Industry Comment
Compliance and the 18th edition – procurement safety explained
The 18th Edition provides electricians and contractors with guidelines and standards for electrical systems across all phases of design, erection and verification. In light of this, it is essential that electricians and contractors are re-trained to ensure the compliance of their installations. Deepak Sharad, Category Manager for Final Distribution at Schneider Electric explains.
Protecting the entire circuit T
hrough 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 SPD
(Surge Protection Device) 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.
Safeguarding your customers and your business When choosing products, it is critical to ensure you select safe and compliant systems 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.
22 | electrical wholesalerMarch 2019
It’s 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.
Reliable purchasing Whichever purchasing channel you opt for, it is imperative that you can trust in the compliance and authenticity of the goods that you’re receiving. All parties involved in the procurement value chain including manufacturers, distributors and installers are responsible for the maintenance of a safe and compliant industry. Recognised stockist networks provide manufacturer’s warranties so purchasing through these channels reassures purchasers that products are genuine and reduces risk.
schneider-electric.co.uk/en
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.
ewnews.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
