This article looks at temporary electrical installations associated with exhibitions, shows and stands. Such installations may be installed indoors or outdoors within permanent or temporary structures.
Introduction
The electrical installation of the building, if any, in which the exhibition, show or stand will take place, will not be considered. Currently, there is no Part or Section of BS 7671: 2001 (2004) covering exhibitions, shows and stands.
Information can be found in IEC 60364-7-711 and HD 60364.7.711 in addition to Guidance Note 7. It is proposed that a new section, Section 711 - Exhibition, Shows and Stands, will be included in BS 7671: 2008, The 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations. The DPC of BS 7671: 2008 includes Section 711, however, this is subject to change.
Definitions
The following definitions are extracted from IEC 60364-7-711:
Exhibition
Event intended for the purpose of displaying and/or selling products etc., which can take place in any suitable location, either a room, building or temporary structure display or performance in any suitable location, either a room, building or temporary structure.
Show
Display in any suitable location, either a room, building or temporary structure.
Stand
Area or temporary structure used for display, marketing, sales, etc.
Temporary structure
A unit or a part of a unit including mobile portable units, situated indoors or outdoors, designed and intended to be assembled and dismantled.
Temporary electrical installation
Electrical installation erected and dismantled at the same time as the stand or the display with which it is associated.
Origin of the temporary electrical installation
Point on the permanent installation or other source of supply from which electrical energy is delivered.
Risks and hazards
The particular risks associated with exhibitions, shows and stands are those of electric shock and fire due to the temporary nature of the installation, the lack of permanent structures, severe mechanical stresses and access to the general public.
Note that BS 7671 will apply generally but due to these increased risks, additional measures are recommended.
Originally published in Wiring Matters Summer 07 issue 23.
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