ON-SITE GUIDE BS 7671:2008 (2011) IET Wiring Regulations ium Incorporating Amendment No. 1 Taare ue eee (vA ee emai ae lead O za vs = IT] Cc) = 0 PriHedddddd dd dd dd ddd dd dd ddd Published by The Institution of Engineering and Technology, London, United Kingdom ‘The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England & Wales (no. 211014) and Scotland (no. SCO38698). The sialon of Engeeting and Technolgy is Ue new insttution formed by the joming together of the IEE (The Insttution of Electrical Engineers) and the IIE (The Institution of Incorporated Engineers). The new Institution is the inhetitor of the IEE brand and all its products and services, such as this tne which we hope you wil find useful, The IE ise regstered trademark ofthe Institution of Engineering and Technology. The paper used to print this publication is made from certified sustainable forestry sources © 1992, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2004 The Institution of Electrical Engineers © 2008, 2011 The Institution of Engineering and Technology First published 1992 (0 85296 537 0) Reprinted (with amendments) May 1993 Reprinted (with amendments to Appendix 9) July 1993, th amendments) 1994 n (incorporating Amendment No. 1 to BS 7671:1992) 1995, Reprinted (with new cover) 1996 Revised edition (incorporating Amendment No. 2 to BS 7671:1992) 1998 Second edition (incorporating Amendment No. 1 to BS 7671:2001) 2002 (0 65296 987 2) Reprinted (with new cover) 2003 Third edition (incorporating Amendment No. 2 to BS 7671:2001) 2004 (0 86341 374 9) Fourth edition (incorporating BS 7671:2008) 2008 (278-0-86341-854-9) Reprinted (with amendments) October 2008 Fifth edition (neomporating Amendment No 1 to BS 7671:2008) September 2011 This publication is eapyright under the Beme Convention and the Universal Copyright Convention. All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism, oF review, o5 permitted under the Copyright, Deagns and Patents Act, 1988, this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitied, in any form or by eny means, only with the prior permission in \writing of the publishers, or in the case of reprographic reproduction in accordance with the terms of licences issued by the Copyrght Licensing Agency. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside those terms should be sent to the publishers at The institution of Engineering and Technology, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Wey, Stevenage, SGI 2AY, United kingdom. Copies of this publication may be obtained from: PO Box 96, Stevenage, SGI 25D, UK Tel: +44 (0)1438 767328 Email: sales@theiet. org wwwitheiet org/publshing/books/wirreg/ While the author, publisher and contributors believe that the information and guidance given in this work are correct, all parties must rely upon their own skill and judgement when making use of them, the cuthor, publisher and contibutor do not essume ony lablty to anyone for any loss of dainege caused by erty error or omission in tie work, whether such en error or omission is the result of neglgence or any cher cous. where ference made to legisaon 15 not be conscered & legal advice. Any an¢ all such lebiity is disclamed. ISBN 978-1-84919-2873, ‘Typeset in the UK by Phoerix Photosetting, Chatham Printed in the UK by Polestar Whestons, ExeterHud ddd dd ddd ddd dd ddd dddod Cooperating organisations 6 Preface 7 Foreword 9 Section 1 Introduction W 1.1 Scope u 1.2. Building Regulations 12 1.3. Basic information required 4 Section2 The electrical supply 5 2.1 General layout of equipment 15 2.2 Function of components 7 23. Separation of gas instalation pipework trom other services 18 2.4 Portable generators 19 Section 3 _ Protection 2 3.1 Types of protective device 23 3.2 Overload protection 23 3.3. Fault current protection 23 3.4 Protection against electric shock 24 3.5 Automatic disconnection 25 3.6 Residual current devices (RCDs) 26 3.7 Surge protective devices (SPDs) 31 Section 4 _Earthing and bonding 39 4.1 Protective eerthing 39 42 Legal requirements 39 43 Main protective bonding of metalic services 39 4.4 Earthing conductor and main protective bonding conductor cross-sectional areas 40 4.5 Main protective bonding of plastic services al 4.6 Supplementary equipotential bonding 42 4.7. Addtional protection — supplementary equipotential bonding 42 48 Supplementary bonding of plastic pipe installations 43 49 Earth electrode 43 4.10 Types of earth electrode 43 4.11 Typical earthing arrangements for various types of earthing system 44 On Site Guide (© The Instusion of Engineering and TecnotogyHud ddd dd ddd ddd dd ddd dddoad Section 5 Isolation and switching 4s 5.1 Isolation 45 5.2. Switching off for mechanical maintenance 46 5.3 Emergency switching 46 5.4 Functional switching 47 5.5 Firefighter's switch a7 Section6 _Labelling 49 6.1 Additional protection 49 6.2 _ Retention of a dangerous electical charge 49 6.3 Where the operator cannot observe the operation of switchgear and controlgear. 49 6.4 Unexpected presence of nominal voltage exceeding 230 V 49 65 Connection of earthing and bonding conductors 50 6.6 Purpose of switchgear and controlgeer 50 6.7 _ Identification of protective devices 50 6.8 _ Identification of isolators 50 6.9 _ Isolation requiring more than one device 50 6.10. Periodic inspection and testing 51 6.11 Diagrams 51 6.12. Residual current devices 51 6.13. Waming notice ~ non-stendard colours 52 6.14 Warning notice — alternative supplies 52 6.15. Warning notice ~ high protective conductor current 53 6.16 Warning notice - photovoltaic systems 54 Section 7 Final circuits 55 71 Final Grevits 55 7.2 Standard final circuits 68 73 Installation considerations TB 7.4 Proximity to electrical and other services 75 75 Earthing requirements for the instalation of equipment having high protective ‘conductor current 7 7.6 Electrical supplies to furniture 79 Section 8 a 8.1 Summary of requirements al 8.2 Shower cubide in a 100m used for other purposes 84 83 Underfloor heating systems 84 Section 9 Inspection and testing 85 9.1 Inspection and testing 85 9.2 Inspection 85 93 Testing 87 Section 10 Guidance on initial testing of installations 89 10.1. Safety and equipment 89 102. Sequence of tests 90 103. Test procedures 30 Section 11 Operation of RCDs 105 11.1. General test procedure 106 11.2. General-purpose RCCBs to BS 4293 106 OnSite Guide (© The Insttuon of Engineering and TecnotogyHed ddd wd ddd ddd ddd ddd dddod 113 General purpose RCCBs to BS EN 61008 or RCBOs to BS EN 61009 106 11.4 RCD protected socket-outlets to BS 7288 106 11.5. Addtional protection 106 11.6 Integral test device 107 11.7 Multipole RCDs 107 Appendix A Maximum demand and diversity 109 Appendix B Maximum permissible measured earth fault loop impedance 113 Appendix Selection of types of cable for particular uses and external influences 121 Appendix D — Methods of support for cables, conductors and wiring systems 127 AppendixE Cable capacities of conduit and trunking 133 Appendix F —_Current-carrying capacities and voltage drop for copper conductors 139 AppendixG Certification and reporting 151 G1 Introduction 151 G2 Certification Isl G3__Reporting 152 G4 _ Introduction to Mode! Forms from BS 7671:2008(2011) 153 Appendix H 173 H1 Introduction 173 H2 Final circuits using socket-outlets complying with BS 1363-2 and fused connection units complying with BS 1363-4 173 H3 Radial final drcuits using 16 A socket-outlets complying with BS EN 60309-2 (BS 4343) 176 Ha Cooker circuits in household and similar premises 176 HS Water and space heating 7 HE Height of switches, socket-outlets and controls 7 7 Number of socket-outlets 178 Appendix! Resistance of copper and aluminium conductors 181 Appendixs Selection of devices for isolation and switching 185 Appendix K Identification of conductors 187 K1__ Introduction 187 K2__ Addition or alteration to an existing installation 189 K3 Switch wires in a new installation or an addition or alteration to an existing installation 189 K4 Intermediate and two-way switch wires in a new installation or an addition or alteration to an existing installation 190 KS Line conductors in a new installation or an addition or alteration to an. existing installation 190 K6 Changes to cable core colour identification 190 K7 Addition or alteration to a .c installation 191 Index 193 On Site Guide (© The Instusion of Engineering and TecnotogyHdd dddddd dd ddd ddd d ddd ddd Cooperating Ere yy ‘The IET acknowledges the invaluable contribution made by the following organisations in the preparation of this guide BEAMA Installation Ltd. P. Sayer IEng MIET GCGI British Cables Association |. Collings BEng (Hons) CEng MiMechE M. Gaucher CK. Reed IEng MIET British Electrotechnical & Allied Manufacturers Association Ltd P. Still MIEE British Gas/Micropower Council P. Gibson British Standards Institution P. Calver — Chairman BSI FWO/3 AS. Khan MEng(Hons) MIET MIEEE ~ PEL 37/1, GEL 81 City & Guilds of London Institute H.R. Lovegrove IEng FIET Department for Communities and Local Government K. Bromley Electrical Contractors’ Association . Flynn lng MIET (Elec) CGI Electrical Contractors’ Association of ‘Scotland t/a SELECT R. Caimey lEng MIET M.M. Duncan IEng MIET MILP ENA T. Heggis ESSA P. Yates MSc MIEE Revised, compiled and edited ERA Technology Ltd MAW. Coates BEng Electrical Safety Council . Gundry Health and Safety Executive K. Morton BSc CEng FIET IHEEM Eur Ing P. Harris BEng(Hons) FIHEEM MIEE MCIBSE Institution of Engineering and Technology G.D. Cronshaw Cing FIET PE. Donnachie BSc CEng FIET Eur Ing D. Locke BEng(Hons) CEng MIET MIEEE Eur Ing L. Markwell MSc BSc(Hons) CEng MIEE MCIBSE LCGI LCC IM, Reeve BTech CEng MIET National inspection Council for Electrical installation Contracting JIM. Maltby-Smith BSc(Hons) PG Dip Cert Ed lng MIET NaPIT WA. Allan BEng(Hons) Safety Assessment Federation I. Trueman CEng MSOE MBES MIET Society of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers serving Local Government C.J Tanswell CEng MIET MCIBSE UHMA Drs. Newberry M. Coles BEng(Hons) MIEE, The Institution of Engineering and Technology, 2011 On-Site Guide (© The Instusion of Engineering and TecnotogyHud ddd ddd ddd ddd ddd dddod Noa HSR25, EWR Regulation 16 N41 M51 ea le) ‘The On-Site Guide is one of a number of publications prepared by the IET to provide guidance on certain aspects of BS 7671:2008(2011) Requirements for Flectrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations, 17th Edition, incorporating Amendment No. 1). 8S 7671 is a joint publication of the British Standards Institution and the Institution of Engineering and Technology. ‘The scope generally follows that of 8S 7671. The Guide includes material not included in BS 7671, provides background to the intentions of BS 7671 and gives other sources of inforration, however, it does not ensure complianice with BS 7671. It is a simple guide to the requirements of 8S 7671 and electrical installers should always consult BS 7671 to satisfy themselves of compliance. It is expected that persons carrying out work in accordance with this guide will be competent to do so. Electrical installations in the United Kingdom which comply with the /ET Wiring Regulations, BS 7671, must camply with all relevant statutory regulations, such as the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the Building Regulations and, where relevant, the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 and Amendment 2006. It cannot be guaranteed that BS 7671 complies with all relevant statutory regulations. It is, therefore, essential to establish which statutory and other appropriate regulations apply and to install accordingly; for example, an installation in licensed premises may have requirements which differ from or are additional to BS 7671 and these will take precedence. On-Site Guide | 7 (© The Instusion of Engineering and TecnotogyOn-Site Guide (© The Insttuion of Engineering and Tecnology FRPP TTT REPT TPP PPP aaaHud ddd dd ddd ddd dd ddd dddod Foreword Port! This Guide is concemedwith limited pplication of BS 7671 in accordance with paragraph 1.1: Scope. BS 7671 end the On-Site Guide ere not design guides. It is essential to prepare a design and/or schedule of the work to be done prior to commencement or alteration of an electrical installation and to provide all necessary information and operating instructions of any equipment supplied to the user on completion. ‘Any specification should set out the detailed design and provide sufficient information to enable competent persons to carry out the installation and commissioning. ‘The specification must provide forall the commissioning procedures that will be required and for the production of any operation and maintenance manual and bullding logbook. The petsons or organisations who may be concerned in the preparation of the specification include: the Designer(s) the Installer(s) the Electricity Distributor the Installation Owner and/or User the Architect the Local Building Control Authority/Standards division or Approved Inspector the Fire Prevention Officer the CDM Coordinator all Regulatory Authorities any Licensing Authority > the Health and Safety Executive. In producing the specification, advice should be sought from the installation owner and/ or user as to the intended use. Often, such as in a specuiative building, the detailed intended use is unknown. In those circumstances the specification end/or the operation and maintenance manual and building logbook must set out the basis of use for which the installation is suitable. vvvvvvyvvy Precise details of each item of equipment should be obtained from the manufacturer and/or supplier and compliance with appropriate standards confirmed. On-Site Guide | 9 (© The Instusion of Engineering and TecnotogyHud ddd dd ddd ddd dd ddd dddoad ‘The operation and maintenance manual must include a description of how the installed system is to operate and must include all commissioning records. The manual should also indude manufacturers! technical dete forall items of switchgear, luminaires, accessories, ete, and any special instructions that may be needed. Part L 2010 of the Building Regulations of England and Weles requires that building owners or operators are provided with summary information relating to a new or refurbshed building which includes building services information and the maintenance requirements in e building logbook. Information on how to develop and assemble a building logbook can be obtained from CIBSE: Tel: 020 8772 3618 Website: www.cbse.org Address: CIBSE 222 Balham Iligh Road London SW12 9BS. ‘The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Section 6 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 are concerned with the provision of information. Guidance on the preparation of technical manuals is given in BS 4884 series Technical manuals and BS 4940 series Technical information on construction products and services. The size and complexity of the installation will dictate the nature and extent of the manual. On-Site Guide | 10 (© The Insttuon of Engineering and TecnotogyHid dddddd dd ddd dd dd dd dddd Part7 313.1 Table 41.5 542.24 Introduction 1.1 Scope This Guide is for installers (for simplicity, the term installer has been used for electricians and electrical installers). It cavers the following installations: ‘a domestic and similar installations, induding off-peak supplies, supplies to associated garages, outbuildings and the like small industrial and commercial single- and three-phase installations. NOTE: Special Installations or Locations (Part 7 of BS 7671) are generally excluded from this Guide, as are installations for electric vehicle charging equipment. Advice, however, is given on installations in locations containing a bath or shower and underfloor heating installations. This Guide is restricted to installations: i ata supply frequency of 50 hertz at a nominal voltage of 230 V ac. single-phase or 400/230 V ac. three-phase supplied through a distributor's cut-out having a fuse or fuses rated at 100 A or less to one of the following standards: = BSe82 - S883 - BS 88-6 — BS 1361 Type ll NOTE: BS 1561 was withdrawn in March 2010 and replaced by BS 88-3; BS 88-6 was withdrawn in March 2010 and replaced by GS 66-2 but fuses complying with these withdrawn standards will be found in existing installations for many years to come. iv. typical maximum values of earth fault loop impedance, Ze, for TN earthing arrangements outside the consumer's installation commonly quoted by distributors are as follows: > TN-CS arrangement - 0.55 ©, see Figure 2.1()) > TN-S arrangement - 0.8 &, see Figure 2.1(i) For @ TT arrangement, 21 @ is the usual stated maximum resistence of the distributor's earth electrode at the supply transformer. The resistance of the consumer's installation earth electrode should be as low as practicable and a value exceeding 200 2 may not be stable. On-Site Guide | 11 ‘© The Insthuton of Engineering and TechnologyHed ddd wd ddd ddd ddd ddd dddod ‘This Guide also contains information which may be required in general installation work, for example, conduit and trunking capacities, bending radii of cables, etc. ‘The Guide introduces the use of standard circuits, which are discussed in Section 7, however, because of simplification, this Guide may not give the most economical result. ‘This Guide is not a replacement for BS 7671 which should always be consulted. Defined terms according to Part 2 of BS 7671 are used. In compliance with the definitions of BS 7671, throughout this Guide the term line conductoris used instead of phase conductor and live partis used to refer to.a conductor or conductive part intended to be energised in normal use, including a neutral conductor. ‘The terminals of electrical equipment are identified by the letters |, N and E (or PE). Further information is aveileble in the series of Guidence Notes published by the IET. NOTE: For clarification: > the distributor of electricity is deemed to be the organisation owing the electrical supply equipment, and > the supplier of electricity is the orgarisation from whom electricity is purchased. 1.2 Building Regulations Refer to the IET publication Electrician's Guide to the Building Regulations for more in- depth guidance on electrical installations in dwellings. 1.2.1 The Building Regulations of England and Wales Persons carrying out electrical work in dwellings must comply with the Building Regulations of England and Wales, in particular Part P (Electiical safety ~ dwellings). Persons responsible for work within the scope of Part P of the Building Regulations may also be responsible for ensuring compliance with other Parts of the Building Regulations, where relevant, particularly if there are no other parties involved with the work. Building Regulations requirements relevant to installers carrying out electrical work include: Part A : depth of chases in walls and size of holes and notches in floor and PartB Fire safety: fire safety of certain electrical installations; provision of fre alarm. and fire detection systems; fire resistance of penetrations through floors and walls; PartC Site preparation and resistance to moisture: moisture resistance of cable penetrations through external walls; Part Toxic substances; Part E — Resistance to the passage of sound: penetrations through floors and walls; PartF — Ventilation: ventilation rates for dwellings; Part G Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency; On-Site Guide ‘© The Insthuton of Engineering and Technology 1Hed ddd wd ddd ddd ddd ddd dddod Parts Heat producing appliances; PartK Protection from falling; PartL Conservation of fuel end power: energy efficent lighting, PartM Access to and use of buildings: heights of switches, socket-outlets and consumer units; PartP Electrical safety — dwellings NOTE: Guidance is available for each part of the Building Regulations in the form of Approved Documents which can be freely downloaded from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) website: www.planningportal gov.uk 1.2.2 The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 ‘The detailed requirements are given in the Technical Standards for compliance with the Building (Scotland) Regulations. Guidance on how to achieve compliance with these Standards is given in two Scottish Building Standards Technical Handbooks — Domestic and Non-domestic. These handbooks contain recommendations for electrical installations including the following: = compliance with BS 7671 = minimum number of socket-outlets in dwellings = minimum number of lighting points in dwellings = minimum illumination levels in common areas of domestic buildings, for example, blocks of flats — a range of mounting heights of switches and socket-outlets, etc separate switching for concealed socket-outlets, for example, behind white goods in kitchens = conservation of fuel and power in buildings. With regard to electrical installations in Scotland, the requirements of the above are deemed to be satisfied by complying with BS 7671 NOTE: The handbooks may be obtained from the Building Standards Division of the Scottish Government from website: wwwscotland gov.uk/Topics /Built-Environment/Building/Building-standards/ publications/pubtech 1.2.3 The Building Regulations of Northern Ireland The Building Regulations (Northem Ireland) 2000 (as amended) apply. NOTE: information can be obtained from the website: www.buildingcontrol-ni.com. On-Site Guide ‘© The Insthuton of Engineering and Technology 1Hud ddd dd ddd ddd dd ddd dddoad ] 331 1.3 Basic information required Before starting work on an installation which requires @ new electrical supply, the installer should establish the following information with the local distributor: i the number of live conductors required by the design fi the distributor's requirement for cross-sectional area and length of meter tails iif the maximum prospective fault current (Ipf) at the supply terminals iv. the typical maximum earth fault loop impedance (Ze) of the earth fault path outside the consumer's installation v__ the type and rating of the distributor's fusible cut-out or protective device saat vi_ the distributor's requitement regarding the size of main protective bonding conductors ii the conductor arrangement and system earthing 312 viii the arrangements for the incoming cable and metering. 152.1 For additions and alterations to existing installations, installers should satisfy themselves as to the suitability of the supply, the distributors equipment and the earthing arrangements. On-Site Guide | 14 (© The nstouion of Engineering and TecnotogyHud ddd dd ddd ddd dd ddd dddod Nite) (ada) y 2.1 General layout of equipment ‘The general layout of the equipment at the service position is shown in Figures 2.1(i) to 2.1Gii) including typical protective conductor cross-sectional areas. V Figure 2.1(i) TN-C-S (PME) earthing arrangement Circuit protective metal water metal gas ‘conductors pipe pipe consumer tis LABEL (sce Figure 65) NOTE: Anelectrcity isolator switch may not always be installed by the distributor. On-Site Guide | 15 (© The Instusion of Engineering and TecnotogyHdd dddddd dd ddd ddd d ddd ddd 2. li) TN-S earthing arrangement (cable sheath earth) Creu protecive metal water metal gas ‘conductors Pipe Use. Gera “ NOTE: An clectricity isolator switch may not always be installed by the distributor. Y Figure 2.1(Ili) TT earthing arrangement (nc cistributor’s earth) chook otcive rmtaweter mal ges onic pe vine commer ta Lsbe. Gee Figue 65) LABEL (12 Figure 65) NOTE 1: An electricity islator switch may not always be installed by the cisuibutor, On-Site Guide | 16 ‘© The Insthuton of Engineering and TechnologyHed ddd dd dd ddd ddd ddd dddod 5423.1 521.10.1 514.5 434.3(iy) 522.6.101 NOTE 2: See Table 4.4 (li) for further information regerding the sizing of the earthing conductor for @ TT earthing arrangement. 2.2. Function of components 2.2.1 Distributor’s cut-out ‘This will be sealed to prevent the fuse being withdrawn by unauthorised persons. When the meter tails end consumer unit are installed in accordance with the requirements of the distributor, the cut-out may be assumed to provide fault current protection up to the consumer's main switch. As the cut-out is the property of the distributor, installers must net cut seals and withdraw cut-out fuses without permission. When removal of the cut-out for isolation is required, the supplier of electricity should be contacted to arrange disconnection and subsequent feconnection. NOTE: The supplier of electicity may not be the same orgerisation as the distributor. 2.2.2 Electricity meter ‘The terminals will be sealed by the meter owner to prevent interference by unauthorised persons. 2.2.3 Meter tails Meter tails are part of the consumer’ installation and should be insulated and sheathed or insulated and enclosed within containment, for example, conduit or trunking. Meter tails are provided by the installer and are the responsibilty of the owner of the electricel installation Polarity should be indicated by the colour of the insulation and the minimum cable size should be 25 mm2. The distributor may specify the maximum length of meter tails between the meter and the consumer unit in addition to the minimum cross-sectional area (see 1.3). in some cases, the distributor may require an electricity isolator switch (see 2.2.4). Where the meter tals are protected against fault current by the distibutors cut-out, the methad of installation, maximum length and minimum cross-sectional area must comply with the requirements of the distributor. Where meter tails are buried in walls, further protection is requied (see 7.3.2). 2.2.4 Electricity isolator switch Suppliers may provide and install an electricity isolator switch between the meter and the consumer unit, labelled as Electricity isolator switch in Figures 2.1({) to 2.1 (ii). This double-pole switch permits the supply to the installation to be interrupted without withdrawing the distributor's cut-out fuse. On-Site Guide ‘© The Insthuton of Engineering and Technology 2. 17Hud ddd dd ddd ddd dd ddd dddoad 2 2.2.5 Consumer's controlgear 5303.4 A consumer unit (to BS EN 60439-3 Annex ZA) is for use on single-phase installations up to 100 A and may include the following components: > a double-pole isolator > fuses, circuit breakers or RCBOs for protection against overload and fault currents > RCDs for additional protection against electric shock > RCDs for fault protection. Altematively, 2 separate main switch and distribution board may be provided. 2.3 Separation of gas installation pipework from other services Gas installation pipes must be spaced: a atleast 150 mm away from electricity meters, controls, electrical switches or socket-outlets, distribution boards or consumer units; b atleast 25 mm away from electricity supply and distribution cables. 528.5.4 (The cited distances are quoted within BS 6891:2005+A2:2008 Installation of low Note pressure gas pipework in domestic premises, clause 8.16.2.) V Figure 2.3 Separation from gas pipes and gos metering equipment Separation oft eas 25 nmtobe ws fe powcedor domeste pipework up | $3 am Forpipework over 35mm |) texsommeeporaton srecuiea The separation distance can be reduced the garpipe's PVC wrapped ofa barter of electricaly insulating material is interposed ‘< sapplycableor atibetion cable ‘Sensation of atleast 0 rm to be proved, ‘between agas meter land associated fetings) and cleerieal equipment, unesta non-combustible ‘bur of insulating material kimerpaed On-Site Guide (© The nstouion of Engineering and TecnotogyHed ddd wd ddd ddd ddd ddd dddod 551.44 551 551.44 as 418.5 4 Portable generators It is recognised that generators will be used occasionally as a temporary or short-term means of supplying electricity, for example: > use on a construction site > used to supply stalls on street markets > extemal gathering or function attended by the general public, such as @ country show. Temporary generators can be divided into two classes, ie. porteble and mobile: > portable generators with an electrical output rating of up to 10 KVA are used for small-scale work for shortterm use, ie. less than one day, and > mobile generators are those used for longer periods and can be in excess of 10 KVA output. ‘This guide considers three scenarios relating to the use of portable generators; see 2.4.1 to 2.4.3. For information relating to the permanent use of generators see IET Guidance Notes 5 and 7 and Section 551 of BS 7671:2008(2011). Where generators are used to supply concession vehicles, such as burger vans, see Section 717 Mobile and Transportable Units of BS 7671:2008(2011) and IET Guidance Note 7. 2.4.1 Portable generator used with a floating earth Small portable generators, ranging in output from 0.3 kVA to 10 KVA single-phase often have a floating earth, ie there is no connection between the chassis and/or earth connection of the socket-outlet of the unit to the neutral of the generator winding. The ends of the generator winding are brought out to one or more three-pin socket outlets which should conform to BS EN 60309-2. The earth socket-tube of the socket-outlet(s) are usually connected internally to the frame of the generator only; see Figure 2.4.1. ‘This arrangement isa form of electrical separation, where basic protection is provided by basic insulation of live parts and fault protection is provided by simple separation of the separated Giruit from other circuits and from Earth. The requirements for electrical separation can be found in Section 413 of BS 7671 where one iter of equipment is supplied and Regulation 418.3 where more than one item of equipment is supplied by the separated circuit. Itis extremely important to note that a portable generator used with floating earth should only be used to supply equipment in the following permutations: > one or mare items of Class Il equipment » one item of Class | equipment > one or mare items of Class Il and one item of Class | equipment. ‘The use of only Class Il equipment, however, is preferable. More than one item of Class | equipment should net be used simultaneously as faults can be presented as voltages and operatives can provide a path for current flowing between exposed-conductive-parts of faulty electrical equipment. On-Site Guide ‘© The Insthuton of Engineering and Technology 2.Hed ddd wd ddd ddd ddd ddd dddod 2 Y Figure Portable generator used with a floating earth Current-using NC PL) equipment S Socket-outlet ‘with overcurrent protection Generator 2.4.2 Portable generator used without reference to the general mass of the earth 5514.4 Where more than one item of Class | equipment is to be supplied by a single-phase portable generator, it is important to ensure that the earth connections of the socket- outlets at the generator are connected to the neutral of the generator winding in addition to the chassis or frame of the generator. See Figure 2.4.2. Such a configuration will provide a retum path for any fault current caused by contact between live parts and exposed-conductive-parts of the connected equipment. If this method of supply is used, extreme care should be taken to ensure that there is no intended or casual interconnection with any other electrical system, such as extrancous- conductive-parts or expased-conductive-parts fram ather electrical systems. RCD protection at 30 mA is required for all circuits supplied in this manner. VY Figure 2.4.2 Generator supplying more then one item of equipment Socket-outlets with overcurrent Generator protection and RCD protection at 30 mA On-Site Guide | 20 (© The nstouion of Engineering and TecnotogyHedddddd dd dd dd ddd dd dd ddd BS 7430: 1998 Table 54.1 5433.1 2.4.3. Portable generator referenced to the general mass of the earth Where there are extraneous-conductive-parts or exposed-conductive-parts from other electrical systems present, generator reference earthing, by means of an earth electrode to the general mass of the earth, should be installed. See Figure 2.4.3(i). Note that this does not create a TT supply arrangement; the supply will be TN-S in form from the generator, the neutral or star point being referenced to the general mass of the earth. Where an earth electrode is supplied it will need to be tested by the standard method using @ proprietary earth electrode resistance tester; see 10.3.5.2. Note that an earth fault loop impedance tester cannot be used for this test as the earth electrode is not used as a means of earthing, it is used to reference the portable generator to the general mass of the earth and does not form part of the earth loop. As the earth electrode is used for referencing and not as a means of earthing, its resistance should, ideally, be less than 200 Q. If buried, generator reference earthing and/or bonding conductors should be sized in accordance with Table 54.1 and suitably protected in accordance with Regulation 543.3.1. For example, a 16 mm? conductor would generally be adequate for short-term use where no mechanical protection is provided. Y Figure 3(I) Generator reference earthing - using earth electrode with overcurrent protection and RCD protection at 30 mA Generator On-Site Guide ‘© The Insthuton of Engineering and Technology 2.Hud ddd dd ddd ddd dd ddd dddoad 5441.1 2 Where restrictions, such as concreted/paved areas or the portable generator is being used some distance above ground level, make it impossible to install an earth electrode, simultaneously accessible metal parts, ie. accessible extraneous-conductive-parts and/ or exposed-conductive-parts from other electrical systems, may be bonded to the main earthing terminal of the generator. See Figure 2.4.3(ii). Where separate accessible extraneous-conductive-parts and/or exposed-conductive- parts from other electrical systems are connected together, protective conductors can be sized in accordance with Regulation 544.1.1. For example, e 16mm? conductor would generally be adequate for short-term use where no mechanical protection is provided. V Figure 2.4.3(ii) Generator reference earthing - connection of extraneous- and/ or exposed-conductive-parts where the installation of an earth electrode is not possible with overcurrent protection and RCD Protection at 30 mA On-Site Guide | 22 (© The nstouion of Engineering and TecnotogyHud ddd dd ddd ddd dd ddd dddod 433 434 434 434 au Appx 5 533.1 Protection 3.1 Types of protective device ‘The consumer unit (or distribution board) contains devices for the protection of distribution circuits and final circuits against: i overload fi short-circuit iti earth fault. Functions i and ii are carried out usually by one device, i.e. a fuse or circuit-breaker. Function ii may be carried out by the fuse or cicuit-breeker provided for functions i and ii or by an RCD. ‘An RCBO, being a unit with a combined circuit-breaker and RCD, will carry out functions i, ii and iii, 3.2 Overload protection Overload protection will be provided by the use of any of the following devices: > fuses to BS 88-2, BS 88-3, BS 88-6, BS 136] and BS 3036 > miniature citcuit-breakers to BS 3871-1 types 1, 2 and 3 > circuit-breakers to BS EN 60898 types B, C and D, and > residual current circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection (RCBOs) to BS EN 61009-I and IEC 62325. 3.3 Fault current protection When a consumer unit to BS EN 60439-3 or BS 5486:Part 13 or a fuseboard having fuselinks to BS 88-2 or BS 88-6 or BS 1361 is used, then fault current protection will be given by the overload protective device. For other protective devices the breaking capacity must be adequate for the prospective fault current at that point. On-Site Guide | 23. (© The Instusion of Engineering and TecnotogyHed ddd wd ddd ddd ddd ddd dddod a ana an2 ana a6 416.1 416.2 521.10.1 4151.1 4151.2 ans and 43. an3.2 4n3.2 4103.5 a4 4143 aad 3.4 Protection against electric shock 3.4.1 Automatic disconnection of supply ‘Automatic disconnection of supply (ADS) is the most the commen method of protection against electric shock. There are two elements to autamatic disconnection af supply, basic protection and fault protection. 3.4.1.1 Basic protection Basic protection is the physical barrier between persons/livestock and a live part. Examples of basic protection are: > electrical insulation » enclosures and barriers. It follows that single-core non-sheathed insulated conductors must be protected by conduit or trunking and be terminated within a suitable enclosure. ‘A 30 mA RCD may be provided to give additional protection against contact with live parts but must not be used as primary protection. 3.4.1.2 Fault protection Fault protection comprises: > protective earthing, » protective equipotential bonding, and > automatic disconnection in case of a fault. Fault protection is provided by limiting the magnitude and duration of voltages that may appear under earth fault conditions between simultaneously accessible exposed- conductive-parts of equipment and between them and extraneous-conductive-parts or earth. 3.4.2 Other methods of protection against electric shock In addition to automatic disconnection of supply, BS 7671 recognises other methods of protection against electric shock. 3.4.3, SELV and PELV SELV Separated extra-low voltage (SELV) systems: > are supplied from isolated safety sources such as a safety isolating transformer to BS EN 61558-2-6 > have no live part connected to earth or the protective conductor of another system > have basic insulation from other SELV and PELV circuits > have double or reinforced insulation or basic insulation plus earthed metallic screening from LV circuits On-Site Guide | 24 (© The nstouion of Engineering and TecnotogyHud ddd dd dd ddd ddd dddbdddaod 3 aaa > have no exposed conductive parts connected to earth or to exposed- conductive-parts or protective conductors of another circuit. PELV 4144.1 Protective extra-low voltage (PELV) systems must meet all the requirements for SELV, ‘except that the circuits are not electrically separated from earth. 414.45 For SELV and PELV systems basic protection need not be provided if voltages do not exceed those given in Table 3.4.3. V Table 3.4.3. SELV and PELV basic protection voltage limits ee ean Dry areas 25 Vac. or 60Vd.c Locations containing a bath or shower, Further protection required at all voltages swimming pools, saunas «1 3.5 Automatic disconnection 3.5.1 Standard circuits For the standard final circuits given in Section 7 of this Guide, the correct disconnection time is obtained for the protective devices by limiting the maximum drcuit lengths. tele. 3.5.2 Disconnection times - TN circuits 411.3.2.2 j disconnection time of not more than 4 sis required for final circuits with 2 rating (I,) not exceeding 32 A 411.3.2.3 A disconnection time of not more than 5 sis permitted for: > final circuits exceeding 32 A, and > distribution circuits. vable41.1 3.5.3 Disconnection times - TT circuits ‘The required disconnection times for installations forming part of a TT system can, except in the most exceptional crcumstances outside the scope of this guide, only be achieved by protecting every circuit with an RCD, hence, a time of not more than 0.2 s is 4115.3 required for final circuits with a rating (I,) not exceeding 32 A. 4113.24 A disconnection time of not more than 1 sis permitted for: > final circuits exceeding 32 A, and > distribution circuits. On-Site Guide | 25 ‘© The Insthuton of Engineering and Technology3 3.6 Residual current devices (RCDs) RCD is the generic term fora device that operates when the residual currentin the circuit reaches a predetermined value. The RCD is, therefore, the main component in an RCCB (residual current opereted crcuit-breeker without integral overcurrent protection) or one of the functions of an RCBO (‘esidual current operated circuit-breaker with integral overcurrent protection). 3.6.1 Protection by RCDs RCDs are required: dh dl dd) dl dl dl dl ans i where the earth fauit loop impedance is too high to provide the required disconnection, for example, where the distributor does not provide a connection to the means of earthing — TT earthing arrangement 4113.30) for socket-outlets where used by ordinary persons for general use =q mans; for all ctcuits of locations containing a bath or shower 4113.30) iv for creuits supplying mobile equipment not exceeding 32 A for use outdoors 5226.01 v_ for cables without earthed metallic covering installed in wells or paritions at 522.6.102 a depth of less than 50 mm and not protected by earthed steel conduit or similar 526.103 vi for cables without earthed metalic covering installed in walls or partitions with metal parts (not including screws or nails) and not protected by earthed steel conduit or the like 3.6.2 Omission of RCD protection 3.6.2.1 Specific cases RCD protection can be omitted in the following circumstances: 411.3.3(0) i specific labelled socket-outlets, for example, a socket-outlet for a freezer. However, the citcuit cables must not require RCD protection as per v and viin clause 3.6.1, that is, circuit cables must be enclosed in earthed steel conduit or have an earthed metal sheath or be at a depth of at least 50 mm in a wall or partition without metal parts 411.3.3(@) fi socket-outlet circuits in situations where the use of equipment and work ‘on the building fabric and electrical installation is controlled by skilled or instructed persons, for example, in some industrial and commercial locations; see 3.6.2.2. 411.5 Cables installed on the surface do not specifically require RCD protection, however, RCD. protection may be required for other reasons, for example, for fault protection, where the earth fault loop impedance is such that the disconnection time for an overcurrent device cannot be met. 411.3300) tis expected that all socket-outlets in @ dwelling will have RCD protection at 30 mA, however, the exception of Regulation 411.3.3 can be applied in certain cases. On-Site Guide | 26 (© The nstouion of Engineering and Tecnotogy Hedddddadd d dd dd ddHed ddd dd dd ddd ddd ddd dddod 411.3.3@) 522.6.102 522.6.103 4n.3.30) a5. 34 3.6.2.2 Installations under the control of skilled or instructed persons BS 7671:2008(2011) permits RCDs, where usually provided for additional protection, to be omitted where the installation is under the control of a skilled or instructed person. “The decision as to which socketoutlets or dicuits do not requite edditional protection by RCDs should be taken by the designer of the electrical installation and only after consultation with en appropriate person in the client's organisation. An appropriate person would be one who is able to ensure thet the socket-outlets or circuits in question are, and will remain, under the supervision of skiled or instructed persons. Wherever a designer so chooses to omit RCD protection, traceable confirmation must be obtained from the client to identify the reason for the omission and such confirmation must be included within the documentation handed over to the client upon completion of the work. ‘Where no such confirmation can be obtained, RCD protection should not be omitted. 3.6.3 Applications of RCDs Installations are required to be divided into crcuits to avoid hazards and minimize inconvenience in the event of a fault and to take account of danger that might arise from the failure of a single circuit, such as a lighting circuit ‘The following scenarios show different methods of providing RCD protection within installations. Note that, for clarity, earthing and bonding connections are not shown. a TN conduit installations Where cables in walls or pertitions have an earthed metallic covering or are installed in steel conduit or similar, 30 mA RCD protection is still required in the following cases: > circuits of locations containing a bath or shower » protection at socket-outlets not exceeding 20 A > mobile equipment not exceeding 32 A for use outdoors > the arrangement in Figure 3.6.3(i). On-Site Guide ‘© The Insthuton of Engineering and Technology 3 27Hud ddd dd ddd ddd dd ddd dddod V Figure 3.6.3(i) Typical splt consumer unit with one 30 mA RCD, suitable for TN installations with cables in walls or partitions having an earthed metallic covering or enclosed in earthed steel conduit or the like other circuits circuits to socket-outlets, locations containing a bath or shower, mobile ‘equipment outdoors with current rating not exceeding 32 A main switch (isolator) RCD labelled “Main switch’ b = TT conduit installations For installations forming part of a TT system, all circuits must be RCD protected. If cables in walls or partitions have an earthed metalic covering or are installed in earthed steel conduit, 30 mA RCDs will be required for: > creuits of locations containing a bath or shower > circuits with socket-outlets not exceeding 20 A > mobile equipment not exceeding 32 A for use outdoors. ‘The remainder of the installation would require protection by a 100 mA RCD (see Figure 3.6.3(i). On-Site Guide (© The Instusion of Engineering and Tecnotogy 3Hud ddd dd ddd ddd dd ddd dddoad 3 ¥ Figure 3.6.3(il) Typical split consumer unit with time-delayed RCD as main switch, suitable for TT and TN installations with cables in walls or partitions having an earthed metallic covering or enclosed in earthed steel conduit or the like other circuits circuits to socket-outiets, locations containing bath or shower, mobile ‘equipment outdoors with current rating not exceeding 32 A 100 mA time delay RCD S-type. double-pole, labelled ‘Main switch’ RCD for TT installations insulated enclosure or further mechanical protection tometer tails For installations forming part of a TT system with cables installed in wals or partitions having no earthed metalic covering or not installed in earthed conduit or the lke, protection by 30 mARCDs will be required for al circuits, see Figures 36.3(il) and 36.3(W). ‘The enclosures of RCDs or consumer units incorporating RCDs in TT installations should have an all-insulated or Class II construction or additional precautions, as may be recommended by the manufacturer, need to be taken to prevent faults to earth on the supply side of the 100 mA RCD. c¢ RCBOs ‘The use of RCBOs will minimize inconvenience in the event of a fault and is applicable to all systems. See Figure 3.6.3(ii). Such @ consumer unit arrangement also easily allows individual circuits, such es to specifically labelled socket-outlets or fire alarms, to be protected by a circuit-breaker without RCD protection. Such circuits will usually need to be installed in earthed metal conduit or wired with earthed metal-sheathed cables. On-Site Guide | 29 (© The Instusion of Engineering and TecnotogyHud ddd dd ddd ddd dd ddd dddod 3 V Figure 3.6.3(iil) Consumer unit with RCBOs, suitable for all installations (TN and TT) final circus {for TT installations insulated ++ enclosure or further mechanical Protection to meter tails labelled main switch ‘main switch’ (isolator) d = Split board with two 30 mA RCDs ‘The division of an installation into two parts with separate 30 mA RCDs will ensure thet part of the installation will remain on supply in the event of a fault, see Figure 3.6.3(iv). Y Figure 3.6.5(iv) Split consumer unit with separate main switch end two 30 mA RCDs final circuits final circuits mainswitch 30mA (isolator), RCD RCD labelled “Main switch’ On-Site Guide | 30 ‘© The Insthuton of Engineering and TechnologyHid dddddd dd ddd ddd d ddd ddd 334 1316.2 cnt 43.2.6 Table 44.3 3 e Three-way split board with two 30 mA RCDs The three-way division of an installation can provide ways unprotected by RCDs for, say, fire systems and for two separate 30 mA RCDs to ensure that part of the installation will remain on supply in the event of a fault. Unprotected circuits will usually need to be installed in earthed metal conduit or wired with earthed metal-sheathed cables, see Figure 3.6.3). V Figure 3.6.3(v) Three-way split consumer unit with separate main switch, two 30 mA RCDs and circuits without RCD protection final circuits specifically labelled circuits eg. fire alarms, medical equipment ‘nal circuits main switch (isolator) labelied “Main switch’ 3.7 Surge protective devices (SPDs) 3.1.1 Overview Electrical installations and connected equipment can be severely affected by lightning activity during thunderstorms or from electrical switching events. For more information, see IET Guidance Note 1. Damage can occur when the surge or transient overvoltage, as the result of lightning or electrical switching, exceeds the impulse withstand voltage rating of electrical equipment — the levels of which are defined in Table 44.3. On-Site Guide | 34 ‘© The Insthuton of Engineering and TechnologyHed ddd wd ddd ddd ddd ddd dddod 443 334 4as 534 443.1 Table 44.3 443.21 403.22 403.2.2 Note Surges from clectrical switching events are created when large inductive loads, such as motors or air conditioning units, switch off and release stored energy which dissipates as a transient overvoltage. Switching surges are, in general, not as severe as lightning surges but are more repetitive and can reduce equipment lifespan. Overoltages of atmospheric origin, in particular, can present 2 risk of fire and electric shock owing to a dangerous flashover. » Section 443 of BS 7671:2008(2011) has requirements for the protection of persons, livestock and property from injury and damage as a consequence of overvaltage > Section 534 has requirements for the selection and installation of surge protective devices. NOTE 1: Section 534 applies to a.c. power circuits only. When the need for power SPDs is identified, additional SPDs on other services such as telecommunications lines and equipment is also recommended, See BS EN 62305 and BS EN 61643. NOTE 2: Some electronic equipment may have protection levels lower than Category | of Table 44.3. 3.72 Arrangements for protection against overvoltages Protection according to Section 443 can only be achieved if transient overvoltages are limited to values lower than those given in Table 44.3, requiring the correct selection and installation of suitable SPDs. 3.72.1 Where SPD protection may not be required Protection against overvoltages of atmospheric axigin is not required in the following circumstances but, in each case, the impulse withstand voltage of equipment must meet the requirements of Table 44.3 of BS 7671:2008(2011): > the installation is supplied by a completely buried low voltage system and does not indude overhead lines > installations which include overhead lines but where the consequertial lasses are tolerable, eg. typical urban dwelling, storage unit or farm building. If there are risks of direct strikes to or near the structure or to the low voltage distribution line, overvoltage protection by SPDs is required in accordance with BS EN 62305 Protection against lightning. 3.7.2.2. Where SPD protection is required Surge protective devices should be considered in the following circumstances: > the low voltage supply to the installation, at some point, is provided by bare overhead conductors at risk of direct lightning strike > the building requires or akeady has a lightning protection system (LPS) > the risk of loss of any part of the installation or equipment due to damage caused by any transient overvottages (including switching transients) is not acceptable. On-Site Guide (© The Insteuon of Engineering ené Tecmnooogy 3Hud ddd dd ddd ddd dd ddd dddoad ‘The flow chart in Figure 3.7.2.2 will aid the decision-making process for electrical installations within the scope of this Guide. See IET Guidance Note 1 for more information. V Figure 3.7.2.2 SPD decision flow chart for installations within the scope af this Guide Riskof direct lightning (sce BS EN62305) ‘orlightning protection system installed? (43.1.1) No ¥. (Overhead line supplying the buliding atriskof direct strke- see BS EN 62305 (443.1.1) No ¥, Instalation presents higher risk (e9. fie) orrequires higher reliability from overvotages Including switching (4432.2 Note) - ‘see BS EN 62305 Sa. | Overvoltage protection required Install Type 1 or Type 142 SPDs at distribution board/consumer unit toprevent dangerous fashover Ly (63420) 7 Q ) ((Co-ordinated set of overvoltage SPDs for equipment protection 9. Type 2 or Type 243 for distribution boards feeding sensitive electronic equipment (3425) Se Protection against overvottages “A | not required (443.1.1, 44322) if equipment impulse withstand voltage to Table 44.3 L ) NOTE: For larger installations beyond the scope of this Guide, a risk assessment method used to evaluate the need for SPDs is given in Section 44 of BS 7671:2008(2011). On-Site Guide ‘© The Insthuton of Engineering and Technology 3Hud ddd dd ddd ddd dd ddd dddaod 534.1 534.2 ‘Appendix 16 5342.1 3 3.7.3. Types of SPD protection For the protection of a.c. power circuits, SPDs are allocated a type number: > Type 1 SPDs are only used where there is a risk of direct lightning current and, typically, are installed at the origin of the installation > Type 2 SPDs are used at distribution boards > ‘Type 3 SPDs are used near terminal equipment. See also Table 37.3. Combined Type SPDs are classified with more than one Type, eg. Type 1 & 2, Type 2 & 3, and can provide both lightning current with overvoltage protection in addition to protection between all conductor combinations (or modes of protection) within a single unit. Combined Type SPDs provide high surge current handling combined with better overvoltage protection levels (Up) — the latter being e performance parameter of an SPD. Y Table 3.7.3 Types of SPD protection Sn Ee Equipotential Origin of the 16 mm? minimum bondi installation — length of tails — lightni ideally <0.5 m but protection/ no longer than 1m On-Site Guide | 34 (© The Instauion of Engineering and TechnologyHud ddd dd dd ddd ddd ddd ddbdod 5334.23.11 3 3.7.4 Coordination and selection of surge protection 534.2.3.6 Where @ number of SPDs are required to operate in conjunction with each other they must be coordinated to ensure the correct type of protection is installed where required; see Figure 3.7.4. SPD protection should be coordinated as follows: > choose the correct type of SPD for the installation and site in the correct location > refer to Tables 443 and 44.4 of BS 7671 (impulse withstand voltage) » choose SPDs with a protection level (Up) sufficiently lower than the impulse withstand voltage or lower than the impulse immunity of the equipment to be protected » choose SPDs of the same make or manufacture. NOTE: Coordinated SPDs must be of the same make or manufacture unless the designer is satisfied that devices of different makes will coordinate as required. V Figure 3.7.4 Iypical location of a coordinated set of SPDs Type3 Tpe2 Type ‘Overvoliage SPD Overvoliage SPD Equipotential bonding or lightning Terminal equipment | Distribution board or protection/current SPD ‘consumer unit Origin On-Site Guide | 35 (© The Insttuon of Engineering and TecnotogyHedddddd dd dd dd ddd dd dd ddd 3 3.7.5 Critical length of connecting conductors for SPDs 534.2.9 To gain maximum protection the connecting conductors to SPDs must be kept as short as possible, to minimize additive inductive voltage drops across the conductors. The total lead length (a + b) should preferably nat exceed 0.5 m but in no case exceed 1.0 m; see Figure 3.75. Refer to the SPD manufacturer's instructions for optimal installation. V Figure 3.7.5 Ciitical length of connecting conductors for SPDs Main earthing terminal or connecting conductor bar OCPD = overcurrent protective device SPD = suige protective device E/I = equipment or installation to be protected against overvoltages On-Site Guide | 36 (© The nstouion of Engineering and TecnotogyHed ddd wd ddd ddd ddd ddd dddod 3 3.7.6 Methods of connection 534.2.2 Primarily, the installation of SPDs must follow the manufacturer's instructions but minimum SPD connections at the origin of the electrical supply are usually made as those shown in Figure 3.7.6(i) (TN-C-S, TN-S, TT) and Figure 3:76(ii) (TT - SPDs upstream of RCD): Type 1 SPDs should be installed upstream from any RCD to avoid unwanted tripping. Where this cannot be avoided, the RCD should be of the time-delayed or S-type. 534.2.5()) W Figure 3.7.6(I) SPDs on load side of RCD 534.26 ‘ocro1 On-Site Guide | 37 ‘© The Insthuton of Engineering and TechnologyHed ddd wd ddd ddd ddd ddd dddod 534.2.5(i) VW Figure 3.7.6(ii) SPDs on supply side of RCD NOTE: See Appendix 16 of BS 7671:2008(2011) for further information regarding the connection of SPDs. On-Site Guide | 38 (© The Insteuon of Engineering ené TecmnooogyHud ddd dd ddd ddd dd ddd dddod 442 ais. ESQCR 2002 S12665 Pe Ta LC 4 bonding 4.1 Protective earthing ‘The purpose of protective earthing is to ensure that, in the event of a fauit, such as between a line conductor and an expased-conductive-part, sufficient current flows to operate the protective device, ie. fuse to blow, circut-breaker to operate or RCD to operate, in the required time. Every exposed-conductive-part (a conductive part of equipment that can be touched and which is not a live part but which may become live under fault conditions) shall be connected by a protective conductor to the main earthing terminal and, hence, the means of earthing for the installation. 4.2 Legal requirements The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (ESQCR), require that a distributor of electricity makes the supply neutral conductor or protective conductor available for the connection of the consumer's protective conductor where it can be reasonably conduded that such @ connection is appropriate. Such a connection may be deemed inappropriate where there is a risk of the loss of the PEN conductor, for example, where bare overhead low voltage distribution cables supply a rural building. In such cases, anearth electrode must be provided and the installation will then form part of a TT system. Essentially, permission to connect the consumer's protective conductor to the distributor's neutral can be denied to new installations but, where permission is granted, the distributor should maintain the connection. NOTE: For some rural installations supplied by @ PME arrangement, it may be pertinent to install an additional earth electrode to mitigate the effects of a PEN conductor becoming open-circuit; see IET Guidance Note 5. 4.3 Main protective bonding of metallic services (Figures 2.1(i) to 2.1 (ii) ‘The purpose of protective equipotential bonding is to reduce the voltages between the various exposed-conductive-parts and extraneous-conductive-parts of an installation, during @ fault to earth and in the event of ¢ fault on the distributor's network. On-Site Guide | 39 (© The Insttuon of Engineering and TecnotogyHud ddd ddd ddd ddd ddd dddod au3a2 Part 2 542.5 543.1 3441.1 Table 54.8 543.24 Main protective bonding conductors are required to connect extraneous-conductive- parts to the main earthing terminal of the installation. An extraneous-conductive-part is a conductive part, such as a metal pipe, liable to introduce earth potential into the installation or building. It is common, particularly under certain fault conditions on the LV supply network, for a potential to exist between true earth, i.e. the general mass of Earth and the earth of the electrical system. Therefore, buried metallic parts which enter the building are to be bonded to the main earthing terminal of the electrical installation. Examples of extraneous-conductive-parts are: metallic installation pipes metallic gas installation pipes ii_ other installation pipework, for example, heating oil structural steelwork of the building where rising from the ground lightning protection systems (where required by BS EN 62305). Itis also necessary to consider not just metallic supply pipework but also internal metallic pipework which may have been buried in the ground for convenience, for example, central heating pipework cast into the concrete or buried in the screed of a floor at ground level. Such metalic pipes would normally be considered to be extraneous-conductive-parts. 4.4 Earthing conductor and main protective bonding conductor cross-sectional areas ‘The minimum cross-sectional areas (csa) of the earthing conductor and main bonding conductors are given in Table 4.4((). For TT supplies, refer to Table 4.4(i). V Table 4.4(i) Earthing conductor and main protective bonding conductor sizes (copper equivalent) for TN-S and TN-C-S supplies mm 4 6 10 16 25 35 50 70 neutral conductor of ; PME supplies Main protective bonding mm? 6 6 6 conductor ~ see notes Notes: 1 Protective conductors (including earthing and bonding conductors) of 10 mm? cross-sectional area or less shall be copper. On-Site Guide (© Tre insttuion of Engineering an¢ Tecmnoogy 4