Published: 13 February 2012
Category: Technical articles
Inspection should almost always be carried out with the supply disconnected
Inspectors have been known to remove accessories and consumer unit covers whilst the supply is energised. Such dangerous practice can lead to unnecessary risk of electric shock and is considered unacceptable.
Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulation requires that '...no person shall be engaged in any work activity on or so near any live conductor (other than one suitably covered with insulating material so as to prevent danger) that danger may arise unless:
a) it is unreasonable in all circumstances for it to be dead; and
b) it is reasonable in all circumstances for him to be at work on or near it while it is live; and
c) suitable precautions (including where necessary the provision of suitable protective equipment) are taken to prevent injury;'
Solution
The inspection of an electrical installation should always be carried out in a safe manner. Indeed, Regulation 611.1 of BS 7671 requires that inspection precedes testing and is normally to be done with that part of the installation under inspection disconnected from the supply.Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulation requires that '...no person shall be engaged in any work activity on or so near any live conductor (other than one suitably covered with insulating material so as to prevent danger) that danger may arise unless:
a) it is unreasonable in all circumstances for it to be dead; and
b) it is reasonable in all circumstances for him to be at work on or near it while it is live; and
c) suitable precautions (including where necessary the provision of suitable protective equipment) are taken to prevent injury;'