[ Spotlight: Circuit protection ]
BS7671 wiring regulations clearly state that installed equipment must comply with the appropriate British or equivalent standard, and it also places a specific responsibility on the installer to take into account all manufacturer’s instructions (reg 510.3).
Selection problem Feedback from electricians has shown that they are increasingly faced with older installations that feature devices or assemblies from brands no longer on sale. With increasing recognition among installers of the need to ensure that the system (assembly plus devices) is compliant – as opposed to individual components – BEAMA has filled a gap in the industry guidance. The updated technical bulletin on Safe selection of devices for installation in assemblies warns against the incorrect selection of devices (for example, RCBOs, MCBs and so on) for installation into assemblies (for example, consumer units and distribution boards). Although devices may appear similar, their dimensions, technical performance and termination features are not necessarily compatible. Assembly/system manufacturer’s instructions will always state quite clearly that their product is fully compliant when used in conjunction with their specified devices/ components. If the installer does decide to mix components and assemblies, he should be aware of the following: nIn all cases, installing devices other than those declared by the assembly manufacturer invalidates any testing/certification and warranty originally supplied by the manufacturer.
nIt is the responsibility of the installer who intends to mix different manufacturers’ devices/ components in an assembly, to undertake testing and ensure conformity with BSEN 60439.
nIf this is not done, there is a probability that – in the event of death, injury, fire and other damage as a direct result of a failure of this assembly – the installer would be held accountable under health and safety legislation.
Mismatch There are two ‘mix and match’ scenarios to be aware of: a) The practice of installing devices of one manufacturer into assemblies of another manufacturer b) The practice of installing new devices into an old assembly, both from the same manufacturer. There is evidence that some installers are mixing
products, often without fully understanding the safety implications.
In the case of the first scenario, a), assemblies
such as consumer units, distribution boards and panelboards are tested with specific devices installed; more often than not these devices are from the same manufacturer as the enclosure. Testing and certification is undertaken to BS EN 61439 – formerly BS EN 60439 or BS 5486. There are many existing installations with
About the author
Keith Smith is BEAMA’s deputy director – installation sector. For more information about BEAMA, visit
www.beama.org.uk
Although devices may appear similar, their dimensions, technical performance and termination features are not necessarily compatible
assemblies that are still in use that comply with the now-withdrawn standards BS EN 60439 and BS 5486. The issues of mixing different manufacturers’ devices also apply, particularly where older devices may be difficult to source. The assembly manufacturer should initially be contacted where advice is required, for example on: n Whether an older device can be replaced with a newer device from the same manufacturer; or
n Whether a device can be replaced with a device from the assembly manufacturer, where the existing device and assembly manufacturers are different.
Responsibility It is the responsibility of the installer who populates new assemblies with devices not recommended by the assembly manufacturer to ensure that the installed assembly complies with the requirements of BS EN 61439. Finding the relevant assembly manufacturer
is sometimes easier said than done, however, particularly when electricians are faced with an unfamiliar brand. BEAMA is compiling details of ‘historic’ brands, to make it easier to find the right manufacturer to provide advice on which devices are compatible with their assemblies. In the case of the second scenario, b), it should
not be assumed that devices and assemblies from the same manufacturer are compatible. Manufacturers’ products are subject to continuous development and – while over time new ranges may be released – these may not necessarily be backwards compatible. Therefore, it is essential that the manufacturer’s guidance is sought concerning suitability of any substitution or addition. In all cases, installing devices other than those
declared by the assembly manufacturer invalidates any testing/certification and warranty.
Distributor and wholesalers A distributor or wholesaler also has a responsibility under the general product safety regulations to act ‘with due care’. Distributors and wholesalers should be able to substantiate any advice related to interchangeability of devices in assemblies. If the installer acts on a distributor’s advice and
information, and in doing so produces a non- compliant assembly, then both the distributor and installer may be liable for any consequences. Unless the distributor, wholesaler or installer
is ready to invest significantly in the testing, certification and ongoing maintenance of ad- hoc combinations, the only safe way to guarantee compliance, retain warranties and access support services is to select based on the assembly/system manufacturer’s advice.
n To download the BEAMA technical bulletin, visit
www.beama.org.uk/en/product-areas/ Electrical-Installation
June 2013 ECA Today 45
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