John Jameson asks about whether external factory control panels should have their rusty steel bolts replaced by brass ones? His question has been answered by the NICEIC (Theme - Fire, Safety & Security):
Question: I'm currently carrying out a periodic inspection in a factory, which has a number of external control panels. These panels are all metal and are correctly IP rated, while most of the cabling is SWA.
My query is regarding the bolting of the banjo to the chassis of the enclosure. Standard steel bolts have been used in this installation and they are starting to show slight signs of rust. It would be quite an extensive job to change all of these to brass bolts.
To be fair, I don't think this is a problem as there is a sound connection and continuity is good - yes, there are signs of corrosion, but this would need to a lot worse before there would be any effect on continuity.
What are the requirements around this issue?
Also, would this need highlighting in the 'Defects' section, and if so, what associated code should it be given?
Answer: The regulations say that any connection being used should be safe and adequate.
If all of your readings show a good reading for the earthing arrangements, such as R1 + R2 and Zs, then it would be a recommendation for future reliability to change to brass nuts and bolts.
If the rust has affected the path of the earth to such an extent that it is now ineffective, then a Code 2 or 1 would warranty immediate attention to put things right again.
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