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2011 issues

Download our 2011 issues of Wiring Matters magazine.

Issue 41

Articles include:

  • Marinas - Requirements for electrical installations: We look at the requirements for electrical installations
    in marinas, together with the risks associated, including corrosion resulting from circulating galvanic currents and supplies to marinas, in particular the special concerns regarding Protective Multiple Earthing. 
  • Where RCD protection for socket-outlets can be omitted: This article looks to discuss issues raised by the IET’s updated On-Site Guide to BS 7671:2008(2011) relating to the intended omission of RCDs. The inclusion of such guidance in the On-Site Guide has prompted much debate within the electrical industry, which, it must be emphasised, is a very good thing. This article discusses RCD protection for socket-outlets only and does not consider the requirements for the protection of cables in walls.
  • BS 7671:2008(2011) incorporates UK only Regulation numbers: When BS 7671:2008, The 17th Edition of The IEE Wiring Regulations, was published, one notable change in the Standard was the adoption of the IEC numbering system.
  • Observation codes used for periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations within the scope of BS 7671:2008 (2011): The intent of this article is to explain the industry requirement for a clearer understanding of the codes used while carrying out periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations for the Electrical Installation Condition Report, the reasoning for the change to a new coding system and the intended uses of these codes.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment: Much of the discussion regarding electric vehicles in the UK is centred on various customer incentive schemes to assist in purchasing the vehicles. However one important aspect of the electric vehicle market is the electric vehicle charging infrastructure that will be needed to support the various needs of the user. This article describes the charging modes applicable to electric vehicles, a summary of the electrical installation requirements, the guidance available to installers and a summary of various charging infrastructure schemes and equipment solutions.
  • Cables of SELV or PELV circuits in walls: With the publication of BS 7671:2008(2011), a slight revision of Regulations 522.6.100, 522.6.101 and 522.6.101 has taken place with the inclusion of a reference to SELV or PELV circuits.
  • Swimming pools – an overview: Although the First Amendment to BS 7671:2008 has just been published and is due to come into effect from 1st January 2012, it is only since the publication of The 16th Edition of The IEE Wiring Regulations in 1991 that there has been a dedicated section to swimming pools, Section 702 Swimming Pools and Other Basins.

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Issue 40

Articles include:

  • Appendix 4 of Amendment 1 of BS 7671:2008: This article looks at some of the changes introduced into Appendix 4 (current-carrying capacity and voltage drop for cables) by Amendment 1 of the 17th edition of the Wiring Regulations.
  • Protection against fire: Protection against fire resulting from the electrical installation and the use of the electrical installation has been necessary ever since electricity was introduced into buildings.
  • Earthing: The IET often receives questions on earthing. In this article we look at the requirements of BS 7671 together with the advantages and disadvantages of the various earthing systems.
  • Periodic Inspection and the Electrical Installation Condition Report: BS 7671:2008 Amendment 1 was published on 1 July. One of the amendments is to the reporting of a periodic inspection for an electrical installation where the previous ‘Periodic Inspection Report’ has been changed to ‘Electrical Installation Condition Report’. This article will answer some typical questions and describe some of the key aspects of what has been amended.

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Issue 39

Articles include:

  • Energy efficiency of low-voltage electrical installations: Requirements for the design of new installations and the improvement of existing installations.
  • Renewable sources of electricity - a brief overview: How to ensure the safe connection of low-voltage generating sets including small scale embedded generators and solar photovoltaic (PV). This article is repeated from a previous edition of Wiring Matters, and clarifies important issues.
  • Operation of portable generators: This article looks at the temporary use of portable generators in floating, earthed and reference-earthing scenarios.
  • Frequently Asked Questions: This article answers some of the frequently asked questions related to the publication of BS 7671:2008 incorporating Amendment No 1.
  • Plug-in power: Ask yourself - 10 years from now, will you be driving an electric vehicle? Many people hope you will – but the electricity networks are not so sure.

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Issue 38

Articles include:

  • PAT Testing and the parameters affecting the frequency of testing: How frequencies of testing should be interpreted for in-service inspection and testing.
  • Specification of prefabricated wiring systems: Prefabricated wiring systems are an established alternative to conventional fixed wiring methods. They are often referred to in generic terms as ‘modular wiring’ or ‘plug-and-play’.
  • Impact of Fuse Standard Developments on BS 7671:2008 (2011): A previous edition of wiring Matters (Summer 2010, Issue 35) discussed the developments of the low-voltage fuse standards that are currently referenced in BS 7671:2008. The first amendment BS 7671:2008 (2011), due for publication on 1 July will include a number of changes to reflect these developments, and this article will provide an overview for some of the changes.
  • Medical Locations: As BS 7671:2008(2011) nears the publication date of 1 July 2011, this article looks to show more detail of a proposed new Section for BS 7671 – Section 710 medical locations.
  • Surge Protection: Why do we need it? More and more sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, electronic process controls, telecommunications systems and point-of-sale terminal equipment is in use as time goes by. Society is now heavily reliant on the continuous and efficient running of such systems.

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