NICEIC gears up for the 17th Edition

NICEIC gears up for the 17th Edition

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DIT400 advert_update A4 16/5/07 15:43 Page 1

ISSUE 162 Summer 2007

PAGE 4 PAGE 40PAGE 9

Registered Office:NICEIC, Warwick House, Houghton Hall Park, Houghton Regis, Dunstable LU5 5ZX www.niceicgroup.com Registered as NICEIC Group Ltd in England No. 02513162

‘NICEIC Connections’ is the journal ofNICEIC, published quarterly

SPECIAL REPORT PAGENICEIC gears up for the 17th Edition 3

NEWSNew Building Regulations Schemes from NICEIC 4Elex success for NICEIC 6News in brief • Calendar of events 7NICEIC Sales going online 9Domestic Installer Scheme continues to grow 10Socket interface adaptor 10NICEIC promotes ‘homes not houses’ 11NICEIC and product endorsement • New tamper evident labels 11Trustmark • New website goes live 12Removals from the Roll 13Approved Contractor retires after 35 years’ enrolment 14People 15Building Control system in England and Wales under review 17New scheme for personnel working in hazardous areas 18Part P Building Control notifications 20Talking specifics 23Failure of plastic cold water cisterns due to overheating of cylinders 25Temporary disconnections in the regions covered by

Scottish & Southern Energy 26How out of date is your training ? 27Electrical Contractors and the smart home sector 37Environmental Management can bring you more business 38EMC Regulations revised 40

PUBLICATIONSNew Domestic Periodic Inspection DVD launched 43HSE updates guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations 44PAT Testing: IEE exam success 44From the helpline 45New NICEIC Domestic Periodic Inspection Reporting book 47Guide to Completing Specialized Certificates and Reports 48Pocket Guides now being distributed with Connections 49Technical Manual goes online 49Electrical Safety Council Best Practice Guides 50

TECHNICALFrom the helpline 51Snags and Solutions 54Sizing cable trunking 56Poor connection of neutral conductors 58Sizing of conductors connecting to busbars 60Plastic pipes supplying metallic parts in domestic premises 62

NICEIC HEAD OFFICE

01582 531000

NICEIC FAX NUMBER

01582 531010

OTHER CONTACT NUMBERS

General Enquiry Line 0870 013 0382

Technical Helpline 0870 013 0391

Sales enquiries and orders 0870 013 0458

Training booking 0870 013 0389

Building Control (NICEIC) 0870 013 0462

E-MAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.niceicgroup.com

VACANCIES: www.niceicgroup.com

0870 numbers are charged at national rate based on callingfrom a BT landline. Mobile and other users may be chargeda higher rate.

EDITOR

Mike Clark 01582 556556

DEPUTY EDITOR

John Bradley 01582 556556

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Howard Goodenough 01582 556556

ADVERTISEMENT CO-ORDINATOR

Janet Appleby 01582 531000

DESIGN AND ARTWORK

Tim Grey 020 8974 0367

0800 028 28 28www.amtech-power.co.uk

NICEIC Approved Contractors Special Offer

AMTECH Office 2007The launch of our most advanced contractor solution AMTECH Office 2007 provides you with all the electrical software you need in one box. PLUS, buying any AMTECH Office package saves you over 50% GUARANTEED. Comprising six essential programs to help increase your competitive advantage, win new business and save time and money.

Electrical DesignProDesign & ProDesign Domestic– Produce single line schematics in minutes– Add cables, busbars and manufacturers’

devices from a massive database held in the software.

– Calculate cable sizes and volt-drop calculations to BS 7671.

CertificationFastTest & FastTest Mobile– Produce professional Test & Inspection

certificates fast. – Print certificates onto plain paper and

NICEIC computer-friendly stationery. Part P compliant.

Co-ordinationProtect – Check the co-ordination within your

project. Great for setting adjustable breakers and reducing nuisance tripping.

Cable SizingSingleCable– Perform quick single cable calculations

to BS 7671 on any circuit.

Prices start from just £995

AMTECH 2007 – there has never been a better time to buy with our Super Spring Offers

FastTest 2007Our market leading Test & Inspection software just got better with 2007 FastTest software

Industry regulations require you to provide a test certificate for everything you do. You need to produce them quickly and easily and they need to look good. FastTest gives you that extra advantage and helps you stay ahead of the competition.

– Produce professional certificates and reports for your clients quickly and easily

– Provide traceability for your quality auditor or NICEIC Inspector

– Save time on re-testing

– Store all your data including test results, inspection details and certificates

– Produce electronic certificates and email them direct to your client

Prices startfrom just £195

AMTECH Mobile softwareor 64Mb Pocket PC for

ONLY £1When you buy any FastTest or AMTECH Office 2007 software

NICEIC Approved Contractors receive a FREE upgrade to PremierCareXtra

Offer for a limited period onlyTerms and conditions apply

For more about these offers and AMTECH software, call us or go online

NEWS

SUMMER 2007 www.niceicgroup.com NICEIC CONNECTIONS 3

NICEIC GEARS UP FOR THE 17TH EDITIONIn preparation for this event, NICEIC, from October, willbe able to provide a one stop shop for all your 17thEdition needs.

Over the past few months, NICEIC has been working closely withthe awarding bodies City & Guilds and EAL to ensure that proposedchanges to their current qualifications are fit-for-purpose and thatthey are made widely available.

In the next issue of Connections, we will provide further informationon the range of training and qualifications that will be available forcontractors.

But the good news doesn’t stop there. New training courses arecurrently being developed by NICEIC and its partners, together withother useful products, to make contractors’ lives easier.

These will include dedicated 17th Edition publications, DVDs andspecial discount offers for NICEIC-registered contractors.

We will also being delivering a series of informative seminars onthe 17th Edition and how it will affect you.

These events will be available around the UK at more than 20venues. Wherever you live in the UK, you are likely to find a venueclose to you.

We are committed to providing the very best services, at the rightprice and across the UK, but we anticipate that our 17th Editionofferings will be in high demand.

Connections will be running news updates and features to keepyou aware of the latest developments and products that are rightfor you. We are also creating a dedicated section on our newwebsite to help keep you up to date with related events andseminars.

As has been widely broadcast, BS 7671: 2008,

otherwise to be known as the 17th Edition of the

IEE Wiring Regulations, is due to be published in

January 2008.

If you would like to find our more about our training and

events programme, please visit www.17thedition.info or

email us at [email protected]

0800 028 28 28www.amtech-power.co.uk

NICEIC Approved Contractors Special Offer

AMTECH Office 2007The launch of our most advanced contractor solution AMTECH Office 2007 provides you with all the electrical software you need in one box. PLUS, buying any AMTECH Office package saves you over 50% GUARANTEED. Comprising six essential programs to help increase your competitive advantage, win new business and save time and money.

Electrical DesignProDesign & ProDesign Domestic– Produce single line schematics in minutes– Add cables, busbars and manufacturers’

devices from a massive database held in the software.

– Calculate cable sizes and volt-drop calculations to BS 7671.

CertificationFastTest & FastTest Mobile– Produce professional Test & Inspection

certificates fast. – Print certificates onto plain paper and

NICEIC computer-friendly stationery. Part P compliant.

Co-ordinationProtect – Check the co-ordination within your

project. Great for setting adjustable breakers and reducing nuisance tripping.

Cable SizingSingleCable– Perform quick single cable calculations

to BS 7671 on any circuit.

Prices start from just £995

AMTECH 2007 – there has never been a better time to buy with our Super Spring Offers

FastTest 2007Our market leading Test & Inspection software just got better with 2007 FastTest software

Industry regulations require you to provide a test certificate for everything you do. You need to produce them quickly and easily and they need to look good. FastTest gives you that extra advantage and helps you stay ahead of the competition.

– Produce professional certificates and reports for your clients quickly and easily

– Provide traceability for your quality auditor or NICEIC Inspector

– Save time on re-testing

– Store all your data including test results, inspection details and certificates

– Produce electronic certificates and email them direct to your client

Prices startfrom just £195

AMTECH Mobile softwareor 64Mb Pocket PC for

ONLY £1When you buy any FastTest or AMTECH Office 2007 software

NICEIC Approved Contractors receive a FREE upgrade to PremierCareXtra

Offer for a limited period onlyTerms and conditions apply

For more about these offers and AMTECH software, call us or go online

NEWS

NICEIC CONNECTIONS www.niceicgroup.com SUMMER 20074

NEW BUILDING REGULATIONS SCHEMES FROM NICEIC

The Government has introduced Competent Person Schemes for parts F, G, J and L of the

Building Regulations for England and Wales, which may affect readers of Connections.

NICEIC has been licensed by Communities and LocalGovernment (CLG) to operate Competent Person Schemes insupport of these Parts of the Regulations.

The NICEIC schemes cover work in both domestic and non-domestic premises. Following registration, NICEIC-registeredinstallers will be able to self-certify the following types of work:

Type of work Parts of the Building Regulations Requiring Self-Certification

F G J L PVentilation Plumbing Combustion Conservation Electrical

Appliances and of fuel & Installationsfuel storage Power

Installation of hot water storage systemsand associated drainage. 3 3 3 3

Installation of combustion appliancesand associated fuel storage and relatedheating systems. 3 3 3 3 3

Installation of electrical heating systems. 3 3 3

Installation of air conditioning andventilation systems. 3 3 3

Installation of plumbing systems andsanitary ware. 3 3

Installation of electrical lighting systems. 3 3

Competent Person Schemes – are they relevant to me?

If you are carrying out any of the following types of installationwork, then the Competent Persons Scheme are relevant to you:

• an oil-fired combustion appliance which has a rated heatoutput of 100 kilowatts or less and which is installed in abuilding with no more than 3 storeys (excluding anybasement) or in a dwelling

• oil storage tanks and the pipes connecting them tocombustion appliances, or heating and hot water servicesystems connected to an oil-fired combustion appliance

• a solid fuel burning combustion appliance which has arated heat output of 50 kilowatts or less, which is installed ina building with no more than 3 storeys (excluding any basement)

• heating and hot water service systems connected to a solidfuel burning combustion appliance

• a heating or hot water service system, or associated controls,in a dwelling

• a heating, hot water service, mechanical ventilation or airconditioning system, or associated controls, in a buildingother than a dwelling

NEWS


• an air conditioning or ventilation system in an existingdwelling, which does not involve work on systems sharedwith other dwellings

• a commercial kitchen ventilation system which does notinvolve work on systems shared with parts of the buildingoccupied separately

• a lighting system or electric heating system, or associatedelectrical controls

• fixed low or extra-low voltage electrical installations andthose as a necessary adjunct to or arising out of otherwork being carried out by the registered person

• installation of a sanitary convenience, washing facility orbathroom in a dwelling, which does not involve work onshared or underground drainage.

Essentially, all trades (plumbing, heating and ventilationinstallers, air conditioning engineers, electricians, builders andcontractors crossing over or infringing into other buildingregulations as part of their main work) are affected by thesechanges.

It’s important to note that under the new requirements, sometypes of work in both domestic and non-domestic premisesare required to be notified.

Just like the existing Part P scheme, the new NICEICCompetent Person Schemes will save registered installers the

time and expense of requesting building control approvalprior to undertaking notifiable work.

To put it simply, NICEIC-registered installers will beable to self-certify all their notifiable work

through the NICEIC schemes, cutting downthe hassle and red tape.

If you are already registered with NICEIC,then the schemes are available to you as

an extension of your existing registration.

Minimum Technical Competency (MTC)requirements are being developed by NICEIC, otherCompetent Person Scheme providers and CLG, to ensure aunified approach.

Competency requirements will vary depending on the type ofwork an enterprise conducts, but there will be more than oneentry route. In particular, those who hold no formalqualifications but who have been working in the relevantsectors for some time will be given the opportunity todemonstrate their competence.

Training to support the new Competent Persons

Schemes will be available via the nationwide

network of approved centres. Visit

www.niccertification.com for details.

NEWS


The Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate was the venue for theElex event in March, organised by Professional Electricianmagazine.

Nearly 3,500 tradesmen packedinto the Event Centre, many ofwhom visited the NICEIC stand tolisten to technical and BuildingRegulations seminars, to buy thevery best technical publications andproducts, and to talk to local AreaEngineers.

“The Elex events are undoubtedly our most successful in termsof providing technical help and advice, and generally informingthe trade about the benefits of registering with NICEIC,” saidMichael Toolis, Events Manager.

The free NICEIC seminars at Harrogate demonstrated topacked audiences how to complete electrical installationcertificates correctly. The seminars were also used to introducethe new NICEIC Building Regulations Schemes that allowinstallers to self-certify other notifiable work, such as theinstallation of air conditioning and oil heating systems.

There is another Elex event in Glasgow at the end of June,followed by another in Coventry in September.

All Approved Contractors andDomestic Installers are invited tovisit us on the NICEIC stand atthese interesting and informativeevents.

ELEX SUCCESS FOR NICEIC

Free tickets!Tickets to all the Elex events are free. There are also specialshow discounts, and free giveaways, bacon rolls, andNICEIC seminars.

To get your free tickets, phone Hamerville Magazines on01923 237799, or visit www.elexshow.info

NEWS


APRIL

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

25-28 CEDIA Expo, ExCeL London

26-27 Elex Tool Fair, Scottish Events

Conference Centre, Glasgow

26-28 Consumer Affairs & Trading Standards

Conference & Exhibition, Manchester

International Convention Centre*

1-4 The Royal Show, Stoneleigh Park,

Warwickshire

27-29 CLA Game Fair, Harewood House,

Yorkshire

13-14 Elex Tool Fair, Ricoh Arena, Coventry

18-21 Installer Live, Ricoh Arena, Coventry

20 PHEX, Celtic Park, Glasgow

23-27 Labour Party Annual Conference,

Bournemouth International Centre*

3-4 PHEX, Old Trafford, Manchester

10-11 M & E, Olympia, London

28-1 Interbuild 2007, NEC, Birmingham

21-22 PHEX, Stamford Bridge, Chelsea

22 NHIC Annual Awards

4-5 Elex Tool Fair, Sandown Park, Esher

JUNE

JULY

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

* Events being attended or sponsored by theElectrical Safety Council

NEWS IN BRIEF...

New NICEIC website goes live

The NICEIC website,www.niceicgroup.com, has beencompletely updated and redesigned.See page 12 for details.

Online shop being launched

A new ‘NICEIC-Direct’ online shop issoon to be launched atwww.niceicdirect.com Details onpage 9.

Fixed installations becomesubject to revised EMCRegulations

As reported on page 40, fixedelectrical installations will becomesubject to the ElectromagneticCompatibility Regulations 2006,which come into force on 20 July.

NHIC Annual Awards 2007

The National Home Improvement Council will be holding its Annual Awardsevent this year on 22 November in London.

There are 12 awardcategories, ranging fromlocal authorities andregistered social landlordsto Housing Associationmodernisations, and fromsustainable home

improvements to electrical safety. The latter category is being sponsored bythe Electrical Safety Council.

Full details are available from www.nhic.org.ukThe closing date for entries is 24 August

Order ref: FTH

Cost: £20.00

Order ref: GSC

Cost: £30.00

To order call 0870 0130458 www.niceicgroup.com

Two new books from NICEIC

half page ad 17/5/07 9:29 am Page 1

Don’t take chances with health and safety

Contact us today on:

08000 522 424 or email [email protected]

Implementing a health and safety management system to the requirements ofOHSAS 18001 can help you to:

• meet your legal obligations• protect employees and customers• reduce risk of accidents• prepare for emergencies• demonstrate responsible management practices.

NQA, part of NICEIC Group, is committed to partnering your organisation toachieving the benefits of OHSAS 18001 certification.

014-05 H&S Ad 18/5/07 3:02 pm Page 1


NICEIC SALES GOING ONLINENICEIC is pleased to announce that the‘NICEIC Direct’ online shop for electricalcontractors and specifiers will soon go live.

The new facility will enable customers toorder online any products from the extensiverange of NICEIC certificates, books, BritishStandards, labels and test equipment.

NICEIC Direct will feature:

• wider range products with detaileddescriptions

• fast and accurate processing of orders

• customer account records

• automatic confirmation of orders andinvoicing via email

• notification of new product launches

• special offers.

The NICEIC Direct can be accessed either viathe NICEIC website www.niceicgroup.comor directly at the new NICEIC Direct websitewww.niceicdirect.com

Please check the main NICEICwebsite for up-to-date details ofthe launch date.

Order ref: FTH

Cost: £20.00

Order ref: GSC

Cost: £30.00

To order call 0870 0130458 www.niceicgroup.com

Two new books from NICEIC

half page ad 17/5/07 9:29 am Page 1

Please note:

As an introductory offer,

customers ordering online within

the first four weeks of the launch

date will receive free postage

and packaging, saving £6.00

per order.

NEWS


The NICEIC Domestic Installer

Scheme, with its extensions to

scope for domestic periodic

inspection reporting and

portable appliance testing,

continues to grow steadily.

More than 50,000 information packshave now been sent out in response toenquiries about the NICEIC registrationschemes, resulting in over 13,500applications for registration.

Of these, almost 9,000 applicants havenow been assessed as fully compliantwith the Domestic Installer Scheme

rules, with another 400 undergoing theinitial site assessment process.

About 12,400 Approved Contractorshave also registered as DomesticInstallers. These contractors arerequired to have typical examples ofdomestic installation work available forinspection during periodic assessmentvisits if they wish to retain theirDomestic Installer status.

Householders in England and Walesnow have over 21,000 NICEIC-registered contractors and installers tochoose from to carry out electricalinstallation work in accordance with theBuilding Regulations, all the work beingcovered by the NICEIC insurance-backed warranty scheme.

Many of these registrants have alsojoined the TrustMark scheme, whichprovides even greater protection forconsumers.

DOMESTIC INSTALLER SCHEMECONTINUES TO GROW

Almost two million Building

Control Compliance Certificates

have now been issued by

NICEIC on behalf of over 16,000

Building Control account

holders.

SOCKET INTERFACE ADAPTOR

Avoid the risk of damaging decorations or breaking off conductors that can occur when

removing socket-outlets for test purposes.

The new NICEIC Socket Interface Adaptor offers a costeffective and time saving way of safely testing insulationresistance and protective conductor continuity at a socket-outlet, without the need the remove the accessory.

Just plug in the Socket Interface Adaptor, plug the leadsfrom your digital insulation/continuity test instrument intothe adaptor, and you are ready to go.

Please see enclosed order form for details

NEWS


NICEIC is occasionally asked to confirm whether or notit has approved or endorsed a particular product, asclaimed for example in an advert or catalogue.

NICEIC AND PRODUCTENDORSEMENT

The answer is almost invariably no, as it has beenlongstanding NICEIC policy not to ‘approve’ or ‘endorse’proprietary products.

The only exception to this in recent years was theendorsement of a small number of certificate softwareproducts which incorporated NICEIC-endorsed error-trapping routines. Such endorsement of new softwareproducts ceased at the end of 2004.

Any claims in advertisements or elsewhere that a productis NICEIC approved or endorsed should be referred toNICEIC, together with sufficient information to permitinvestigation (such as a copy of the advert or a link to awebsite page).

NICEIC ‘tamper evident’ holographic labelsare being made available to help ApprovedContractors and Domestic Installers identifywhether a consumer unit or similarequipment has been accessed by othersafter being sealed.

The labels, each of which has a uniqueserial number can, for example, be fixedacross the back plate and the front cover ofa consumer unit, leaving free access tooperate the circuit-breakers.

The serial number of the label may berecorded on the installation certificate forfuture reference.

The new labels are available from NICEICSales - see enclosed order form for details.

We would welcome customer feedback on

this new product, and indeed on any other

products we sell. Email:

[email protected]

NEW ‘TAMPER EVIDENT’ LABELS

• new from sales • new from sales • new from sales • new from sales •

Actual size

‘The physical

hologram will

have a colour

shifting feature in

all the elements.’

In March, West Lothian

Council held its annual

‘Homes Not Houses’

Exhibition at Livingston

Football Club, and NICEIC

Group was there to support it.

The event provided anopportunity for tenants whowill benefit from the Council’s‘Investment in the Capital’programme to meet with staffmembers, to ask questionsabout the work that isscheduled to take place intheir homes over the next 12months, and to view the

quality and types of materialthat will be used. Theexhibition was visited by about1600 tenants.

“Each year we have enhancedthe exhibition by providingadditional related exhibits and,this year, we added energyefficiency and electrical safety,provided by NICEIC” saidDavid Newton, ElectricalForeman at the Council.

“The enthusiasm andassistance of NICEIC AreaEngineers Eddie Thomson andBill Maxwell, who not only

manned theirown stand butalso assisted onour periodicinspection andenergy efficientlighting stand,was muchappreciated byboth staff andvisitors.”

NICEIC PROMOTES‘HOMES NOT HOUSES’

By email:[email protected]

By post:To the NICEIC at Warwick House,marked for the attention of‘Regulatory Affairs’

NEWS


TrustMark is an award-winning

scheme supported by the

Government, consumer groups and

building industry to help consumers

find reputable firms to do repair,

maintenance and improvement

work inside and outside their

homes.

All 21,000 NICEIC Domestic Installershave been sent an information andapplication pack inviting them to registerwith TrustMark in order to take advantageof the added benefits to their business.

A large number of these firms havealready gained TrustMark registrationthrough NICEIC.

Their TrustMark status is clearlyindicated in the searchable register forthose customers looking for the addedassurance it brings. Are you missing outon these business opportunities?

Contractors register with TrustMark byagreeing to terms and conditions set byDTI. This ‘sub-licence agreement’ containssome additional requirements, including:

• Except for sole traders, employer’sliability insurance of £10 million

• a complaints procedure that coverscontractual, financial, standard of workand customer service issues

• offering additional insurance-backedwarranty to cover the deposit and workin progress

Compliance with each of these additionalrequirements needs to be verified as partof the annual NICEIC assessment process.

In support of the TrustMark initiative,NICEIC has kept the registration fee to aminimum (currently £35 plus VAT). Toregister, or for further information, contactthe NICEIC Helpline on 0870 013 0382.

A TrustMark vehicle sticker is available (in

small size only) to all contractors

registered through NICEIC – see enclosed

order form for details.

TRUSTMARK

NICEIC Group has redesigned its website to reflect the

changing needs of its customers, and the products and

services it offers them.

NEW WEBSITE GOES LIVE

The site, www.niceicgroup.com, is very useful for specifiers andhouseholders, with its ‘Find a Contractor’ search engine, featuringeasy-to-use search options.

A secure log-in area for NICEIC-registered contractors enables themto access a wide range of technical information, including thecomprehensive Technical Manual and the pocket guides whichprovide advice, guidance and rules to help keep you up to date withlegislation, regulations and the industry in general.

A secure e-commerce portal will enable NICEIC-registeredcontractors to select and buy products and publications online.

Specifiers, such as Local Authorities, landlords and Facility Managersalso have their own dedicated section within the site, providinguseful information on their legal obligations, as well as other supportservices.

TrustMark is now publishing an e-newsletter

showing how contractors can benefit

from their substantial marketing

campaign. To view or download the

newsletters, visit www.trustmark.org.uk,

where you will also find full details of the

scheme.


REMOVALS FROM THE ROLL OF APPROVED CONTRACTORSThe following contractors have been removed from the Roll under the Council’s Rule18(2):

City EngineeringServices (SW) LtdUnits 3-4 BishopsEstate95 Church RoadBishopsworthBristol BS13 8JU

DC Electrical ServicesUnit 8 Greys CourtKingsland GrangeWoolstonWarrington WA1 4SH

G R Birtchnell ElectricalContractorsBridgefieldNorman HillTerlingChelmsford CM3 2PZ

Heron BuildingServices Ltd78 Upper Tulse HillLondonSW2 2RP

Project ManagementServices24 Castle CourtStoke GiffordBristolBS34 8RF

RMB MaintenanceServices Ltd1 Alcester RoadMoseleyBirminghamB13 8AR

Specialised ElectricalServices LtdUnit 11d Harrier RoadHumber Bridge IndustrialEstateBarton Upon HumberSouth HumbersideDN18 5RP

The Bartram Group10 Highbury StreetPETERBOROUGHCambridgeshirePE1 3BE

Tottenham ElectricalInstallations2 Broomfield AvenueBroxbourneHertfordshireEN10 6AX

Warmerhome (Southern)LtdUnit 3A, 25 Haviland RoadFerndown Industrial EstateWimborneDorset BH21 7SA

•• AAccccuurraattee •• RReelliiaabbllee •• SShhrroouuddeedd 44mmmm SSoocckkeettss•• TToouugghh CCaassee wwiitthh LLiidd –– ddeessiiggnneedd ffoorr ooffffiiccee oorr ttoooollbbooxx uussee

TTOO PPLLAACCEE YYOOUURR OORRDDEERR CCAALLLL 00887700 001133 00445588

Calibration Checker for:-Insulation TestersRange: 0.5M ohm, 2M ohm, 200M ohm. • Accuracy 1% • Voltage Rating 1000V.

Continuity TestersRange: Null, 0.5 ohm, 1 ohm, 2 ohm • Accuracy 1% +/- 20 milli ohm.

Loop TestersRange: Local Loop, Off, Plus 1 ohm. Accuracy 1% • Current Rating 25A (pulsed).

DimensionsWeight 850g • 210mm x 168mm x 90mm including VAT

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NEWS


Back in March, NICEIC received a letter from Oscar Windsor-Smith,notifying us of his retirement from electrical contracting andconsequently from the Roll of Approved Contractors. He included ashort tale of his career and history of registration with NICEIC.Connections decided to find out more.

Oscar’s life in the industry started when he served as an apprenticewith Eastern Electricity from 1958 to 1963, and was subsequentlyselected by them to attend an Electricity Council summer school atSt John’s College, Oxford. Later he gained vital industrial andcommercial installation experience with J W Russell of Watford. Thejobs he undertook with the firm set Oscar up for his future business life.

“A crucial job for me was my involvement in the rewiring WatfordTown Hall and the inspection, and subsequent emergency rewiring,of Watford swimming baths,” he explained. “It taught me to do thingsproperly and to believe in myself and my abilities.”

In 1968 he started his ownbusiness, trading as Windsor-Smith Electrics (laterincorporated as WinsElecLtd in 1975), andemploying around eightor nine people at onetime or another includingelectricians, apprenticesand office staff.

“My business has beenon the NICEIC Roll formore than half theperiod of its existence,”he told Connections.“I was enrolled in 1972,and I even got my firstcomputer two yearsbefore NICEIC did!”

Besides many domesticclients, WinsElec has

worked for corporate clients, and central and local governmentincluding the Department of Environment, the EuropeanCommunities Commission and the European Parliament, whoseLondon offices WinsElec inspected and later rewired. But Oscar’sfavourite aspect of electrical contracting is fault finding and lightingdesign.

“Fault finding and solving problems I found extremely satisfying,” heexplained. “Lighting design is a favourite because you can actuallysee the result of your work. My lighting experience coveredinnumerable domestic schemes and installations, plus high levellighting for sports facilities, warehouses, business showrooms andsales areas. A more glamorous job was the designing and fitting ofexterior Christmas lighting for Morton’s club in Berkeley Square.”

Electrical contracting runs in the family. Oscar trained his two sonswho are on the NICEIC Roll too, operating in and around the Watfordarea. Oscar is looking forward to new challenges in his retirement,including a venture into creative writing.

“The really good thing I enjoyed about electrical contracting wasmeeting people and working in places most people would never getto see, but now at 65 I’ve retired from an industry and anorganization I was proud to have been associated with.”

APPROVED CONTRACTORRETIRES AFTER 35 YEARS’ENROLMENT

PEOPLE


It is with sadness and regret that we reportthe death of Jim Bamforth following a longbattle with ill health.

Jim was President of industry charity, EEIBA,for three years and latterly Chairman ofCouncil.

He was closely associated with his industry’scharity and will be remembered for hisenthusiasm, dedication to the cause,considerable fundraising skills and his love ofhorse racing.

Jim was the retired Chairman of electricalwholesalers Rexel Senate.

JUST LEAVINGDEREK COOPER

Derek Cooper, the NICEIC Area Engineer for Devonand Somerset, has retired after 30 years’ service withNICEIC.

Derek started his career with NICEIC in the North of England, but movedto the South West a number of years ago.

Derek intends to continue his association with NICEIC in a part timecapacity as an Associate for the Domestic Installer Scheme to easehimself into retirement, where he intends to improve his golf handicapand to listen to the sound of leather hitting willow.

We are sure Approved Contractors and Domestic Installers in his area willjoin NICEIC in thanking him for his years of dedicated service, and wishhim and his family a long and happy retirement.

NICEIC is in the process of recruiting a replacement for Derek. ApprovedContractors in the area will meet their new Area Engineer in due course.

AREA ENGINEERGAINS CHARTEREDENGINEER STATUSBRYAN GIBSON B ENG(HONS) CENG MIEE

We are pleased to report that Bryan Gibson, the Area Engineer forDurham, Tyne & Wear and North Yorkshire since 2001, has recentlygained Chartered Electrical Engineer status.

Armed only with a map,questions, teddy bear andcamera, 40 NICEIC Groupemployees rose to theoccasion, raising money for

our industry charity the EEIBA, in the firstever Monopoly Challenge!

Teams set off finding the quickest way roundthe London locations found on the Monopolyboard, answering questions at each stop.

Teams had seven hours to complete thechallenge, before meeting back to find out theanswers and who the winners were.

NICEIC and EEIBA would like to thank all thosewho sponsored and participated in the teams,helping to raise over £2000 towards this goodcause.

NICEIC EMPLOYEES GO TO JAIL!

OBITUARYJIM BAMFORTH

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JPD Group Ltd, The Station House, Plumley, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 9RX A division of NICEIC Group Ltd.

020-04.qxd 24/5/07 1:50 pm Page 1

NEWS


Over the years, the Building

Control System has helped to

deliver buildings which are safe,

healthy and accessible for

everyone who lives and works

in and around them.

The Building Regulations generally served the purpose

well. However, at the end of March, the Government

launched a major modernisation of the Building

Control system in England and Wales with the

publication of a paper detailing its vision for how

the system can be improved.

'The Future for Building Control' sets out

a package of options that the

Government is proposing to develop further.

The publication followed detailed discussions with key

members of industry on the strengths and weaknesses of

the current system, which have highlighted a strong case

for reform.

The paper recognises a number of important

shortcomings with the current system, including the lack

of a clear future vision for the purpose of Building Control,

the current piecemeal approach to regulatory change and

the complexity of guidance. Problems with achieving

compliance, and with effective enforcement, are also

highlighted as key areas for action.

BUILDING CONTROLSYSTEM IN ENGLANDAND WALES UNDERREVIEW

Amongst those ideas included in the package are options for:

• providing greater enforcement powers for local

authorities to tackle persistent offenders

• further helping with compliance by providing simple

customer focused guidance that helps with specific

building work or types of problems

• moving away from a piecemeal approach to building

regulation review and towards a longer fixed-term cycle

with planned pauses and a clear indication of future

changes, and

• formulating options for making sure that building control

bodies are properly resourced into the future.

The Government will be publishing a full consultationpaper on the way forward later this year.

NEWS


A new competence assessment scheme was

recently launched for people who either work

in, or have responsibility for, hazardous areas.

Confidence comes with competence

There have been increasing calls from all sides of industry forprofessionals working in hazardous areas to demonstratecompetence to carry out their tasks.

The DSEAR* regulations now stipulate a requirement for peoplein certain safety-related activities to be competent in the field ofexplosion protection through experience and professional training.

‘Competence Professional’satisfies this need

After listening to the needs ofindustry, Sira Certification Service(SCS) has launched a pioneering,industry recognised and UKAS

accredited, personnel certification scheme called ‘CompetenceProfessional’.

The scheme provides the necessary assessments, both inknowledge and experience, to enable all personnel within anorganisation, management through to operatives, to dischargetheir duties within HSE guidelines and, if appropriate, under theDSEAR regulations.

The scheme is managed by an industry steering group of whichHylton Reid of the Electrical Safety Council is chairman.

The new scheme does not replace the existing scheme operatedby the NICEIC for contractors working in hazardous areas, sincethe NICEIC scheme requires a far greater assessment of acontractor’s overall capability, involving on-site assessmentamongst other things.

In practice, the new scheme is similar to the established CompExscheme. However, it is aimed at people having differentresponsibilities, CompEx being aimed primarily at installationtechnicians.

The ‘Competence Professional’ requirements are detailed in‘knowledge syllabuses’ for each unit, which have been created byindependent experts in the relevant fields of work.

To obtain competence registration, the candidate must pass sixmandatory units to prove they have a broad understanding ofaspects relating to hazardous areas. The units are:

• ATEX 100a introduction, guidance and application

• Properties of flammable materials and ignition sources

• Overview of all protection methods, apparatus grouping andtemperature classification

• A basic understanding of ATEX 137 and DSEAR

• Area Classification overview

• Hazardous area installations overview

The candidate can then select a number of optional, technicallydetailed, units in which they wish to be assessed, relating to theirspecific area of expertise. Topics include:

• Detailed units on major protection concepts

• Handling dusts and fibres

• Inspection and maintenance

Coming shortly are units on:

• A detailed understanding of Area Classification

• Hazard appreciation and risk assessment

• Functional safety and the requirements of IEC 61508

It is therefore possible for an individual to become competent ina specific area of expertise, rather than just have knowledge ofgeneral hazardous area topics.

The specialist units are continually being added to so, for an up-to-date list, visit www.competencepro.com, or contact SCS.

The scheme will be flexible and cost-effective, being presented ina modular format to enable the competence criteria to accuratelymatch the precise requirements for an individual or a particularindustry sector.

Those passing the assessment will receive an industryrecognised, UKAS-accredited, certificate of competence.

NEW SCHEME FORPERSONNEL WORKING INHAZARDOUS AREAS

For further details, contact SCS at:Tel: 01322 520500Email: [email protected]: www.competencepro.com

* The Dangerous

Substances and

Explosive

Atmospheres

Regulations 2002

NEWS

PART P BUILDING CONTROL NOTIFICATIONS

Are you currently using the NICEIC Building

Compliance Notification Process to notify

domestic electrical installation work that falls

within the scope of Approved Document P?

We already take the worry away from you by notifying the relevant

Building Control Office of all the work you notify to us, and also

issue a Building Compliance Certificate with the Insurance-backed

Warranty to your customers.

ARE YOU MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT’S ON OFFER?

But are you fully utilising all of the opportunities available within this

service, regarding web notifications, invoice options and payment

methods?

Web Notifications

This is by far the most economical and convenient method for

notifying your domestic electrical installation work through us. You

also benefit from having an automatic filing system for your

notifications, receiving and storing your invoices in your own secure

area, and having access to the latest Domestic Installer logos.



Simply access our secure website at https://brcs.niceic.com and

log on to start reaping the benefits of online notifications.

Invoices

If you notify your jobs through our secure website, you are able to

view your invoices online. Invoices are produced on or around the

15th of each month and will include all jobs submitted since the

previous invoice.

To view and print the invoices, you may need to install the PDF

reader which can be found on the log in page of the notification

website under the ‘downloads’ heading.

Once logged in, you are able to view the past 12 months’ worth of

invoices. Simply click on the ‘Invoice Summary’ link to view them.

You can also view the jobs submitted against each invoice. For this

facility, just click on the “view jobs” link on the right hand side of

each of the invoices

Payment Methods

Direct Debit is the preferred payment method, ensuring that your

account is always up to date. It also helps to keep our costs low,

saving both us and you administration.

Of the contractors currently using the NICEIC Building Compliance

notification system, 85% are successfully paying by Direct Debit.

If you are currently paying by an alternative method and wish to

pay by Direct Debit, or have any further questions about your

notifications and the facilities we offer, please call our dedicated

Building Control Helpline on 0870 013 0462.

Please ensure that you check your secure area regularly, andreview and download your invoices, as these are not sent outto you by post.

If you are not a Direct Debit payer, you can pay by credit card (just

call our Customer Service Department ), or send us a cheque,

quoting your registration number as well as the invoice number(s)

you are paying.

Please note:

The website address for building control submissions has

changed to: https://brcs.niceic.com

from the previous address https://brcs.niceic.org.uk

NEWS

The NICEIC Insurance Services Scheme is arranged by Jardine Lloyd Thompson Commercial Risks. A division of JLT Corporate RisksLimited. Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Services Authority registered under no. 310419. NICEIC is an Introducer AppointedRepresentative of JLT Corporate Risks Ltd

Inadequate insurance cover could be a drain on your business

Make sure your money doesn't go down the drain

Call NICEIC Insurance Services today, for all your insurance needs

0845 601 [email protected] Please quote ref: NIC17

Insurance Advert3 9/12/06 3:27 pm Page 1

NEWS


Every business and organisation needs to ensure

that electrical work is carried out safely by competent

electrical contractors. NICEIC can help specifiers

ensure this is achieved.

Sarah Hartland reports.

Anyone specifying electrical work needs to be aware that

NICEIC maintains a Roll of Approved Contractors that have

been assessed as competent to carry out electrical work in

accordance with the requirements of BS 7671: Requirements

for Electrical Installations, the national safety standard for

electrical installations.

Approved Contractors must also comply with the electrical

safety requirements of many other applicable British Standard

Codes of Practice, such as those for fire alarms and emergency

lighting.

They must also employ only competent persons to carry out

electrical installation work who are adequately and

appropriately supervised. Approved Contractors have to prove a

trading period and that relevant administration procedures are

in place, consummate with the scope and volume of work they

are undertaking.

NICEIC is also a Government authorised competent person

scheme operator for Part P of the Building Regulations, which

applies to domestic electrical installation work in England and

Wales.

Every job carried out by an NICEIC Domestic Installer is

covered by our mandatory insurance-backed warranty.

Domestic Installers, just like our Approved Contractors, are

assessed for their competency. In other words, whether

specifying for domestic, commercial or industrial electrical

work, you can rely on NICEIC contractors.

All NICEIC-registered business, whether Approved Contractorsor Domestic Installers, have voluntarily gone through anassessment of their competence. Customers can be confidentthat NICEIC-registered contractors have been assessed byNICEIC Area Engineers who themselves are industry trained

TALKING SPECIFICS

Continued

NEWS


and experienced, and that thecontractors continue to be assessed onan annual basis as a condition of theirongoing registration.

Certificates

Specifiers should be aware that allelectrical contractors should issue acertificate or report to their clients forwork carried out in accordance withBS 7671.

An electrical contractor constructing anew electrical installation, or altering oradding to an existing one, must issue anElectrical Installation Certificate, which isin effect a declaration of safety.

A Periodic Inspection Report is issuedwhen an electrical contractor reports onthe condition of an existing electricalinstallation. It details their findings andprovides recommendations for anyremedial works found to be necessary.

NICEIC offers a ‘certificate checking’service, which examines any issuedcertification or report for accuracy, andchecks that it has been fully and correctlycompleted. This service gives specifiersand their customers the extra confidenceand peace of mind that the correctcertificates or reports have not only beenissued, but are also accurate.

Quality through partnership

NICEIC has recently launched a uniqueinitiative called ‘Quality throughpartnership’ following discussions withmajor specifiers such as local authoritiesand housing associations. The initiativeincludes the following:

• Approved Contractors receiveadditional assessment visits specificallyrelated to the work they carry out for aspecifier partner.

• The specifier and NICEIC will have acoordinated approach to the selectionof the type and location of sites to bevisited for the purposes of theadditional assessments. This willensure that a representative sample ofcompleted work is inspected byNICEIC.

• Approved Contractors working for aspecifier partner will have additionalassessment time to evaluate allaspects of their electrical installationwork, the extent of which will be basedon the size of the contract.

• NICEIC will agree a ‘service levelagreement’ with each specifier partnerto facilitate the appropriate level oftechnical support and consultancy.

The initiative will lead to an improved

climate of trust, communication and

transparency between the parties

involved in electrical installation work. A

number of London Boroughs are

involved in the piloting of this initiative

and a number of Approved Contractors

have already signed up.

NICEIC already has an ‘Inspection on

demand’ service. This means that

irrespective of whom a specifier has

employed (even if the work hasn’t been

carried out by an NICEIC-registered

contractor), NICEIC will carry out a wholly

independent and impartial inspection, to

see if it complies with the relevant

standards and regulations

Satisfied?

If a specifier is not satisfied with the

technical standard of an NICEIC-

registered contractor’s electrical work, it’s

important to know that NICEIC has a

complaints resolution service.

Subject to certain limitations and

conditions, NICEIC endeavours to resolve

all complaints about the technical

standard of NICEIC registrants’ electrical

work.

If a customer and a registered contractor

are unable to resolve an alleged

deficiency in the technical standard of

electrical work, the customer can make a

formal complaint. All complaints falling

within the scope of the NICEIC

complaints procedure will be investigated

and, where a complaint is substantiated,

the deficiency will be rectified at no

additional cost to the customer.

More support

NICEIC has a wide range of useful

publications, products and information

which are very useful for specifiers and

their customers.

There is also a technical helpline,

manned by industry experts.

As well as our Approved Contractor and

Domestic Installer Schemes, which

currently have over 20,000 registrants,

NICEIC provides a raft of related

Schemes such as PAT testing, periodic

inspection reporting, and competent

person self-certification schemes relating

to parts F, G, J and L of the Building

Regulations for England and Wales.

Customers can be confident that by

specifying an NICEIC registered

contractor, they are employing the very

best!

If you a specifier interested in finding out

more about NICEIC and its registered

contractors, telephone 0870 013 0382.

If you are NICEIC-registered and would

like more information on the ‘Quality

through partnership’ initiative, telephone

0870 013 0382 or email

[email protected]

Continued from page 23

Checklist for specifiers:

3 Check that the electrical contractor isNICEIC registered. Our up-to-date Rollis on our website www.niceicgroup.com

3 Remember, all NICEIC ApprovedContractors have been assessed toBS 7671, and are required to employonly competent persons with thenecessary skill and experience relevantto the work undertaken. All ApprovedContractors and Domestic Installersare assessed annually to ensure theirwork continues to meet ourrequirements.

3 NICEIC can check the accuracy of anycertificates or reports issued bycontractors.

3 The NICEIC ‘Quality throughpartnership’ initiative increasescommunication, transparency and trustthroughout a project.

NEWS


It is estimated that there are about 20

million homes in the UK that have electric

immersion heaters.

Although in these days of central heating many of theseimmersion heaters will run only occasionally, failure of thethermostat in older systems having no over-temperature cut-outcan lead to danger

In particular, there have been cases where, due to the failure of athermostat, water in the cylinder has been heated to boilingpoint, causing it to be discharged into the cold water storage tankvia the open vent pipe.

Where the tank is constructed of plastic, the rise in watertemperature can cause the tank material to soften. This in itselfshould not be a problem if the tank base is adequatelysupported, but there have been cases where the tank hasslumped due to inadequate support, causing scalding water tocascade into the space below.

The risk of injury from such an event is likely to be higher inhomes that were built between 1945 and 1975 because, usuallyhaving been linked to back boilers, cisterns are more likely to belocated over bedrooms.

Also, with older ‘combi boiler’ installations still utilizing a hotwater cylinder, there is a risk that the hot water pipework wouldbe unable to cope with the increase in system pressure if a faultyimmersion heater caused water in the hot water cylinder to boil.

Electrical contractors undertaking maintenance and repairs toimmersion heaters, or periodic inspections of domestic electricalinstallations, are requested to take note of the following:

Maintenance and repairs

• Replacement immersion heaters should comply with

BS EN 60335-2-73. These must be fitted with a control

thermostat and a non self-resetting over-temperature cut-out

which operates independently of the thermostat. The over-

temperature cut-out may be combined in the same device as

the thermostat but the functions must operate independently.

The over-temperature cut-out must prevent the stored water

exceeding 98 oC in the event of failure of the thermostat.

• Replacement thermostats should incorporate a similar non self-

resetting over-temperature cut-out

• Replacement cylinder thermostats controlling motorised valves

in the primary heating circuit should be the strapped-on or

immersion type. A non self-resetting over-temperature cut-out

should also be fitted to prevent the stored water temperature

exceeding 98 oC. If this is adjustable, it should be set at about

10 oC to 15 oC above the thermostat setting to prevent

nuisance operation. Control thermostats incorporating a non

self-resetting cut-out should only be replaced with thermostats

incorporating a similar cut-out device

• Thermostats, over-temperature cut-outs and combined

thermostat/cut-out devices must comply with BS EN 60730.

Periodic inspections

• Check immersion heaters for signs of overheating or thermostat

defects (such as blueing or burning of terminals, deteriorated

cable insulation etc). Other warning signs are condensation in

the roof space, the cylinder being noisy (like a large kettle), cold

water taps running warm or hot, and increased electricity bills

• If such signs are evident, the immersion heater does not

comply with BS EN 60335-2-73, and the cold water tank is

plastic, make an appropriate observation and assign it a

Recommendation Code 1 (requires urgent attention)

• If no such signs are evident, the immersion heater does not

comply with BS EN 60335-2-73 and the cold water tank is

plastic, make an appropriate observation and assign it a

Recommendation Code 2 (requires improvement).

FAILURE OF PLASTICCOLD WATER CISTERNSDUE TO OVERHEATING OFCYLINDERS

NEWS


In February, Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE)

issued a memorandum to its staff outlining

the procedure to be followed until further

notice in respect of the removal and

replacement of company cut-out seals by

electrical contractors.

The arrangement applies only to work undertaken byelectrical contractors within the Southern Electric andScottish Hydro-Electric Distribution Licence areas (see map).

SSE has kindly agreed that NICEIC Approved Contractors mayremove their cut-out seals in domestic premises to effecttemporary isolation, subject to certain conditions as follows:

• The arrangement does not apply to Approved Contractorshaving Defined Approval, nor currently to DomesticInstallers*

• Eligible Approved Contractors must contact staff at the SSECustomer Service Centre (CSC) prior to the removing ofcompany cut-out seals, to advise their intended action. TheCSC staff will add a note to the customer’s details. Thetelephone number for the SSE Customer Service Centre is08457 444 555

• On completion of the electrical work, Approved Contractorsmust apply temporary seals to the company cut-out. Thesemay be of the adhesive label or plastic seal type, assupplied by SSE. The temporary seals may be collected(and signed for) from the nearest SSE depot by theApproved Contractor’s staff. Proof of registration may berequired

• Where a new PME connection needs to be made by SSEstaff, Approved Contractors must contact the CSC to advisethem of the need. The CSC staff will arrange for the workto be carried out by the nearest SSE depot

NICEIC has provided SSE with details of the Roll of ApprovedContractors to enable them to monitor the performance ofthe arrangement. SSE Revenue Protection staff will carry outrandom sample checks on a number of jobs each month toconfirm compliance with the SSE procedure.

SSE has agreed to the continuation of this arrangement onthe understanding that NICEIC will take formal disciplinaryaction against any Approved Contractor that abuses theprivilege.

Similar arrangements also apply to members of SELECT andECA. SSE will review the situation at least annually. Evidenceof abuse will result in them reassessing their policy.

In the meantime, NICEIC hopes that, in the light of the SSEdecision, other distributors will review their policies regardingthe removal of cut-out seals.

* It is hoped that in due course, NICEIC Domestic Installerscan be included in this arrangement. However, this is notexpected to happen until assessed courses becomeavailable specifically to train individuals to work safely onservice cut-outs, which fall outside the scope of BS 7671.

When such courses become available, NICEIC would thenprefer distributors to authorize work on their cut-outs onthe basis of the registration of individuals trained for thetask, rather than to authorize registered companies.

TEMPORARY DISCONNECTIONS IN THE REGIONSCOVERED BY SCOTTISH & SOUTHERN ENERGY

NEWS


NICEIC’s Tony Cable looks at why electricians

should keep their knowledge up to date by

refreshing their training on a regular basis ….

NICEIC registered installers are currently working to the 16thEdition of the Wiring Regulations, with the 17th Edition now justaround the corner.

You might think that, to date, there have only been three editionsof the Wiring Regulations since the 14th Edition was published in1966. However, consider this:

• The 14th Edition was amended in 1968, 1969, 1970 and1974

• The 15th Edition was first published in 1981, but amended in1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987

• The ‘current’ 16th Edition was first published in 1991, butamended in 1994, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004.

So in effect, there were five versions of the 14th Edition, sixversions of the 15th Edition, and seven versions of the 16thEdition, making no less than 18 published versions of theRegulations since 1966! “Why?” you may ask!

Think back to 1966. England had won the World Cup, but therewere no RCDs and no microwaves. We rented TVs because theywere so unreliable, but now there’s probably one in every roomof the house. There were relatively few electronic devices andvirtually no-one had computers at work, let alone at home. So,for example, protective conductor (leakage) current wasn’t anissue then.

Also for example, the government and environmentalists arecurrently encouraging everyone to consider installingmicrogeneration systems in and around their homes to helpcombat global warming. These systems are based onphotovoltaic panels, wind turbines, gas boilers incorporatingStirling engine-driven generators - and even ‘micro-hydro’ ifyou’re lucky enough to live near a suitable water course.

Each of these types of microgenerator needs to be connected tothe ordinary domestic electrical installation, but would you knowhow to do this correctly and safely?

The reality is that the Wiring Regulations have to keep changingto keep pace with the increasing rate of development intechnology and products, so you can expect to have to keepupdating your knowledge too!

Let’s consider an electrician who started in the industry 25 yearsago, having been trained to the original 15th Edition. Since 1982,there have been 12 other versions of the Wiring Regulations towork to, many of which incorporated significant changes.

If that electrician has had no refresher training, there is a verygood chance that he may not even realise that he is notcomplying with all the current safety requirements.

So the message is this - You should refresh your knowledge andunderstanding of the Wiring Regulations regularly, preferably atintervals no longer than three years and definitely no longer thansix years.

As you would expect, NICEIC offers a wide range of coursesdesigned to meet your particular needs. For further information,visit www.niceictraining.com and download a brochure, [email protected], or phone 0870 013 0389.

HOW OUT OFDATE IS YOURTRAINING?

TAKE ANOTHER LOOK28 OCT - 1 NOV ’07NEC • BIRMINGHAM • UK

REGISTER NOW & SAVE £20!WWW.INTERBUILD.COM01923 690686If you’re in the building trade, there will besomething for you at Interbuild. See hundredsof new products and find out how they can makeyour job easier and make you more money.Pick up some fantastic bargains on tools andequipment. And, in the Builder’s InformationZone, get key information on new laws andregulations. We’re also open on Sunday if youcan’t make it during the week. Why not bring amate, it’s a great day. So whatever your trade,make sure you don’t miss out.

14358 I build Connections ad_vis:Layout 1 25/5/07 16:31 Page 1

THE CATALOGUECertificates, Books, Special Offers and Sale Items

www.niceicgroup.com

Availableto all

Hand Written Certificates and Schedules on NCR (no carbon required)

Electrical Installation Certificates x25 *formerly HC *ICN 15.00 ICM 17.00

Periodic Inspection Reports x25 *formerly HP *IPN 15.00 IPM 17.00

Minor Electrical Works Certificates x50 (DMP and IMM x25) *formerly HM *IMN 12.00 DMP 12.00 IMM 15.00

Continuation Pages for Installation and Periodic x50 (ISM x25) *formerly HS *ISN 12.00 ISM 15.00

Continuation pages for HP Section F only (Observations and Recommendations) x25 IFN 12.00

Continuation pages for HP Section G only (Summary of the Inspection) x25 IGN 12.00

Electrical Danger Notification Certificates x25 XNN 12.00 XNP 12.00

Emergency Lighting Completion Certificates and Assessment Declaration forms x25 ECN 15.00 ECM 17.00

Emergency Lighting Periodic Inspection and Testing Certificates x25 EPM 17.00

Fire Detection and Alarm System Installation Certificates x25 FIN 15.00 FIM 15.00

Fire Detection and Alarm System Design Certificates x25 FDM 15.00

Fire Detection and Alarm System Commissioning Certificates x25 FCM 15.00

Fire Detection and Alarm System Acceptance Certificates x25 FAM 15.00

Fire Detection and Alarm System Verification Certificates x25 FVM 15.00

Fire Detection and Alarm System Inspection and Servicing Reports x25 FSM 15.00

Fire Detection and Alarm System Modification Certificates x25 FMN 15.00 FMM 15.00

Leisure Accommodation Vehicle Electrical Installation Certificates x25 LCN 15.00

Leisure Accommodation Vehicle Periodic Inspection Reports x25 LPN 15.00

Red column - For NICEIC Approved Contractors only

Purple column - For NICEIC Registered Domestic Installers and Approved Contractors

Green column - For anyone wishing to use our products

order form valid until 30-12-07

Code £ Code £ Code £

Please note that

BS 7671 is now

under revision

ImportantAn administration charge of £10 per item will be charged for goodsincorrectly ordered. Goods cannot be returned unless authorised by Sales.Goods are returned at customer’s own risk.

Tel: 0870 0130458 Fax: 01582 601110

(Valid until 30-09-07)

(Valid until 30-09-07)

special

special

Availableto all

Modular Dwelling Electrical Installation Certificate x25 MCN 15.00

Notification of Compliance with the Building Regulations 2000 x50 BNB 15.00 BNB 15.00

Domestic Electrical Installation Certificates x25 DCN 15.00 DCP 15.00 DCM 17.00

Continuation Schedules for Domestic Electrical Installation Certificates x25 DSN 12.00 DSP 15.00 DSM 15.00

Domestic Periodic Inspection Reports x25 DPN 15.00 DPP 15.00 DPM 20.00

Certificates of Design, Installation and Commissioning of a Fire Detection and Alarm System FHN 15.00 FHP 15.00* FHM 15.00

Grade B, C, D, E, of F in a Dwelling x25

Contract Assessment Checklists (for Domestic properties) x50 CAC 10.00 CAC 10.00 CAC 10.00

Domestic Visual Condition Report for an Electrical Installation x25 DVN 10.00

Domestic Visual Condition Continuation Sheets x25 (Valid until 30-09-07) DWN 10.00

Highway Electrical Installation Certificates x25 (Valid until 30-09-07) HCM 7.00

Highway Electrical Installation Condition Reports x25 (Valid until 30-09-07) HPM 7.00

Continuation Pages for HCM1/HPM1 x25 (Valid until 30-09-07) HXM 7.00

Transportable Building Electrical Installation Certificates x25 TCN 10.00

Transportable Building Periodic Inspection Reports x25 TPN 10.00

Logbooks

Emergency Lighting Logbooks (pack of 3) ELL 17.00 ELL 17.00 ELL 17.00

Fire Alarm log books (pack of 3) FAL 17.00 FAL 17.00 FAL 17.00

Labels

Missing Circuit Protective Conductor Warning Labels x50 WCP 10.00 PCP 10.00 GCP 10.00

Periodic Inspection and Test labels (Reg 514-12-01) x50 WLP 8.00 PLP 8.00 GLP 8.00

RCD Test labels (Reg 514-2-02) x50 (without the NICEIC logo) WLT 8.00 PLT 8.00 GLT 8.00

PAT Test labels (passed) x500 (without the NICEIC logo) PAS 10.00

High Protective Conductor Current Warning Labels x100 WAR 10.00

Caution labels (for changes to the wiring colours - Reg 514-14-01) x 50 WCC 10.00 PCG 10.00 WCG 10.00

Tamper evident labels - NICEIC logo with numbering (see Connections 162 page 11) TAM 8.00 TAM 8.00

Circuit detail labels (to leave on distribution boards) WCD 8.00 WCD 8.00 GCD 8.00

New


valid

unt

il 30

-12-

07

* For use only by NICEIC Contractors Registered

on the Domestic Periodic Reporting Scheme

Cont.

Hand Written Certificates and Schedules on NCR (no carbon required)

special

special

special

special

New

New

Availableto all

Hazardous Area Certificates

Important Certificates listed under NICEIC Approved Contractor can ONLY be used by contractors with

NICEIC Hazardous Area Approval

Filling Station Inventory of Electrical equipment PPN 25.00

Filling Station Electrical installation completion certificates PCN 25.00

Filling Station Electrical periodic inspection reports PRN 25.00

Hazardous Area Detailed Inspection Certificates x10 *ZDM (being revised) ZDN 20.00

Hazardous Area Close Inspection Reports x10 *ZCM (being revised) ZCN 20.00

Hazardous Area Visual Inspection Reports x10 *ZVM (being revised) ZVN 20.00

Hazardous Area Detailed Periodic Inspection Reports x10 (no ‘Green’ version) ZPN 20.00

Certificates for use with Software

Please note: These certificates will be changing in 2008

(please check that your software is compatible with these forms before ordering - these certificates will be changing in 2008)

Electrical Installation Certificates x25 *formerly PC *ICR 15.00

Periodic Inspection Reports for an Electrical Installation x25 *formerly PP *IPR 15.00

Continuation pages for Installation and Periodic x25 *formerly PS *ISR 12.00

Domestic Electrical Installation Certificates x25 DCR 15.00 DCQ 15.00

Continuation Schedules x25 DSR 12.00 DSQ 15.00

Minor Electrical Works Certificates x50 DMQ x 25 *formerly PM *IMR 12.00 DMQ 12.00

Domestic Periodic Inspection Reports x25 DPR 15.00

Fire Alarm Design, Installation and Commissioning Certificates (Grades B,C,D,E or F) for FHR 15.00

dwellings x25

Continuation pages for PP Section F only x25 (Observations and Recommendations) IFR 12.00

Continuation sheets for PP Section G only x25 (Summary of the Inspection) IGR 12.00

Code £ Code £ Code £* For use by Approved Contractors awaiting Hazardous Area approvalThese are green and not numbered

MPBA Form - For use only by contractors registered on the MPBA Scheme code PB1 cost £15.00 x25New

Availableto all

NICEIC Publications/DVD/CD

Technical Manual - CD-Rom version only TCD 50.00 TCD 50.00 TCD 50.00

(this price includes the first years’ subscription, Connections and Switched On magazines)

Inspection, Testing and Certification (November 2006) with minor amendments ITC 15.00 ITC 15.00 ITC 25.00

Snags and Solutions Part 1 - Earthing and Bonding (March 2006) with minor amendments SNA1 15.00 SNA1 15.00 SNA1 15.00

Snags and Solutions Part 2 - Wiring Systems (March 2006) with minor amendments SNA2 15.00 SNA2 15.00 SNA2 15.00

From the Helpline FTH 20.00 FTH 20.00 FTH 20.00

Guide to Completing Specialised Certificates and Reports GSC 30.00 GSC 30.00 GSC 30.00

DVD - Initial Inspection and Testing for Domestic Properties (November 2006) DVD1 30.00 DVD1 30.00 DVD1 30.00

DVD - Periodic Inspection and Testing for Domestic Properties (Special offer until 30-09-07) DVD2 20.00 DVD2 20.00 DVD2 20.00

BSI Publications (sold as loose leaf pages shrink wrapped - once opened these cannot be returned)

BS 5839: Part 1: 2002 - (Including Amendment 1 - Dec 2004 version) R581 142.50 R581 142.50 R581 190.00

A Guide to BS 5839 Part 1: 2002 Code of Practice for System Design, Installation, FIRE1 45.00 FIRE1 45.00 FIRE1 45.00

Commissioning and Maintenance - paperback book

BS 5839: Part 6: 2004 - Code of Practice for Fire Alarm Systems in Dwellings R396 117.00 R396 117.00 R396 156.00

Guide to BS 5839: Part 6 2004 The Design of Fire Detection Installation for Dwellings - paperback book FIRE6 45.00 FIRE6 45.00 FIRE6 45.00

BS 5266: Part 1: 2005 - Code of Practice for the Emergency Lighting of Premises R521 84.00 R521 84.00 R521 112.00

BS 5266: Part 7 (BS EN 1838) - Lighting Applications - Emergency Lighting R18 42.00 R18 42.00 R18 56.00

A Guide to Emergency Lighting BS 5266 - Chris Watts - paperback book ELG 45.00 ELG 45.00 ELG 45.00

HSE Publications

HSG141 Electrical Safety on Construction Sites HSG 8.75 HSG 8.75 HSG 8.75

HSR25 Guidance on Electricity at Work Regulations - See Connections 162 article HSR 11.95 HSR 11.95 HSR 11.95

HSG146 Dispensing Petrol HSP 7.50 HSP 7.50 HSP 7.50

GS 50 Electrical Safety in places of Entertainment ENT 6.00 ENT 6.00 ENT 6.00

GS 38 Electrical Test Equipment for use by Electricians ETE 3.50 ETE 3.50 ETE 3.50

HSG 85 Safe Working Procedures HSW 7.95 HSW 7.95 HSW 7.95

New


valid

unt

il 30

-12-

07

New

New

New

New

Availableto all

New

Code £ Code £ Code £SALE • SALE • SALE • SALE Guide to Electrical Equipment Maintenance (October 2004) GEE 5.00 GEE 5.00 GEE 5.00

NICEIC/ECA - The Electrical Installers’ Guide to the Building Regulations (October 2004) GBR 5.00 GBR 5.00 GBR 5.00

Guide to Electrical Safety at Work by John Whitfield (revised 3rd edition) GES 10.00 GES 10.00 GES 10.00

Practical Guide to the Wiring Regulations by Geoffrey Stokes PGW 25.00 PGW 25.00 PGW 25.00

Domestic Electrical Installation Guide (the NICEIC Guide to Electrical Installation work) DIG 10.00 DIG 10.00 DIG 10.00

IEE (Now the IET) Publications Please note that BS 7671 is now under revision

BS 7671: 2001 including amendment 2 (brown ) Bound Version REGB 49.00 REGB 49.00 REGB 49.00

Code of Practice for in-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment 2001 PAT 30.00 PAT 30.00 PAT 30.00

Electrical Maintenance (Second Edition) GEM 35.00 GEM 35.00 GEM 35.00

Guidance Notes 4th edition

1. Selection and Erection GN1 30.00 GN1 30.00 GN1 30.00

2. Isolation and Switching GN2 20.00 GN2 20.00 GN2 20.00

3. Inspection and Testing GN3 22.00 GN3 22.00 GN3 22.00

4. Protection Against Fire GN4 20.00 GN4 20.00 GN4 20.00

5. Protection Against Shock GN5 20.00 GN5 20.00 GN5 20.00

6. Protection Against Overcurrent GN6 20.00 GN6 20.00 GN6 20.00

7. Special Locations GN7 25.00 GN7 25.00 GN7 25.00

8. Earthing and Bonding GN8 25.00 GN8 25.00 GN8 25.00

On Site Guide (brown) POS 17.00 POS 17.00 POS 17.00

Electricians Guide to the Building Regulations EGB 20.00 EGB 20.00 EGB 20.00

Exam Success: IEE Wiring Regulations 2381 EXS 12.00 EXS 12.00 EXS 12.00

Exam Success: IEE Wiring Regulations 2377 (PAT Testing) PTE 12.00 PTE 12.00 PTE 12.00

Other Publications and Miscellaneous Items

Electrical Installations Designs 3rd edition - by Atkinson & Lovegrove 2002 EID 21.50 EID 21.50 EID 21.50

The Electricians' Guide to the IEE Wiring Regulations 8th Edition by John Whitfield GWR 15.00 GWR 15.00 GWR 15.00

Electricians Guide to Good Electrical Practice GEP 8.00 GEP 8.00 GEP 8.00

Electricians Guide to Inspection and Testing GIT 8.00 GIT 8.00 GIT 8.00

Overall Badge - NICEIC logo MOB 3.00

Presented by an Approved Contractor or Domestic Installer folders - x25 (New Style) ACF 11.00 DIF 11.00

Wiring Regulations in Brief by Ray Tricker - (Covers Part P of the Building Regulations) RIB 19.00 RIB 19.00 RIB 19.00

Connections Binder CNB 8.00 CNB 8.00 CNB 8.00

Building Regulations in Brief by Ray Tricker - (Includes revised Part F, L, M, P and BS 8300) BRB 19.00 BRB 19.00 BRB 19.00

The Building Regulations Explained & Illustrated by Billington and others BRE 55.00 BRE 55.00 BRE 55.00

The Part P Doctor (see Connections 162) PPD 19.00 PPD 19.00 PPD 19.00

New

New

New

New

Publication expected end of July 07

Availableto all

New

New

New

New

New

New

New

New

SPECIAL


valid

unt

il 30

-12-

07

** These certificates can only be used by Approved Contractors and ConformingBodies registered with the Scottish Building Scheme

New

New code RSW cost £3.00

NICEIC logo Vehicle stickers / Tax disc (permanent) (red NIC - black EIC)

(+ = white background * = clear background)

Large (19.5” x 14.5”) *delete as appropriate WSL+/LC*6.00 PLC*/PLW+6.00

Medium (10” x 7.5”) *delete as appropriate WSM+/MC*3.00 PMC*/PMW+3.00

Small (5” x 4”) *delete as appropriate WSS+/SC*2.00 PSC*/PSW+2.00

Tax Disc Holder (white background only) WST+ 3.50 PST+ 3.50

TrustMark Vehicle Sticker (with Registered through NICEIC in black) main logo grey and TMS 3.00 TMS 3.00

orange on a white background 7.75” x 7”

PAT Test Vehicle Sticker 5” x 4” on a white background (for use only by contractors registered on the PAT Scheme)

Scottish Building Regulations

Notifications for Certificate of Construction and Checklist for Building Standards SCC 10.00

Compliance x5 **

Electrical Installers Guide to the Scottish Building Regulations Valid until 30-9-07 SBR 5.00 SBR 5.00 SBR 5.00

New Items - Equipment with NICEIC logo

Toolbag with NICEIC logo (without tools) with NICEIC logo TB1 20.00 TB1 20.00

Toolbag with tools with NICEIC logo TB2 75.00 TB2 75.00

Checkbox (with leads) with NICEIC logo CB1 95.00 CB1 95.00

Socket Interface adaptor with NICEIC logo SIA 15.00 SIA 15.00

Checkbox 2 with RCD Tester (Available end July 07) with NICEIC logo CB2 175.00 CB2 175.00

Publications for City & Guilds Courses

16th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations Design & Verification of Electrical Installations by CAG1 9.00 CAG1 9.00 CAG1 9.00

Brian Scaddon (matched to C&G 2400 vocational award)

16th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations Inspection Testing & Certification by Brian Scaddon CAG2 9.00 CAG2 9.00 CAG2 9.00

(written specifically for C&G 2391)

16th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations Explained and illustrated by Brian Scaddon CAG3 9.00 CAG3 9.00 CAG3 9.00

(matched to C&G 2381 vocational award)

NICEIC Sales • Warwick House • Houghton Hall Park • Houghton Regis • Dunstable LU5 5ZX tel: 0870 0130458 fax: 01582 601110

Trading Name / Address (please print clearly)

Enrolment/DIS No

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I enclose a cheque made payable to NICEIC for

£ Cheque No.

Or please debit my:

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6.00

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Maestro/Solo/DeltaExpiry date:

Issue no: Authorisation code:NICEIC use only

/

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/

Security Code no:(on reverse of card)

Channel Islands Customers, please call before placing your order for pricesexcluding VAT and postal costs

• The NICEIC accepts no responsibility for customers ordering incorrect goods.

• Please do not send confirmation orders or fax orders twice, as this can lead toduplication, for which we will not be held responsible.

• Please note prices are subject to change. Goods previously sold at higher priceswill not be refunded.

• Incorrect orders will be returned.

• Sales items are sold on a non-return basis. This does not affect your statutoryrights.

• Please make sure you have enclosed your cheque payable to ‘NICEIC’ orcredit/debit card details before posting.

Goods will not be despatched without payment.

• All parcels are delivered by Royal Mail or carrier.

• Orders are completed as quickly as possible, please allow 5 working days.

• Prices include VAT where applicable – a VAT invoice will be sent with yourgoods.

• An administration charge of £10 per item will be charged for goodsincorrectly ordered. Goods cannot be returned unless authorised by Sales.Goods are returned at customer’s own risk.

• Minimum order £10 by credit/debit card. Telephone orders for Credit/Debit Cards areonly accepted between 8.30am–4.30pm.

• Claims for missing goods cannot be considered after 28 days.

• Although the NICEIC sells other company’s publications, it is not in any wayliable for their content.

• We cannot accept responsibility for any errors made on orders placed by telephone.

Payment details

valid until 30-12-07

Data Protection Act 1998 statement

This information is collected, processed and stored to adhere with the UK Data protection Act 1998. Information will be held and used throughout the NICEIC Group and may, from time to time be used to send youmarketing information relating to products or services we feel you may be interested in. Please confirm that you would be happy to receive this information:By fax By e-mail By telephone Please tick here if you would prefer not to receive marketing information from the NICEIC GroupPlease tick here if you would prefer not to receive marketing information from carefully selected third parties

Name Signature

Registered as NICEIC Group Ltd in England No. 02513162 Registered Office: NICEIC, Warwick House, Houghton Hall Park, Houghton Regis, Dunstable LU5 5ZX

NEWS


The fast-growing world of custominstallation provides a good businessopportunity for contractors keen todiversify their business.

Custom installers, or Electronic SystemProfessionals (ESP’s) as they’re known,specialise in the planning, design, supply,integration and concealment ofautomated, electronic systems for themodern, intelligent home.

At one end, this embraces high-end TVs,hi-fi systems, satellite receivers and homecinemas. From here, it can extend rightthrough to the integration of thesesystems with complete home networksand sub-systems which can intelligentlycontrol multi-room audio, lighting, security,HVAC (heating, ventilation & airconditioning), and even garden facilities,from lighting to watering.

The systems are designed to look, soundand work beautifully for each individualcustomer and within each individualhome’s design scheme, hence custominstallation.

This market is already partially familiar tomany contractors who may be involved inrunning Cat5 cabling infrastructures orworking with home security, lightingcontrol and other relatively familiar

electronic technologies. But to help youmake a successful transition into thesector, there’s CEDIA.

CEDIA was founded in 1989 in the UnitedStates and came to the UK in 1996where, from a standing start, theAssociation now has well over 400member companies. These range fromdesigners and installers of home electronicsystems to equipment distributors andbrand manufacturers. CEDIA’s task is tohelp its members profit as the marketexpands, by providing them with essentialeducation and marketing support.

A trip to the annual CEDIA Expo, held atExCeL London on 25-28 June, is a greatplace to start “doing the knowledge” inthe home electronic systems marketplace.

More than 100 companies will beexhibiting their wares at the event thisyear, taking in everything from hi-endspeaker systems, projectors and screensto amplifiers, control systems, mediacentres and automated mechanisms forlifting plasmas, projectors and otherdevices. The Expo is also the highlight ofthe CEDIA education programme, whichthis year will be providing more than 170hours of training to delegates.

A detailed Seminar Guide is available – fora free copy please [email protected].

Additional CEDIA courses can help youbuild on the knowledge and explore thedifferent requirements of the market infine detail, giving you the opportunity toenrol on the CEDIA ProfessionalCertification programme and achieving thehighest degree of recognisedprofessionalism.

Typical courses cover, for example, CablingInfrastructure Design and Termination,TCP/IP and Networking, Home CinemaDesign, Audio Systems and Calibrationand Control Systems.

Other CEDIA courses deal with otherrelevant issues such as: how tocommunicate with wealthy clients, how todocument your jobs, and advice onproject management.

ELECTRICAL

CONTRACTORS

AND THE SMART

HOME SECTOR

More information on exhibitors,

technology and the CEDIA Expo

education programme, together with

details of how to register, can be found

at www.cedia-expo.com

NICEIC contractors can check out

the world of the smart home by

paying a visit to the CEDIA Expo

(ExCeL London, 25-28 June).

NEWS


ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENTCAN BRING YOU MORE BUSINESS.

In the long run, becoming

more environmentally friendly

can win electrical contractors

more business.

Imagine bidding for a contract to installenergy efficient heating or solar panellingand having the advantage of provingyour company’s green credentials tohouseholders, house builders and localauthorities.

ISO 14001 is the international standardfor environmental management systemswhich is used by many organisations tohelp them manage their impact on theenvironment.

But it may not be practicable for all,particularly if you are a small or mediumsized electrical contracting business.Many electrical contractors areconcerned about the practicality ofimplementing changes of any kind totheir business without the penalty ofincreased costs and disruption.

There is, however, a practical,manageable solution to becoming amore environmentally-focused company- The Acorn Scheme. This scheme canhelp make cost savings within your

business, and it may even help yourbusiness to prepare for any futureenvironmental legislative changes too.

It is administered by the Institute ofEnvironmental Management andAssessment (IEMA) and enables UKAS-accredited inspection for organisationsimproving their environmentalperformance in accordance withBS 8555.

The scheme provides a framework for allorganisations, regardless of shape, sizeor sector, to be independently inspectedagainst the criteria of BS 8555 andreceive formal recognition of theprogress made.

Acorn is implemented in phases whichcan be tackled incrementally and at apace that suits your organisation, takinginto account the many other pressuresand demands that you will be facing.And it may not be necessary to movethrough all the phases.

Registration under the scheme to Phase 3of BS 8555, for instance, will give yourcustomers and the public confidencethat you are focused on controlling yourenvironmental risks and legalcompliance issues, but will not place anunnecessary burden on your organisation.

The NICEIC Group, in the form of ourQuality Assurance brand NQA, can helppractically and cost effectively with ourAcorn Inspection process. NQA aremarket leaders in this particular field andhave experienced assessors based allover the UK and Ireland.

You can be confident that NQA, beingpart of the NICEIC Group, understandsthe pressures facing electrical contractorson a day to day basis.

Those electrical contractors looking tofuture trends and demands from theircustomers will benefit enormously fromthe marketing opportunities and costsavings that the Acorn Scheme canprovide.

For further details,

contact NQA on

08000 52 24 24.

Functional CalibratorTesting the essential parameters of

RCD Testers

Insulation Testers

Loop Testers

Digital Multimeters

Cost effective and easy to use

Only £249 + P&P +VATComplete with FREE leather carrying case

and calibration certificate worth £68

Ring Continuity Test PlugNew from AMECal

Testing continuity of ring final circuit

conductors and confirming R1 + R2

value of a ring mains

Only £14.95 + P&P +VAT

PAT Calibration PlugsMore than just check plugs!

Calibrate the essential parameters of all

Portable Appliance Testers to meet the

requirements of ISO 9001:2000

Only £99 + P&P +VATComplete with FREE carrying case &

calibration certificate.

NEWS


EMC REGULATIONS REVISEDThe main provisions of the Electromagnetic Compatibility

Regulations 2006 come into force on 20 July 2007, superseding the

2005 version of the Regulations.

NEWS


For the purposes of the

Regulations, ‘electromagnetic

compatibility’ (EMC) is the ability

of equipment to function

satisfactorily in its

electromagnetic environment

without introducing intolerable

electromagnetic disturbance to

other equipment in that

environment. ‘Electromagnetic

disturbance’ means any

electromagnetic phenomenon

which may degrade the

performance of equipment.

The Department of Trade and Industry haspublished ‘Guidance on specific issues ofinterpretation’ relating to the newRegulations that will be of interest toelectrical contractors, not least because‘fixed installations’ are specifically subject tothe new Regulations.

This article gives extracts from thatguidance, a full copy of which can bedownloaded fromwww.dti.gov.uk/files/file38031.pdf

Fixed installations

From 20 July, the new Regulations willapply in respect of new fixed installationswhen they are put into service.

They will also apply to a fixed installationthat was put into service before 20 July if itis modified after that date in a way thatmay affect its electromagnetic compatibility.

The obligation to document goodengineering practice relating to suchinstallations will be limited to considerationof subsequent changes or additions thatcould affect their electromagneticcompatibility characteristics.

Essential requirements (Regulation 4)

The ‘essential requirements’ in Regulation 4of the new Regulations are that:

Equipment shall be designed andmanufactured, having regard to the stateof the art, so as to ensure that:

(a) the electromagnetic disturbance itgenerates does not exceed a level abovewhich radio and telecommunicationsequipment or other equipment cannotoperate as intended; and

(b) it has a level of immunity to theelectromagnetic disturbance to be expectedin its intended use which allows it tooperate without unacceptable degradationof its intended use.

Specific essential requirements for fixedinstallations (Regulation 5)

The specific essential requirements for fixedinstallations in Regulation 5 of the newRegulations are that:

(1) A fixed installation shall be installed—

(a) applying good engineering practices;and

(b) respecting the information on theintended use of its components, with aview to meeting the essential requirementsset out in regulation 4.

(2) Such good engineering practices shallbe documented.

(3) The responsible person in relation to afixed installation shall hold suchdocumentation at the disposal of theenforcement authority for inspectionpurposes for as long as the fixedinstallation is in operation.

Regulation 5 requires a fixed installation tobe installed applying good engineeringpractices. Essentially, ‘good engineeringpractices’ is the expression of soundtechnical custom, based on accumulatedunderstanding and experience.

In employing such practices in a fixedinstallation, it is implicit that to comply withthe essential requirements forelectromagnetic compatibility, good EMCengineering practices have to be employed,which are suitable for that site.

Definition of a fixed installation

Regulation 3(1) contains a definition of‘fixed installation’ which includes therequirement ‘intended to be usedpermanently’. There are two importantelements to this: intent and duration. Therequirement would be fulfilled if it wereintended that the constituent parts were tobe used in the defined location for theirexpected lifetime(s).

The Regulations do not define the size orextent of a fixed installation. It is for theresponsible person to define the extent ofthe fixed installation for which he isresponsible, but he cannot exclude any partthat is within his control, unless it forms partof another fixed installation.

Responsible person for a fixedinstallation

There must always be a person withresponsibility for ensuring that, when used,the fixed installation complies with theessential requirements.

That person, who is known as the‘responsible person in relation to a fixedinstallation’, is the person who, by virtue oftheir control of the fixed installation, is ableto determine that the configuration of theinstallation is such that when used itcomplies with the essential requirements.

Such a person must hold a position ofresponsibility sufficient to control theconfiguration of the fixed installation, and tobe satisfied that the documentation is andcontinues to be sufficient to demonstratethat good engineering practices have beenfollowed.

The responsible person does not have tobe an EMC expert, and may seekappropriate advice in fulfilling theirobligations. However, they cannot delegatetheir responsibility.

There will be many types, sizes andcomplexities of fixed installation. The personwho is responsible may be differentaccording to circumstances. For example insome cases it could be the owner of a site,in others the operator of the installation, orthe maintainer of the installation, etc. Insome cases, control may be determinedcontractually between the partiesconcerned.

It will be necessary for operators of fixedinstallations to identify the responsibleperson before the installation is taken intoservice, since they are responsible forholding and providing the documentationdemonstrating the application of goodengineering practices as required byregulations 5(3) and 36 respectively.

Appropriate documentation for fixedinstallations

Regulation 36 requires the responsibleperson for the fixed installation to haveavailable documentation demonstratingcompliance of the fixed installation with theessential requirements.

The level of detail that is necessary will varyaccording to the complexity of the fixedinstallation. It should be sufficient to enablean enforcement authority to determinewhether good practices have beenfollowed.

Domestic Periodic Inspection, Testing and Reporting

A course ideally suited for contractors wishing to improve or refresh

their knowledge of Periodic Inspection Reporting (PIR) for existing

domestic installations. Based on real scenarios, this interactive

course provides the skills you need to carry out an inspection and

test of existing domestic electrical installations.

To book your place or for further information please call our National Training Helplineon 0870 013 0389 www.niceictraining.com

COURSE PRICE

£495 + VAT(Public)

£450 + VAT(DIS Registrants and

Approved Contractors)

NEW TRAININGCOURSE

Connections advert 18/5/07 12:53 pm Page 1

PUBLICATIONS


Following on from the success of the first DVD, ‘Anintroduction to initial inspection & testing’, a secondNICEIC DVD has been launched.

The ‘Periodic inspection, testing and reporting fordomestic properties’ DVD covers one of the mostdifficult and demanding jobs for an electrician.

This unique video is aimed at improving theunderstanding, accuracy and quality of domestic periodicinspection reporting. As a topic that to our knowledgehas never been covered to this depth and in thismanner before, even experienced electrical contractorsare likely to benefit from viewing it.

The 70 minute step-by-step video is presented in asprightly ‘hands on’ style by Learning Lounge presenterDave Austin, and NICEIC Senior Engineer Tony Cable.

NEW DOMESTICPERIODIC INSPECTIONDVD LAUNCHED

The contents include:

• Requirements for pre-inspection

• Where do you start?

• Extent and limitations of inspectionand testing

• Proportion of testing to inspectionrequired

• Suggested sequence of testing

• How to determine which equipmentto visually inspect

• Continuity tests

• Insulation resistance tests

• Polarity tests

• Correct terminology

• Legal responsibilities.

Essential viewing for all electricalcontractors and installers who undertakedomestic periodic inspection reporting, theDVD is available from NICEIC Sales at aspecial introductory price of £20. Seeenclosed order form for details.

SPECIAL

INTRODUCTORY

PRICE

£20.00

PUBLICATIONS


The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has updated itsMemorandum of Guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations1989 (HSR25).

This is a reference document all NICEIC Approved Contractorsand Domestic Installers are required to possess.

However, those holding the previous edition of the guidance arenot required to obtain copies of this second edition in order tosatisfy the Rules Relating to Enrolment/Registration, because thechanges are largely confined to updating references to therelevant regulations, standards and publications. In particular,references to the IEE Wiring Regulations have been replaced withBS 7671. The publication has also been redesigned.

The purpose of the Memorandum is to highlight in general termsthe nature of precautions to be taken, to help in theachievement of high standards of electrical safety. It also containsreferences to HSE guidance and advice, and codes of practicefrom other standard-making bodies and trade associations.

HSE UPDATES GUIDANCEON THE ELECTRICITY ATWORK REGULATIONS

The IEE and City & Guilds are jointlyproducing a new book that will beinvaluable in helping candidates toprepare for the City & Guilds 2377 exam.

Organised in the same way as the exam,full sample papers from both parts of theexam allow candidates to become familiarwith the format before sitting the examitself.

There is a chapter covering the City &Guilds online exam process, which will beof particular benefit to those who maynot have previously taken exams via City& Guilds’ Global Online Assessment(GOLA) system.

As well as sample papers, there areworked-through answers to all thequestions. These are designed toreinforce knowledge and understanding ofthe IEE Code of Practice for In-Service

Inspection and Testing of ElectricalEquipment, which is the basis for the City& Guilds qualification.

The book also features revision help,handy tips and advice from theexaminers, and an FAQ section, all ofwhich should make candidates feelconfident and ready for the big day.

PAT TESTING: IEE EXAM SUCCESS

Copies of the second edition of the Memorandum ofGuidance are available from NICEIC Sales – see enclosedorder form for details.

The contents include:

• Introduction

• The exam

• Sitting a City & Guilds online examination

• Frequently asked questions

• Exam content

• Tips from the examiner

• Sample test 1

• Questions and answers

• Answer key

• Sample test 2

• Questions and answers

• Answer key

• More information

• Further reading

• Online resources

The book is expected to become availablein July. See enclosed order form for details.

PUBLICATIONS


The NICEIC technical helplineanswers more than 30,000 calls ayear, and receives an even largernumber of emails.

The answers to many of thesequestions can already be found inpublications such as the ElectricalSafety Council Technical Manual,NICEIC Snags and Solutions, andthe IEE On-site Guide.

However, there are questions onmany other topics that have notpreviously been covered inpublications.

A new full colour book, From theHelpline, has now been producedto provide the answers to fifty ofthe most common questions putto the NICEIC technical helpline,such as:

• How close can a socket-outletbe to a kitchen sink?

• How do you size an earthingconductor?

• What needs to be notified underthe requirements of Part P?

The questions and answers arearranged in four sections:

• Assessment of generalcharacteristics, and verification

• Selection and erection

• Earthing and bonding

• Fire alarms and emergencylighting.

All the questions and answersare clearly illustrated, and arecross-referenced to the relevantstandards and legislation.

Copies of this new book are availablefrom NICEIC Sales – see enclosedorder form for details.

FROM THE HELPLINE

LOCATION CENTRE NAME CONTACT PHONENUMBER

SCOTLAND & NORTHERN IRELAND & ISLE OF MANBelfast Energy Conservation Training Centre 02890 457788 •Blantyre Gas Certification Co Ltd 01698 828222 • • •Crumlin, Co Antrim TASC 02890 825466 • •Crumlin, Co Antrim Mechanical Technologies Training 02890 825352 • • • •Edinburgh Edinburgh’s Telford College 0131 332 2491 •Glasgow Scottish Gas Academy 0800 032 0269 • • •Glasgow British Gas Academy/NIC Certification 0800 032 0269 •Isle of Man Department of Trade and Industry 01624 687156 • •Lisburn, Co Antrim Warmflow Engineering 02892 621515 •Livingston Nationwide Training Services 01506 418798 • • • •Stirling C&G Gas (Training and Assessment) 01259 722772 • •

NORTH WESTAintree (Liverpool) Hybrid Technical Services Ltd 0151 524 2951 • • •Blackburn Blackburn College 01254 696731 • •Blackpool Blackpool & The Fylde College 0870 013 0389 •Bolton Wyre Associates 01204 362080 •Bradford Bradford College 01274 433004 •Burnley Burnley College 01282 711302

Denton JM Consulting 0870 013 0389 •Greater Manchester ICON Training & Assessment 0161 763 5052 • • •Warrington MTS (GB) 01942 729351 •Wrexham Vulcana Training 01978 660300 • • •

NORTH EASTBillingham NETA Training Group 01642 379440 •Chesterfield NIC Training 01246 261126 • • • •Grimsby Grimsby Institute of F&HE 01472 311222 • • •Huddersfield Gas Train UK 01484 549008

Huddersfield Sheard Electrotechnical Services 01422 379259 •Killingworth British Gas Academy / NIC Certification 0800 032 0269 • • •Leeds British Gas Academy / NIC Certification 0800 032 0269 • • •Leeds Leeds College of Building 01132 226050 •Middlesbrough The Faraday Centre 0870 013 0389 •Newton Aycliffe South West Durham Training 01325 313194 •Ossett Orpheus Training 01924 277009 •Rotherham NECTA 01709 360621 •Scunthorpe North Lindsey College 01724 294091 • •Sheffield Arena Training 0870 013 0389 •Stockton on Tees NETA Training Group 01642 616936 • • •Sunderland Lomax Training Services 0191 523 8040 • •Sunderland Plumb Skills 0800 288 9772 • •

WEST MIDLANDS & WALESBangor Coleg Menai 01248 370125 • • •Birmingham Electrical Test Services 0870 013 0389 •Birmingham Midlands Gas Assessments 0121 333 3903

Caerphilly Building Services Training 02920 857000 • • •Cheltenham GASTEC at CRE 01242 677877 • • • •Coventry Xtra Skill Centre 02476 555944 • • •Dudley Dudley College 01384 363149 • • •Gloucester Clarkson Evans 01452 530336 •Stourbridge Stourbridge College 01384 344729 • •Tipton Industry Development Services (IDSL) 0121 522 6969 • •Towcester Trans-Euro Engineering Services Ltd 01327 353800 •Tredegar Gasmark Assessment Services 01495 711711 • •Wrexham Vulcana Training 01978 660300 • • •

LOCATION CENTRE NAME CONTACT PHONENUMBER

EAST MIDLANDS & EAST ANGLIABury St Edmunds West Suffolk College 01284 716306 • • •Bury St Edmunds West Suffolk College 01284 748790 •Cambridge Cambridge Regional College 01223 418437 • •Chesterfield NIC Training 01246 261126 • • • •Corby Sterling Assessment Services 01536 400802 • •Derby Develop 01332 253511 • •Dunstable NICEIC Training 0870 013 0389 •Grimsby Grimsby Institute of F&HE 01472 311222 • • •Huntingdon 1st Training & Assessment 01480 450872 • •Leicester British Gas Academy / NIC Certification 0800 032 0269 • •Luton NIC Training 01582 488882 • • •Northampton British Gas Academy 0800 032 0269 • •Norwich Combined Heating Services 01603 622001 • • •Norwich EAGIT 0870 013 0389 •Saffron Walden Adrian Brown Assessment Services 01799 508041 • • •Scunthorpe North Lindsey College 01724 294091 • •Towcester Trans-Euro Engineering Services Ltd 01327 353800 •Woodbridge Nationwide Training Services 01506 418798 • • • •

SOUTH & SOUTH WESTBasildon K Nevill Training and Assessment 07951 932333 • • •Bracknell NECTA 01344 862562 •Bristol Gas Flare Services 0117 908 4169Cheltenham GASTEC at CRE 01242 677877 • • • •Chesham GUC 01494 785000 • • •Exeter Devon & Cornwall Electrical Training 01392 254645 •Gloucester Clarkson Evans 01452 530336 •Gosport Flagship Training 02392 542511 •High Wycombe MTS (GB) 01494 755600 •Plymouth MTS (GB) 01752 701790 •Plymouth Plymouth College 0870 013 0389 •Redruth Cornwall College 01209 616134 • • • •Redruth Cornwall College 0870 013 0389 •Swindon Fuel Qualification Services 01793 840055 •Thatcham British Gas Academy/NIC Certification 0800 032 0269 • • •Waterlooville Brian Scaddan Associates 0870 013 0389 •

LONDON & SOUTH EASTAshvale West London Training 01252 400370 •Burgess Hill Steve Willis Training & Assessment 01444 870860 •Chatham Gas Train 01634 671753 • • • •Chesham GUC Ltd 01494 785000 • • •Chessington Building Trade Skills Centre 0208 391 3020 • •Crawley Central Sussex College 01293 442349 • • • •Croydon Croydon Gas Centre 0208 760 5887 • • •Dartford Able Skills 01322 280202 •Dartford British Gas Academy / NIC Certification 0800 032 0269 • • •Dunstable NICEIC Training 0870 013 0389 •Gravesend North West Kent College 01322 629691 •Hernhill British Gas Academy 0800 032 0269 •Hounslow West London Training 01252 400370 • •London NW10 British Gas Academy 0800 032 0269 • •London SE15 BG Training Services 0207 635 7111 • • •London SW18 Gas Safety Services Training 0208 874 6802 • •Loughton Epping Forest College 0208 502 8611 • •Luton NIC Training 01582 488882 • • •Maidstone Mid Kent College 0870 013 0389 •Romford Barking College 01708 770000 • • •Saffron Walden Adrian Brown Assessment Services 01799 508041 • • •Swanley Piper Assessment 01322 662180 • • • •Towcester Trans-Euro Engineering Services Ltd 01327 353800 •Walthamstow Total Communications Training 01279 426600 •

GAS

OIL

ELEC

TRIC

AL

WAT

ER

GAS

OIL

ELEC

TRIC

AL

WAT

ER

Approved Assessment& Training Centres

Whether you need to demonstrate your competence in gas fitting, oil installations, energy efficiency, water regulations, unvented hot water systemsinstallations or domestic electrical work, we have a nationwide network of centres that can help you with the training and assessments that you need. The following table indicates the certification schemes that each centre can deliver, please note that some centres may be limited to specific elements of the schemes.

Simply locate your preferred centre from the list below or alternatively call: 0500 600 545. Visit: www.niccertification.com for a full centre listing and to keepup to date with new centres and additions to scope for existing centres.

timetable may 15/5/07 3:14 pm Page 1

PUBLICATIONS


The book will give detailed guidance onhow to carry out the inspection andtesting of domestic installations, includingthe preparation of the ‘17th Edition’NICEIC versions of the:

• Domestic Visual Condition Report

• Domestic Electrical Installation PeriodicInspection Report, and

• Associated forms, such as thecontinuation sheets and the DomesticElectrical Danger Notification forms.

The book will also set out a series ofstandard service levels that contractors canoffer to customers.

NICEIC DOMESTIC PERIODICINSPECTION REPORTING BOOK

coming soon

from NICEIC

With the introduction of BS 7671: 2008 rapidly approaching, it has beendecided not to release a short-lived ‘16th Edition’ version of the NICEIC‘Guide to domestic periodic inspection, testing and reporting’, but insteadto publish a ‘17th Edition’ version early in the New Year.

Now available from NICEIC

ROTCOD P TRAP EHThcnyL nalA yB

fo eniltuo dna tnemmoc gnidulcnIsnoitalugeR gniriW )noitidE ht71( 8002 :1767 SB

smoorhtab dna snehctik tif uoy oD ?ykraps citsemod a uoy erA ?

ecivda dab htiw pu def uoy erA ?sesruoc no gniog tuoba deirroW ?

uoy pleh t’now snaicirtcelE ?”smret s’namyal“ ni tub ,ecnatsissa deen uoy oD ?

......deen uoy nehT

THE PART P DOCTOR£19.00

Stock Code: PPD

To order call 0870 013 0458

WRITTEN

FOR ELECTRICIANS

BY ELECTRICIANS

www.niceicgroup.com

The domestic electrician’s bible

PUBLICATIONS


GUIDE TO COMPLETINGSPECIALIZED CERTIFICATESAND REPORTS This new full colour NICEIC publication, Guide to completing

specialized certificates and reports, gives comprehensive

guidance to those needing to complete certificates and reports

for specialized types of electrical installation including:

• Emergency lighting systems

• Fire detection and alarm systems

• Highway power supplies, street furniture and streetlocated equipment

• Leisure accommodation vehicles

• Transportable buildings

• Modular dwellings.

The aim ofthe book is topromote goodpractice by providingcontractors and otherswith information andguidance which answermany of the questionscommonly arising during theinspection and testing of thesetypes of installation, or during thepreparation of the associated certificatesand reports.

The information and guidance is based on therequirements of:

• BS 7671: 2001 (as amended) Requirements forElectrical Installations

• BS 5266 1: 2005 Emergency Lighting – Part 1: Codeof practice for the emergency lighting of premises

• BS 5839 1: 2002 Fire detection and fire alarm systems forbuildings – Part 1: Code of practice for the design, installation,commissioning and maintenance, and

• BS 5839 6: 2004 Fire detection and fire alarm systems forbuildings – Part 6: Code of practice for the design, installationand maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems indwellings.

Copies are available from NICEIC Sales –see enclosed order form for details.

The book is intended to complement Part 7 (Inspection andTesting) of BS 7671 and the information and advice given in

other authoritative publications, such as the NICEIC Inspection,Testing and Certification book, and IEE Guidance Note 3:

Inspection and Testing, both of which are also available fromNICEIC Sales.

PUBLICATIONS


POCKET GUIDES NOW BEINGDISTRIBUTED WITH CONNECTIONS

As a consequence of

the Electrical Safety

Council’s decision to

distribute updated versions

of the Technical Manual at

six-monthly rather than

quarterly intervals, NICEIC

Pocket Guides will in future be

distributed with the quarterly issues of Connections.

The fourteenth pocket guide, ‘Sizing of circuit protective conductors(by selection)’ can be found as an insert in this issue.

The guide covers the sizing of protective conductors other thanearthing and equipotential bonding conductors by selection,based on the requirements given in Regulation Group 543-01of BS 7671.

A printable version of this guide is available to downloadfrom the NICEIC website within My NICEIC (together with allthe other published Pocket Guides).

Additional printed copies may also be obtained onapplication to the NICEIC Customer Service Department:Email [email protected]

A benefit of distributing printed copies of the PocketGuides with Connections is that they will now also bereceived by all readers of the magazine, not justrecipients of the Technical Manual CD.

The fifteenth pocket guide, on the associated subject of ‘Sizing ofcircuit protective conductors (by calculation)’, will be distributedwith the autumn issue of Connections.

Electronic copies of all Pocket Guides will continue to be includedin the Technical Manual CD.

TECHNICAL MANUALGOES ONLINE

The online version incorporates the

same search and print facilities as

the CD version.

Non NICEIC-registered subscribers

to the Technical Manual will be

advised as soon as

separate arrangements

have been put in place

for them to access the

online version too.

Subscribers to the CD

version of the Technical

Manual CD are reminded

that the next update CD

is due to distributed in

October, the Electrical Safety

Council having changed the

distribution frequency from

quarterly to six monthly as

previously advised.

An online version of the Technical

Manual is now available to all

NICEIC-registered contractors within

My NICEIC of the new NICEIC

website.

PUBLICATIONS


In electronic format, these guides areintended to be made available free ofcharge to all interested parties.

The first guide in the series, Replacinga consumer unit where lighting circuitshave no circuit protective conductor,was published in October last yearand, following feedback from users,was amended in January this year

The second guide, Safe isolationprocedures for low voltageinstallations, was published in March.

This guide was produced inconjunction with the Health and SafetyExecutive, amongst others. Its purposeis to provide practical guidance foremployers, employees and the self-employed on safe isolation proceduresto be followed when working on lowvoltage electrical installations.

As this issue of Connections was beingproduced, a third guide, Connecting amicrogeneration system to a domesticor similar electrical installation, wasnearing completion.

The aim of this new guide is:

• to provide an overview ofmicrogeneration systems rated at upto 16 A per phase

• to provide information on the legaland contractual issues relatedspecifically to the installation ofmicrogenerators (including therelationship of the consumer withthe energy supplier and theelectricity distributor), and

• to give guidance on the specificelectrical issues, including safetyissues, that arise when installing orconnecting a microgenerator.

The guide will be added to the‘downloads’ section of the NICEICwebsite as soon as it becomesavailable.

Future subjects

Subjects to be addressed in futureElectrical Safety Council Best PracticeGuides may include:

• Fire precautions relating to electricalinstallations in dwellings

• Recommendation Codes for periodicinspection reporting

• Replacement of consumer units

• Electrical installers and asbestos

• Plug-in socket-outlet testers

ELECTRICAL SAFETY COUNCILBEST PRACTICE GUIDES

As reported in previous issues

of Connections, NICEIC,

together with other interested

parties, is working in association

with the Electrical Safety

Council to produce a series of

Best Practice Guides on a range

of subjects of interest to

electrical contractors, installers

and their customers.

FROM THE HELPLINEWe continue with our series of answers to some of the more

frequently asked questions put to the NICEIC Technical Helpline.

News about the development of

these guides is likely to be

announced first on the Electrical

Safety Council website,

www.esc.org.uk


FROM THE HELPLINEWe continue with our series of answers to some of the more

frequently asked questions put to the NICEIC Technical Helpline.

AnswerDamage to cables from the gnawing of rats, mice and squirrels etc is

fairly common in areas inhabited by these rodents, such as might be

the case in farm buildings and the roof voids and cellars of certain

older properties.

There is no evidence to show that these rodents are uniquely

attracted to one type of cable; all types seem susceptible to attack.

Cases of damage to cables by rats and mice are repeatedly reported

by electrical contractors. The damage can occur not only at the

point where a cable crosses a ‘rat run’ but where cables pass

through holes in joists and over considerable lengths of cable where

rodents have gnawed away the sheath and insulation, resulting in

exposure of the conductors.

To resist damage caused by gnawing, it is advisable to select a wiring

system such as one of the following:

• Cables enclosed in steel conduit or trunking

• Mineral-insulated, metal-sheathed cables

• Steel-wire armoured cables

• Thermoplastic (pvc) sheathed cables having galvanized steel braid

covering

• Steel capping to protect short exposed runs of thermoplastic (pvc)

insulated and sheathed cables

Cables are less likely to be attacked by rodents where attached as

far up a wall as possible, or, where installed in a roof void, fixed to

the underside of the roof structure.

The enclosures of electrical switchgear, accessories and wiring

systems (such as trunking), etc should be free of any openings

through which rodents could enter and build nests and cause

damage to cables.

QuestionI have to install some wiring in an area where there are rats or

mice. Is it true that these animals gnaw cables? If so, what

wiring systems are suitable to resist being gnawed?

PVC insulated and sheathed cable gnawed by mice

AnswerYes, the method of testing you describe meets the relevant

requirements of BS 7671 in the case of a periodic inspection and

test of an existing installation.

The purpose of insulation resistance measurements during a period

inspection and testing is to help assess the condition of the electrical

insulation. This purpose is met by measuring only between phase

and neutral conductors connected together and protective earth.

Protective earth should be connected to the general mass of Earth

during the measurements (Regulation 713-04-01 refers), usually by

being connected to the main earthing terminal of the installation

and hence to the means of earthing, such the distributor’s earthing

facility. The test is then liable to detect any contact between a

phase or neutral conductor and metalwork not forming part of the

electrical installation (such as a metallic pipework installation), as

may result from damaged or defective insulation.

Carrying out insulation resistance measurements only between

phase and neutral conductors connected together and protective

earth (whilst connected to Earth) is also recognised by BS 7671 for

a circuit that includes electronic devices (Regulation 713-04-04

refers).

QuestionThe client’s specification for a periodic inspection and test of an

existing electrical installation calls for insulation resistance

measurements to be carried out only between phase and

neutral conductors connected together and protective earth, and

not between the phase and neutral conductors. Would this

method of testing meet the requirements of BS 7671?

TECHNICAL


AnswerIt is not advisable to use the TN-C-S (PME) earthing arrangement

for the installation in the external office unit. In any event, the

electricity distributor may object to this.

In terms of the use of a PME earthing facility, similar considerations

apply for a metallic container-style office unit as for a caravan or boat.

Regulation 9(4) of the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity

Regulations 2002 prohibits electricity distributors from offering a

connection to the earthing terminal of a PME network for a

consumer’s installation in a caravan or boat. The particular risk

arises from the possibility of the supply neutral conductor becoming

disconnected from Earth, possibly causing the metalwork in the

caravan or boat to rise to phase conductor potential. Persons

entering or leaving the caravan or boat would then be at risk of

electric shock.

Therefore, it is advisable for the installation in the external office unit

to be provided with its own earth electrode and for the

requirements of BS 7671 for a TT system to be met. It should also

be ensured that there is no electrical connection between the

electricity distributor’s PME earthing terminal and either the metallic

container or the protective conductors of the office unit.

The installation in the main building may continue to use the TN-C-S

(PME) earthing arrangement.

QuestionI have been asked to provide a permanent electricity supply to

the electrical installation of an external metallic container-style

office unit from a nearby main building. The earthing

arrangement for the installation in the main building is TN-C-S

and Protective Multiple Earthing (PME) conditions apply. It will

be necessary to main equipotentially bond the metallic container

of the office unit, as parts of the container are exposed to touch

within the office.

Is it permissible to use the TN-C-S (PME) earthing arrangement

for the installation in the external office unit?

AnswerOther than in the most exceptional circumstances (which appear to

apply in this case), the issue of a Periodic Inspection Report (PIR) in

lieu of an Electrical Installation Certificate is not permitted. It is

essential to make clear to your client that the PIR will only provide a

measure of assurance that the work complies with the requirements

of BS 7671 (or not, as the case may be) within the extent and

agreed limitations of the inspection and testing.

The PIR is, as its title indicates, a report and not a certificate. It

should not normally be used as a substitute for the Electrical

Installation Certificate. A PIR does not provide a declaration by the

designer or installer that the aspects of work for which they were

responsible comply with the requirements of BS 7671. In addition,

cables and other items that are designed to be concealed cannot be

inspected when construction is complete.

If an electrical contractor agrees, in this type of exceptional

circumstance, to issue a PIR for work designed and installed by

others, it would be prudent for the contractor to make the purpose

and limitations of the report absolutely clear, in order to avoid

unwittingly assuming responsibility for aspects of the work for which

he had no knowledge and over which he had no control.

QuestionThe contactor carrying out a rewire of a small office has gone

into liquidation prior to certifying the installation. Certification is

now required by the client for insurance purposes. Is it

permissible to certify this new installation by carrying out a

periodic inspection and test of the installation and issuing a

Periodic Inspection Report?

FROM THE HELPLINEContinued...

TECHNICAL


AnswerA voltage-operated earth-leakage circuit-breaker (VOELCB) is

distinguishable from a residual current device in that it has two

separate earthing terminals (see Figure 1). The ‘e’ terminal is for

connection to the means of earthing through an insulated earthing

conductor, and the ‘f’ (or frame) terminal, for connection to the

circuit protective conductor.

The operating principle by which a VOELCB automatically breaks a

circuit under earth fault conditions is different from that of a residual

current device (RCD). An RCD is intended to operate when the

algebraic sum of the currents in the live conductors of the circuit

(the residual current) attains a certain value. A VOELCB is intended

to operate when the potential difference between the general mass

of Earth and the exposed-conductive-parts connected to the circuit

protective conductor attains a certain value.

VOELCBs have not been recognized by the IEE Wiring Regulations as

devices for protection against indirect contact since January 1985.

Consequently, they have never been recognized by BS 7671 (which

was first issued in 1992) as devices for providing such protection.

An important consideration in deciding what recommendation code

to include in a Periodic Inspection Report, where it is found that a

VOELCB is relied on for protection against indirect contact, is

whether the VOELCB is functioning correctly. Prior to January 1985,

a simple method of testing such devices was described in Appendix

15 of the IEE Wiring Regulations (15th Edition).

The test required a test voltage not exceeding 50 V rms a.c.,

obtained from a double-wound transformer connected to the mains

supply, to be applied across the neutral and frame terminals, at

which time the device was expected to trip instantaneously. The

term ‘instantaneously’ was not defined, and would depend on the

judgement of the person conducting the test.

Where it has been possible to conduct the above test and the

VOELCB is found to be operating correctly, it is the NICEIC view that

the Periodic Inspection Report should generally indicate a

Recommendation Code 2 – Requires improvement. However, if the

VOELCB is not, or cannot be, shown to be operating correctly, a

Recommendation Code 1 – Requires urgent attention is warranted,

in the NICEIC’s opinion.

QuestionI am carrying out a periodic inspection report on an existing

electrical installation forming part of a TT system, and have

found what I believe to be a voltage-operated earth-leakage

circuit-breaker being used for protection against indirect contact.

How does a voltage-operated earth-leakage circuit-breaker differ

from a residual current device?

Also, does BS 7671 allow the use of a voltage-operated earth-

leakage circuit-breaker for protection against indirect contact? If

not, what recommendation code should I include in the Periodic

Inspection Report regarding this item?

Fig 1Voltage-operated earth-leakagecircuit-breaker (VOELCB)

TECHNICAL


A PRACTICAL GUIDETO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

‘Snags & Solutions’, the NICEIC’s problem solving book,

is available in two volumes which cover many

commonly encountered electrical installation problems.

Part 1 addresses 50 problems relating to earthing and

bonding, whilst Part 2 covers 55 problems relating to wiring

systems (as well as giving guidance on the application of

the new wiring colours).

Each book, available from NICEIC Sales, costs only £15.

To give an indication of the value of these books, a snag

and solution is being covered in each issue of Connections.

This issue addresses a snag from Part 2, relating to making

provision for the future connection of luminaires.

An installation must not be energized unless

cables are both properly terminated and

enclosed.

A snag can easilyarise with walllights,downlighters,and the like.

Consider anewinstallationwhere thewall lightshave not yetbeen selectedyet it is required toenergize the installationto have the other lightsoperational.

It is not acceptable for an energized cable to emerge froma wall merely terminated in a taped-up connector block. Arisk of electric shock exists.

The use of electrical insulating tape as the sole means ofenclosure for terminations is not acceptable.

Making provision forthe future connectionof luminaires

snag 38

snags solutions

snag 38new right

TECHNICAL


solutionWhen the lighting circuit is energized all the

measures necessary to protect against the hazards

of electric shock and fire must be in place.

The requirements for safety (which include

inspection and testing prior to putting in to use)

apply irrespective of the time that may elapse

before the remaining luminaires are fitted.

If the lighting circuit is to be energized, the fixed wiring of

the circuit must be terminated into a suitable enclosure.

If cables are left unterminated the live (phase and

neutral) conductors must be securely isolated from the

supply.

Every electrical connection (joint or termination) in a live

conductor or PEN conductor is required to be made within

a suitable enclosure, or a combination of them (Regulation

526-03-02 refers). The Regulation also applies to connections

in extra-low voltage circuits.

A suitable ceiling rose, luminaire supporting coupler (LSCs),

junction box or accessory enclosure can be used to terminate

fixed wiring. Where the physical size of the connection

arrangement is an issue (as is often the case with a wall

light), an architrave box with a blank cover can provide a

suitable enclosure.

snag 38new right

Regulation 526-03-02

Every termination and joint in a live conductor or a PEN conductor shall be made within one of the following or a

combination thereof:

(i) a suitable accessory complying with the appropriate British Standard

(ii) an equipment enclosure complying with the appropriate British Standard

(iii)a suitable enclosure of material complying with the relevant glow-wire test requirements of BS 6458-2.1

(iv)an enclosure formed or completed with building material considered to be non-combustible when tested to

BS 476-4

(v) an enclosure formed or completed by part of the building structure, having the ignitability characteristic ‘P’ as

specified in BS 476 Part 5.

SIZING CABLETRUNKINGBY THE UNIT SYSTEMMETHOD

There are two methods in common use for determining theminimum size of trunking required to accommodate a particulargroup of cables. These are the unit system method and thespace factor method. This article explains the use of the unitsystem method. The use of the space factor method will becovered in a future issue of Connections.

The unit system method is easier to use than the space factormethod, provided the relevant unit system data for cables andtrunking are available.

Only mechanical considerations are takeninto account

The unit system method, like the space factormethod, takes account of mechanicalconsiderations only.

Though not dealt with in this article, account mustalso be taken of the fact that where a number ofloaded circuits are grouped together in trunking,the cable sizes may need to be larger than if thecircuits were not grouped together. This isbecause of the reduction in current-carryingcapacity caused by grouping. Further informationon this is given in Appendix 4 of BS 7671.

Bends

Where a run of trunking incorporates a bend, theshape of the bend should be such as to allowcompliance with the minimum bending radii ofthe cables to be installed in the trunking(Regulation 522-08-03 of BS 7671 refers).

Determination of the minimum size of trunkingrequired

In the unit system method, factors based onpractical work and experimentation are allocatedto standard types and sizes of cable used intrunking systems, and to standard sizes of trunking. Theminimum size of trunking for a particular group of cables isdetermined by calculating the sum of all the factors for the cablesin the group and comparing this with the factors given fortrunking.

Table 1 of this article gives factors for single-core non-sheathedcables of the thermoplastic (pvc) insulated type to BS 6004 andthe thermosetting insulated type to BS 7211, installed in trunking.Table 2 gives factors for various standard sizes of metal trunking.

The use of the factors in Tables 1 and 2 will give the minimumsize of trunking suitable to accommodate a particular group ofcables, if the cables are combed and laid straight in the trunking.

Table 1 – Factors for cables installed in trunking

WHERE THE WIRING SYSTEM FOR AN INSTALLATION IS TO BE CABLES ENCLOSED IN TRUNKING, THE TRUNKINGSYSTEM HAS TO BE SIZED TO ACCOMMODATE THE REQUIRED NUMBER, TYPE AND SIZE OF CABLES.

TECHNICAL


Type ofconductor

Solid

Stranded

Conductor cross-sectional area

mm2

1.5

2.5

1.5

2.5

4

6

10

16

25

35

50

70

95

120

150

185

240

BS 6004 single corethermoplastic (pvc)

insulated non-sheathedcable, cable factors

8.0

11.9

8.6

12.6

16.6

21.2

35.3

47.8

73.9

93.3

128.7

167.4

229.7

277.6

343.1

426.4

555.7

BS 7211 single corethermosetting insulated

non-sheathed cable,cable factors

8.6

11.9

9.6

13.9

18.1

22.9

36.3

50.3

75.4

95.1

132.8

176.7

227.0

283.5

346.4

433.7

551.6

Note:1 Cable factors are based on the cable cross-sectional area calculated using the

British Standard upper limit mean overall cable diameter.

Prestige 3D trunking by MK Electric

Solution.

First the cable factors for the cables in thegroup must be obtained from Table 1. Itcan be seen from that table that each 2.5mm2 cable has a cable factor of 12.6, each4 mm2 a factor of 16.6, each 6 mm2 afactor of 21.2, each 10 mm2 a factor of35.3, and each16 mm2 a factor of 47.8.

Next the sum of all the factors for thecables in the group must be calculated, bymultiplying the number of cables by thecorresponding cable factor and adding theresults together, as shown in Table 3.

Now the sum of all the factors for thecables in the group (934.2) must becompared with the factors for trunkinggiven in Table 2. The minimum size oftrunking for the group of cables is thathaving the smallest trunking factor equal toor greater than that sum.

As can be seen from Table 2, the minimumnominal size of trunking required toaccommodate the group of cables is

100 mm x 25 mm, having a factor of 993.

In this example, no deliberate attempt has been made to providefor spare capacity for future use, although, as it turns out, there isa small amount of spare capacity as the trunking factor of 993exceeds the sum of all the factors for the cables in the group(934.2).

Where provision for spare capacity is to be made, the size oftrunking should be selected such that its trunking factor exceedsthe total cable factor by at least the percentage spare capacityrequired. For example, if 10 % spare capacity is required, the sizeof trunking should be selected so that its factor is at least 110 %of the sum of the factors for all the cables in the group.

TECHNICAL


Nominal dimensionsof trunking

mm x mm

50 x 38

50 x 50

75 x 25

75 x 38

75 x 50

75 x 75

100 x 25

100 x 38

100 x 50

100 x 75

100 x 100

150 x 38

150 x 50

150 x 75

150 x 100

150 x 150

200 x 38

200 x 50

200 x 75

Trunking factor

767

1 037

738

1 146

1 555

2 371

993

1 542

2 091

3 189

4 252

2 999

3 091

4 743

6 394

9 697

3 082

4 145

6 359

Nominal dimensions oftrunking

mm x mm

200 x 100

200 x 150

200 x 200

225 x 38

225 x 50

225 x 75

225 x 100

225 x 150

225 x 200

225 x 225

300 x 38

300 x 50

300 x 75

300 x 100

300 x 150

300 x 200

300 x 225

300 x 300

Trunking factor

8 572

13 001

17 429

3 474

4 671

7 167

9 662

14 652

19 643

22 138

4 648

6 251

9 590

12 929

19 607

26 285

29 624

39 428

Table 2 – Factors for metal trunking

Note:1 The factors in Table 2 are for metal trunking with trunking thickness taken into

account. They may be optimistic for plastic trunking, where the cross-sectionalarea available may be significantly reduced from the nominal by the thickness ofthe wall material.

Worked example

Problem. Determine the minimum size of trunking required toaccommodate all the following single-core thermoplastic (pvc)insulated non sheathed cables to BS 6004:

(i) 15 cables having a stranded copper conductor of csa 2.5 mm2

(ii) 12 cables having a stranded copper conductor of csa 4.0 mm2

(iii) 9 cables having a stranded copper conductor of csa 6.0 mm2

(iv) 6 cables having a stranded copper conductor of csa 10.0 mm2

(v) 3 cables having a stranded copper conductor of csa 16.0 mm2

Cable(s)

2.5 mm2 stranded

4.0 mm2 stranded

6.0 mm2 stranded

10.0 mm2 stranded

16.0 mm2 stranded

Cable factor

12.6

16.6

21.2

35.3

47.8

Numberof cables

15

12

9

6

3

Cable factorx number of

cables

189.0

199.2

190.8

211.8

143.4

934.2

Table 3Calculating the sum of the factors for the group of cables

Sum of all factors for the group

TECHNICAL


POOR CONNECTION OF NEUTRALCONDUCTORSTHE NEUTRAL CONDUCTOR IS A LIVE CONDUCTOR!

From time to time, NICEIC receives a

report of an incident involving the poor

connection of a neutral conductor. This

defect can result in damage due to

thermal effects, such as that shown in

Figure 1, or even fire.

For reasons explained in this article, it is necessary to take no lesscare with making or inspecting the connection of a neutralconductor than with the connection of a phase conductor.

A neutral conductor is a live conductor

It should never be forgotten that a neutral conductor is a liveconductor. This is indicated by the definition of a ‘live part’ inPart 2 of BS 7671:

‘Live part. A conductor or conductive part intended to beenergised in normal use, including a neutral conductor but, byconvention, not a PEN conductor’.

A neutral conductor is a current carrying conductor

In a single-phase installation, such as that of a typical home, thecurrent in the neutral conductor is equal to that in the phaseconductor. Accordingly, the neutral conductor is required to havea cross-sectional area (csa) not less than that of the phaseconductor. Regulation 524-02-01 refers.

In a three-phase installation, the current in the neutral conductoris determined by:

(i) the imbalance between the connected single-phase loads,caused by a combination of different current demands and/orpower factor in each phase, and

(ii) the presence of third harmonics (or multiples of thirdharmonics), typically created due to non-linear loads such aselectronic lighting ballasts, variable speed drives, uninterruptiblepower supply systems and personal computers.

(Regulation 524-02-02 refers).

Because of (i) and (ii) above, the situation can arise where thecurrent in the neutral conductor of a three-phase circuit is greaterthan that in any of the phase conductors.

As well as load currents, overcurrents are liable to flow in the

neutral conductor of a circuit (single-phase or three-phase), whenthere is an overload or short-circuit.

Electrical connections

Regulation 526-01-01 requires that every connection betweenconductors and between a conductor and equipment providesdurable electrical continuity and adequate mechanical strength.

A poor connection in a current-carrying conductor, including aneutral conductor, may lead to a temperature rise at the point ofconnection and the risk of thermal damage to electricalequipment and its surroundings, or even fire. Furthermore, thepoor connection may lead to an increase in circuit impedance,which may result in the failure of an overcurrent protective deviceto operate under fault conditions.

To illustrate the amount of heat that can be produced at a poorconnection, it is worth considering an example. Suppose theresistance of a defective connection between a neutral conductorand the terminal of the main switch of a consumer unit is foundto be 2 Ω and the current flowing in the neutral conductor ismeasured at 30 A. In these conditions, the heating power (P)generated at the connection would be:

P = I2R = 302 x 2 = watts (or 1.8 kW)

Clearly, this amount of heat at a connection is liable to causedamage and is dangerous.

Conclusions

The neutral conductor is both a live conductor and a currentcarrying conductor.

Just as much as for a phase conductor, every connectionbetween neutral conductors and between a neutral conductorand equipment needs to be properly made, so that it providesdurable electrical continuity and has adequate mechanicalstrength

In addition to the requirements for new installation work, acontractor carrying out a periodic inspection or maintenance toan installation should take the opportunity to check theconnections of not only phase conductors but also those ofneutral conductors.

TECHNICAL


Fig 1 Thermal damage caused by the poor connection of a neutral conductor

At the terminal of a switch disconnector

To the insulation of the neutral conductor that was terminated at the switch disconnector

Electrical contractors often ask NICEIC about

the minimum cross-sectional area (csa)

required by BS 7671 for the phase and

neutral conductors connecting from the

busbars of an electrical switchboard to the

outgoing load control devices.

Although such interconnecting conductors are generally providedby the switchboard manufacturer, there are situations where theyare provided by the electrical contractor instead.

An example is where a new outgoing switchfuse unit or circuit-breaker is being added to an existing industrial type switchboard,such as that shown in Figure 1. In such a case, theinterconnecting conductors will usually be single-core insulatedcopper cables enclosed within the equipment.

This article explains how to determine the minimum csa requiredfor the conductors, both from considerations of normal load andoverload, and considerations of fault current protection (short-circuit and earth fault). The requirements for installing theconductors so as to minimize the risks of a fault and fire anddanger to persons are also explained.

The article shows that:

1. it is usually permitted to use the fuse or circuit-breaker inthe outgoing load control device to provide overloadprotection and fault current protection for theinterconnecting conductors, so that the conductors can besized in relation to that device for normal load andoverload purposes, and

2. in many cases, it may be assumed that the csa of theconductors is adequate from considerations of faultcurrent.

Position of overcurrent protectivedevice

Before determining the minimum csarequired for the conductors, it isnecessary to decide which protectivedevice is to be used to protect themagainst overcurrent.

The fuse or circuit-breaker in theoutgoing load control device (see Figure2) can usually be used to provide bothoverload protection and fault currentprotection for the phase and neutralconductors connecting that device tothe busbars. This is permitted if theinstallation is not in a locationpresenting an abnormal fire risk or riskof explosion, or where specialrequirements or recommendationsapply, provided that the interconnectingconductors are sized as explained laterand that they:

• do not exceed 3 metres in length (per conductor), and

• are erected in such a manner as toreduce to a minimum the risk of afault (e.g. the cables are positionedso that they are not in contact each

SIZING OF CONDUCTORSCONNECTING TO BUSBARS

TECHNICAL


Fig 1 –Industrial type switchboard

TECHNICAL


other or with the busbars or with other cables, as far aspracticable), and

• are erected in such a manner as to reduce to a minimum therisk of fire or danger to persons (e.g. the cables are enclosedwithin the busbar chamber, switchgear and possibly conduit ortrunking).

(Regulations 473-01-02 and 473-02-02 refer.)

It is not permitted to use the fuse or circuit-breaker in theoutgoing load control device if one or more of the above threeconditions is not met, such as the length of the interconnectingconductors exceeding 3 metres. Where a condition is not met,the only practicable alternative is generally to use the fuse orcircuit-breaker on the supply side of the busbars (see Figure 2) toprotect the interconnecting conductors.

Key:

(1) Protective device in the outgoing load control device.

(2) Protective device on the supply side of the busbars (e.g. in mainincoming device of switchboard or at origin of distribution circuitsupplying switchboard).

(3) Phase and neutral conductors connecting the outgoing load controldevice to busbars.

Note:

Special considerations apply where the installation is in a locationpresenting an abnormal fire risk or risk of explosion or where specialrequirements or recommendation apply. Refer to Regulations 473-01-02and 473-02-03.

Minimum csa required from considerations of normal loadand overload

The requirements for sizing the interconnecting conductors fromconsiderations of normal load and overload are the same as forany other circuit conductor, namely:

(i) the nominal current or current setting (In) of the protectivedevice must be not less than the current (Ib) to be carried bythe conductors in normal service, and

(ii) In must not exceed the lowest of the current-carryingcapacities (Iz) of any of the conductors of the circuit, and

(iii) the current (I2) causing effective operation of the protectivedevice must not exceed 1.45 times Iz

Condition (iii) is automatically met as a consequence of meetingcondition (ii), if the protective device is a general purpose fusetype (gG) to BS 88-2.1, a fuse to BS 88-6, a fuse to BS 1361, acircuit breaker to BS EN 60898, a circuit-breaker toBS EN 60947-2 or an RCBO to BS EN 61009-1.(Regulation 433-02-02 refers.)

Minimum csa required from considerations of fault currentprotection

By virtue of Regulation 434-03-02, it may generally be assumedthat the csa of the interconnecting conductors is adequate forthem to be protected against fault current, provided that:

(a) the fuse or circuit-breaker that protects the interconnectingconductors against overload (see earlier) is also to be usedto protect them against fault current, and

(b) the device has a rated breaking capacity not less than theprospective short-circuit current and earth fault current at itspoint of installation.

The validity of the assumption must be checked (where there isdoubt) for conductors in parallel and for certain types ofprotective device, such as non-current-limiting circuit-breakers.

If either of conditions (a) or (b) above is not met, a check mustbe carried out to ensure that the csa of the interconnectingconductors is large enough to satisfy the adiabatic equation givenin Regulation 434-03-03. That is to say, it must be checked thatk2S2 is greater than the value of let through energy (I2t) quotedby the manufacturer of the protective device (where k is selectedfrom Table 43A of BS 7671 and S is the csa of theinterconnecting conductors in mm2.)

Fig 2 – Alterative protective device positions

TECHNICAL


In recent years, there has been a significant

increase in the use of plastic (non-conducting)

pipework for hot and cold water installations and

‘wet’ central heating systems in domestic

premises.

NICEIC is sometimes asked whether, in areas of a dwelling wheresupplementary bonding may be required (usually only bathroomsand shower rooms), it is necessary to install supplementarybonding to metallic parts supplied by plastic water pipework.Examples of such metallic parts may include metal baths,radiators, taps, and short sections metallic pipework installed forvisual purposes.

As explained in this article, if the length of plastic pipe supplying ametallic part is such that the resistance of the pipe and itscontents will limit the shock current to no more than 30 mAunder earth fault conditions, supplementary bonding of themetallic part is not required.

A shock current of 30 mA or less due to indirect contact isunlikely to cause injury to a person due to organ damage orburns. Indeed, if the shock current is limited to 30 mA, it is bestnot to supplementary bond a metallic part supplied by plasticpipework. To do so would cause the part to be at earthpotential, which would increase the risk of electric shock due todirect contact in the event of a person being in simultaneouscontact with a live part and the supplementary bonded part.

Minimum length of plastic pipe such that supplementarybonding is not required

Some measurements of water resistance indicate the followingvalues of resistivity (ρ):

• Tap water of relatively low resistivity, ρ = 5.78 Ωm

• Water heavily doped with corrosion inhibitor, P = 2 Ωm

To limit the shock current to 30 mA, the resistance of a plasticpipe and its contents, between a supplied metallic part and eitherEarth or metalwork connected to the main earthing terminal ofthe installation, must exceed 230 V / 30 mA = 7.67 kΩ(assuming a nominal voltage U0 of 230 V). This is illustrated inFigure 1.

Fig 1 – If resistance (R) of plastic pipe and contents is 7.67 kΩ or

more, shock current is limited to 30 mA or less

Table 1 indicates the minimum length of pipe, of 15 mm and

25 mm diameters, necessary to produce an impedance of

7.67 kΩ, so that the shock current will be limited to 30 mA.

Table 1 – Minimum lengths of water-filled plastic pipe to produce a

resistance of 7.67 kΩ

PLASTIC PIPES SUPPLYING METALLIC PARTSIN DOMESTIC PREMISES –ASSESSING WHETHER SUPPLEMENTARY BONDING IS REQUIRED

Notes:

1. , where D is the internal diameter of the pipe in mm, R is

the minimum allowed resistance of 7.67 kΩ, and ρ is the water resistivity in Ωm.

2. The values of L in the table are based on the following values of resistivity:P = 5.78 Ωm for water of relatively low resistivity, and ρ = 2 Ωm for water heavilydoped with corrosion inhibitor. Where it is known that higher values of resistivityapply, lower values of L may be calculated using the formula in Note 1.

Pipe diameter D

(mm)

15 (13.5 internal)

25 (23.5 internal)

Water resistivity ρ(Ωm)

5.78 (tap)

2 (with inhibitor)

5.78 (tap)

2 (with inhibitor)

Minimum length L

(m)

0.19

0.55

0.58

1.66

L = RAρ =

π D2 R

4000 ρ

TECHNICAL


For a metallic part supplied by non-conducting (plastic) water pipework and having

no electrical connection to Earth or the main earthing terminal of the installation

(other than through the water in the pipe), supplementary bonding is not required

if the following condition is met: The length of plastic pipe between the metallic

part and either Earth or metalwork connected to the main earthing terminal of the

installation is not less than the applicable value of L given in Table 1.

NEWS


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