Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This Question of the Day, concerning BS7671 and whether the Regulations now allow the use of 230V power tools on construction sites, is answered by the ECA:
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Question: Regulation 704.410.3.10 / II says that automatic disconnection (Section 411) of supply with additional protection by an RCD having characteristics specified in Regulation 415.1.1 is suitable protection for a socket outlet up to 32A.
I am reading this as telling me that on construction sites we are now allowed to use 230V tools, if we meet these criteria. Is this the case?
Is the HSE happy with this? Or does HSE still require 110V? Any advice regarding this would be appreciated.
Answer: You can use a 230V tool on a construction site provided that it is protected by a 30mA RCD. The HSE has produced a publication concerning electricity on construction sites where this is also mentioned. However, 110V is still he most common and preferred option.
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Related contacts
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Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA)
ECA Head Office, ESCA House,
34 Palace Court, London W2 4HY
Tel: 020 7313 4800
Fax: 020 7221 7344
Email: electricalcontractors@eca.co.uk
Web: www.eca.co.uk |
ECA
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