Oy eSTiK- Melle (-) BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 Updated to BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 Tate mre Uthat O 7 ” + D G) = oO. M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). mz The Institution of Engineering and Technology is the institution formed by the joining together of the IEE (The Institution of Electrical Engineers) and | the IIE (The Institution of Incorporated Engineers). © 1992, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2004 The Institution of Electrical Engineers © 2008, 2011, 2015, 2018, 2022 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 Reprinted (with amendments) 1994 Revised edition (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 t0 BS 7671:2001) 2002 (0 85296 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 8S 7671:2008) 2008 (978-0-86341-854-8) Reprinted (with amendments) October 2008 Fifth edition (incorporating Amendment No. 1 to BS 7671:2008) 2011 (978-1-84919-2873) Reprinted 2012 Reprinted (with minor corrections) 2013, Reprinted 2014 Sixth edition (incorporating Amendment No. 3 to BS 7671:2008) 2015 (878-1-84919-887-5) Reprinted (with minor corrections) 2015, Seventh edition (incorporating 18th Edition to BS 7671:2018) 2018 (978-1-78561-442-2) Reprinted (with minor corrections) 2018 Eighth edition (incorporating Amendment No.2 to BS 7671-2018) 2022 (878-I-85953-227-6) ‘This publication is copyright under the Bere Convention and the Universal Copyright Convention. ll rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any 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 Copyright 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 Way, Stevenage, SGI 2AY, United Kingdom, Copies of this publication may be obtained from: PO Box 96, Stevenage, SGI 2SD, UK Tel: +44 (0)1438 767328 Ema: [email protected] https://electrica.theiet org While the author, publisher and contributors believe that the information and guidance given in this work are correc, all parties must rely upon their own skill and judgement when making use of them. The author, publisher and contributors do not assume any liability to anyone for any loss or damage caused by any error or omission in the work, whether such an error or omission is the result of negligence or any other cause, Where reference is made to legislation itis not to be considered as legal advice. Any and all such liability is disclaimed Permission to reproduce extracts from British Standards is granted by BSI. No other use of this material is permitted. British Standards can be obtained in PDF or hard copy formats from the BSI online shop: https://shop.bsigroup.com/. ISBN 978-1-83953-227-6 (wiro bound) ISBN 978-1-83953-229-0 (vitalsource) ‘Typeset in the UK by the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Stevenage Printed in the UK by A McLay and Company Ltd, Longwood Drive, Forest Farm, Cardiff, CF14 7ZBCooperating organizations Acknowledgements Preface Section 1 _Introduction 1 Scope 12 Building Regulations 13 Basic information required 1.4 Intended departures from BS 7671 Section2 The electrical supply 24 General layout of equipment 2.2. Function of components 2.3 Separation of gas installation pipework from the electrical installation 2.4 Portable generators Section3 _ Protection 31 ‘Types of protective device 3.2 Protection against overload current 3.3 Protection against short-circuit current and earth fault current 3.4 Protection against electric shock 35 Automatic disconnection 3.6 Residual current devices (RCDs) 3.7 Surge protection devices (SPDs) 3.8 Arcfault detection devices (AFDDs) Section 4 _Earthing and bonding 4. Protective earthing 42 Legal requirements 43 Main protective bonding 44 Earthing conductor and main protective bonding conductor cross-sectional areas 45 Main protective bonding of plastic services 46 Supplementary bonding 47 Additional protection — supplementary equipotential bonding 48 Supplementary bonding of plastic pipe installations 49 Earth electrode 4.10 ‘Types of earth electrode 4.11 Typical earthing arrangements for various types of earthing system Onsite Guide ‘© The Institution of Engineering and Technology x 13 13 14 7 7 19 19, 2 25 26 33 33 33 34 34 35 36 42 49 53 54 55 57 57 58 59 59 59Section 5 Isolation and switching 5.1 Isolation 5.2 Switching off for mechanical maintenance 53 Emergency switching off 54 Functional switching 55 Firefighter's switch Section6 _—_Labelling 61 Retention of a dangerous electrical charge 62 Where the operator cannot observe the operation of switchgear and controlgear 63 Unexpected presence of nominal voltage exceeding 230 V 64 Earthing and bonding connections 65 Purpose of switchgear and controlgear 66 Identification of protective devices 6.7 Identification of isolators 68 Isolation requiring more than one device 69 Periodic inspection and testing 610 Diagrams 6.11 Residual current devices (RCDs) 612 Waming notice: non-standard colours 6.13 Warning notice — altemative supplies 614 Warning notice — high protective conductor current 6.15 Waming notice — photovoltaic (PV) systems 6.16 Warning and user instruction labels Section 7 Final circuits a Final circuits 72 Standard final circuits 73 Installation considerations 74 Proximity to electrical and other services 75 Earthing requirements for the installation of equipment having high protective conductor current 76 Electrical supplies to furniture 7 Trunking installations 78 Additions and alterations 79 Installation and use of non-standard cables 7.10 EMC Directive and compatibility 7.11 Wiring systems in escape routes Section 8 81 ‘Summary of requirements 82 Shower cubicle in a room used for other purposes 83 Underfloor heating systems Section 9 —_ Inspection and testing 91 Inspection and testing 92 Inspection 93 Testing Section 10 Guidance on initial testing of installations 10.1 Safety and equipment 4 | OnSite Guide © The institution of Engineering and Technology 61 él 62 62 63 63 65 65 65 65 66 66 66 66 66 67 67 68 68 69 70 70 7 B 86 91 8 95 98 98 99 100 100 101 103 103 106 106 107 107 107 109 m Mm10.2 Sequence of tests 103 Test procedures Section 11 Operation of RCDs 11.1 General test procedure 112 General-purpose RCCBs to BS 4293 and RCD protected socket-outlets and fused connection units to editions of 8S 7288 earlier than 2018 113 General-purpose RCCBs to BS EN 61008 or RCBOs to BS EN 61009 and BS EN 62423 114 RCD protected socket-outlets and fused connection units (FCU) to BS 7288:2016 115 Additional protection 11.6 Integral test device 11.7 Multipole RCDs Section 12 Prosumer’s electrical installations 121 Prosumer's installations 122 Types of prosumers electrical installation 123 Operating modes Appendix A Maximum demand and diversity Appendix B Maximum permissible measured earth fault loop impedance Appendix __ Selection of types of cable for particular uses and external influences Appendix D Methods of support for cables, conductors and wiring systems AppendixE Cable capacities of conduit and trunking Appendix F _Current-carrying capacities and voltage drop for copper conductors Appendix G Certification and reporting Appendix H Standard circuit arrangements for household and similar installations Resistance of copper and aluminium conductors Selection of devices for isolation and switching Identification of conductors Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code) 12 2 127 128 128 128 128 129 129 129 131 131 133 133 135 139 147 153 161 167 179 209 217 221 225 233 235 On-Site Guide | 5 ‘© The institution of Engineering and Technologybet TTT Lalit 4 eee The Institution of Engineering and Technology acknowledges the invaluable contribution made by the following individuals in the preparation of this Guide: Institution of Engineering and Technology J. Bradley BSc CEng FIET FCIBSE M. Coles BEng(Hons) MIET G.D. Cronshaw CEng FIET R. Giddings IEng MIET ACIBSE We would like to thank the following organi: British Cables Association (BCA) BEAMA British Gas British Standards Institution (BSI) Certsure trading as NICEIC Department for Levelling Up, Housing and ‘Communities (DLUHC) ECA Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland (SELECT) Revised, compiled and edited M. Doughton lEng MIET LCG! 6 | OnSite Guide ‘© The Institution of Engineering and Technology G. Gundry MIET M. Peace CEng MIET MCIBSE Eur Ing L. Markwell MSc BSc(Hons) CEng MIET MCIBSE LCG! S. Devine IEng MIET ions for their continued support: NEC Ltd RINA Tech UK Ltd Electrical Safety First Health and Safety Executive (HSE) NAPIT The Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed)ee ri eh TN-C-S arrangement — 0.35 Q, (see Figure 2.1(i)); and > TN-S arrangement ~ 0.8 Q, (see Figure 2.1(ii)) NOTE: The values of 0.35 0 and 0.8 © are typical maximum values as quoted by distributors of electricity upon enquiry which will ad, for example, designs for new-build installations. Onsite Guide | 13 ‘© The Institution of Engineering and Technology1 Table 41.5 542.24 Appx E For a TT arrangement, 21 © is the usual stated maximum resistance 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 an earth electrode resistance or Z, measurement exceeding 200 may not be stable due to environmental changes, such as drying out in summer and freezing in winter. This Guide also contains information that may be required in general installation work, for example, conduit and trunking capacities and the bending radi of cables, etc. ‘The Guide introduces the use of standard circuits, which are discussed in Section 7. However, due to 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 in BS 7671, throughout this Guide the term line conductor is used instead of phase conductor and live part is used to refer to a conductor or conductive part intended to be energized in normal use, including a neutral conductor. The terminals of electrical equipment are identified by the letters L, N and E (or PE). Further information is available in the series of Guidance Notes published by the IET: > GN 1 Selection & Erection GN 2 Isolation & Switching GN 3 Inspection & Testing GN 4 Protection Against Fire GN 5 Protection Against Electric Shock GN 6 Protection Against Overcurrent GN 7 Special Locations GN 8 Earthing & Bonding vvvvvvy NOTES: For dlatiication: > the distributor of electricity is deemed to be: “A party that distributes electricity to consumers using electrical lines and equipment they own or operate” and > the supplier of electricity is the organisation 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 England: the Building Regulations 2010 Persons carrying out electrical work in dwellings must comply with the Building Regulations of England, in particular Part P (Electtical safety ~ dwellings). OnSite Guide © The institution of Engineering and Technology1 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 the following: Part Title A structure B Fire safety c Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture D Toxic substances Resistance to the passage of sound F Ventilation G Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency K Protection from falling, collision and impact L Conservation of fuel ‘and power M Access to and use of buildings Pp Electrical safety — ‘dwellings R Physical infrastructure for high speed electronic communications networks Regulation 7 Materials and ‘workmanship. Examples of relevance to electrical installers Depth of chases in walls, sizes of holes and notches in floor and roof joists Fire safety of certain electrical installations; provision of fire alarm and fire detection systems; fire resistance of penetrations through floors and walls Moisture resistance of cable penetrations through extemal walls Cable jointing compounds, gavaftoid paint, use of solvents Penetrations through floors, ceilings and walls Ventilation rates for dwellings Electic water heating Electrical means of opening windows Energy efficient lighting Mounting heights of switches, socket-outlets ete. and ‘consumer units All electrical work within dwellings, of which some is notifiable Installation of data networks and equipment Implementation of European Regulation 305/2011/EU-CPR ‘covering construction products, referred to as the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). 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 Levelling Up, Housing ‘and Communities (OLUHC) website: http://wmw.gov.uk/planning-permission-england-wales Onsite Guide | 15 ‘© The Institution of Engineering and Technology1 1.2.2 The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (as amended) 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, covering the following: (a) compliance with 8S 7671; (b) the minimum number of socket-outlets in dwellings; (©) the minimum number of lighting points in dwellings; @ the minimum illumination levels in common areas of domestic buildings, for example, blocks of flats; (€) the range of mounting heights of switches and socket-outlets, etc.; (f) separate switching for concealed socket-outlets, for example, behind white goods in kitchens; and (8) 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 compliance with BS 7671 NOTE: The handbooks are available in electronic format only from the Building Standards Division of the Scottish Government from website: www scotland gov.uk/bsd 1.2.3 The Building Regulations of Northern Ireland The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (as amended) apply. NOTE: Information can be obtained from the website: www.buildingcontro-ni.com 1.2.4 The Building Regulations of Wales On 31st December 2011 the power to make building regulations for Wales was transferred to Welsh ministers. This means Welsh ministers make any new building regulations or publish any new building regulations guidance applicable in Wales from that date. The Building Regulations 2010 and related guidance for England and Wales, including approved documents as at that date, will continue to apply in Wales until Welsh ministers make changes to them. The latest update was published July 2018 and information can be obtained from their website: https://gov wales/building-regulations 16 | OnSite Guide © The institution of Engineering and Technology3131 5441 312 132.16 1203 I 1.3. Basic information required Before starting work on an installation that requires a new electrical supply, the installer should establish the following information with the local electricity distributor: (a) the number of live conductors required by the design (b) the distributor's requirement for cross-sectional atea (sa) and maximum length of the consumer's tails (see NOTE below) (@) the maximum prospective fault current (Ip) at the supply terminals (d) the typical maximum earth fault loop impedance (Z,) of the earth fault path outside the consumer's installation (€) the type and rating of the distributor's fusible cut-out or protective device (f) the distributor's requirements regarding the size of main protective bonding conductors (g) the conductor arrangement and system earthing; and (h) the arrangements for the incoming cable and metering. NOTE: Some distributors will specify a maximum permitted length for consumer's tail. The distributor may also apply particular requirements for isolation or protection. For additions and alterations to existing installations, installers should satisfy themselves as to the suitability of the supply, the distributor's equipment and the earthing and bonding arrangements. 1.4 Intended departures from BS 7671 Where the designer decides to depart from the requirements of BS 7671, the resulting degree of safety must not be less than that obtained by compliance with the Regulations. The designer is responsible for the safety of the design. Any intended departure from the requirements of BS 7671, although the designer is confident regarding safety, must be recorded on the Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). There is a difference between an intended departure and a non-compliance. Note the following distinction: (@) an intended departure must be recorded on the EIC (b) an intended departure not recorded on the EIC is unacceptable, as itis simply a non-compliance and the certificate would, therefore, be worthless. Onsite Guide | 17 ‘© The Institution of Engineering and Technology18 | OnSite Guide ‘© The Institution of Engineering and TechnologyThe electrical 79 TY 2.1 General layout of equipment The general layout of the equipment at the service position is shown in Figures 2.1(i) to 2.10), including typical protective conductor cross-sectional areas. The following scenarios are considered: (a) Figure 2.1(i) TN-C-S (protective multiple earthing — PME) earthing arrangement; (b) Figure 2.1(i) TN-S earthing arrangement (cable sheath earth); and () Figure 2.1(ji) TT earthing arrangement (no distributor's earth provided/used). V Figure 2.1(i) TN-CS (PME) earthing arrangement circuit protective _ metal water metal gas conductors pipe pipe consumer's tails notice (see Figure 6.4) ‘gas meter NOTE: An electricity isolator switch may not always be installed by the distributor. Onsite Guide | 19 ‘© The Institution of Engineering and Technology2 Y Figure 2.1 (ii) TN-S earthing arrangement (cable sheath earth) rcuitprotecive metalwater metal gs fonductors "pipe pe consumer tals notice (see Figure 6.) i a teh “ST NOTE: An electricity isolator switch may not always be installed by the distributor. Y Figure 2.1 iii) TT earthing arrangement (no distributor's earth provided/used) rcut protective metaluater metal gas fonducon pipe Pipe ratce Gee Figue 6) ON decry Testor main swich ‘teh (ouradand not protected LABEL (segue 55) NOTES: 1 Anelectrcity isolator switch may not always be installed by the distributor. 502.51 2 See Table 4.4(ii for further information regarding the sizing ofthe earthing conductor for a TT earthing arrangement. 3 See 2.26 for requirements for consumer unit enclosures. 20 | OnSite Guide ‘© The Institution of Engineering and Technology2 2.2. Function of components 2.2 Distributors cut-out This will be sealed to prevent the fuse being withdrawn by unauthorized persons. When the consumer's tails and consumer unit are installed in accordance with the requirements of the distributor, the cut-out may be assumed to provide protection against fault current up to the consumer's main switch. As the cut-out is the property of the distributor, installers must not cut seals and withdraw cut-out fuses without permission. Where removal of the cut-out for isolation is required, the supplier of electricity should be contacted to arrange disconnection and subsequent reconnection. Should an installer encounter a distributors seal which has already been broken or removed it is recommended that this is notified to the person ordering the work before work commences. NOTE: The supplier of electricity may not be the same organization as the distributor; (see 1.1). 2.2.2 Electricity meter The terminals will be sealed by the meter owner to prevent interference by unauthorized persons, 2.2.3 Meter tails s2io.1 Meter tails fall into two categories, consumer's tails and suppliers tails. There is a need to differentiate between the two. V Figure 2.2.3 Meter tails consumer's tails 3): U4 supplier's tai electricity isolator main switch i i switch OnSite Guide | 21 ‘© The instution of Engineering and Technology2 51431 434.30) 522.6,202, 522.6.203, 536.4.201 22 2.2.3.1 Consumer's tails The cables between the electricity meter and the consumer unit, known as the consumer's tails, are part of the consumer's installation and should be insulated and non-metallic sheathed or insulated and enclosed within containment, for example, conduit or trunking. Consumer's tails are provided by the installer and are the responsibility of the owner of the electrical installation. Polarity should be indicated by the colour of the insulation and the minimum cable size should be 25 mm? The distributor may specify the maximum length of tails between the meter and the consumer unit in addition to the minimum cross-sectional area Gee 1.3). In some cases, the distributor may require an electricity isolator switch (ee 2.2.4), Where the consumer's tails are protected against fault current by the distributor's cut-out, the method of installation, maximum length and minimum cross-sectional area of the tails must comply with the requirements of the distributor. 2.2.3.2. Supplier's tails The cables between the distributor's cut-out and the electricity meter, known as the supplier's tails, are part of the supplier's equipment. Where tails are buried in walls or enclosed within the fabric of the building, further protection is required (Gee 7.3.2). Itis important that both supplier's and consumer's tails are sufficiently protected from mechanical damage and disturbance by the use of trunking and/or cable clips; see 2.2.6 of this Guide 2.2.4 Electricity isolator switch Distributors 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) and Figure 2.2.3. This double-pole switch permits the supply to the installation to be interrupted without withdrawing the distributor's cut-out fuse. Where this is the case the tails between the meter and the electricity isolator are part of the supplier's equipment. 2.2.5 Consumer's controlgear A consumer unit assembly (to BS EN 61439-3:2012) is for use on single-phase installations up to 100 A and may include the following components: (a) a double-pole isolator; (b) fuses, circuit-breakers or residual current circuit-breakers (with overcurrent protection) (RCBOs) for protection against overload and fault currents; (© residual current devices (RCDs) for additional protection against electric shock (d) RCDs for fault protection; (e) arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) for additional protection against fire; and (f) surge protection device(s) (SPDs) where required. OnSite Guide © The institution of Engineering and Technology421.1.201 421.1.201 531.3.5.3.2.201 2 Alternatively, a separate main switch and distribution board may be provided. All devices and components shall only be those declared suitable according to the assembly manufacturer's instructions or literature. The scope of BS EN 61439-3 includes distribution boards with an incoming rated current not exceeding 250 A and outgoing circuits not exceeding 125 A. They are intended to be operated by ordinary persons. They can be used in domestic and commercial single and three-phase installations up to 100 A within the scope of this Guide. See IET Guidance Note | and the BEAMA guide: Overload protection of an RCCB or switch in an LV assembly to BS EN 61439-3. 2.2.6 Consumer unit assemblies Where a consumer unit assembly is installed in domestic (household) premises one of the following applies: » the enclosure is to be manufactured from non-combustible material; or » the consumer unit is to be enclosed in a cabinet constructed from. non-combustible material. Ferrous metal, i.e. steel, is deemed to be an example of a non-combustible material. Plastic enclosures manufactured from 960 °C degree glow-wire rated material would not be classified as ‘non-combustible’ in the context of this Regulation. Where a steel consumer unit is installed in an installation forming part of a TT system, the earth fault loop impedance, Za, is likely to be much higher than the maximum permitted for use of the overcurrent protective device (OCPD), i. cut-out, in order to provide fault protection. Should the consumer's tails become loose or damaged and make contact with the metal enclosure, it is likely that the overcurrent device will not operate within the maximum permitted time of 1 s. The IET's Wiring Regulations Policy Committee, therefore, advises the following: (@) a Class | metal consumer unit is installed and each outgoing circuit is protected by an RCBO; and (b) a split, Class | metal consumer unit is installed, where the double-pole main switch of the consumer unit should incorporate an S-type (time-delayed) residual current circuit-breaker (RCCB), for example 100 mA S-type RCCB. NOTE: in cases where RCBOs protect each outgoing circuit, the risk of the solid busbar (connecting the supply side of each RCBO) making contact with the ferrous enclosure is minimal. In split consumer units, where two or three RCCBs protect multiple circuits through individual circuit-breakers, the risk of the single-insulated conductors (connecting the load side of the double-pole main switch to the supply side of the RCCBs) making contact with the ferrous enclosure due to vibration and/or abrasion or being damaged is far higher. In essence, where the construction and layout of the consumer units such that the risk of live conductors making contact with the ferrous enclosure is minimal, then the double-pole main switch need not incorporate an S-type RCCB. OnSite Guide | 23 ‘© The instution of Engineering and Technology2| Inall cases: ara24a (a) the consumer's tails need to meet the requirements for the protective measure sasss220) of double or reinforced insulation throughout their length. This can be achieved by the use of single-core insulated and non-metallic sheathed cable with the sheath being kept on the right up to the terminals of the incoming device (main switch or RCD) of the consumer unit. 522.8.1 (B) the consumer's tails need to be protected to avoid mechanical damage and disturbance at the incoming terminals in the consumer unit in order to avoid: (i) the line conductor becoming disconnected and making contact with the metal enclosure; and (ii) the incoming terminals becoming loose, which may give rise to arcing and/or fire. This can be achieved by, for example, clipping or clamping the consumer's tails, or by installing them in trunking and the use of a suitable cable entry gland. In all cable entry arrangements, the enclosure shall not have sharp edges that could damage cables. V Figure 2.2.6 Example of clipping tails to arrest movement Cables dipped at relevant postions ‘cult protective. metal water metal gas searestmovemers — cnsumer tas conductors. pipe pipe notice (see Figure 64) lectricty Bolter | ‘witch “TT supplier’ tlls 42221 (© the cable installation entry method shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, 416.22 maintain the fire containment of the enclosure. It is essential that account is. taken of the manufacturer's instructions, if any. This can generally be achieved by the installer ensuring that cable access holes made in the enclosure do not leave gaps greater than: (1.0 mm for the horizontal top surface; and (ii) 2.5 mm for all other surfaces of the enclosure that are accessible after installation. 24 | OnSite Guide ‘© The Institution of Engineering and Technology522.81 521.5.1 12 The installer could for example, select (as they deem appropriate) trunking, conduit, cable gland or cable entry accessories to minimize the opening around the cables. (d) the consumer's tails also need to be protected to avoid any foreseeable damage and, where entering a ferrous enclosure, need to do so through the same entry point. Anon-combustible enclosure includes the base, cover, door and any components, such as the hinges, covers, screws and catches necessary to maintain fire containment. Devices and blanks are contained within the non-combustible enclosure and, therefore do not have to be manufactured from a non-combustible material, such as steel. However, the use of non-combustible blanks is not precluded, Any unused ways in the consumer unit must be closed off using blanks to provide at least IP XXB protection NOTE: This information on consumer units has been kindly provided by BEAMA. Further information can be found at: http://www.beama.orguk/en/publications/technical-bulletins.cfm, Where the consumer unitis to be located in an external, non-habitable building, such as a garage or shed, which is not in close proximity to a dwelling, consideration could stil be given to installing a consumer unit of non-ferrous construction. The term ‘not in close proximity’ is always a moot point and the decision to install a non-ferrous enclosure must be supported by a documented risk assessment by a skilled person (electticelly), which must be appended to the Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). 2.3 Separation of gas installation pi from the electrical installation pework Where gas installation pipework is not separated from electrical equipment or cables by an insulating enclosure, dividing barrier, trunking, or conduit, the following separation distances shall be observed: (a) at least 150 mm away from electricity supply equipment, such as metering equipment and main service cut-outs or supplier (main) isolation switches and distribution boards or consumer units; and (b) at least 25 mm away from electrical switches, sockets and electricity supply and distribution cables. The installation pipework shall not be positioned in a manner that prevents the operation of any electrical accessory, ie. a switch or socket-outlet NOTE: — Where these spacing requirements are impracticable the pipework should either be sheathed with an electric insulating material rated at 230 V or more, of a panel of electrical insulating material should be interposed. The cited distances are quoted within Clause 8.4.2 of BS 6891:2015+A1:2019 Specification for the installation and maintenance of low pressure gas installation pipework of up to 35 mm (R1'/.) on premises. Onsite Guide | 25 ‘© The Institution of Engineering and Technology2 ©2834 Figure 2.3 Separation from the gas installation = JE Separation of atleast 25 mm from switches, ' | socket-outlets and supply or distribution cables ‘© Supply cable or ‘dstribution cable Minima = distance 150mm Separation of at least 150 mm from electricity supply equipment. ‘eg. metering equipment, main service cut ots or supplier (main) ‘solation switches and distribution boards or consumer units °144 2.4 Portable generators It is recognized that generators will be used occasionally as a temporary or short-term means of supplying electricity for use, for example: (a) ona construction site; (b) on stalls at a street market; or (©) atan external gathering or function attended by the general public, such as a country show. 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. Further information on the use of temporary generators is available in the IET Practitioner's Guide to Temporary Power. Where generators are used to supply mobile or transportable units such as catering vans or temporary buildings, see also Section 717 Mobile and Transportable Units of BS 7671 and IET Guidance Note 7. 26 | OnSite Guide ‘© The Institution of Engineering and Technology55144 413 anas 2 2.4.1 Electrically separated generator systems ‘The windings of smaller portable generators are often isolated from the mass of Earth and the protective conductor, i.e. there is no connection between the chassis and/or earth connection of the socket-outlet(s) of the unit and either of the live conductors of the generator winding. The ends of the generator winding are brought out to one or more three-pin socket-outlets which should preferably conform to BS EN 60309-2. The protective conductor of the socket-outlet(s) is usually connected internally to the frame of the generator only (see Figure 2.4.1). The electrical system connected to this type of earthing arrangement is a form of electrical separation, where basic protection is provided by basic insulation of live parts or by bartiers and enclosures, and fault protection is provided by simple separation of the separated circuit from other circuits and from Earth. The requirements for electrical separation can be found in Section 413 of BS 7671 where one item of equipment is supplied and Regulation 418.3 where more than one item of equipment is supplied by the separated circuit. However, the requirements of Regulation 418.3 could prove difficult or impracticable to meet in a typical application of a portable generator. It is extremely important to note that a portable generator isolated from earth should only be used to supply equipment in the following permutations: a) one or more items of Class Il equipment; (b) one item of Class | equipment; or () one or more items of Class Il and one item of Class I equipment. The supply of only Class Il equipment, however, is preferable. No more than one item of Class | equipment should be supplied at any time unless further measures are put in place. This is because first faults will go undetected, putting users at risk of shock in the event of a second fault (as the users can provide a path for current flowing between exposed-conductive-parts of faulty electrical equipment). OnSite Guide | 27 ‘© The instution of Engineering and Technology2 Y Figure 2.4.1 Portable generator using electrical separation as the protective measure =, TO oad Current-using ae equipment Socket-outlet with overcurrent protection Generator 55144 2.4.2 Portable generator used without an Earth electrode Where a generator is used for a short duration, or is powering a simple system (eg. a mobile unit), and providing the connecting cables are adequately protected from mechanical damage, it may not be necessary to connect the system to the mass of Earth. It is important to ensure that the protective conductor 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). This arrangement is described as a ‘floating earth’ as the source of supply is not connected to the mass of Earth. 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, enabling automatic disconnection of supply (ADS) to be used as the protective measure, as is common with most installations. If this arrangement is used and the system is not connected to the mass of Earth, it constitutes a departure from BS 7671 Regulation 4114.1 as Earth does not form part of the fault path. With this configuration, neither of the live conductors of the generator are connected to the conductive mass of the Earth. If this method of supply is used, care should be taken to ensure that there is no intended or casual interconnection with any other electrical system, such as extraneous conductive-parts or exposed-conductive-parts from other electrical systems. As an additional protective measure, distribution circuits supplied from the generator output should be protected by an RCD operating at no more than 100 mA with a time delay not more than 200 ms. This is to provide detection of faults caused by unintentional earthing of the system, such as may occur with Class | equipment in contact with the mass of Earth (e.g. a metal-framed distribution unit on the ground). The settings will allow selectivity with other 30 mA RCDs providing Additional Protection on final circuits. 28 | OnSite Guide © The institution of Engineering and Technology2 Y Figure 2.4.2 Generator with floating earth arrangement Generator Line 3 Exposed-conductive-parts Main protective bonding conductor(s) Extraneous-conductive-parts 2.4.3 Portable generator with Earth Electrode For longer term use, or if there are several circuits supplied by the generator a reliable connection with Earth is required. Connecting the system to Earth allows for detection of insulation faults in the distribution - see Figure 2.4.3. Note that this does not create a TT system; the system will be TN-S from the generator, with the neutral or star point being connected to the conductive mass of the Earth. Where an earth electrode is supplied it will need to be tested by the standard method using a 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 does not form part of the earth fault loop path The required value of electrode resistance is determined by the protective devices on the output of the generator. For example, if a single-phase 8 kVA generator has a Type C 32 A circuit breaker on the output, in order to disconnect following a distribution cable insulation fault of negligible impedance to the mass of Earth, a current of 320 A must flow to meet the required disconnection time. At a supply voltage of 230 V (ote Cmin does not apply) this requires an electrode value of 0.72 Ohms or less. In practice such a value will be very hard to achieve for a temporary system and so it is common to use RCDs or Residual Current Monitors to provide ADS. On-Site Guide | 29 ‘© The instution of Engineering and Technology2 In practice the installation of an earth electrode for a temporary system is unlikely to produce a sufficiently low resistance to enable overcurrent protective devices to operate. Because of this it is most common to use RCDs or Residual Current Monitors to provide ADS. choptersa The requirements of BS 7671 Chapter 54 apply. For generator fault currents, manufacturers advice should be complied with as the ability of a generator to sustain high fault currents varies. Y Figure 2.4.3 Generator using earth electrode Generator Equipment <——— Exposed-conductive-parts ———> Protective conductor Where restrictions, such as concreted/paved areas or where the portable generator is being used some distance above ground level, make it impossible to install an earth electrode and it is not suitable to operate the system un-earthed as described in 2.4.1, other earthed metalwork may be used, such as metal fencing or structural steelwork. Connections to street furniture with an electrical installation such as street lighting or other electrical systems of buildings should be avoided. «2 2.4.4 Inverter generators Because traditional engine/alterator generators can suffer stability issues when powering low-energy loads such as LED lighting, the use of electronic inverter generators are increasingly common. These have the appearance of being centre-tapped to earth Gee Figure 2.4.4) and test equipment may not function correctly. 30 | OnSite Guide © The institution of Engineering and Technology2 Y Figure 2.4.4 Inverter generator configuration, Inverter Generator <—— Exposed conductive-parts Line Equipment Main protective bonding conductor's) AZNZNZNN Extraneous conductive-parts Such arrangements should be treated in the same way as those in 2.4.2 or 2.4.3, though they may not sustain high fault currents and the requirements of BS 7671 regulation group 419 may apply. Onsite Guide | 31 ‘© The Institution of Engineering and Technology32 | OnSite Guide ‘© The Institution of Engineering and TechnologyProtection Types of protective device The consumer unit (or distribution board) may contain devices providing: 433 (a) protection against overload current; 434 (b) protection against short-circuit current and earth fault current; au32 (© automatic disconnection in case of a fault (fault protection); ais (d) additional protection (electric shock protection) by means of 30 mA residual current devices (RCD(S)); aaag (©) additional protection against fire may also be included (arc fault detection devices (AFDDs)); and aa (8) protection against transient overvoltage may be included (surge protection devices (SPDs)). Functions (@) and (b) are usually carried out by one device, ie. a fuse or circuit-breaker. ssa Function (© is usually carried out by the device performing function (b), except where a high value of earth fault loop impedance makes the use of a fuse or circuit- breaker for function (©) impracticable (such as a TT system), in which case an RCD has to be used. sou A residual current circuit-breaker with integral overcurrent protection (RCBO), being a “unit with a combined circuit-breaker and RCD, will carry out functions (@) to (d). spends 3.2 Protection against overload current 533.1 Protection against overload current will be provided by the use of any of the following devices: {a) fuses to BS 88-2 (BS EN 60269-2), BS 88-3, BS 88-6, BS 136] or BS 3036; (b) circuit-breakers to BS 3871-1 types 1, 2 and 3; (©) circuit-breakers to BS EN 60898 types B, C and D; and (d) RCBOs to the BS EN 61009 series and to BS EN 62423. NOTE: 8S 5871-1 has been withdrawn and is replaced by BS EN 60898-1:2019; however, these devices are likely to be present in older installations. Onsite Guide | 33 ‘© The Institution of Engineering and Technology3 3.3 Protection against short-circuit current and earth fault current When a consumer unit to BS EN 61439-3:2012 or BS 5486: Part 13 or a fuseboard having fuse links to BS 88-2 (BS EN 60269-2) or BS 88-6 or BS 1361 is used, protection against short-circuit current and earth fault current will be provided by that particular overcurrent protective device (OCPD). NOTE: BS 5486: Part 13 has been withdrawn; however, consumer units to this standard may still be found in older installations. For other protective devices the breaking capacity must be adequate for the prospective fault current at their point of installation. 3.4 Protection against electric shock 3.4.1 Automatic disconnection of supply (ADS) 411 ADSis the most the common method of protection against electric shock. There are two “01 elements to ADS: basic protection and fault protection. 912 3.4.1.1 Basic protection 20) Basic protection is the physical barrier between persons/livestock and a live part. "© Examples of basic protection are: mea (a) electrical insulation; and ai62 (b) enclosures and barriers. s2i01 It follows that single-core non-sheathed insulated conductors must be protected by conduit or trunking and be terminated within a suitable enclosure. 495.11 A 30 mA RCD may be provided to give additional protection against contact with live “15.12 parts but must not be used as primary protection. 213 3.4.1.2 Fault protection 0) Fault protection comprises: aga (a) protective earthing; asia (b) protective equipotential bonding; and ana (© automatic disconnection in case of a fault. Fault protection works 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. 34 | OnSite Guide © The institution of Engineering and Technology10.3.3 a4 amas 44a 41444 44a 44s any 3 3.4.2 Other methods of protection against electric shock In addition to ADS, BS 7671 recognizes other methods of protection against electric shock. 3.4.3 SELV and PELV SELV Separated extra-low voltage (SELV) systems: (a) are supplied from isolated safety sources such as a safety isolating transformer to BS EN 61558-2-6 or BS EN 61558-2-8; (b) have no live part connected to earth or the protective conductor of another system; (©) have basic insulation from other SELV and protective extra-low voltage (PELV) circuits; (d) have double or reinforced insulation or basic insulation plus earthed metallic screening from LV circuits; and (@) have no exposed-conductive-parts connected to earth or to exposed- conductive-parts or protective conductors of another circuit. PELV Protective extra-low voltage (PELV) systems must meet all the requirements for SELV, except that the circuits are not electrically separated from earth. For SELV and PELV systems, basic protection need not be provided if voltages do not exceed those given in Table 3.4.3. Y Table 3.4.3 SELV and PELV basic protection voltage limits eeu) Baud Dry areas 25 VAC or 60V DC Locations containing a bath or shower, Further protection required at all voltages ‘swimming pools, saunas 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 circuit lengths. Onsite Guide | 35 ‘© The Institution of Engineering and Technology3 Table 41.1 4n5.22 4113.23 Table 41.1 4u.3.22 43.24 5313.3 3.5.2 Disconnection times: TN systems A disconnection time of not more than 0.4 s is required for final circuits not exceeding: > 63 Awith one or more socket-outlets; and > 32 Awhen supplying only fixed equipment. A disconnection time of not more than 5 s is permitted for: > final circuits exceeding 32 A, (excluding circuits with socket outlets); and > distribution circuits. 3.5.3 Disconnection times - TT systems The required disconnection times for installations forming part of a TT system can, except in the most exceptional circumstances 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 required for final circuits not exceeding > 63 Awith one or more socket-outlets; and > 32 Awhen supplying only fixed equipment. A disconnection time of not more than 1 s is permitted for: > final circuits exceeding 32 A, (excluding circuits with socket outlets); and > distribution circuits. 3.6 Residual current devices (RCDs) RCD is the generic term for a device that operates when the residual current in the circuit reaches a predetermined value. The RCD is, therefore, the main component in an RCCB (residual current operated circuit-breaker without integral overcurrent protection) or one of the functions of an RCBO (residual current operated circuit-breaker with integral overcurrent protection). 3.6.1 Types of RCD Different types of RCD are manufactured and they vary depending on their behaviour in the presence of DC components and frequencies. The appropriate type of RCD shall be selected from the following: (a) RCD Type AC: RCD tripping on alternating sinusoidal residual current, suddenly applied or smoothly increasing. Type AC RCDs shall only be used to serve fixed equipment, where it is known that the load contains no DC components. Examples of fixed equipment containing no DC components include electric heating appliances and simple filament lighting which does not include electronic transformers or dimmer controls. (b) RCD Type A: RCD tripping on alternating sinusoidal residual current and on residual pulsating direct current, suddenly applied or smoothly increasing. OnSite Guide © The institution of Engineering and Technologyana aus ass Appendix 5 4113.30) ansa 701.4133 701.411.3.3 3 (©) RCD Type F: RCD for which tripping is achieved as for Type A, and in addition: (i) for composite residual currents, whether suddenly applied or slowly rising, intended for a citcuit supplied between line and neutral or line and earthed middle conductor; and (ii) for residual pulsating direct currents superimposed on a smooth direct current. (d) RCD Type B: RCD for which tripping is achieved as for Type F, and in addition: (i) for residual sinusoidal alternating currents up to 1 kHz; for residual alternating currents superimposed on a smooth direct current; for residual pulsating direct currents superimposed on a smooth direct current; (iv) for residual pulsating rectified direct current which results from two or more phases; and (W) for residual smooth direct currents, whether suddenly applied or slowly increased, independent of polarity. For general purposes, only Type A RCDs may be used. For further guidance on the correct use of RCDs for household and similar use, see PD IEC/TR 62350 Guidance for the correct use of residual current operated protective devices (RCDs) for household and similar use. 3.6.2 Protection by RCDs RCDs are required for: (@) fault protection where the earth fault loop impedance is too high to meet the required disconnection time, for example, where the distributor does not provide a connection to a means of earthing, i.e. TT earthing arrangement, (b) In AC systems, additional protection by means of an RCD with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA shall be provided for: (i) socket-outlets with a rated current not exceeding 32 A in locations where they are liable to be used by persons of capability BAI, BA3 or children (BA2, BA3); (ii) additional protection for socket-outlets not exceeding 32 A in other locations; and (iii) mobile equipment with a rated current not exceeding 32 A for use outdoors Note 2 to Regulation 411.3.3: RCD protection of all socket-outlets is recommended. (© additional protection for lighting circuits in domestic (household) premises; (d) additional protection for all low voltage circuits serving locations containing a bath or shower; (©) additional protection for all low voltage circuits passing through zones 1 and 2 of locations containing a bath or shower but not serving equipment within the location; OnSite Guide | 37 ‘© The instution of Engineering and Technology3 522.6.202 522.6.203 ans ana aus ans ass Note 5 Appendix 2 Item 11 (6) additional protection for cables without earthed metallic covering installed in walls or partitions at a depth of less than 50 mm and not protected by earthed steel conduit, earthed trunking or earthed ducting: and (g) additional protection for cables without earthed metallic covering installed in walls or partitions with metal parts (not including screws or nails) and not protected by earthed steel conduit or the like. Note 4 to Regulation 411.3.3 clarifies those means of connection which are not considered to be a socket outlet as: “A lighting distribution unit complying with BS 5733, shaver supply unit complying with BS EN 61558-2-5, luminaire track system, installation coupler, LSC or DCL is not regarded as a socket-outlet for ‘the purposes of this regulation”. 3.6.3 Omission of RCD protection 3.6.3.1 Specific cases RCDs for additional protection for socket-outlets not exceeding 32 A in locations other than: > socket-outlets with a rated current not exceeding 32 A in locations where they are liable to be used by persons of capability BAI, BA3 or children (BA2, BAS); and/or > mobile equipment with a rated current not exceeding 32 A for use outdoors can be omitted, where @ documented risk assessment determines that RCD protection is not necessary. The risk assessment must be appended to the certificate issued for the work. See 3.6.3.2. 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. 3.6.3.2 Risk assessment and the omission of additional requirements by RCDs for socket-outlets As identified above, BS 7671 permits RCDs, where usually provided for additional Protection to socket-outlets, to be omitted where a documented risk assessment determines that the risk to users and those in the vicinity is sufficiently low and, hence, that RCD protection is not necessary. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 puts the responsibility for carrying out risk assessments onto (as applicable) the persons responsible for the operations or work activity. For this situation, the risk assessment needs to be carried out by a skilled person (lectrically) together with the responsible person and must be appended to the appropriate Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). OnSite Guide © The institution of Engineering and Technology314 3 The risk assessment should consider the frequency of use, the environment, the equipment to be connected, the skill level of the person using the equipment and the socket-outlet and the persons who will have access to the area when the equipment is in operation, amongst many other factors. The intention is that the omission of RCDs for additional protection to socket-outlets should be only as a last resort and certainly not for implementation in domestic premises. Note that the risk assessment, like all risk assessments, will need to be revisited at pertinent intervals to assess any change in circumstances, such as change of use, change of ownership or when a periodic inspection is undertaken and must be appended to the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). 3.6.4 Applications of RCDs Installations are required to be divided into circuits 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. 3.6.4.1. Examples of RCDs within installations In each case, refer to 2.2.6 of this Guide. Y Figure 3.6.4(i) Consumer unit with RCBOs, suitable forall installations (TN and TT) final circuits ‘30 mA RCBOs: labelled main switch “Main switch’ (isolator) Onsite Guide | 39 ‘© The Institution of Engineering and Technology