2008-04-25
It seems that you can’t turn anywhere at the moment without seeing something about the 17th Edition wiring regulations and the impact they’re having on the electrical industry.
To find out more about the effect they’ll have on installers Professional Electrician talked to Legrand’s François Dupré, who has just overseen the launch of the company’s new 17th Edition tailored consumer units.
PE&I: My understanding of the 17th Edition is that it has been published, but despite this it isn’t yet having a major impact on installers. Why is this?
FD: The 17th Edition was published on January 1st 2008, but its immediate impact was reduced due to the inclusion of a six-month bedding in period. This runs from January 1st to July 1st 2008, during which time both 16th Edition and 17th Edition compliant products can be specified and used.
The reason for this is that it allows new products and practices to be phased in and gives everyone from installers to designers, time to adjust to the new requirements and resolve any contractual issues. After this period (July 1st 2008 onwards) all new installations will have to be designed to meet the new regulations.
What this means is that although some designers are already using 17th Edition requirements, the installer will not fully appreciate the impact of it until all installation designs have to be compliant. And, as this won’t occur until after July 1st, it’s likely to be late this year before this happens.
PE&I: What effect does the 17th Edition have on domestic consumer units?
FD: When it comes to consumer units the regulations pretty much spell out what the products need to offer in order to comply and the main requirements are:
• Socket outlets for general use in domestic installation require additional protection by an RCD not exceeding 30mA (reg 411.3.3)
• Cables buried in a wall or partition at a depth of less then 50mm and not mechanically protected by appropriate earthed metal require additional protection by an RCD not exceeding 30mA (reg 522.6.6&7)
• All circuits in locations containing a bath or shower shall be protected by one or more RCDs not exceeding 30mA (reg 701.411.3.3)
• All circuits of an installation should not be connected to a single upstream RCD in order to avoid unwanted tripping, avoid hazards and minimize inconvenience in the event of a fault (reg 314.1)
These requirements are all aimed at increasing safety, especially for the end-user in domestic installations, and reducing the likelihood of unwanted tripping by dividing the installation sensibly and providing RCD protection with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30mA. (reg 415.1.1)
There are, as you’d expect, a number of different ways in which manufacturers can meet these regulations. Covering everything from the ways in which the different circuits are arranged to the number and types of RCDs devices used – e.g. RCCBs and/or RCBOs - they all have one thing in common, and that is improved safety.
PE&I: How have the new regs impacted on Legrand’s consumer units?
FD: Like all the manufacturers, we had to look closely at our entire range in relation to the new regulations. This has resulted in one significant change – the development and launch of a new dual RCCB option in April.
As with all Legrand consumer units, the new product, which is offered in ten and sixteen available outgoing ways, provides unparalleled installation flexibility due to the fact it can be configured on site. Additionally, the dual RCCB units are also available in metal and plastic versions
Meanwhile, the existing units in our range can easily be upgraded for the 17th Edition by using RCBOs in replacement of MCBs for the unprotected ways.
PE&I: How does all of this affect the installer?
FD: The key difference you’ll find when installing consumer units to the17th Edition is the way to divide the installation. Other than that everything will remain very similar – from the products through to the process of installation
In fact, the people who will be most effected by the new wiring regulations will be the installation designers and specifiers, who will have to adjust the way they approach the planning and budgets of new installations, and the end user, who will benefit from superior and safer electrical installations.
Legrand manufactures a range of consumer units that combine elegant appearance with flexibility, safety and ease of installation.
To order your copy of the new brochure 'Understanding the 17th Edition : Consumer units product guide' and to be added to Legrand's database (UK postal addresses only), email voltimumenquiries.uk@legrand.co.uk
|
Related contacts
|
Legrand Electric Limited
Great King Street North
Birmingham
B19 2LF
Tel : 0845 605 4333
Fax : 0845 605 4334
Email : legrand.sales@legrand.co.uk
www.legrand.co.uk |
Email Legrand
|
| For latest electrical industry news, register for Voltimum's free newsletter. |
|
|
Source: Legrand Electric Ltd |
Back