Domestic

From 1st of January 2016. the electrical industry faced some changes to Domestic consumer units.

These new standards will now mean an end to installing plastic consumer units in a domestic installations.
It is important that installers and home owners a-like understand why the amendment has changed.

Why has this happened?

It was revealed that the main cause of residential fires was loose connections within the consumer units. As result, these new requirements will directly improve the personal safety.

This has certainly reduced the risk of residential fires. However, you must still ensure the work was carried out is by a suitably trained competent person.

In addition, all work was certified and to building control was notified to fully comply will Part-P.

To sum it up

All domestic consumer units should now have their enclosures made from a suitable non-combustible material.  Above all, these mandatory changes to the consumer units must now be considered whenever carrying out new or additional work in a home.

Contact us for more information

Enhanced fire safety introduced in Amendment 3.

The New Regulation 521.201, requires that any cabling install above escape routes, are to be supported by fire-resistant fastenings and fixings. In the event of a fire the cables should not become loose. As a result this could cause your escape route to become blocked.

This type of installation is common in multi occupancy buildings . Therefore on your next inspection you may have to make improvements to the existing system in place.

One suggestion is the use of metallic fastenings and clips, although this is not prescribed it is our preferred method to improve an existing installation here at Intelec Electrical Contractors.

To discuss your surface electrical installation call us on 01274 299876.

It’s that time of year when your thinking about how you will install your outdoor Festive lights. 
Are you using last years? 
How safe are they?
 Do you need a suitable outdoor supply?

Consider This…

Every year you drive around the neighbourhood and see so many houses decorated in festive lights, This year it’s your turn to inspire someone else. But before you start hanging lots of lights all around your home and garden, there are some things you need to consider.

• One of the most common ways fires start is overloaded sockets. Never use more then the socket outlet your plugging into, if your using extension do not use more then the extension is rated. The normal capacity for a power point is up to 2,900 watts so be mindful of how much load you’re placing on the point.

• Never turn them on while still in the box – even if you just want to test them.

• Always use lights intended for outdoors outside and under no circumstances use interior lights outdoors.

• Do not install them near anything that could catch fire Curtains, decorations etc.

• Try to use plastic hooks to mount your lights instead of nails, staples or screws.

• Never extend a set of lights to another unless they’re designed for that purpose.

• When installing exterior lights, plug the light set into an earthed power point that is protected by an RCD safety switch. If you don’t have RCD safety switches in your home, use a portable plug in RCD safety adaptor. (In the new year consider having your home tested for safety)

• Always put transformers and light changing controllers indoors to keep them protected from the elements unless they’re designed to be use outdoors.

Be Safe…

If you need more advice or require additional power points, get in touch with Intelec Electrical Contractors & have a safe festive season.

On 31st July 2015 the electrical industry faced some changes to the consumer units which are currently being installed (Plastic).
The Boffin’s over at the EIT have allowed a period of 6 months for all contractors to start installing to the new standards. The new standard will then be mandatory from the 1st of January 2016.
It is important that installers and home owners a-like understand what the amendment is and how it will affect their choice in selecting which type of mains consumer unit to install and comply.

Why is this Happening?

House fires involving consumer units have increased to approximately five incidents each week. It was revealed that the main cause of fires was loose connections within the consumer units. These new requirements will directly improve the personal safety and reduce the risk of residential fires. However you must still ensure the work carried out is by a suitably trained competent person and all work has been notified to building control to fully comply.

What this Really Means?

Amendment 3 will require switchgear assemblies ( including consumer units ) to have their enclosures made from a suitable non-combustible material, or be installed in a cabinet or enclosure comprised from a suitable non-combustible material, for example steel.  This is all covered within Chapter 42 with the addition of regulation 421.1.201. Electrical Safety First, BEAMA and other industry organisations have had to make edits to Amendment 3 to ensure the interpretation of non combustable has been fully understood.
The mandatory changes to the consumer units, using metal enclosures, are now available and are now our main choice of installation here at Intelec Electrical Contractors.

Don’t be a Another Statistic