An installation must not be energized unless cables are both properly terminated and enclosed
A snag can easily arise with wall lights, downlighters, and the like.
Consider a new installation where the wall lights have not yet been selected yet it is required to energize the installation to have the other lights operational.
It is not acceptable for an energized cable to emerge from a wall merely terminated in a taped-up connector block. A risk of electric shock exists.
The use of electrical insulating tape as the sole means of enclosure for terminations is not acceptable.
Solution
When the lighting circuit is energized all the measures necessary to protect against the hazards of electric shock and fire must be in place. The requirements for safety (which includes inspection and testing prior to putting in to use) apply irrespective of the time that may elapse before the remaining luminaires are fitted.
If the lighting circuit is to be energized, the fixed wiring of the circuit must be terminated into a suitable enclosure. If cables are left unterminated the live (line and neutral) conductors must be securely isolated from the supply.
Every electrical connection (joint or termination) in a live conductor or PEN conductor is required to be made within a suitable enclosure, or a combination of them (Regulation 526.5 refers). The Regulation also applies to connection in extra-low voltage circuits.
A suitable ceiling rose, luminaire supporting coupler (LSC), junction box or accessory enclosure can be used to terminate fixed wiring. Where the physical size of the connection arrangement is an issue (as is often the case with a wall light), an architrave box with a blank cover can provide a suitable enclosure.
Regulation 526.5
Every termination and joint in a live conductor or a PEN conductor shall be made within one of the following or a combination thereof:
(i) a suitable accessory complying with the appropriate product standard
(ii) an equipment enclosure complying with the appropriate product standard
(iii) an enclosure partially formed or completed with building material which is non-combustible when tested to BS 476-4.
