cases the RCD failed the test at IΔn or 5IΔn.

It is not a requirement of BS 7671 to test an RCD at both one and five times its rated residual current. Moreover, some RCDs providing additional protection have an operating current of 0.25 A and not 5IΔn . This could mean that some

devices which failed may have been tested at the incorrect current. Nevertheless, where an RCD failed an appropriate test this would warrant classification as potentially dangerous.

Chargepoints It was not possible to carry out an internal inspection of chargepoints in around 10% of cases due to the presence of a warranty seal or because specialist tools were required to gain access.

A disappointingly high number of cable glanding issues were identified as improvement required. A small number of instances of water ingress were classed as potentially dangerous, although it was acknowledged that the presence of water may not be a result of poor installation.

Conductors were identified incorrectly in a small number of cases.

A large crack in an outer casing was observed at one premises, sufficient to compromise strength and ingress protection rating. It is not clear whether this crack occurred during installation or as a result of some form of impact damage after installation.

In a very small number of cases, signs of thermal damage, most likely caused by poor terminations, were observed at EVCPs and recorded as being potentially dangerous (Fig 4). Notably, these occurred in the same make of chargepoint.

No major non-compliances were identified in respect of the EVCP mounting height.

A risk of vehicle impact was identified as improvement recommended in around 2.5% of EVCP installations. In one case, it

Fig 4 Thermal damage at terminations, likely caused by loose connections SUMMER 2021

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18th Edition House Ad

VERSION REPRO OP SUBS ART PRODUCTION CLIENT

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Technical

ingress; absence or incorrect use of glands and shrouds; proximity to services; excessively tight bend radii; poor cable routing; and insecure cable fixings.

Sealing of penetrations One of the most commonly recurring noncompliances relates to inadequate sealing of penetrations where cables pass through the fabric of a building (Fig 6). Inadequate, and often a complete absence of, sealing arrangements were noted at around 43% of penetrations. This is a matter that must be addressed by all contractors wherever cables pass through walls or similar.

Electrical Installation Certificates

AD Fig 5 When in use, the lead has to run across the front door opening. This could have been avoided if the charging point was mounted on the other side of the door was reported that there was insufficient space to allow for adequate ventilation and cooling.

At one property, it was observed that the lead caused an unnecessary trip hazard which could have been avoided had the EVCP been installed on the driveway side of the front door (Fig 5).

glands and termination into equipment.

This is surprising as SWA is so commonly used in electrical installation work.

Other issues identified include: water

Section 644 of BS 7671 requires an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) to be completed, signed and issued to the person ordering the work on completion of said work. This gives a traceable record for the householder and is useful for any future inspections and additional work.

All householders were asked whether their installer provided a copy of the EIC. Just 12% were able to show the auditor a copy. A further 28% stated that they had received the EIC, but could not show it on the day. As many as 40% were unsure if an EIC had been issued and, worryingly, 20% said they had not received an EIC.

Chargepoint cabling

Internal cabling Inspection was possible of the internal cabling at the majority of premises.

In a few cases, the cabling and/or its installation were considered to be unsatisfactory. Most deficiencies related to missing or incorrect glands, overly tight bending radii, unacceptable proximity to service pipework and incorrect support – all general installation activities which a competent person should have been able to carry out correctly.

External cabling The external cabling was audited at most premises, with non-compliances identified at around 18% of these. The highest number were identified where SWA cable was employed, mostly in connection with

Fig 6 Any penetrations in the building fabric must be made good using appropriate materials SUMMER 2021

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Technical section, 13

Technical VERSION

Summary

REPRO OP

The overall trend indicated is that there has been an increase in the number of installations being deemed satisfactory, with a reduction in the number of reports identifying dangerous or potentially dangerous conditions. The report also points to a reduction in non-compliances warranting a C3 classification (improvement recommended).

However, as can be seen in the discussion of the report above, most of the regularly occurring non-compliances are very general in nature and are entirely avoidable if good working practices are employed during the installation work.

A thorough visual inspection should be carried out of the intake equipment. A further inspection, supplemented where appropriate by testing, should also be carried out on the existing installation, including the earthing and bonding arrangements, to determine whether it is reasonable for work to proceed.

It is a straightforward task to post the required labelling, and failure to do so is unacceptable. It must be considered, however, that, on certain occasions, the labels may have been affixed and then

SUBS ART PRODUCTION

been removed subsequently where the consumer unit is in a prominent position in the premises.

When selecting and assembling the component parts for a consumer unit, manufacturer’s instructions should be taken into consideration (see notes 1 and 2 of regulation 531.3.5.3.2.201).

All lids and any necessary blanking plates must be installed to remove the risk of access to live parts and prevent ingress of foreign bodies and moisture.

There is no excuse for not meeting the requirements of regulation group 433.1 in respect of co-ordination between conductors and overload protective devices.

It is important that the requirements of regulation group 722.531.3 are met in respect of the selection of RCDs and any necessary associated RDC-DD. It is also important that the functionality of the RCDs is confirmed in accordance with the requirements of Section 643. Where an RCD provides additional protection, a test at either 5IΔn or 0.25 A, as appropriate, will be sufficient to establish this.

Care should be taken when terminating conductors. Loose connections on live conductors will allow thermal damage to occur, which will get progressively worse over time.

Any electrical contractor should be capable of installing the types of cables and wiring systems used in EVCP installations. Where necessary, the appropriate terminations, in respect of glands, cable entries, cable security and the like, should be employed.

Inadequacies in the sealing arrangements where a cable passed through the fabric of a building were identified in more than 40% of the installations inspected. Any electrical contractor should be capable of sealing such penetrations around cables, whether that is to restore the fire resistance of the building element (regulation 527.2.1) or just to make good and finish off the work correctly.

CLIENT

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VERSION

THE LATEST DEVICES AND TOOLS HITTING THE MARKET

REPRO OP SUBS

18TH EDITION COMPLIANT CABLE CLIPS FROM UNICRIMP

ELLIS FOCUSES ON NON-METALLIC MARKET WITH SOLUS LAUNCH

The latest addition to Unicrimp’s Q-Fire range of cable accessories is a selection of 18th Edition compliant, fire-rated Metal Twin and Earth Cable Clips.

The 18th Edition wiring regulations stipulate that cable support systems must be able to withstand premature collapse caused by direct exposure to heat. Trunking, conduits and cabling must all have fire-resistant supports in place.

Unicrimp’s new products provide installers with an expanded choice of fixing solutions to help them satisfy the latest wiring regulations.

Ellis Patents has boosted its product offering with the launch of Solus – a range of non-metallic single-cable clamps suitable for cables from Ø19 to Ø75mm.

Designed, developed and manufactured in-house by Ellis, Solus is made from a high-strength, glass-filled nylon. It joins Trident – a trefoil clamp – as part of an expanding non-metallic product range.

Solus is fully stackable, meaning additions to cable runs can be made without disturbing existing cables. It also features different mounting options for greater versatility, allowing users to stock fewer units while still covering a wide range of cable sizes.

ART PRODUCTION CLIENT

www.unicrimp.com / 01827 300600 / sales@unicrimp.com

www.ellispatents.co.uk / 01944 758395

ESP’S REKOR HD CCTV RANGE GETS A REVAMP

NEW FTYPE COMPACT LED DOWNLIGHTS

Available in kit form, the Rekor HD 2MP CCTV range provides all the elements you need in one box. The systems are easy to set up, with the option for remote monitoring using the ESP View APP. New and improved cameras are included, increasing infrared capture from 20 to 30m. The range also includes perimeter-intrusion and line-crossing detection for improved functionality versus traditional motion detection.

Two- and four-camera kit options are available, with bullet or dome style cameras offered in white or grey.

Luceco has launched an upgrade to its well-known FTYPE range. These more compact downlights are now NHBC-certified for I-JOIST applications, and the new 4W versions are Part L-exempt.

Fixed and adjustable versions are available alongside new regressed, Dim2Warm and Colour Changing options. The range uses the latest Samsung chips with up to 100Lm/W output. All the easy installation benefits are carried over, including Speedfit™ push-fit terminals, which speed up the wiring process by eliminating cable cross-over. The Clip&fit™ cable clamp housing secures both solid and stranded cables.

www.espuk.com / 01527 515150

www.ftype-compact.com

BG FORTRESS CIRCUIT PROTECTION: MADE BY US, DESIGNED BY YOU

SNICKERS LITEWORK WORKWEAR: MAKING LIGHT WORK OF WARM WEATHER

BG’s Fortress range has recently been improved based on contractor feedback.

The updated internal wiring configuration makes it easier to install the incoming and outgoing cables. A quick-release DIN rail and offset incomer allows more space around the board to dress the cable.

Combi-style screws are used throughout, and backed-out and retained terminal screws prevent the inconvenience of losing screws.

The range offers great flexibility, from A Type RCDs through to A Type RCBOs, SPDs and variable board configurations.

The 2021 LITEWork clothing range delivers great comfort in warmer months, with light, quick-drying fabrics that will keep you cool all day.

The new ‘Rip Stop’ shirts are stretchy, breathable and offer UPF 50+ sun protection – great for those who work outdoors – while the 37.5® fabric technology in the midand base-layer garments provides efficient ventilation.

The ergonomic trousers, shirts, shorts, jackets and windproofers have all the comfort and functionality of other Snickers stretch garments, delivering extra freedom of movement and improved performance on site.

www.bg-fortress.uk

www.snickersworkwear.co.uk / 01484 854788

SCOLMORE ENTERS THE CONSUMER UNIT MARKET

OVIA ADDS HIGHBAY DALI SIGNAL CONVERTER

Scolmore has launched a comprehensive Consumer Unit and Circuit Protection range marketed as ‘Elucian by Click’. The launch follows months of consultation with installers to develop a range that suits their needs and is compliant with the latest regulations. Now wholesalers and installers can access a one-stop shop for wiring accessories from one of the industry’s most trusted brands.

Elucian is an extensive range of metal consumer units, covering a broad range of installations and offering a number of benefits in terms of convenience, flexibility and safety properties.

Ovia’s latest product development sees the launch of a DALI signal converter capable of transforming 0-10V/PWM dimmable light fittings such as Ovia’s Hion and Grus highbays to DALI dimmable light fittings.

The high-performance non-isolated signal converter is ideal for a variety of applications and is compatible with PWM dimmable drivers. One converter can control one LED driver with a strong output PWM signal, offering a dimming range of 10-100%. The converter is IP67-rated and comes with a waterproof casing and a five-year warranty.

www.scolmore.com / 01827 63454

www.oviauk.com / 01827 300640

TO PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCT HERE, PLEASE CONTACT SAMANTHA TKACZYK samantha.tkaczyk@thinkpublishing.co.uk 02037 717198

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Product Focus, 1

Product focus

Off Grid, 1

Who’d have thought it?

VERSION REPRO OP

Microsoft takes the plunge SUBS ART

Data centres are typically housed in warehouse-style sheds, but sometimes they’ll be tucked away in a cave, a mineshaft or a nuclear bunker instead. Yawn.

Microsoft is really upping the ante by trialling one that’s kept underwater. Its “Northern Isles” data centre consists of a steel cylinder full of nitrogen and 864 servers, holding a total of 27.6 petabytes of data. The pod has been rolling around on the sea bed off the Orkney Islands for a couple of years, and Microsoft has now declared it not just feasible, but logistically, environmentally and economically effective.

PRODUCTION CLIENT

OFF-GRID LIGHTING?

URBAN-AIR PORT®; ALAMY; WATERLIGHTS

EASY-PEESY…

66

Solar power is fine if the sun’s out. But for communities that live off the grid, that means lighting is weather-dependent. To get around that problem in Colombia, they’re converting seawater and – at a push – urine into an energy source.

Once filled with 500ml of either liquid, WaterLights emit 45 days of light. It’s all down to ionisation, where electrolytes in the liquids react with the lamp’s magnesium and copper plates. Its inventors, Colombian renewable energy start-up E-Dina and the Colombian division of creative agency Wunderman Thompson, say the WaterLights are now “poised for a worldwide rollout”.

DESTINATION: COVENTRY

autonomous d n a is x ta ir a , s Electric plane ting a course r a h c e b l il w s deliver y drone n Air One opens later he for Coventr y w d as the world’s first ille d this year. It ’s b al Take-Off an c ti r e V ic tr c le y airport for e ft. The compan ra c ir a ) L O T V hild Landing (e rt, is the brainc o P ir -A n a rb U t behind it, rly a partner a e m r fo , u h d n a rs. of Ricky S Foster+Partne ts c e it h rc a g n for big-hitti dhu has plans n a S , y tr n e v o After C xt five years. e n e th r e v o s e 200 sit

Happy birthday, Mary Shelley Fiction’s most notorious bit of electrickery (well, until Back to the Future hit the big screens in 1985) was a truly monstrous affair. Born 224 years ago this August, Mary Shelley popularised the notion of electric shocks in her Gothic novel Frankenstein. Her recklessly ambitious scientist creates life through galvanism, or chemicallygenerated electricity. It’s a feat that would surely deserve a spot in Connections, if only Dr Frankenstein had been NICEIC-registered.

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