Published: 16 May 2011
Category: Technical articles
Alan Wells, Head of Electrotechnical NICEIC Group, provides brief advice on Part L of the Building Regulations:
Electrical contractors are reminded that the requirements of Part L require them to make provision for the conservation of fuel and power in dwellings - this includes the use of appropriate electric lighting, space heating and hot water systems. Lighting systems should be supplied with suitable lamps, control gear and housings, as well as sufficient controls so that energy can be used efficiently.
One way of satisfying the requirements of Part L for internal lighting is to provide fixed lighting points that can only take lamps having a luminous efficacy of greater than 40 lumens/circuit watt. Examples of lamps that achieve this efficacy include fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and LED lighting. External lighting, including porches, should be provided with effective control that automatically extinguish when there is sufficient daylight, and when not required at night or by the use of lamps as described above.
Contractors are advised to take caution when designing and installing electrical installations in dwellings with high levels of thermal insulation as they need to consider the method of installation used and the potential effects on the current carrying capacity of cables enclosed or surrounded by thermal insulation. Make sure the builder is aware of the thermal design limitations of the cables.
As the NICEIC (Ascertiva) moves forward as a leading provider of renewables training and the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. More technical advice and guidance will be produced for registered contractors on our website www.niceic.com, in publications and 'Connections' magazine.
One way of satisfying the requirements of Part L for internal lighting is to provide fixed lighting points that can only take lamps having a luminous efficacy of greater than 40 lumens/circuit watt. Examples of lamps that achieve this efficacy include fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and LED lighting. External lighting, including porches, should be provided with effective control that automatically extinguish when there is sufficient daylight, and when not required at night or by the use of lamps as described above.
Contractors are advised to take caution when designing and installing electrical installations in dwellings with high levels of thermal insulation as they need to consider the method of installation used and the potential effects on the current carrying capacity of cables enclosed or surrounded by thermal insulation. Make sure the builder is aware of the thermal design limitations of the cables.
As the NICEIC (Ascertiva) moves forward as a leading provider of renewables training and the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. More technical advice and guidance will be produced for registered contractors on our website www.niceic.com, in publications and 'Connections' magazine.