08.10.2007
Here we provide some news on the 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations. In fact, there's been very little, as you would expect, because the final document is still being prepared. It is likely though, the the rate of receipt of new news on the topic will now start to accelerate - so watch this space:
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| Outlets to be used by the non-skilled must be RCD protected. |
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17th Edition will bolster uptake for RCDs
While the publication, planned for January 2008, of the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations, on the face of it, looks largely like a harmonisation of the UK standards with those in Europe, there is a major change that will affect a large number of electrical installations. Notably, expect to see a far greater uptake of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) to meet new safety requirements.
Outlets which are to be used by non skilled or non supervised must be RCD protected. Also, all final circuits not exceeding 32A must be protected by a device with a 200ms response time for TT systems (down from 400ms in the 16th edition). This necessitates the use of an RCD. Similarly, any socket capable of having outdoor appliances connected to it, must be likewise protected. This means that practically, all ground floor sockets in a house will require RCDs.
In public places, it is now required that, for example on campsites and caravan parks, every single socket must be protected - in the past it was permitted to bank sockets for protection purposes.
Cables that are buried in walls or partitions must now be protected by 30mA devices, irrespective of how deep they're buried.
In summary, it is expected that traditional split load boards will diminish in use while RCD installations will increase dramatically post-publication of the 17th Edition.
Schneider Electric offers a comprehensive range of RCDs and boards that are capable of meeting all the new Wiring Regulations requirements.
The Domae and Quikline consumer units from Square D, a brand of Schneider Electric, are ideally suited for domestic and light industrial/commercial installations. The RCDs themselves are available from all good wholesalers and distributors and cover every possible application.
The company also offers technical advice and training.
Schneider Electric
Web: www.schneider-electric.com
Prepare for new regulations with NICEIC at Interbuild
The NICEIC, the UK's leading voluntary regulatory body for electrical contracting, is presenting the latest changes to regulations which will directly affect the way construction companies work in a series of seminars throughout Interbuild 2007, to be held in Hall 3 of the NEC, Birmingham from 28th October - 1st November 2007.
The most important is the introduction of the 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2008) due in January next year. This contains numerous changes, many of which will affect current working practices over the next 12 months. The programme of seminars will help guide visitors through the transition period as easily and efficiently as possible, highlighting some of the major changes in installation practice and the various training courses and publications available to aid installers comply with the Regulations.
The seminars will also look at the Government's decision to extend the Competent Persons Schemes initiative to Part F (Ventilation), Part G (Plumbing), Part J (Heating and Fuel Storage), and Part L (Energy Efficiency) as well as Part P (Domestic Electrical Installation). NICEIC will explain how they can support installers that may be required to extend their registration needs when working in these fields.
Throughout this seminar programme, NICEIC is also hoping to improve the understanding of the Periodic Inspection, which aims to assist electricians in the confident delivery of quality reports for their customers.
For more information contact NICEIC on 0870 013 0382 or email enquiries@niceic.com.
Eaton 17th Edition seminars at Interbuild 2007
Interbuild (www.interbuild.com) has long been renowned as an industry leader in terms of providing ongoing education, seminars and demonstrations within the event itself. Research has shown that visitors want even more - so with that in mind, then show organisers are currently ramping up the seminar programme to make Interbuild the focal point for knowledge in the industry.
One of these seminars will be by Voltimum Manufacturing Partner Eaton. It will be entitled 'Understand how BS7671 : 2008, 17th Edition Wiring Regulations will increase the use of RCDs'
The overall aim of the seminars is to build a bigger forum, an ideas interchange for the industry, where leaders in construction impart their wisdom to the wider audience. At Interbuild 2007, there are nine seminar and workshop theatres located across all three exhibition halls. The majority of the seminars are short; sharp sessions covering a huge range of subjects yet in most cases lasting no more than three quarters of an hour. The seminars are all free-of-charge to visitors, and will accommodate between 30 and 60 delegates.
The Eaton 17th Edition seminar will be held on 28th October 2007, from 12:00-12:30. Go to www.exporeg.co.uk/reg/ibuild/login.asp to register for the show.
CIBSE 17th Edition event
CIBSE region South West will be holding an event on the IEE Wiring Regulations, 17th Edition on 6th December 2007, starting 18.30. The venue will be The Architecture Studio at the University of West of England.
Contact Richard Knight on (tel) 01225 469932 for more information, or go to www.cibse.org.
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Source: James Hunt |
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