Area Engineer / Joe Aguilar Q UE STIO N
Why is a code C2 recommended for the absence of certain forms of identification or labelling whereas in other cases a code C3 is deemed to be appropriate?
When did you first become an Area Engineer for NICEIC? In 2015, after 34 years in the industry. I started with an apprenticeship before running my own business and completing an engineering degree. Having worked in both research and as a consultant, I have seen the industry from different perspectives.
A N SW E R
Broadly speaking, where the absence of a warning label or notice might result in a potentially dangerous situation for those working on the electrical installation or using installed electrical equipment, allocation of a code C2 would be appropriate. However, where the absence of information will not present a danger to those for whom it was intended to inform, a code C3 would be sufficient, advising that remedial action would lead to some improvement in the safety of the electrical installation. In other cases, the absence of the required information will not warrant classification or reporting. Examples are given in the Table below: Examples of condition report classification codes relating to the absence of identification and labelling required by BS 7671 (This listing is not exhaustive) C2
C3
No coding necessary
Absence of warning notices indicating the presence of an alternative or secondary source of electricity, such as a standby generator or micro-generator 514.15.1
Absence of circuit identification details at distribution boards / consumer units 514.9.1
Switch lines not identified as line conductors at terminations 514.3
Absence of labelling on junction boxes of a solar PV system indicating that parts inside the boxes may still be live after isolation from the PV convertor 712.537.2.2.5.1
Absence of ‘Safety Electrical Connection— Do Not Remove’ notice at required locations 514.13.1
Circuit protective conductors or final circuit conductors in a consumer unit not arranged or marked so that they can be identified for inspection, testing or alteration of the installation 514.3
Absence of warning notice where equipment contains live parts which are not capable of being isolated by a single device 514.11.1
Absence of sixmonthly test notice where RCDs present in the installation 514.12.2
Absence of label advising of the presence of SPDs or other equipment that may be damaged by testing or affect the validity of the results obtained 514.9.1 (iv)
Joe Aguilar East/West Sussex, Kent NICEIC and ELECSA employ 80 field team staff to assess contractors’ work and provide up-to-date technical advice. To many of you they will be the face of NICEIC and ELECSA that you see regularly. Here we turn the tables and put them in the spotlight
How has the job changed in that time? There has been greater standardisation of assessments across the NICEIC Approved Contractor, NICEIC Domestic Installer and ELECSA brands. What are some of the biggest changes in the industry that you have come across? More extensive use of home automation and security, particularly with app-connected devices. What’s the strangest thing you have come across during your time with NICEIC? A small distribution board mounted on the ceiling – not by an NICEIC contractor, I am glad to say. What’s the strangest request you've had? To assess the wiring in a bat box on a nature reserve. What interesting jobs have some of your contractors being involved with? Stadium lighting at the Amex (Brighton & Hove Albion FC’s home ground). What are your interests outside work? Travelling in my VW campervan, walking on the South Downs and reading. If you had a superpower, what would it be? The ability to cure all ills. If you had a day off tomorrow, what would you do? Catch up on DIY jobs I don’t finish because I am out in my campervan. Favourite book, film and television programme? Film: Chocolat, just because I like chocolate TV: Gardeners’ World Book: The Little World of Don Camillo by Giovanni Guareschi
39 S U MME R 2 018
38-39 Technical Helpline Summer 2018.cc.indd 39
21/06/2018 11:27