Time is running out on wiring regulations

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 27, 2008

Many electrical companies are still struggling to get their workers through the required training to achieve the updated 2391.

The update to BS7671: 2008, IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition, was issued on the 1st January this year and the run in period for this new standard is nearly over.

From 1st July 2008 the law comes into force and its tighter controls will be felt by all in FM, HandS and the electrical market.

According to the Field Operations Manager at Epsilon Test Services, Darren Bakewell, the new standard has been brought in to align the UK with European standards.

"The amendments to BS7671 have emanated from both IEC60364 and CENELEC 60384", he explained.

"Some aspects of the standard have become more stringent and the unofficial view of many in the industry is that controls will continue to tighten over the next couple of years".

"All those concerned with electrical safety will need to be aware of the changes and the implications".

The changes include amendments and extensions of terminology and definitions (the new standard includes 260 definitions compared to 170 previously), changes to protection against electric shock and harmonisation of bathrooms.

There are more stringent EMC requirements, a new section on lighting and luminaries and seven new appendices to the standard.

Many special locations listed within the 16th Edition have lost their special status and are now dealt with in the body of the standard.

Seven new special locations have been added, many dealing with outdoor environments such as marinas, caravans and mobile units, plus some that add newer technologies that have become more prevalent such as floor and ceiling heating systems and solar power supplies.

Bakewell breaks the implications down into three main changes for those responsible for electrical safety to focus upon: Firstly, when choosing a contractor to carry out testing the client will need to ensure that they select a competent person (Reg 621.5), defined as a person who possesses sufficient technical knowledge, relevant practical skills and experience for the nature of the electrical work undertaken and is able at all times to prevent danger and, where appropriate, injury to him/herself and others.

It will no longer be possible to use unqualified testers and many electrical companies are still struggling to get their workers through the required training to achieve the updated 2391.

Secondly, clients should prepare themselves for the fact that when they receive their electrical safety testing report they will have many more deviations due to the installation not being designed and installed to the 17th Edition.

Most additional issues identified by the 17th Edition will be Code Four noncompliant but not dangerous, but any Code Two issues recorded will make the report 'unsatisfactory' and require remedial action.

The third major consideration is the potential for greater cost.

Testing to the 17th Edition will undoubtedly take more time, according to Bakewell, as electricians and engineers assimilate new charts of regulation data.

With more deviations, the test engineer will be required to supply further notes in the reporting and this will also take time.

From a client's perspective it will become increasingly important to choose a test company that has qualified staff and efficient processes to ensure that costs are controlled.

Bakewell said "Since 1989 it has been a legal requirement for organisations to maintain their electrical systems in a safe manner (EWR 1989)".

"How that obligation is fulfilled has been made more specific by the 17th Edition and ultimately it should make for greater safety and improved control".