Voltimum UK managing editor James Hunt introduces this second VoltiBULLETIN of 2008 on the recently published 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations. This one is on the topic of the requirement for RCD protection for any socket outlet with a rating not exceeding 20A for use by 'ordinary persons', and also on related consumer unit issues:
This will affect electrical installation practise throughout the UK and Northern Ireland, and will also have an effect on the Republic of Ireland. The rationale behind the 17th Edition is mainly to do with harmonisation of the document with European standards.
The major changes, in brief, are: added requirements to protect against voltage disturbances, to implement measures against electromagnetic influences, and for emergency escape lighting and fire protection. There is a new concept of protection, and all socket-outlets up to 20A in homes will require 30mA RCD protection. Socket-outlets up to 32A for mobile equipment for use outdoors will require 30mA RCD protection. In addition, there are new extra requirements for the connection of low voltage gensets including SSEGs, plus a new series of regulations concerning lighting installations. Changes have also been made to the requirements for insulation resistance. There's a lot more besides, including locations containing a bath or shower.
Probably the single most important change in the 17th Edition - in terms of the domestic sector - is the new requirement for additional protection by the use of Residual Current Devices (RCDs), or Residual Current Devices with Overcurrent Protection (RCBOs). These now need to be provided to nearly all circuits within dwellings - at least, all those for use by 'ordinary persons' i.e. a person who is not a skilled or instructed person.
Full implementation will be on July 1st. Over the next six-months, the 16th Edition will be phased out and 17th Edition will be implemented. Within this period, installations can comply with either. Therefore, all new installations, alterations and additions designed after 1st July 2008 will need to comply with these new BS 7671: 2008 requirements. There is only one possible exception - this is where longer-term projects overlap both Editions. In such cases, the client concerned must be made aware of the situation.
Note that The 17th Edition is available as a 360-page paperback (code: PWR05060), priced £65. Call the IET on 01438 767 328, or go to www.theiet.org.
Elsewhere in this VoltiBULLETIN:
We present the 17th Edition in more detail elsewhere in this VoltiBULLETIN. Just click on the items in the rest of it. You can also see more by clicking on www.wiring-regulations.co.uk.
At a glance: the 17th Edition - The 17th Edition will affect every electrical contractor in the UK and marks another major change to the way electricians work. This VoltiBULLETIN continues with an NICEIC articles which reiterates the important changes. Read the full article.
More RCDs in dwellings - The ECA's Head of Technical Services, Giuliano Digilio provides some background to the Wiring Regulations and highlights some of the most significant changes to the new requirements. Read the full article.
Showers - RCD or no RCD needed? - Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This one, about whether RCDs are needed for shower protection, is answered by ASTA BEAB Certification Services (Intertek). Read the Q & A of the day.
Fluke installation testers ready for 17th Edition - Voltimum Partner Fluke has available test tools that already meet the requirements of the 17th Edition, including the requirement for RCD protection for any socket outlet with a rating not exceeding 20A intended for use by 'ordinary persons'. Read the full article.
Designing to the 17th Edition - Bill Allan of N.A.P.I.T. looks, in this very useful and informative article, at designing electrical installations so that they meet the requirements of the 17th Edition. Read the full article.
17th Edition - protection of electric sockets - Ever since the draft for public comment of the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations (WR) was released in November 2006, debate has raged over the implications of its official introduction on June 1st, 2008. Amongst contractors and consultants, a great deal of this debate has focused on the issues relating to RCD protection of socket outlets. Here Legrand market segment manager, Andrew Wiles, provides a manufacturer's point of view. Read the full article.
The 17th Edition - use of RCDs mandatory? - Now that the UK electrical industry has finally seen the latest changes to the 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), Alan Roadway, Product Manager for ABB's Low Voltage Distribution Products business, explores the new mandatory use of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) and the consequent effects. Read the full article.
