Test & measurement
Procurement safety and the 18th edition
Deepak Sharad, category manager for Final Distribution at Schneider Electric, looks into the new requirements of the 18th edition, including the requirement for a surge protection risk assessment on some installations, and discusses the importance of using trusted brands to reduce risk
he 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations provides guidance for the design, erection and verification of electrical systems with the aim of making installations safer.
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The 18th Edition came into effect in January of this year, so, it is vital that industry professionals are trained and upskilled to guarantee the compliance of their installations.
A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO CIRCUIT PROTECTION Through best practice, installers can ensure the highest levels of safety for their clients with a comprehensive system approach using a combination of miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), residual current devices (RCDs) and residual current circuit breakers with over current protection (RCBOs). The new regulations further advise on (Surge Protection Device) SPD requirements and recommendations on AFDDs (Arc Fault Detection Devices) to give a complete circuit protection solution. The new regulations focus on the
requirement for SPDs and take into consideration possible transient voltages through the network supply. The 18th Edition now requires a surge protection risk assessment on installations in many cases, unless it is decided to install SPDs irrespective or there is an outright requirement to install them in the regulations. The risk assessment can potentially bring its own challenges, as the CRL (Calculated Risk Level) formula involved requires identification of the lengths of high and low voltage overhead lines and underground cables in the last km of the supply network to the premises. The latest regulations also introduce new technologies such as arc fault detection devices (AFDDs), which help to increase safety as a means of providing additional protection against fires caused by arc faults.
KEEPING THE CUSTOMER AND THE BUSINESS IN MIND When choosing products, it is critical to ensure you select safe and compliant systems
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that are tested and validated to the relevant standards and hold the correct certifications and markings. Opting for trusted brands from reputable
manufacturers, who provide the relevant technical documentation to support appropriate product standards, can help to safeguard the contractor and end client – bringing peace of mind to the installation. Care and attention should be taken with offer selection to avoid purchasing non-compliant products. These can pose a safety risk and may not be appropriate for UK markets or adhere to product and installation standards. It is sometimes tempting to source and
procure outside of recognised industry channels to save money. The reach of the internet can give contractors the opportunity to forgo the traditional supply chain and deal with a community of global sellers that could include unauthorised or unscrupulous suppliers. Understanding your procurement route is critical to avoiding the purchase of counterfeit products inadvertently. Non-compliant and counterfeit products can pose significant risk and have serious consequences for people and property, as they may not provide adequate protection against fire or electrocution. Simple safety checks include inspecting the build quality and ensuring that key identifiers such as CE markings, manufacturer’s brand, rating and part numbers are present and have not been tampered with.
PURCHASING CHANNELS YOU CAN TRUST When purchasing from any given supply chain or purchasing platform, it is crucial that you can trust that the goods you are receiving are not only compliant for the UK market, but that they are also genuine. Manufacturers, distributors and installers
alike are responsible for maintaining a safe and robust industry. Electricians have a duty of care. So it is impotant to purchase through recognised stockist networks to reduce risk and ensure products are genuine.
Schneider Electric
www.se.com/uk/en/ June 2020 Instrumentation Monthly
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