IET Standards

Guide to Highway
Guide to Highway Electrical Street Furniture
Electrical Street Furniture
www.theiet.org/standards

Guide to Highway Electrical Street Furniture

IET Standards
Michael Faraday House
Six Hills Way
Stevenage
Herts
SG1 2AY
 IET Standards
Guide to Highway
Electrical Street Furniture
www.theiet.org/standards

Guide to Highway
Electrical Street Furniture

IET Standards
Michael Faraday House
Six Hills Way
Stevenage
Herts
SG1 2AY
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. SC038698).

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2018

First published 2018

This publication is copyright under the Berne Convention and the Universal Copyright
Convention. All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or
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the publisher at this address:

The Institution of Engineering and Technology,

Michael Faraday House,
Six Hills Way, Stevenage,
SG1 2AY, United Kingdom.

Copies of this publication may be obtained from:

The Institution of Engineering and Technology

PO Box 96, Stevenage, SG1 2SD, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1438 767328
Email: [email protected]
www.electrical.theiet.org/books

While the publisher and contributors believe that the information and guidance given in this
work is correct, all parties must rely upon their own skill and judgement when making use of
it. Neither the publisher nor contributors assume any liability to anyone for any loss or damage
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The moral rights of the authors to be identified as author of this work have been asserted by
them in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

A list of organisations represented on this committee can be obtained on request to IET

Standards. This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application. Compliance with the contents of this
document cannot confer immunity from legal obligations.

It is the constant aim of the IET to improve the quality of our products and services. We should
be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using this document would
inform the IET Standards development team at [email protected] or the IET, Six
Hills Way, Stevenage SG1 2AY, UK.

ISBN 978-1-78561-758-4 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-78561-759-1 (electronic)

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology

 1
CONTENTS

Acknowledgements 5
Sponsoring Organisation 5
Introduction 7
Safety first 7
Aim of this Guide 9
1 Legal 11
1.1 Powers and duties 11
1.2 Managing risk 11
1.3 Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations 12
1.4 Health and safety 13
1.5 Designers 14
1.6 Installation and maintenance 15
2 Highway electrical supplies 17
2.1 Introduction 17
2.2 Service requirements 17
2.3 Connection types 17
2.4 Characteristics of supply 19
2.5 Highway electrical installations connected to a DNO service 20
2.6 Earthing systems/requirements 21
2.7 Highway electrical supplies, types and characteristics 25
2.8 Inspection and testing 28
3 Planning and design for additional highway
electrical equipment 29
3.1 The proposed service provision 29
3.2 DNO consultation 31
3.3 Specific installations 31
4 Lighting equipment 33
4.1 Introduction 33
4.2 Background 33
4.3 Private cable networks 34
4.4 Supply/feeder pillars 35
4.5 Passively safe equipment 35
4.6 Unmetered supplies 36
5 Electric vehicle charging stations 39
5.1 Benefits of electric vehicles 39
5.2 Design guidance 39

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 3

 5.3 Standalone charge points 40
5.4 Charge points incorporated into existing street furniture 44
5.5 Earthing systems/requirements 46
5.6 Visual awareness 47
5.7 Testing/commissioning 48
5.8 Risk 49
5.9 Energy 49
6 Market trader electrical supply pillars and
event pillars 51
6.1 Introduction 51
6.2 Scope 51
6.3 Safe supply of electricity to MTESPs 51
6.4 Design philosophy for electrical installations 53
6.5 Earthing 57
6.6 Link leads 58
6.7 The market trader/market operator relationship 60
6.8 Risks 60
6.9 Maintenance 64
6.10 Market stall equipment 65
6.11 Inspection and testing regime 67
7 Other equipment 73
7.1 Safety and enforcement cameras 73
7.2 Bus shelters 74
7.3 Smart city technologies 74
7.4 Shared traffic signals and lighting 75
8 Considerations for the future 77
8.1 Earthing requirements 77
8.2 Smart cities technologies 77
8.3 Column design considerations 78
Appendix A Market trader sample risk assessment 79

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology

4
 1
Acknowledgements

Allan Howard WSP

Gareth Pritchard HEA (to November 2017)
Dave Franks Westminster City Council
Mark Moscrop WSP

Sponsoring organisations

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 5

 © The Institution of Engineering and Technology
6
 1
Introduction

New technologies and systems that provide a greater range of services to the public are
now available to local authorities and other property asset owners and are easily enabled
through their asset base. Such equipment includes, but is not limited to:

(a) public lighting, illuminated signage, bollards and infrastructure;

(b) architectural lighting (uplighters, under bench, art works etc.);
(c) electric vehicle charge points;
(d) market trader pillars (including event pillar requirements);
(e) event supplies;
(f) bus shelters; and
(g) ‘smart city’ and communication technologies and other ‘on-street’ electrical
equipment (for example, electric bike chargers).

Note: For smart city technologies see ‘highway electrical supplies’.

Such facilities can bring a number of community and public service benefits, for example:

(a) enhanced economic growth;

(b) investment in a local area;
(c) improved environmental considerations;
(d) provision of one or more services; and
(e) improved information sharing.

Safety first
However, this equipment needs careful consideration and understanding to ensure that
it is not only provided efficiently and safely but that it fits into the existing ‘streetscape’
– not just from an aesthetic perspective but also to ensure that it can be constructed,
maintained and operated. It is important, when considering such services, that the local
authority/asset owner acts reasonably and sensibly to assess the opportunities that these
new technologies bring.

This Guide will help the local authority/asset owner in this assessment by setting out the
electrical requirements and obligations for traditional electrical street furniture as well as
the requirements and risks that come with introducing new technologies and services.

Much of this equipment requires an electrical supply. This Guide addresses the electrical
safety considerations and requirements relating to all electrical street furniture that may
be expected to be found within the public realm.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 7

 © The Institution of Engineering and Technology
8
 1
Aim of this Guide

The aim of this Guide is to raise awareness of the electrical safety requirements for such
features. It essentially ‘walks’ readers through the process, requirements and risks that
need to be considered, including:

(a) how the client can assess the competency of the designers, installers and other
duty-holders involved, ensuring that they meet their legal obligations under the
Construction, Design and Management (CDM) Regulations.
(b) the approach to be followed over the full lifecycle of the equipment, from the
point of identifying the need for new services through to evaluating the capacity
of the existing network to ensure that it can accommodate the required electrical
loading to design, as well as the installation, operation and maintenance of the
equipment.
(c) assessing the structural loading, for example, of lighting columns, as other items
of equipment are attached to them. The specific requirements of relevant
different forms of electrical supply and earthing to such equipment are also
discussed.
(d) the requirements for those wishing to use third-party supply points.

This Guide does not replace the need for technical knowledge and competence and
does not look to duplicate what already exists within standards and published guidance.
Where applicable, reference is made to such documentation.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 9

 © The Institution of Engineering and Technology
10
 1
SECTION 1

Legal

1.1 Powers and duties

The provision of electrical supplies has many community benefits, including facilitating
the use of electric vehicles, enabling events and improving economic growth through
local markets/street traders.

When reviewing the provision, maintenance and operation of such electrical installations
within the highway for third-party use a local authority/asset owner must take into
account the following:

(a) the obligation to act reasonably – failure to do so could lead to a review in the
Courts.
(b) the requirement under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to have
regard to the need to do all it reasonably can to prevent crime and disorder.
(c) the fact that where a local authority/asset owner provides the supply point, it is
then the responsibility of the user to ensure that any equipment they connect to
the service point is fit for purpose. The service provider must clearly communicate
the suitable conditions of use to the user so that the user can connect equipment
that is fit and suitable for purpose.

1.2 Managing risk

The objective of managing health and safety at work is to identify and remove or reduce
hazards so that the possibility of injury is reduced. This principle is covered under the
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR).

It is not the intent of this section to detail all requirements with respect to the management
of risk as anyone undertaking design, installation, and maintenance and decommissioning
has to meet the required competencies required under the CDM Regulations. However,
there are a number of key elements that are worthy of mention:

(a) the Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) Section 2 sets out the duties of
employers to employees, requiring employers to ensure, as far as is reasonably
practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees at work.
(b) similarly, Section 3 of HASAWA requires employers to conduct their undertaking in
such a way that the health and safety of persons other than employees, including
the general public, are not at risk.
(c) MHSWR takes this further and places an absolute requirement on the employer to
carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments.

The main stages in undertaking any risk assessment are:

(a) identify the hazards, i.e. anything with the potential to cause harm;
(b) identify who may be harmed;
(c) assess the risks and extent of the risks;

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 11

 (d) identify any existing controls that are applicable;
(e) identify the required standard;
(f) identify what preventative and protective measures/actions need to be carried
out, by whom and when in order to reach the standard required – this may
require the production of method statements detailing the steps that make up the
mitigation process;
(g) ensure that equipment is appropriately CE labelled and that the supporting
technical documentation is provided;
(h) record the process;
(i) review and revise as necessary; and
(j) approval and sign off.

1.3 Construction Design and Management

(CDM) Regulations
The CDM Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) set out what those involved in construction
work need to do to protect themselves and others.

The fundamental requirements of CDM 2015 are that:

(a) all duty-holders – designers, principal designers, contractors, principal contractors

and workers – must not accept an appointment to undertake a role unless
they have the skills, knowledge, capacity and experience and, if they are an
organisation, the organisational capability, necessary to fulfil the role in a manner
that secures the health and safety of any person affected by the project.
(b) any duty-holder appointing a designer, principal designer, contractor or principal
contractor must take reasonable steps to satisfy themselves that the proposed
appointee fulfils the above conditions.
(c) clients must make suitable arrangements for managing a project including the
allocation of sufficient time and other resources. These arrangements must be
maintained and reviewed throughout the project.
(d) all duty-holders must cooperate with any other person working on or in relation to
a project or an adjoining construction site to the extent necessary to enable that
person to fulfil their duty or function.

This applies to any party involved within the design, be it at the concept stage or feasibility
stage through to detailed design, specification and construction stages.

It is necessary that staff involved in working with highway equipment, including

contractors undertaking installation and/maintenance work, are deemed competent.
Such competency will be met through registration in one of two ways:

(a) for staff who carry out site surveys and who need to access electrical
equipment: the organisation and the staff must register with the Highway
Electrical Registration Scheme (HERS) with an Electrotechnical Certification
Card (ECS), which is affiliated to the Construction Skills Scheme (CSCS) –
www.thehea.org.uk/HERS.
(b) for staff who do not require access to electrical equipment but are working on or
near such equipment, it is preferable that they are registered under the HERS/ECS
Scheme. The organisation’s risk assessment may also show that CSCS alone is
acceptable – www.cscs.uk.com/.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology

12
1.4 Health and safety
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act Section 3. (1) states:

“It is the duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure,
so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be
affected thereby are not thereby exposed to risk to their health or safety.”

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act Section 3. (1) and the Electricity at Work Regulations
1989 are legally binding and can be used as a vehicle for criminal prosecution should
an accident arise due to a breach of a regulation. Such a prosecution would require the
defendant to prove their innocence for it to be overturned.

All of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 must be adhered to and the following
regulations are particularly relevant:

(a) Regulation 3 places duties on employers, employees and the self-employed to

comply with the regulations related to matters that are under their control and
employees to co-operate with their employer.
(b) Regulation 4 requires that all electrical systems should, so far as reasonably
practicable, be of safe construction and maintained in that state. All work being
carried out on or near systems must be carried out in such a manner as to
avoid danger. Any protective equipment provided must be suitable and properly
maintained and used.
(c) Regulations 5 to 11, in effect, place a duty to ensure that electrical equipment
is suitable for where and how it is to be used, and is adequately protected.
(d) Regulation 5 states that no electrical equipment should be connected to a
system if there is a chance that its strength and capability may be exceeded in
such a way as to cause danger.
(e) Regulation 6 requires all electrical equipment that may be exposed to the
following elements must be constructed or protected so that danger does not
arise:
i mechanical damage;
ii the effects of weather, natural hazards (animals, trees and plants etc.);
iii the effects of wet, dirty, dusty or corrosive conditions; and
iv flammable or explosive substances.

(f) Regulation 7 states that any conductor in a system (i.e. anything that conducts
electricity) should either be insulated or protected in some other way from giving
rise to danger.
(g) Regulation 8 requires suitable methods of earthing.
(h) Regulation 9 requires earthing conductors not to have their electrical continuity
broken by anything that could give rise to danger.
(i) Regulation 10 requires that all joints and connections must be suitable for safe
use.
(j) Regulation 11 requires that systems must be protected from excess current.

Any person who has a duty under Regulations 4(4), 5 and 8-11 can, in any criminal
proceedings, use the defence that they had taken all reasonable steps and exercised
all due diligence that is reasonably practicable to avoid the offence (but would need to
prove this claim).

Note: Guidance above taken from Public and Commercial Services Union – Electricity at Work
Regulations 1989 – legal guidelines.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 13

 1.4.1 Health and Safety design considerations

Aspects of the design must comply with relevant British and European standards,
including:

(a) test procedures, which should comply with the requirements of the Health and
Safety at Work etc. Act (Section 3.1) and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
(b) the fixed installation segment of the systems and the earthing arrangements,
which should comply with BS 7671 (the Wiring Regulations; for the purposes of
this Guide, we assume the most recent version of BS 7671).

The end user must be notified of the need for them to comply with the Health and
Safety at Work etc. Act (Section 3.1) and Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. The ‘End
User Agreement’ includes information to allow for a check that these requirements are
being adhered to and that the relevant communication is being recorded.

1.5 Designers
Designers are in a unique position to reduce the risks that arise during construction work
and have a key role to play in CDM. Designs develop from initial concepts through to a
detailed specification, often involving different teams and people at various stages. At
each stage, designers from all disciplines can make a significant contribution by identifying
and eliminating hazards and by reducing risks – and have a legal duty to do so.

1.5.1 Who are the designers?

Designers are those who have a trade or a business that involves them in:

(a) preparing designs for construction work including variations – such as preparing
drawings, designs, details, specifications, bills of quantities and the specifications
of articles and substances, as well as all the related analysis, calculations and
preparatory work; or
(b) arranging for their employees or other people under their control to prepare
designs relating to a structure or part of a structure.

This means that ‘designers’ include:

(a) design practices contributing to, or having overall responsibility for, any part of the
design;
(b) anyone who specifies, modifies or alters a design, or who specifies a particular
method of work or material – this can include clients;
(c) those procuring materials where the choice has been left open;
(d) contractors or others carrying out design work;
(e) temporary works design; and
(f) heritage organisations who specify how work is to be done in detail.

It is recognised that designers will have their own processes and procedures for
undertaking the identification, review and elimination or mitigation of risks as part of
their design practice.

1.5.2 Responsibilities

Designers’ responsibilities extend beyond the construction phase of a project. They also
need to consider the health and safety of those who will maintain, repair, clean and

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology

14
eventually demolish a structure. Failure to address these issues adequately at the design
stage may make it difficult to devise a safe system of work. It could also lead to additional
costs being incurred later because, for example, either scaffolding or access equipment
is required.

Designers have to weigh many factors as they prepare their designs. These have to be
balanced alongside other considerations, including cost (capital and revenue), fitness for
purpose, aesthetics, buildability, maintainability, sustainability and environmental impact.

Designers must:

(a) reduce foreseeable risk to health and safety, based on the information available
when the design is prepared or modified – the greater the risk, the greater the
consideration that must be given to eliminating or reducing it. Designers must not
produce designs that cannot be constructed and maintained safely.
(b) in accordance with the MHSWR, carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments.
CDM, particularly Regulations 11 and 13, set out the duties of the designer with
respect to construction work, which applies even if the work is not notifiable
under the scope of the CDM Regulations.
(c) where risks remain, provide the relevant information needed to ensure that other
parties, including other designers and contractors, are aware of them and can take
account of them. These risks must be recorded within the maintenance file.

1.5.3 Construction and maintenance

The designer must ensure through their design and risk analysis that the installation can
be installed and maintained safety. This includes ensuring that all equipment must be
easily maintainable through the use of standard access systems/plant with minimum
disruption to motorists, pedestrians and access to premises and, unless a departure
from standards has been agreed, not require any specialist requirement or equipment.

1.6 Installation and maintenance

Organisations selected to carry out the installation and/or maintenance of highway
electrical equipment must be capable of carrying out the works safely and to the standard
required using competent personnel.

The benchmark widely adopted throughout the UK for work on the public highway
involving highway electrical equipment is the National Highway Sector Scheme 8
(NHSS 8) and the Highway Electrical Registration Scheme (HERS). For more details see:
http://www.thehea.org.uk/HERS/.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 15

 © The Institution of Engineering and Technology
16
 1
SECTION 2

Highway electrical supplies

2.1 Introduction
This section will clarify the provision of electrical connections and earthing requirements
for electrical street furniture, including lighting columns with a supply source from the
Distribution Network Operators (DNO). It also considers the need for surge protection
and how this may be assessed and provided to protect the increasing range of electronic
equipment within the highway.

2.2 Service requirements

Those designing an electrical installation must determine, at an early stage, the earthing
system requirements for the equipment being considered. Usually the system will be
either TN-S, TN-C-S (PME) or TT (see Section 2.3) for a low voltage supply given in
accordance with the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations (ESQCR).

The DNO/IDNO will be able to provide assistance in determining the type of supply that
can be provided and hence the earthing requirements can be established.

2.3 Connection types

BS 7671 lists five types of earthing system: TN-S, TN-C-S, TT, TN-C, and IT.

T Earth (from the French word Terre)

N Neutral
S Separate
C Combined
I Isolated (the source of an IT system is either connected to earth through
a deliberately introduced earthing impedance or is isolated from Earth. All
exposed-conductive-parts of an installation are connected to an earth elec-
trode.)

Within the public realm the two main supply types are commonly TN-C-S (PME) or TT.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 17

 2.3.1 TN-C-S (PME) system
TT Figure 2.1 Typical TN-C-S system

Source of energy

L1

L2

L3

combined
consumers’ protective
installations and neutral
conductor PEN

source earth additional

equipment in source earth
installation

exposed-conductive
parts

In a TN-C-S (PME) system, neutral and protective functions are combined in a single
conductor in a part of the system.

The usual form of a TN-C-S system is as shown in Figure 2.1, where the supply is
TN-C with a combined neutral earth conductor and then the wiring arrangement for the
installation becomes TN-S.

This type of distribution is also known as protective multiple earthing (PME) and the PEN
conductor is referred to as the combined neutral and earth (CNE) conductor.

The supply system PEN conductor is earthed at several points and an earth electrode
may be necessary at or near a consumer’s installation.

All exposed-conductive-parts of an installation are connected to earth via the PEN

conductor.

2.3.2 TT system
TT Figure 2.2 TT system

Source of energy

L1

L2

L3

N
consumers’
installations

source earth
equipment in
installation

exposed-conductive
parts
Installation Installation
earth earth
electrode electrode

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology

18
In a TT system, all exposed conductive parts of an installation are connected to an earth
electrode, which is electrically independent of the source earth, as shown in Figure 2.2.

2.4 Characteristics of supply

BS 7671 requires the designer or installer of an electrical installation to determine the
‘characteristics of supply’ from whatever source. These characteristics include:

(a) the normal voltage;

(b) the nature of the current and frequency;
(c) the prospective short circuit current at the origin of the installation;
(d) the earth fault impedance of that part of the system external to the installation
(Ze);
(e) the maximum demand of the likely installed load; and
(f) the type and rating of the overcurrent protective device acting at the origin of the
installation.

Some of the above characteristics will be dependent on where the supply of electricity
is taken from with respect to the existing distribution network.

The characteristics advised are likely to apply to the majority of DNOs within the United
Kingdom and are drawn from electricity supply industry recommendations. The designer
is advised to contact and consult with the DNO applicable to the proposed installation
to determine their characteristics of supply. They will also be able to advise if there are
any special requirements for the provision of supply, which will affect the work proposed.

2.4.1 Voltage, current and frequency

Low voltage supplies are taken as 230 V single-phase, 400 V three-phase with an
alternating current of 50 Hz in both cases.

2.4.2 Prospective short circuit current (PSCC)

The PSCC at the origin of an installation is based upon the supply system impedance
(the sum of the service cable, the distributor, the supply transformer and the reflected
impedance of the high voltage network). The installation must be designed to withstand
a value of PSCC that:

(a) is based upon the maximum fault level that can be expected on the main; and
(b) makes allowance for the reduction in fault level due to the service cable between
the main and the origin of supply.

This approach recognises the requirements of BS 7671 and also allows for the possibility
of changes to the supply network during the life of the installation. It is therefore likely
that the PSCC values used will exceed that measured.

TT Table 2.1 Example maximum design values of PSCC from one DNO

Supply PSCC
230 V single-phase 16 kA
230/400 V three-phase 25 kA

The designer must consult with the relevant DNO to establish the PSCC values applicable
to the proposed installation location.
© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 19
 The DNO has a statutory duty to provide safe and efficient service connections and
apparatus to the client’s highway equipment. To ensure this they provide a fuse at the
intake point, which has a short circuit rating appropriate to the DNO’s system at that point
and capable of carrying the expected maximum load current for the installation.

In general, the DNO service will terminate in a fusible cut-out incorporating fuse links to
BS 88-2 Low-voltage fuses. Supplementary requirements for fuses for use by authorized
persons (fuses mainly for industrial application). Examples of standardized systems of
fuses A to I.

2.5 Highway electrical installations

connected to a DNO service
2.5.1 Type of connection

Energy Networks Association (ENA; see www.energynetworks.org) Engineering

Recommendation G12 advises that the DNO is permitted to consider offering a PME
connection provided the requirements of BS 7671 are met and the maximum load and
consumer earth electrode resistance bonded to the main earth terminal are less than
2 kW and less than 200 Ω respectively.

The type of equipment for which a PME supply is suitable depends upon its class of
protection against electric shock (see BS EN 61140 Protection against electric shock.
Common aspects for installation and equipment). There are a range of classes, but in
accordance with Engineering Recommendation G12 and for the purpose of this Guide,
lighting columns and sign posts are considered as Class 1. These are items of equipment
that must have their external metalwork connected to an electrical earth.

Engineering Recommendation G12 advises that the majority of electrical equipment

within the public realm (other than lighting columns and sign posts) will not be considered
as Class 1. It goes on to state that a PME terminal should not be offered and a TT system
with a residual current device (RCD) should be installed. This is also a requirement of
BS 7671.

BS 7671 states that a PME/TN-C-S connection is not permitted as a supply source for
some installations – in the sense that reliance only on the TN-C-S/PME earth as an earth
conductor is not permitted.

Essentially – with the exception of lighting columns and illuminated signs, such as
beacons and the like – all electrical equipment within the public realm should have a
TT connection.

2.5.2 Single column, signals etc.

A PME supply point can be provided for individual street lighting columns, signals etc.
and for pillars/supply points that may include a lighting authority’s private cable network
that supplies columns.

In providing a service to an individual item of street lighting equipment, the DNO will
use a street lighting cut-out incorporating an earthing connection to the neutral. It is not
necessary to provide an earth electrode for a single column supply provided the main
has a suitable connection beyond the service position.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology

20
2.5.3 Lighting authority/asset owner private cable
distribution system

A lighting authority/asset owner may design and install their own cable networks but
these usually consist of a separate neutral and earth (TN-S), which is connected to a
PME point of supply.

An earth electrode should be installed and connected to the earth terminal at the point
of supply. It is good practice to install and connect an earth electrode at the last or
penultimate lighting column on the circuit where there are three or more columns on
that circuit.

2.5.4 Design

When considering the design of an installation to connect to a DNO network the principles
of sound health and safety management must be taken into account to ensure that the
system can be constructed, maintained and operated safely and effectively. For example,
in the past it was considered suitable for items such as bollards and beacons located on
traffic islands to have a direct DNO service. This is now considered poor practice based
upon the risks involved in having a non-isolatable supply on an island.

2.5.5 Temporary supply points

The ESQCR prohibit the connection of a PME earthing facility to any metal work (or
conductive material) within a temporary connected structure.

A temporary electrical system is defined in BS 7909 Code of practice for temporary

electrical systems for entertainment and related purposes as:

“all switch gear, generators, distribution units, dimmers and similar equipment, cabling,
connectors, protection, and measuring devices and current using equipment including
mobile and transportable units that are required for an event.”

Such installations should therefore be supplied using a TT system by the DNO/IDNO.

This will require adequate earthing arrangements to be considered and designed.

2.6 Earthing systems/requirements

As a result of a supply usually being a TT system for many of the additional items of
equipment being installed on the highway, the designer is required to consider a suitable
earthing system. This system needs to be in the form of an earth electrode consisting of
one or more earth mats buried in the ground lower than 600 mm from the surface or earth
rods. The requirement is that the resistance of this earthing system should be no higher
than 200 Ω, although in practice a substantially lower value of 20 Ω is usually used where
practicable, with a typical maximum earth resistance value of 100 Ω (as a resistance of
more than 200 Ω may not be stable). A dual earth electrode system may be adopted,
which will offer a backup should one of the earth paths be accidentally damaged or
broken by future works in the area. It is worth noting that individual situations may allow
this requirement to be reduced to a single earth electrode following a site-specific risk
assessment.

The earth system must be included in the periodic testing regime and it is therefore
recommended that two earth pits be installed, at pre-determined locations, to allow for
the testing of the earth installation whilst still maintaining a suitable and sufficient earth

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 21

 path. Due to variances in ground conditions the resistance of an earth electrode cannot
be deemed to stay constant. Consequently, any electrode that has a resistance at or
above 200 Ω cannot be deemed to be a stable earth, so all associated electrical circuitry
would need to be protected, close to source, by a residual current device (RCD) with a
protection value not exceeding 30 mA. This device may need to be of a time-delayed
or type-S device to allow differentiation from other RCD devices if these are installed
further along the network.

TT Figure 2.3 Earth mat installations

Note: Earth mats in Figure 2.3 are installed shallow due to buried services.

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2.6.1 Use of column or pillar foundations

BS 7430 Code of practice for protective earthing of electrical installations states:

“Metallic street light columns or the metal carcasses of feeder pillars or control units,
etc., may be used as protective earth electrodes, providing appropriate calculations and
subsequent measurements show that such use is suitable.”

The DNO should be consulted in advance to seek their agreement to such an approach
as the usual default DNO position is to require an earth electrode or earth mat.

Using a column root as the earth would need to be verified under the worst conditions
(dry soil) through both calculation and measurement. Account would need to be taken
of any protective coating on the column root used to prevent corrosion, which may well
act as a good insulator and have the effect of the column providing no effective earth
path. The designer may need to understand the potential degradation and cathodic
effects that may also impact on the column/pillar integrity.

2.6.2 Looped networks

It should also be noted that BS 7430 states:

“In the case of circuits feeding more than one item of street furniture, for example, using
a looped cable network with separate line, neutral and protective conductors, an earth
electrode should be installed both at the point of supply and at the last or penultimate
unit and this electrode should be such as to make the resistance to earth at any point
less than 20 Ω before the connection of any circuit protective or bonding conductors to
the earth terminal.”

In this case the additional electrical equipment such as an electric vehicle charge point
and the street light itself may both be classed as ‘street furniture’.

2.6.3 Adjacent electrical connections/equipment

Careful consideration needs to be made of the electrical requirement for any equipment
within the public realm where they may be located within 2 m of any other electrical
street equipment (such as columns) or indeed attached to the column itself.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 23

 TT Figure 2.4 TT connection inclusion zone

1
2m

2m
ELECTRIC VEHS

2m

R2m
ELECTRIC VEHS

R2m

2m

For example, as can be seen from Figure 2.4, column 1 lies within a 2 m zone around
the charge area and therefore requires its supply to be converted to a TT supply, whereas
column 2 is outside the zone so may not require a change (subject to the policy of the
relevant DNO/IDNO).

The supplies to the equipment need to be on the same phase and from the same
distribution point.

BS 7671 requires any TT-connected equipment that is located within 2 m of any other
such equipment or that may be made part of the same electrical system as the charge
point should also be connected to a TT supply. It is usually the case that all lighting
columns are on unmetered PME supplies and as such if there is a proposal to install,
say, a charge point within 2 m of the column or a column already sits within 2 m of the

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advised area in which a vehicle will be charged, then its supply should be changed to
a TT supply.

Note: This requirement means that an RCD must be attached to the street lighting circuit. This
may result in nuisance tripping, which may in turn result in increased reactive maintenance
costs.

2.7 Highway electrical supplies, types and

characteristics
2.7.1 Equipment protection/selection of client
protective devices

The designer must select protective devices for the installation in accordance with the
performance requirements of BS 7671. These are usually a fuse link or a miniature circuit
breaker (MCB).

2.7.2 Earth loop impedance (ELI)

The earth fault loop includes the impedances of all circuit components between the
supply distribution transformer and the point of fault and then back to the distribution
transformer. Typical theoretical maximum impedances for the part of the loop that covers
the DNO service are given in Table 2.2.

TT Table 2.2 Typical DNO ELI values

Service type/rating Maximum ELI (Ω)

PME up to 100 A 230 V single phase 0.35
PME up to 200 A 4,000 V three phase 0.35
TN-S up to 100 A 230 V single phase 0.8
TN-S up to 200 A 4,000 V three phase 0.8

These values do not correspond to the PSCC declared; they are designed to cater for the
possibility of changes to the supply network during the life of the installation. In practice
for existing electrical supplies, the earth loop impedance may be higher.

2.7.3 Isolation and switching at the origin of supply

BS 7671 requires that a linked switch or circuit breaker must be provided as near as
practicable to the origin of supply to afford a means of interrupting the supply on load
and acting as a means of isolation.

For all single-phase supplies the ‘main’ switch must interrupt both the ‘live’ conductors,
which BS 7671 defines as being the phase and neutral conductors (i.e. a double-pole
switch).

For three-phase supplies all live conductors (i.e. phase and neutral conductors) must
be broken.

2.7.4 Surge protection considerations

With the advent of LED luminaires and associated central management system control
technologies the value of the technology located within the highway has increased, as

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 has its susceptibility to transient overvoltages. These considerations will only increase as
authorities look to the development of ‘smart city’ technologies using the public lighting
asset and this may present a weakness in the system. We therefore have to understand
what causes overvoltages and how the asset can be protected against them.

Transient overvoltages have four main causes:

(a) lightning – this may not be a direct hit but could be through impact on overhead
supply lines or a rise in ground potential;
(b) industrial and switching surges through the main power network;
(c) electromagnetic discharges; and
(d) nuclear electromagnetic pulses.

Overvoltages differ in amplitude, duration and frequency. The impact of lightning

depends upon the distance from the flash and the properties of the event and installation.
Industrial and switching transients of many kV with rise times of microseconds can
causes disturbances to anything connected to that source.

To limit the effect of transients to an acceptable level the most effective solution is the
installation of surge protection devices.

2.7.4.1 Surge protection device requirements

Many of the surge protection devices built into LED drivers are not suitable because they
may not provide the level of protection required, there is no indicator to show when it
has failed and, upon failure, the whole driver may then fail and require replacement. It is
therefore better to consider a separate surge protector, which may be located within the
luminaire or at the base of the column, the latter being easier to monitor for performance,
risk of failure, etc.

LED luminaires and other highway/public-realm electronic equipment should therefore

be supplied fitted with a stand-alone single-phase compact surge protection device
operating within the parameters set out in Table 2.3.

TT Table 2.3 Surge protection device operating parameters

Compliance to BS EN 61643-11/IEC 61643-11

Protection class Class 2
Nominal operating voltage (L-N) 230 V (50 Hz)
Max load current 16 A
L-N voltage protection (withstand) Up Up 1.5 kV (maximum)
Short circuit capability (mains) Isccr 6 kA (Isccr)

Note: L-N voltage protection can be considered as a door or car park height restriction, the kV
value being the limiting height that is permitted to pass. Anything over 1.5 kV is therefore
blocked. This is a case where bigger is not better as having a value of, for example, 10 kV
will enable all voltage spikes up to 10 kV to pass and hence may cause damage to the
equipment being protected.

The surge protection device should include a status indicator so that the condition of
the device can be easily assessed on visual inspection. The in-service failure of the
surge protection device should also be indicated as a consequence of the isolation of

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the supply to the LED driver/LED array, resulting in the luminaire being turned off. It is
possible to have surge protectors that fail and still permit the circuit to remain operational
but then the load may be subjected to further surges without surge protection, and
potentially fail.

It is preferable that the installation of the surge protection device is not detrimental to the
luminaire’s warranty performance parameters and in any event should not fundamentally
interfere with the operation of the luminaire’s operation other than in the event of
protecting it through the operation of the device as above.

2.7.5 In-rush currents

When undertaking electrical designs for discharge lamps and control-gear based
technologies it is important to understand and manage in-rush currents. However, it is
also important to understand and manage in-rush currents when using LED technologies.

‘In-rush current’ refers to the input current of a short duration that flows into the LED driver
or control circuit during initial start-up. This is essentially to charge up the capacitors on
the input side. This is normally of a very short duration during which time the amplitude
is much greater than the operating or steady-state current.

If there are a number of LED luminaires each with its own driver on one circuit the
maximum peak in-rush current and its duration may be additive. However, this does
depend on the impedance of each driver and the line impedance. LED lighting systems
that use direct drive solutions have no in-rush currents.

2.7.6 LED luminaire circuit protection

The LED luminaire protective device has to be able to withstand the in-rush current of
the luminaire(s) without tripping. The in-rush current of LED luminaires is determined
by the driver(s) and is not proportional to the luminaire wattage or running current. LED
luminaire in-rush currents can be as high as 400 times the running current for a very
short time, generally less than 500 μs.

This in-rush duration is significantly less than the 10 ms lower limit for conventional
MCB tripping. However, some MCBs have a second tripping functionality for in-rush
durations less than 10 ms, having an increasing tolerance to high in-rush currents related
to the logarithmic inverse of the duration. Appropriate circuit protection design is the
responsibility of the relevant competent designer.

2.7.7 Circuit protection

The DNO that provides a service to an individual item of street lighting equipment, such
as a lighting column, will use a street lighting cut-out incorporating a BS 88 fuse link and
earthing connection to the neutral.

For other equipment a general recommendation is to use a type-C circuit breaker or

BS 88 fuse with the highest current rating that is allowed by the circuit cable size. The
MCB that is used needs to have sufficient clearing time for the in-rush current to clear
without creating nuisance tripping when the equipment is powered up. This will give
protection from a short circuit and prevent overheating of wiring and connections.

MCBs operate by tripping open at the point at which an overload or short circuit condition
is detected. The tripping point relates to the magnitude of electrical energy being passed
and this in turn depends on both the in-rush current peak value and its time duration.

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 Accordingly, an MCB could be tripped either by a high peak of short duration or a lower
peak of longer duration. In either case, the objective is to ensure that the MCB trips
before allowing the passing of excessive electrical energy, yet does not trip and cause
lighting blackouts when it does not need to.

2.7.8 In-rush limiters

Where a number of LED luminaires are on a single circuit it is advisiable to consider the
use of an in-rush current limiter. This is an electronic unit that effectively limits in-rush
currents to a precise level and with a high level of repetitive accuracy. A lower current
also potentially allows for a smaller cable cross-section and fewer circuit breakers.

The in-rush current limiter is connected between the outgoing switch/contactor and the
load. At the moment of switching on, the in-rush current is limited for a defined time,
regardless of what the actual in-rush current is.

2.8 Inspection and testing

Upon completion of an installation, it must be inspected and tested in accordance with
BS 7671 – i.e. ‘initial verification’ – and results recorded and provided to the local
authority/asset owner for inclusion within their highway asset inventory.

In addition to the initial verification, it is usual that inspection and testing is carried out
at suitable frequencies throughout the life of the installation ’ i.e. ‘condition reporting’.
Typically for most public lighting equipment including lighting columns and signs, this
would take place at intervals not exceeding every six years – subject to review of the
previous inspection and test results to determine the rate of degradation, if any, of the
electrical equipment.

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 1
SECTION 3

Planning and design for additional

highway electrical equipment
Good planning and the management of user expectations are critical when considering
the provision of any of the services previously mentioned in the Introduction:

(a) public lighting, illuminated signage, bollards and infrastructure;

(b) architectural lighting (uplighters, under bench, art works etc.);
(c) electric vehicle (EV) charge points;
(d) market trader pillars;
(e) event supplies;
(f) bus shelters; and
(g) smart city technologies and other 'on street' electrical equipment (for example,
electric bike chargers).

Such management and planning is not only essential in terms of the appearance of
these installations within the streetscape but also for their construction and layout, which
in turn determines to an extent how users will access and use them. Whilst some of
these may be standalone features, others, such as electric vehicle charge points and
market trader pillars, will have connections made to them using trailing cables or perhaps
incorporated within the shell of a trader stall. Consideration of the wider environment
will improve decision making and help to identify opportunities for decluttering and/or
combining equipment, which can also assist in meeting the requirements of the Equality
Act and the Manual for Streets.

With the exception of public lighting it is likely that all of these services will require some
form of planning consent. It is also likely that these items will be third-party equipment
on the highway and there may be a disconnect between local authorities and third party
equipment management. Local authorities may assume that the third-party owners are
managing the assets, however, it is possible that this assumption is flawed and that local
authorities will potentially be challenged as the overarching authority and guardian of
public safety.

For small items of third-party equipment it would be advisable for local authorities to
have some type of license agreement in place.

3.1 The proposed service provision

This will depend upon the type of service provision being considered and each will
require due consideration of the proposed location. There may also be government
support for wider initiatives that are in the public interest, such as carbon reduction,
increased health awareness or inclusion etc. and what may be a political wish to provide
a service in one area or street needs to be carefully considered to ensure that it can be
reasonably achieved.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 29

 These political drivers may also include the provision of localised charge points to suit
residents who wish to own an electrical vehicle and who are required to park on the
street through to larger charging areas, or to encourage the growth of local markets by
providing electrical supplies where these do not currently exist.

A number of considerations need to be thought through at early planning stage. The

majority of these considerations can be managed at an early planning/design stage
through suitable consultation with stakeholders, such as the proposed user groups,
trader associations, planners, local residents as well as the utility companies whose
services will be required.

3.1.1 The physical installation requirements

Is the equipment suitable for the street/area or is its application going to present other
concerns, such as an increase in street clutter or reduced accessibility for disabled users?
What are the actual installation requirements in terms of foundations?

3.1.2 Electrical capacity

The electrical requirements of the proposed equipment must be known and considered
at the early stage. In some instances the electrical loading for a single standard AC
charge point of 3.7 kW or a DC charge point of 20 kW may seem low, however, when
considered thoroughly and where a number of such installations are proposed within
a given area, the total electrical load can be considerable. Many local authorities/asset
owners should consider that the installation of DC ‘rapid charger’ stations and the
electrical load requirements can range from 20 kV through to 50 kV or for bus and ultra-
rapid chargers from 150 kW to 350 kW (this is potentially equivalent to a small office
block).

In many cases, DNOs advise that their cables are already at maximum capacity and
are therefore unsuitable for any additional loading. In these instances a complete DNO
supply network upgrade, which may include the addition of a substation, may be
required. Alternatively, the local authority/asset owner may have to consider installing a
private cable network, assuming there is sufficient load capacity available locally. This is
discussed further in Section 4.2.

3.1.3 The scope of the service provision on offer

If considering market stall supplies, what is offered to the stall holder needs to be realistic
– for example, a basic provision of lighting and a power socket-outlet is reasonable but
the details and electrical load still need to be set out. Offering food outlet supplies is
generally likely to be impractical because these will usually require a dedicated substation/
high power supply point, which may be a significant expense or not practicable within
the street. Additionally, this may not be a reasonable offer if the markets are competing
with local food outlets that pay full business rates.

It may also not be feasible to offer, for example, fast charge points for electric vehicles
in some areas due to the limitations of the existing service network.

3.1.4 User access and use of the service

The following questions need to be considered and addressed at the design stage:

How will the user access the service? Will the user need to use a trailing lead and if so
how may this be routed to prevent it from becoming a trip hazard?

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3.2 DNO consultation
The ENA have developed an electric vehicle charging infrastructure installation notification
procedure. The ENA also provide information that is relevant to any customer who is
installing electric vehicle charging equipment as well as for persons undertaking such
work.

The procedure includes an ‘adequacy of supply’ assessment that is required before

any electric vehicle charge point is installed, so the procedure is best considered at the
planning stage. As part of the notification procedure a load survey of the area will need
to be provided, and the new maximum demand after diversity will need to be assessed,
including the proposed electric vehicle charging equipment. Details to be provided/
considered include:

(a) full installation address;

(b) the 21-digit meter point administrator number (MPAN) or, in Northern Ireland, the
11-digit meter point reference number (MPRN) for the meter to which the electric
vehicle charging equipment is to be connected;
(c) details of the new installation, including the maximum demand from all electric
vehicle charging equipment connected to the identified meter and any previously
connected charging equipment;
(d) earthing arrangements;
(e) designer/installer connect details; and
(f) charge point owner.

3.3 Specific installations

The requirements for the following are considered in more detail within their respective
sections in this Guide:

(a) electric vehicle charge points;

(b) market trader pillars and event supplies;
(c) safety and enforcement cameras;
(d) environmental monitoring equipment;
(e) smart car parking solutions; and
(f) shared traffic signals and lighting.

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 © The Institution of Engineering and Technology
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 1
SECTION 4

Lighting equipment

4.1 Introduction
The purpose of this section is to clarify the electrical system requirements for fixed
electrical equipment associated with a highway traffic function, including lighting
columns, illuminated traffic signs, illuminated bollards, warning signs, belisha beacons,
shared traffic signals and associated supply pillars.

For the purposes of this Guide what is set out for lighting columns will generally be
applicable for all of the fixed electrical equipment associated with a highway traffic
function.

Lighting columns equipment may be supplied, either:

(a) directly from the DNO’s/IDNO’s PME distribution network; or

(b) from a private distribution installation (including a street lighting authority)
supplied from the DNO’s/IDNO’s PME distribution network.

4.2 Background
DNOs/IDNOs have different requirements for the characteristics of supply and earthing
requirements relating to electrical street furniture. These are detailed in their ‘characteristic
of supply’ and ‘guidance notes for installations to protective multiple earthed systems’
documents.

Section 2 of this Guide discusses some of the detail of these supply arrangements and
requirements.

4.2.1 Single items of electrical street furniture

Current guidance permits the provision of a PME earth terminal, without conditions
on earthing requirements, to all items of electrical street furniture provided that the
customer’s wiring conforms to the requirements of BS 7671. Guidance also permits the
provision of a PME earth terminal within the lighting columns and the use of this earth
terminal in accordance with the exemptions contained within the Supply Regulations
and the ESQCR.

An earthing terminal should be made available in each column. The internal wiring of
the column should consist of separate phase, neutral and circuit protective conductors.
Street lighting columns should be bonded in accordance with the ESQCR.

The exposed metalwork of a street lighting column that is or may reasonably be expected
to come into electrical contact with the general mass of earth must be connected to the
earthing terminal by a conductor that has a minimum copper equivalent cross-sectional
area equal to the supply neutral conductor at that point but not less than 6 mm2, subject
to any particular additional requirements imposed by the DNO/IDNO.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 33

 The DNO/IDNO will generally provide a PME earthing facility to the following:

(a) lighting columns and signs; and

(b) equipment (for example, a feeder pillar) where an earthing electrode (earth
mat or rod) is installed providing an earth electrode resistance of 20 Ω or less.
The designer must make an informed decision as to the best earthing electrode
system to use depending upon site conditions and services.

The earth electrode limit ensures that even in the unlikely case of a loss of neutral earth
connection to the supply, the contact potential on the pillar would rise to a maximum of
100 V. 100 V is far less likely to injure a member of the public than 230 V.

On all other equipment the DNO/IDNO will usually provide a ‘TT’ supply and the
customer must provide their own separate earthing point. The requirements for this are
discussed in this Guide under ‘Highway electrical supplies’ (Section 2).

Note: Any electrical equipment located within an island, such as illuminated bollards and signs,
should preferably not have a direct DNO service. They should be supplied using a private
cable network, which may be fed from a lighting column, sign or pillar located near to
the island, alongside the highway.

4.3 Private cable networks

Where organisations run their own private cable networks from items of electrical street
furniture then additional earthing requirements must be adhered to:

(a) all installations must comply with the ESQCR and BS 7671 as applicable.
(b) where an electrical circuit feeds three or more items of electrical street furniture
then an earth rod or mat must be installed at the supply point and at the last or
penultimate item on that circuit:
i where a feeder column supplies an island with bollards and signs then it is
usually impracticable to install earth rods on the island; and
ii where a 3-phase system is used then an earth rod or mat should be installed
at the last or penultimate unit on each phase.

4.3.1 Use of RCDs

When designers wish to provide additional protection or are unable to make use of a
PME earthing terminal provided by the DNO they are advised to install RCDs to provide
protection against earth faults. These units should be installed in accordance with the
current edition of BS 7671.

The aim of this is to ensure that any installation is safe and compliant with the ESQCR.
The protective earthing approach is designed to protect the public in the unlikely event
of a loss of neutral earth connection to the supply.

4.3.2 Protecting a valuable asset

Lighting columns are increasingly being fitted with LED luminaires and central management
systems and such electronic/solid-state equipment is vulnerable to electrical surges and
supply variations. It is therefore recommended that the designer give due consideration
to the electrical protective arrangements, which should include surge protection as
discussed in Section 2 of this Guide.

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This will become ever more important as we see the growth of smart city technologies,
which will use the public lighting network as the backbone of the service, with the
associated equipment being fitted to the luminaires/columns or fed from them.

4.4 Supply/feeder pillars

When considering the design and specification of the pillar the designer should bear
in mind that whilst the final installation must comply with BS 7671 the assembly of
products cannot. It is therefore incorrect to specify the manufacture of a pillar against
this standard. All items of equipment need to comply with their own appropriate British
or harmonized standard and where this does not exist then reference should be made
to suitable international (IEC) standards.

Pillars therefore need to be considered and designed under the requirements of BS EN

61439 Low voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies. This standard lays down the
definitions and states the service conditions, construction and verification requirements
for low voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies. It does not apply to the individual
components used within the assembly. The standard also lays down the schedule of
testing for such assemblies.

Lighting columns may themselves be used as supply points for other columns, signage,
bollards and the like.

4.5 Passively safe equipment

The Department for Transport’s ‘A safer Way’ consultation process looked at how road
deaths and serious accidents could be reduced. Part of this considered errant vehicles
leaving the carriageway and colliding with a lighting column or illuminated sign. To reduce
the potential severity of injury to the vehicle occupants BS EN 12767 Passive safety of
support structures for road equipment, requirements and test methods was introduced.
This is supported by the Institution of Lighting Professionals Technical Report TR30
Guidance on the implementation of passively safe lighting columns and sign posts.

Passively safe structures are defined by three energy absorbing categories:

(a) high energy absorbing: provides a gradual retardation to the vehicle and the
support remains standing;
(b) low energy absorbing: support yields in front and under the vehicle and may
sheer off; and
(c) non-energy absorbing: support sheers off at the base and will normally fall back
over the roof of the vehicle.

Where passively safe supports contain power supplies for any purpose the electrical
safety of the installation must be maintained at all times, and under all conditions,
including in the case of vehicle impact. The designer must undertake a risk assessment
on the design solution to ensure the electrical safety for the specific project. The designer
must also consider the most suitable means of isolating the supply to the support. There
are two approaches that can be applied:

(a) snatch or pull-out plugs located within the base of the support: these should be
vandal resistant, reliable in use, weather, water and dust resistant (IP67), comply
with BS EN 60309-1 Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes.
General requirements and BS EN 60309-2 Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers
© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 35
 for industrial purposes. Dimensional interchangeability requirements for pin and
contact-tube accessories and be provided with a practical method for inspection;
and
(b) a 0.4 second disconnection installation: this may use impact or tilt sensors located
within the base of the column that, upon impact, activate a disconnection circuit.

Such systems must in no way act as a tether. Direct DNO services are not suitable for
passive supports and cannot be used.

4.6 Unmetered supplies

4.6.1 General requirements

It is worth noting the requirements for an unmetered supplies connection. The Electricity
(Unmetered Supply) Regulations 2001 (Statutory Instrument 2001 No. 3263) specify
that an unmetered supply may be given if the load is of a predictable nature and either
the load is less than 500 W or it is not practical for the supply of electricity to be given
through an appropriate meter either technically, financially or for legal reasons (i.e. due
to technical difficulties associated with providing a meter, significantly higher metering
costs or health and safety or other legislation). The ‘tests’ for financial, technical and legal
viability are therefore not required for loads below 500 W.

The word ‘or’ has the effect that a predictable load significantly higher than 500 W
could be provided with an unmetered supply if the anticipated metering costs, technical
difficulties or the operation of law would mean that it was not appropriate for the supply
of electricity to be given through an appropriate meter.

4.6.2 Predictability

The key factor in determining whether an unmetered supply is appropriate is therefore

the predictability of consumption, and wattage is a secondary condition. However,
predictability is dependent on accurate inventories being maintained.

The National Measurement and Regulation Office (NMRO) considers that in the context of
these regulations, ‘predictable’ must be assumed to mean a load that can be consistently
understood throughout its usage period, such that billing can be correctly estimated
or accurately calculated based on pre-defined operational profiles or based on event
records. The NMRO considers that to maintain settlement accuracy there should be a
maximum permitted variation of +/− 3.5 %, which means that the calculated usage
should be equivalent in accuracy to that of a metered supply.

In determining if a load meets this criterion the NMRO encourages a pragmatic approach
to equipment that will, for the majority of time, require a constant load but may have
small variations in load from time to time that are insignificant in terms of overall kWh
consumption taken on an annual basis.

The definition of ‘predictable’ is intended to help stakeholders to determine if other

items of street furniture are suitable for connection to unmetered supplies. When the
load is less predictable, it may be necessary for the supply to be metered. However,
the NMRO also encourages parties to adopt a pragmatic approach for small loads (for
example, vehicle-activated signs where a speed warning sign ‘flashes’) where the cost
of metering would significantly outweigh the value of the electricity consumed. In this
situation it may be possible for the parties to agree a number of ‘burn hours’ based on

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the estimated number of ‘flashes’ over a time period to provide a reasonably accurate
estimate (if necessary, erring on the high side) of consumption. This is particularly the
case for customers who have a good record of maintaining an accurate inventory.

4.6.3 Load considerations

The ‘less-than-500 W’ requirement refers to the load rating of the equipment although it
is the quantity of electricity consumed that needs to be predictable. This is the product
of the load (in kW) and the hours of operation. Strict application of this rule could
result in situations where equipment with a predictable load that is seldom used, but at
times consumes over 500 W, is metered. Conversely, lower loads operating continuously
would consume more energy over time but could be unmetered.

The Electricity (Unmetered Supply) Regulations do not define where the 500 W ‘limit’ is
to be measured – i.e. at the load point or at the supply point. The NMRO have applied
the following definitions:

(a) supply point: the point of connection to the authorised distributor’s network.
(b) load point: the point at which the load of the equipment consumes electrical
energy.

For the purposes of these Regulations, the NMRO adopts the interpretation that the
500 W is measured at the load point and is assumed to mean the maximum operating
load of the equipment in question (i.e. the actual power consumption of the load when
operating in service and taking into account any losses attributable to power factor
characteristics, etc.).

A common example of this would occur where a number of lamps may be situated on
a single column so that the total wattage exceeds 500 W but the individual lamps are
below this limit, or where a number of lighting units of predictable load are fed from a
single point of supply that, when aggregated, exceeds the 500 W limit.

It is generally not practical to meter individual lamp columns and the inclusion of the
word ‘or’ in the Electricity (Unmetered Supply) Regulations has the effect that these
applications may be considered for an unmetered supply provided they meet the
definition of ‘predictable’. Likewise the aggregated load from a series of columns fed
from a single supply point may also be considered for an unmetered supply provided
they also meet the definition of ‘predictable’.

Further guidance is available from the NMRO – Guidance on Unmetered Supply

Regulations.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 37

 © The Institution of Engineering and Technology
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 1
SECTION 5

Electric vehicle charging stations

5.1 Benefits of electric vehicles

Electric vehicles cover hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and pure electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles are powered by a battery supplying electricity to the motor, offering a
‘clean’ and energy-efficient alternative to vehicles with an internal combustion engine.
Pure electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions and no emissions at all when
charged with green electricity from renewable sources, making them an environmentally
friendly vehicle.

Despite the limited range of many of the electric vehicles on the market, they are
becoming increasingly popular but require a suitable charging infrastructure. Technological
improvements are allowing for the range of vehicles to expand and electric vehicles
are now becoming a more viable option. By promoting the switching from internal
combustion vehicles to electric vehicles both the public and private sectors can help to
improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gases.

In order to promote the use of such vehicles it is important to develop an appropriate

electric vehicle infrastructure. The following factors need to be taken into account:

(a) early engagement with the DNO to undertake an assessment of the current
electrical capacity in the street/area to accommodate charge points;
(b) choice of charging system – trickle, fast or inductive charging;
(c) durability – including the anticipated demand and levels of use so that a
long-term sustainable solution can be put into place;
(d) suitability of points for disabled users;
(e) compatibility with the majority of electric vehicles used; and
(f) infrastructure design, taking a minimalist approach looking to a ‘clutter-free‘ street
environment and managing the impact and risks of the installation and ease of
ongoing maintenance.

5.2 Design guidance

Those considering and designing such installations should make reference to appropriate
guidance including the following:

IET: Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging

Equipment Installation
EV Association Scotland: Electric vehicle charging infrastructure, A deign
guide
Office for Low Emission Vehicles: Electric vehicle home charge scheme
Making the connection, The plug in vehicle
infrastructure strategy
Transport for London: Guidance for implementation of electric vehicle
charging infrastructure

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 39

 5.3 Standalone charge points
There are a range of electric vehicle charging units available that may provide slow or
fast/rapid charge as well as the ability to charge one or two vehicles at a time. Although
some chargers may have the facility to charge more than two vehicles, these tend to be
located at ‘destinations’ in car parks rather than within the public highway. In some cases
the link lead is tethered at the station and each lead provides a range of socket-outlets
depending on the make and model of the vehicle to be charged.

TT Figure 5.1 Sample of a range of charge point stations available (courtesy of Siemens)

5.3.1 Charger positioning

The location of a charge point within the highway needs careful consideration, taking
into account the size and style of the charge point and whether its application is going
to present other concerns, such as an increase in street clutter or reduced accessibility
along the street from the perspective of disabled users, together with actual installation
requirements in terms of foundations and how the link cables will be used.

These considerations are also not helped by the diversity in location of the charge socket
on the vehicles, which vary by make and model. However, multi-socket charge points
can be considered, which will cover the majority of electric vehicles in the UK (but not
all). The location and choice of the charge point therefore needs due consideration as
to how many vehicles may be parked and their potential orientation. This will allow the
consumer, using a normal link cable length of 5-8 m, to be able to connect reasonably
easily. This will avoid the potential for the link cable being a barrier or hazard to other
highway users, when in use.

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TT Figure 5.2 Individual charge points and twin charge point with impact protection

Consideration should also be given to access by disabled users as well as access for
servicing and maintenance. It may also be a consideration that some form of physical
impact protection is provided for the charge point.

As discussed in Section 2 of this Guide and in Figure 5.3, consideration must be given
to the vicinity of other electrical street furniture as anything within a 2 m radius of the
charge point/vehicle being charged is likely to require its electrical service connection
to be modified.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 41

 TT Figure 5.3 TT connection inclusion zone

1
2m

2m
ELECTRIC VEHS

2m

R2m
ELECTRIC VEHS

R2m

2m

5.3.2 Electrical arrangements/considerations

In general, a charge point or network of charge points will be supplied via a private cable
network from a main distribution point/pillar located in a suitable position within the
highway boundary. In some instances this pillar also incorporates a signpost supporting
a sign plate advising of the charge point service, such as that shown below.

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TT Figure 5.4 Charge point information sign

When considering the design and specification of the pillar the designer should bear
in mind that although the final installation must comply with BS 7671 the assembly of
products cannot (see Figure 5.5).

The pillar will contain the DNO/IDNO service cut-out, normally a 100 A service head, an
approved meter, a 100 A/100 mA RCD (usually a type S due to other RCDs downstream
in the network) and a distribution board fitted with type C MCBs or BS 88 type 2 fuses.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 43

 TT Figure 5.5 Electrical vehicle charge point – general layout

5.4 Charge points incorporated into

existing street furniture
As the take up of electric vehicles increases there is a greater demand for charge points
to be installed, especially where such vehicles are parked overnight in residential areas.
Where the vehicle has to be parked on the highway it is not practical or safe for the
owner to run a link cable from their house to the vehicle. In these instances residents are
making requests for on-street charging stations to be provided. Where the street lighting
column or other item of electrical street furniture is located towards the front of any
footway/kerb it makes sense to consider how a change point may be located within it.

TT Figure 5.6 Charge point integrated onto the column door (courtesy of Ubitricity)

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To facilitate this, the electrical supply to the column needs to be considered. The general
approach for standalone charge points is for a TT supply to be supplied with the customer
(local authority/asset owner) providing their own earthing system (see Section 3.6).

Where the lighting columns are on a PME supply then the ENA Engineering
Recommendation G12 Note permits a DNO to consider offering a PME connection
provided the requirements of BS 7671 are met and the maximum load and consumer
earth electrode resistance bonded to the main earth terminal are less than 2 kW and
less than 200 Ω respectively (see Section 3.5.1).

The load requirement can be addressed by providing a trickle charging facility only, but
the earth resistance limitation does require careful consideration.

The energy consumed in these instances is measured through a meter incorporated into
the link-lead charging cable itself and the vehicle will only charge when both ends of the
correct link cable are connected.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 45

 TT Figure 5.7 Link cable incorporating a meter (courtesy of Ubitricity)

5.5 Earthing systems/requirements

As discussed in the highway electrical supplies section a result of a supply being a
TT system is that the designer will be required to consider the necessary earthing
system. This system would need to be in the form of an earth electrode consisting of a
sequence of earth mats buried in the ground, 600 mm from the surface or earth rods
(see Section 4.3).

5.5.1 Use of column or pillar root as an earth

As discussed in Section 3.6, BS 7430 states:

“Metallic street light columns or the metal carcasses of feeder pillars or control units,
etc., may be used as protective earth electrodes, providing appropriate calculations and
subsequent measurements show that such use is suitable.”

Contact should be made with the DNO/IDNO in advance to seek their agreement to
such an approach and it is understood that the normal default DNO position is to require
an earth electrode or earth mat.

Using a column root as the earth would need to be verified under the worst conditions
(dry soil) through both calculation and measurement.

Charge leads are normally between 5-8 m in length to reduce the potential trip hazard
and must be equipped with couplers. The cross-sectional area of the charge lead
conductors must be suitable for the highest current rated equipment expected.

It is noted that some charge leads are supplied with a standard domestic three-pin plug
for connection to the charge point. This may be satisfactory, as on these charge points
the actual socket is covered by a protective flap, which also closes and locks when the
charge lead is plugged into it and can only be opened by the same key fob that initially

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accessed it. However, this could also, potentially, allow a normal household extension
lead to be used to extend the length of the charge lead (to perhaps suit how a person
has parked their vehicle). This could result in the connection between the charge lead
and the extension lead being in an environment that is unsuitable for the intended use
of the plug and socket (for example, damp or standing water) as they are not weather
resistant.

TT Figure 5.8 Typical electric vehicle charge point connections

5.6 Visual awareness

The charge lead is a potential trip hazard to those using a public area and as such
consideration must be given to ensure that it is as visible as possible by both day and
night.

Note: Different artificial light sources can affect the colour appearance of the item when
being viewed in dark conditions.

5.6.1 Using the charging lead

Before being connected to the supply, the equipment, including extension leads, should
be checked. This information should be provided to the end user:

(a) for compatibility with the charge point;

(b) for any cracks, splits, abrasions or temporary joints or extensions in the cable;
(c) for security of cable cord grips at entries to equipment, plugs and sockets and
that the outer sheathing of the cable is terminated within the apparatus; and
(d) to ensure that the plugs and sockets are in good condition.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 47

 During use, users must be notified of the terms of use, including that:

(a) flexible cables are not kinked;

(b) the weight of equipment or tightness of the cable (being over stretched between
charge point and vehicle) will not result in the plug out of the socket getting
pulled out;
(c) cables are not dragged over rough surfaces;
(d) the equipment is not overloaded;
(e) all equipment is safe and secure at all times; and
(f) cables are not positioned where they can form a trip hazard.

After use ensure that:

(a) the equipment is switched off and the plug withdrawn and cover clicked into
place;
(b) the equipment is stored correctly and in a dry place;
(c) the supply points are left safe;
(d) if any faults are found with the charge cable that they are reported, repaired or
replaced by a competent person and the equipment tested before reuse; and
(e) if any faults are found with the supply points, that they are immediately reported
through to the relevant local authority/asset owner or asset owner.

5.7 Testing/commissioning
Upon completion of the installation the equipment must be tested and all results recorded
and provided to the local authority/asset owner for inclusion within their highway asset
inventory.

This information must include, but not be limited to:

(a) site location;

(b) charge specification/type;
(c) supply details;
(d) BS 7671 test results;
(e) date of commission; and
(f) charge commissioning certification.

The charge unit must be fully operational and this may include specific simulated charging
tests as well as commissioning and client hand-over checklists.

Consideration must also be given to the link lead. Health and safety requirements
(outlined in HASAWA, MHSWR, BS 7671, etc.) indicate that approved equipment for use
on vehicle charging systems should be subject to inspection before each use as well as
regular formal inspection and testing of the link lead to ensure it is safe and fit for use.
Periodically (recommended at least every six months), all charge leads should be checked
and tested. Where faults are identified, these should be rectified by a competent person
or the lead replaced. Tests are carried out:

(a) to ensure that the requirements before connection are in order;

(b) to confirm the working order of maintenance functions as recommended by the
manufacturer; and
(c) as part of routine electrical inspection and testing, including portable appliance
tests where applicable.

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Durable tags must be affixed on the charge lead within 150 mm of the plug. New
equipment need not be tested but should be tagged with the date of entry into service.

5.8 Risk
This section only covers the electrical aspects of vehicle charging within the public
domain, i.e. the charge point, the cable between the charge point and the vehicle (charge
lead) and any relevant considerations regarding the vehicle itself.

Typical risks to safety through the use of the charge cable include:

(a) trip hazard: the type and location of the electrical supply point and the location
of the electric vehicle charge point equipment, together with the way the link
cable is likely to be used and run, must be considered at the design stage to
try to identify how any trip hazards can be eliminated or minimized and to avoid
the link cable forming a barrier if it is suspended between the charger and the
vehicle.

(b) electrocution (direct or indirect contact with live parts) may be caused by:
i damaged cabling/exposed conductors;
ii ingress of moisture to live parts causing leakage currents;
iii defective electrical equipment; and
iv damaged supply bollards.

(c) burns (from direct or indirect contact with ‘live’ parts or overheating equipment)
may be caused by:
i contact with exposed live parts; and
ii contact with hot electrical equipment/installations.

(d) fire (resulting from short circuit, high impedance fault or loose connections) may
be caused by:
i short circuit fault;
ii high impedance fault; and
iii loose electrical connections.

5.9 Energy
It is not the purpose of this Guide to advise on energy payments as charge points will
usually be connected to a metered pay supply. In the case of column-mounted charge
points, where the metered payment facility is not built into the charging lead cable itself,
Elexon and the Unmetered Supplies Group (UMSUG) have produced proposals on how
these charge points may be considered when connected to an unmetered payment
supply. Such a supply uses the central management system to report on consumption
to a meter administrator, who will then construct data flow for use in settlement.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 49

 © The Institution of Engineering and Technology
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 1
SECTION 6

Market trader electrical supply pillars

and event pillars

6.1 Introduction
This section looks at the provision of an electrical supply network supporting an individual
market trader electrical supply pillar (MTESP) or a system of MTESPs. These are usually
installed to allow the supply to, and responsible usage of electricity by, individual street
market traders who use licensed temporary stall structures. The variation of use and
environmental conditions carry a significant level of risk for a local authority/asset owner,
its officers and the equipment operators (market traders).

Similarly, such pillars can provide supply electricity for one-off or regular events so, while
the terminology in this section is aimed at market pillars, the approach will be exactly the
same when considering such pillars for event use.

6.2 Scope
The provision of electrical supplies as a service to markets may bring added benefit to
the people of an area/authority as a whole, leading to greater economic development
of the markets themselves, and may also have a positive effect on the surrounding
business. This can result in a growth in prosperity and can be beneficial to the authority
as a whole.

These electrical supply assets would generally be the responsibility of the local authority
or may be the property of the market trader association. However, these do not normally
form a part of the authority’s core service requirements and operational maintenance
cost recovery through a ‘service level agreement’ should be considered. In this way,
the local authority/asset owner can maintain control of their service and the associated
maintenance, management and energy revenue costs within the constraints of minimum
mandatory maintenance requirements.

Those responsible for the supply should look to ensure that any proposed system will be
safe for use by traders and will not compromise public or workforce safety.

6.3 Safe supply of electricity to MTESPs

The Highway Authority or any other asset owner has a duty to understand the condition,
maintenance and management requirements of assets on the highway. As part of this
obligation they need to consider the provision of MTESPs and supply points. This will
include requirements for installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, legal obligations,
management and responsibilities/risk assessments related to connections to the market
stalls. A sample risk assessment is provided within Appendix A.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 51

 This section considers the main aspects of the safe supply of electricity to market stall
holders. The following points will be addressed:

(a) considerations when planning market trader supplies;

(b) market trader supply points; and
(c) market trader agreements/market rules and regulations.

There are no specific standards available for the supply of electricity to external market
stalls, but locations having some similarities are covered by Part 7 of BS 7671 – these
locations being:

(a) electrical installations in caravan/camping parks and similar locations;

(b) exhibitions, shows and stands;
(c) electric vehicle charging installations; and
(d) temporary electrical installations for structures, amusement devices, and booths at
fairgrounds, amusement parks and circuses.

There is also guidance for comparable installations within BS 7909 (see Section 2) and
BS 7375 Distribution of electricity on construction and building sites, although the latter
relies upon a reduced safety voltage network, which is not suitable for market traders.

6.3.1 Overall considerations when planning the

supply points for a market

Consultation should be held with market managers and market stall holders to determine
their requirements and to involve them with each project. Their requirements should be
balanced against what realistic service provisions can be provided.

The layout of each market will require careful consideration so that supply points can be
suitably located and cable routes to all stalls can be managed. A rule of thumb of stalls
being 3 m wide with a 1 m gap between them tends to fit in with most requirements
and current market layouts. However, in some cases the size of the stalls may be different
and this approach will therefore need evaluation.

All market trader sites need to be assessed to ensure that emergency vehicles can gain
access at all times.

It would be considered sensible for each trader to pay for the energy used as well as
being encouraged to be energy efficient when managing their electrical load. However,
the practicalities and legalities of this must be considered; payment considerations are
discussed later in this section.

An operational policy or market trader guidance for the use of each supply point, such
as that explored in Section 6.11.7, requires consideration in terms of:

(a) how cables are run from the pillar to the stall, addressing health and safety
issues/concerns such as trip hazards, protecting the cables from damage etc.;
(b) electrical testing and certification of electrical cables and apparatus supplied; and
(c) how energy use may be charged.

The electrical load to each stall should be carefully managed and in general be rated
at 16 A unless, in exceptional cases, for example, where food preparation/cooking
is permitted, by advance request at the design stage of the new installation. In such
instances, a 32 A single phase supply could be considered. It should be noted that a
domestic installation would be designed around 3.2 kW average use (when diversity is
taken into account), so 3.7 kW should be more than sufficient for a market stall.
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6.4 Design philosophy for electrical
installations
6.4.1 Supply

Due to the nature of the equipment being supplied, the ESQCR prohibit the connection
of a PME earthing facility to any metal work (or conductive material) within a temporary
connected structure. BS 7909 defines a temporary electrical system as:

“... all switch gear , generators, distribution units, dimmers and similar equipment,
cabling, connectors, protection, and measuring devices and current using equipment
including mobile and transportable units that are required for an event” – therefore such
installations would be supplied by the DNO/IDNO with a TT system.”

See Section 3.3 for more information.

6.4.2 Types of pillar

The type of market supply pillar will really depend upon each particular application and
should take into account the number of market trader stalls to be supplied from a single
point as well as the intended use of the area, both whilst the market is in place and
when it is not.

There is a wide range of options that the designer can consider and these include but
are not limited to those shown in Figure 6.1.

TT Figure 6.1 Different types of pillar (courtesy of DW Windsor Ltd)

TT (a) Heritage fixed pillar

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 53

 TT (b) Modern style single & double door pillar

TT (c) In-ground retractable pillar

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In the case of the above ground pillars these may either be fixed in their location or
located in demountable sockets so they can be removed when not required. The pillars
that are located below ground when not in use require an appropriate IP rating (IP68)
and due consideration for drainage as well as taking into account existing utility and other
underground services or features such as vaults and cellars.

TT Figure 6.2 Demountable pillars

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 55

 In general it is likely that a market stall will be given access to a 230 V 16 A supply,
protected by a 30 mA RCD.

When selecting pillars, the chance that they may be misused must be considered,
and therefore a robust misuse-resistant pillar should be chosen. Issues to consider
may include how much access to the equipment is provided. It may be that the local
authority/asset owner wishes to limit access to the socket-outlet only and not to the
circuit protective devices.
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It is possible that the supply pillar will be located in a position where a direct DNO/IDNO
service cannot be supplied and in these instances the pillar or network of pillars will be
supplied via a private cable network from a main distribution point/pillar located in a
suitable position within the highway boundary.

TT Figure 6.3 Main market supply pillar (courtesy of Charles Endirect)

When considering the design and specification of the pillar the designer should bear
in mind that whilst the final installation must comply with BS 7671 the assembly of
products cannot. It is therefore incorrect to specify the manufacture of a pillar against
this standard (see Section 4.4).

6.5 Earthing
As a result of the supply being from a TT system, the market operator may be required
to supply and maintain its own earthing system. This system would need to be in the
form of an earth electrode, perhaps consisting of a sequence of earth mats buried in the
ground below 600 mm from the surface or rods (see Section 4.3).

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 57

 TT Figure 6.4 Typical earth mat installation

6.6 Link leads

It is recognised that the ‘link’ between the MTESP and the market stall has risks associated
with it. These include:

(a) the use and integrity of the required earth bonding lead;
(b) the condition of the power lead between the MTESP and the market stall; and
(c) trips and falls due to inappropriate running of cables between MTESPs and market
stalls.

Unless the local authority/asset owner considers otherwise, the market operator will
own these link cables and a License Condition should include a requirement on the
‘authorised user’ (defined within the License Condition agreement) to ensure that:

(a) these connection leads are of a robust design that meet the minimum design
specification;
(b) are inspected before use by the user; and
(c) electrically tested at least every six months and visually inspected by a competent
person on a weekly basis to start with. The frequency of this competent visual
inspection could potentially be reduced if, over time, no significant damage or
degradation of the cabling is detected.

These checks should be logged following the procedures laid out in the Health and
Safety Executive document HSG 107 Maintaining portable and transportable electrical
equipment.

A key aspect to consider is how the supply from the pillar to the stall can be provided
and the details of the ‘extension/link’ lead. It is recommended that a ‘camping hook-
up’ type cable with a 3 or 4 gang 13 A socket head be considered. This socket head
may be switched or un-switched at the stall end but must not contain an additional
RCD unit. It would be preferable that the link lead is orange Artic flex cable of 4 mm2
3 core construction and no more than 5 m long (unless otherwise agreed with the local
authority/asset owner).

To counter potential trip and fall hazards it is recommended that a cable protection ramp
should be used where the cable between the MTESP and the curb/back of stall is on
the ground.

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TT Figure 6.5 Cable protection ramps

The condition and suitability of the equipment attached to the network by the market
traders is an area that is more difficult to manage. It is recommended that a limit to what
equipment can be connected is agreed with the individual traders and an arrangement
is made between the market operator and the trader to test any portable equipment
on a regular basis and to make it clear to the traders that only inspected and tested
equipment, suitably certificated, may be used. Again, this would need to be policed by
a responsible person appointed by the market operator.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 59

 6.7 The market trader/market operator
relationship
Any authorised user should be made aware of the associated risks to safety and of their
responsibilities under the relevant acts/regulations.

Quoting the regulations with which a trader must comply is clearly a responsible action
for the market operator/local authority/asset owner to take. This will go some way to
ensuring safety and will correctly place responsibility for some safety aspects with the
trader. Further practical guidance and rules as indicated in Section 6.11.7 can help to
reduce risks. A license condition for the authorised user to present a valid inspection and
test certificate for equipment registered for use on their stall can be linked to the process
of allowing them access/issuing their access card.

6.8 Risks
The potential risks to safety include electric shock, burns, fire, trips and falls and lesions.

6.8.1 Electric shock

Electric shock from contact with ‘live’ conductive parts could be the result of:

(a) a market stall frame becoming live;

(b) damaged cabling/exposed conductors (owned/installed by the trader or local
authority);
(c) damaged lamp holder exposing live parts (owned by the trader);
(d) broken lamp exposing live conductors/electrodes (owned by the trader);
(e) ingress of moisture to live parts causing leakage currents (local authority owned
sockets);
(f) defective electrical equipment (owned by the trader);
(g) damaged MTESPs; and
(h) connection of non-inspection and tested equipment, suitably certificated, which
could introduce a risk of fault on the supply network.

The following is an extract from the HSE website ‘PAT – Portable appliance testing FAQs’:

“Note: Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the term used to describe the examination of
electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. Most electrical safety
defects can be found by visual examination but some types of defect can only be found
by testing. However, it is essential to understand that visual examination is an essential
part of the process because some types of electrical safety defect can’t be detected by
testing alone.”

A License Condition should include a requirement on the authorised user to ensure that
their electrical equipment is inspected, tested and certified. While this is a requirement
on the authorised user it could be that this is a service that can be offered by the market
operator/local authority.

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TT Figure 6.6 Market stall with multiple extension leads and incorrectly terminated cables

6.8.2 Burns

Burns (from direct or indirect contact with live parts or overheating equipment) may be
caused by:

(a) contact with exposed live parts (owned/installed by trader or market operator); or
(b) contact with hot electrical equipment/installations (owned by trader or market
operator).

6.8.3 Fire

Fire may be caused by:

(a) a short circuit fault (equipment owned/installed by the trader or market operator);
(b) a high impedance fault (equipment owned/installed by the trader or market
operator);
(c) a loose electrical connection (equipment owned/installed by the trader or market
operator); and
(d) extension leads not unwound.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 61

 TT Figure 6.7 Potential over-loading of supply (note the electric heater in bottom right
corner)

TT Figure 6.8 Overloaded market stall, potentially excessive lighting, food preparation and
cooking facilities

6.8.4 Trips and falls

Trips and falls may be caused by inappropriate routing of the cable between the MTESP
and stall installations. A license condition will need to include a requirement on the
authorised user to ensure that they employ a suitable cable management solution that
allows for user and public safety to be maintained.

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TT Figure 6.9 Vandalized pillar

TT Figure 6.10 Long extension lead that presents a trip hazard and a coiled extension lead
presents a potential fire hazard

6.8.5 Lesions

Lesions may occur from glass fragments from an exploding lamp or sharp edges from
a broken lamp envelope (whether caused by explosion or not). Explosions may occur
when a lamp fails and the lamp envelope may also be shattered through mechanical
impact.

6.8.6 Managing the risk

It must be noted that under The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act Section 3. (1):

“It is the duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure,
so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be
effected thereby are not thereby exposed to risk to their health or safety.”

In order to protect the market operator from any legal action it is necessary to implement
suitably certificated and recorded inspection and testing.

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 6.9 Maintenance
The maintenance of equipment includes an inspection and testing regime that will trigger
any defective or damaged equipment to be identified and removed from service until
such time as it is returned to a safe operating condition. Ideally this should occur before
such equipment leads to an accident.

Each piece of portable equipment should be subjected to a six-monthly portable

appliance testing regime (PAT). The arranging of, and payment for, the PAT test will be
the responsibility of the market trader. A condition of licencing to trade on a pitch with
access to an electrical supply is that all portable electrical equipment used on the stall
must be entered onto a list of equipment, held by the market trader. This list must form
part of a current and valid PAT certificate. All PAT-tested equipment must be clearly and
indelibly labelled with the date on which the current PAT test expires.

Notwithstanding the above, a PAT test does not guarantee a piece of equipment is in
a safe condition at any time after the test was carried out, so it is vital to understand
that visual examination is an essential part of safe operation. It should therefore be a
requirement that the market trader carries out a daily visual inspection of each portable
appliance before connecting it to the electricity supply. The person using the equipment
should ensure that the equipment is in sound condition by checking for the following
before it is put into use (the below points can be formalized into a checklist for the end
user):

(a) damage (apart from light scuffing) to the supply cable, including frays and cuts.
(b) damage to the plug or connector, for example, the case is cracked, the pins are
bent, wires are exposed, screws are missing etc.
(c) any joints in the cable or taped-up damage.
(d) the outer sheath of the cable not effectively secured where it enters the plug or
the equipment. Evidence would be if the coloured insulation of the internal cable
cores is showing.
(e) the equipment has been subjected to unsuitable conditions, for example, it is wet
or excessively contaminated with paint, oil or grease.
(f) damage or cracking to the external casing of the equipment.
(g) loose or missing parts or screws.
(h) evidence of overheating (burn marks or discolouration around electrical
components).

These checks also apply to all leads, plugs and socket-outlets. Any defect must result in
the equipment being withdrawn from use until it is repaired or replaced by a competent
person and certified as safe for use.

Any equipment found in use on a market stall that is clearly defective or has not been
PAT tested could lead to the market trader losing the right to use electrical equipment
on their stall.

The market trader should also ensure that the cable between the MTESP and the stall is
installed in such a way that it is protected from external damage and does not constitute
a trip hazard. Where a cable may be considered a trip hazard a suitable containment
device must be used (see Figure 6.11).

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TT Figure 6.11 Cable containment

6.10 Market stall equipment

When selecting the equipment to use on the market stall the market trader needs to
ensure that, when any combination of the equipment is connected to the supply, it does
not exceed 16 A. As most portable electrical equipment is sized by kilowatt (kW), Table
6.1 gives approximate amperages for the various sizes of equipment available to allow
calculation. It should also be noted that whilst the supply may be 16 A each individual
piece of equipment cannot exceed 13 A as it must be fitted with a domestic-style plug
that cannot exceed this (therefore units bigger than 2.9 kW will not be suitable for
the supply and units above 2.7 kW are not recommended). It is also required that all
equipment selected carries a CE mark and, where practical, is double insulated. ‘Double
insulated’ is denoted by the symbol of a square within a square (see Figure 6.12). Plugs
and socket-outlets must comply with BS EN 60309.

TT Figure 6.12 Double insulation logo

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 65

 0.06 kW = 60 W = 0.26 A 1.2 kW = 1200 W = 5.22 A 2.4 kW = 2400 W = 10.43 A
0.1 kW = 100 W = 0.43 A 1.3 kW = 1300 W = 5.65 A 2.5 kW = 2500 W = 10.87 A
0.2 kW = 200 W = 0.87 A 1.4 kW = 1400 W = 6.09 A 2.6 kW = 2600 W = 11.30 A
0.3 kW = 300 W = 1.30 A 1.5 kW = 1500 W = 6.52 A 2.7 kW = 2700 W = 11.74 A
0.4 kW = 400 W = 1.74 A 1.6 kW = 1600 W = 6.96 A 2.8 kW = 2800 W = 12.17 A
0.5 kW = 500 W = 2.17 A 1.7 kW = 1700 W = 7.39 A 2.9 kW = 2900 W = 12.61 A
0.6 kW = 600 W = 2.61 A 1.8 kW = 1800 W = 7.83 A 3 kW = 3000 W = 13.04 A
0.7 kW = 700 W = 3.04 A 1.9 kW = 1900 W = 8.26 A 3.1 kW = 3100 W = 13.48 A
0.8 kW = 800 W = 3.48 A 2 kW = 2000 W = 8.70 A 3.2 kW = 3200 W = 13.91 A
0.9 kW = 900 W = 3.91 A 2.1 kW = 2100 W = 9.13 A 3.3 kW = 3300 W = 14.35 A
1 kW = 1000 W = 4.35 A 2.2 kW = 2200 W = 9.57 A 3.4 kW = 3400 W = 14.78 A
1.1 kW = 1100 W = 4.78 A 2.3 kW = 2300 W = 10.00 A 3.5 kW = 3500 W = 15.22 A

Some examples of catering equipment and related power usage are listed below. These
units are the smallest of their range available and this illustrates the care that must be
taken in selecting the equipment.

These units are being used for example purposes only and the market trader must
check the power consumption of any equipment they intend to use and not use the
figures below.

TT Figure 6.13 Load indications for typical market staff electrical equipment

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Large display warmer 1.8 kW (7.82 A)
Panini toaster 1.5 kw (6.52 A)
Expresso machine (small) 1.7 kW (7.39 A)
Water Boiler 2.6 kW (11.3 A)
Domestic kettle 2.2 kW (9.57 A)

Lights should be counted as the wattage shown on the box divided by 1,000 to give
kilowatts. It is recommended that the market trader uses low energy lamps (preferably
LED) to supply lighting. Care should be taken to ensure that any lamps are protected
against accidental contact/impact as a safety precaution.

6.11 Inspection and testing regime

6.11.1 General requirements

To satisfy any defence against prosecution in the event of an accident involving electrical
equipment, it is necessary that a structured method of recording all inspections and tests
are documented in a register, signed, dated and retained and that all inspections and
tests follow the guidance laid out in the Health and Safety Executive document HSG 107
Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment.

Due to the nature of MTESPs and their associated supply and networks and the fact that
these installations are in the public realm, it is a requirement that the owners ensure
that, as far as is reasonably practical, the complete installations are kept in a safe and
well-maintained condition.

The requirement for inspection and testing should be allowed for in the design of any type
of installation that has a number of components, and has to be considered to maintain
the installations in a safe working condition and demonstrate compliance to the Health
and Safety at Work etc. Act Section 3. (1) and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 67

 6.11.2 Construction phase requirements

On completion of the construction phase of an installation a full electrical inspection

and test must be carried out to confirm that the installation complies with BS 7671 in
its entirety but especially to Part 7, Section 708 – Electrical installations in caravan/
camping parks and similar locations as applicable.

A full inspection and test certificate for each installation must be handed to the local
authority/asset owner before these installations are accepted for use by market traders.
This test certification needs to be saved as part of the content of the installation health
and safety file and included within the local authority/asset owner asset management
data base.

6.11.3 Ongoing inspection and testing

The MTESP and user-side installations must then be inspected again and retested as
above, every six months, in accordance with BS 7671 to ensure that there is no significant
deterioration of the electrical safety of the installation. A new certificate must be issued
and saved as part of the content of the installation health and safety file.

6.11.4 Installation connection requirements

These installations should be supplied by the DNO using a TT supply system, which
relies on the installation operator supplying their own earthing system as an earth is
not supplied by the DNO. As discussed in Section 2.6 the earthing system consists of
a system of earth mats or rods. The correct functionality of these mats or rods is a key
safety issue and as such an earth resistance test of each installation would form part of
the compliance testing listed above.

It is mandatory that the earth resistance testing is carried out at each installation every
six months, even when the duration between compliance tests is extended beyond the
recommended six months.

These test results must be recorded and saved as part of the content of the installation
health and safety file.

6.11.5 Routine inspection and testing recommendations

Over and above these testing regimes it is recommended that a competent person
carries out a weekly visual inspection and function test on every MTESP that is in service.
It is recommended that the local authority/asset owner appoint market managers who
are trained to a level of competence to allow them to carry out this task.

This inspection will cover the condition and operation of the MTESP, so will cover such
things as the security, condition and operability of any covers, controls, switches, doors
and latches or locks as well as the physical condition of the bollard and its security in
the ground socket. The competent person must also actuate the test trip button of the
residual-current circuit breaker with overcurrent protection (RCBO) and ensure that the
RCBO resets.

The competent person will also hold the responsibility of ensuring that each market
trader is using only PAT-tested electrical equipment on the stall and to assess that the
equipment in use will not overload the electrical supply to the stall. These weekly checks
need to be recorded. As part of this inspection routine and at any time during a market
patrol the competent person should also ensure that the equipment used by the market
trader complies with the requirements of this report, i.e. that the equipment is free from
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any of the defects listed (see Section 6.10). Anything that is found to be unsafe must
immediately be disconnected from the electrical supply until satisfactorily remedied.

6.11.6 Logistics of testing and recording test results

By carrying out the above inspection and testing and to ensure that all inspection and
testing is recorded it is expected that the market electrical installations will be maintained
in a safe and operable condition.

Tags must be affixed on the electrical cord within 150 mm of the plug. New equipment
must be tested and tagged before entry into service.

Each authorised user or, where applicable, market manager, must maintain a register
identifying the details of all electrical equipment and extension leads with dates of
inspection and the results. Each item must be marked as tested, approved and a retest
date.

An appropriate safety barrier must be in place between any heating facility equipment
and customers, as shown in Figure 6.14.

TT Figure 6.14 Market trader stall with barrier

It is also expected that the whole fixed electrical system from incoming supply to the
points of connection of the MTESPs is periodically inspected and tested in accordance
with BS 7671. The periodic inspection and testing should be carried out at no less than
12-monthly intervals, due to the intended use of the system.

6.11.7 The (market trader) ‘authorised user’ agreement

The authorised user should be subject to a formal agreement that specifies that stall
electrical systems are inspected, tested and certified by a competent person, are safe
in all respects and that:

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 69

 (a) stall systems are neatly installed with no cables crossing or rolls of cables, and
that the socket unit is secured above ground level and is not exposed to rain,
spills and suchlike;
(b) stall holders will comply in all respects with health and safety legislation;
(c) all electrical equipment used on the stalls are CE marked;
(d) multi-way adaptors are not used without the express permission of the market
operator;
(e) any electrical equipment or system is rated for the particular voltage/current to
which it is connected;
(f) stall electrical equipment is not located beyond the confines of the stall; and
(g) any market trader guidance published by the local authority is adhered to.

The electrical equipment used on market stalls can be considered as portable electrical
equipment (see also the Health and Safety Executive HSG 107 Maintaining portable and
transportable electrical equipment).

Before being connected to the supply, the equipment, including extension leads, should
be checked:

(a) for compatibility with the supply voltage and current;

(b) for any cracks, splits, abrasions or temporary joints or extensions in the cable;
(c) for security of cable cord grips at entries to equipment, plugs and socket-outlets
and that the outer sheathing of the cable is terminated within the apparatus; and
(d) to ensure that the plugs and sockets are in good condition.

During use to ensure that:

(a) flexible cables are not kinked and extension leads are fully unwound to avoid
over-heating;
(b) the weight of equipment is not supported on the flexible lead or used to pull the
plug out of the socket-outlet and equipment does not drop;
(c) flexible cables are not dragged over rough surfaces;
(d) the equipment is not overloaded;
(e) the flexible cable is kept well clear of rotating and hot equipment;
(f) equipment used on, at, or for the site is safe and secure at all times;
(g) cables are not positioned where they can form a trip hazard; and
(h) metalclad equipment is stood, wherever possible, on non-conductive materials
such as wood or plastic or on a rubber mat.

After use to ensure that:

(a) the equipment is switched off and the plug withdrawn;

(b) the equipment is stored correctly and in a dry place;
(c) the supply points are left safe and de-energised (switched off);
(d) any faults found with the portable equipment are reported, repaired or replaced
by a competent person and equipment is inspected and tested before re-use;
and
(e) any faults found with the supply points are immediately reported through to the
market operator.

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6.11.8 Operation of market trader electrical supply
bollard

Prior to using a market trader supply bollard/point the user shall:

(a) carry out visual equipment checks as listed in Section 6.11.7;

(b) plug the link lead into the MTESP and run the lead out to the market stall, using
any cable containment devices supplied; and
(c) ensure that the RCD for the chosen socket is in the ‘up’ or on position.

The market trader must report any faults with the MTESP equipment to the market
manager at the earliest opportunity. The market manager will initiate a maintenance call
and should carry out repair and restore service as soon as possible.

Under no circumstances must the market trader attempt to repair or alter any part of the
MTESP or the electrical infrastructure supplying it.

6.11.9 Energy payments

A local authority/asset owner has a duty to monitor, manage and maintain their electrical
assets while reducing the related energy use and may therefore want the option to
recover energy used by market traders.

Perhaps the simplest way of achieving this is through an ‘authorised user control solution’
such as a key and/or electronic card switch, which ensures that only authorised users can
access and use the MTESPs. In this case an authorised user would be a licensed trader
and they will need to understand that the use of these assets comes with constraints
and conditions on the authorised user that are designed to ensure the safety of the user,
the public and the workforce.

Payment could be facilitated through the issuing of credit ‘pre-loaded’ swipe cards that
could then be used by the traders to activate and measure electricity supply at the
MTESP associated with the use of their stalls. By recovering electrical energy costs it
is hoped that this will encourage responsible use of the equipment and electricity. The
use of a swipe card system as an enabling ‘key’ will provide the required level of control
over access to energy from an MTESP ensuring that the owner meets their health and
safety obligations.

An alternative option to resale pre-loaded energy units would be to charge the traders
a fixed annual fee for electricity as a service, which would be included in their stall fee,
and use the swipe card as a key to allow use of electrical power. Another option would
be to issue the cards free of charge to licensed market traders, but to also use them as
a trader licence ID/token. This could then be used with, or replace, any existing ‘issued’
licence paperwork but still retain the required control of restricting access to the MTESPs
to ‘authorised users’ – i.e. official licensed traders.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 71

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72
 1
SECTION 7

Other equipment
Many of the sections of this Guide covered the main items of electrical street furniture
currently being installed within the highway. There are, of course, many other items
of equipment installed within the highway/public realm and as discussed in detail
within Section 3.5.1 ENA Engineering Recommendation G12 advises that the majority
of electrical equipment within the public realm (other than lighting columns and sign
posts) will not be considered Class 1. Based upon this it states that a PME terminal
should not be offered and a TT system with an RCD should be installed. Essentially, the
requirements for these types of equipment are the same as those already discussed.

7.1 Safety and enforcement cameras

Safety and enforcement cameras will not have a direct DNO service. They should be
fed from a dedicated supply from a feeder pillar that is suitably located. In general these
should have a TT supply.

TT Figure 7.1 Safety camera with sub-pillar

Where cameras or other equipment (for example, environmental monitoring equipment)

are mounted on lighting columns themselves, the following must be considered:

(a) the structural integrity and suitability of the column structure;

(b) how the equipment will be connected, including circuit protection and labelling;
(c) how the equipment will be maintained – including electrical inspection and
testing; and
(d) how emergency situations (such as a road traffic incident causing damage to the
column) will be dealt with.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 73

 7.2 Bus shelters
Bus shelters may contain only a lighting system but more frequently they also
accommodate live travel information screens as well as illuminated advertisements.

TT Figure 7.2 Adjacent supply pillar (L) and integral electrical housing (R)

The design of bus shelters varies and many tend not to favour the installation of a direct
DNO/IDNO service due to limited space (mainly height) of the electrical compartment
(see Figure 7.3 (L)), which prevents the DNO service cut-out being installed correctly
and limits room for a distribution panel. They should therefore be fed from a dedicated
supply from a feeder pillar that is suitably located (usually with a TT supply). As can be
seen from Figure 7.2 (L), this can be unsightly and increase street clutter. Other bus
shelter designs look to provide appropriate electrical compartments (Figure 7.3 (R))
within their structure, which presents a less cluttered and cleaner impression of the bus
stop area as shown in Figure 7.2 (R).

TT Figure 7.3 Inadequate electrical compartment (L) and adequate electrical compartment (R)

A key requirement is to ensure adequate bonding between the metal structure of the
bus shelter and the supply earthing system. Good practice dictates that the bus shelter
structure should be bonded to a suitable earth mat or rod.

7.3 Smart city technologies

The consideration of smart city is discussed in Section 8. It is a wide-ranging topic
encompassing many new and emerging technologies that will bring many benefits to the
authorities, businesses, residents of, and visitors to, a city/town or area.

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7.4 Shared traffic signals and lighting
Many authorities are considering de-cluttering the street scene and one such approach
can be the combining of equipment, such as traffic signal aspects, onto lighting columns,
provided that the locational requirements needed so that each achieves their respective
tasks can be achieved.

Within the UK most new traffic signal equipment is 48 V extra low voltage (ELV) from the
signal controller to the signal poles. 230 V low voltage (LV) controllers are still available
but these are only for very limited applications and ELV is certainly the normal for all new
signal installations.

Where it is agreed that a combined column can be used, the following is required:

(a) the signal controller must have its own feeder pillar with a DNO service and must
not be used to supply any other equipment.
(b) combined columns must not have a direct DNO service – instead, they must
be fed from a dedicated supply from a feeder pillar that is suitably located and
is more than 2 m away from the signal feeder pillar. More than one combined
column can be fed from a feeder pillar.
(c) in cases where lighting and signal-related cables for lighting combined columns
share the same duct, they must be easily identifiable and easily isolated at each
pillar.
(d) all cables must be identified by suitable labelling at both ends of the cable and
any draw pit it passes through.
(e) all electrical work must comply with the current edition of BS 7671; in particular,
LV and ELV circuits should be separated within the column – the wiring for the
signals installation will be in accordance with the design and specification for the
junction and will be installed by the approved signals contractor as instructed by
the signals engineer.
(f) the wiring for the lighting will be in accordance with the design and specification
for the lighting design and will be installed by the approved lighting contractor as
instructed by the lighting engineer.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 75

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 1
SECTION 8

Considerations for the future

The designer of any system should consider the question: ‘what must I take into account
when planning and/or designing existing equipment to make it ready for possible future
additional applications?’

8.1 Earthing requirements

It may be worth identifying recommendations for the future such as ensuring that a good
customer earth is achieved when installing new equipment. Whilst the usual connections
may still be PME, there may be a reason to convert to TT supply in the future with
the new technologies, such as electric vehicle systems and infrastructure monitoring
equipment, that are starting to emerge and good earth paths will be required. Of course,
this is arguably good practice anyway.

8.2 Smart cities technologies

‘Smart city technologies’ covers a wide range of possible applications and we therefore
need to consider the areas that we may wish to develop as a business at a later stage.
These areas may change as an understanding of the term becomes better defined over
time, the technologies develop and clients get their own understanding of what they
need. However, from actions already carried out, benefits can include income generation
for the authority, increased efficiencies from targeted services and a more personal
service for both residents and visitors.

As part of early adoption of smart city strategies, many authorities are considering how
a city-wide system can be deployed. Due consideration is being given to the use of the
street lighting furniture forming the backbone of the infrastructure through its ability to
provide location, height, power and communications – i.e. lighting columns that not only
act as sources of illumination but also as information hubs to help monitor and control
services delivered by the municipality. Such services include, but are not limited to:

(a) parking – the monitoring of available parking and advising users of its existence.
(b) air quality – the monitoring of air quality with the potential to divert traffic onto
other routes or, where practicable, reducing traffic idling times and, conversely,
speeds, which will in turn reduce pollution in specific areas.
(c) drainage – monitoring of gullies, identifying when they need to be emptied rather
than doing it on a fixed programme. This could also minimise disruption on the
street and reduce flooding due to a blocked gully.
(d) waste collection – monitoring of authority-owned and commercial refuse bins.
(e) adaptive lighting – changing the lighting levels to suit the task to be lit, for
example, changing light levels to suit pedestrian activity or traffic volumes.

One of the barriers to this is the current ‘silo’ mentality that exists in some local
authorities, as departments do not tend to communicate well between themselves and
look to share revenue incomes. For example, a team managing parking for a local area
may use the lighting infrastructure for their system but may not share any of the revenue

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 77

 generated from their parking services to the lighting department, who have to look after
the additional equipment on their columns.

In addition to revenue income, increased efficiencies through targeted service delivery

and reduced traffic disruption, other benefits/considerations could include:

(a) public safety and security – equipment that senses rushes of people in an area
that's usually deserted at night could trigger an alert to the police; alternatively,
within security zones, enabling full automatic checks of street apparatus to ensure
that suspect devices/suspicious packages are not left within them.
(b) retail analysis via footfall recording – does a specific event or festival have an
impact on footfall and hence the local economy?
(c) street usage analysis – monitoring of traffic and users to establish how streets are
used, including intelligent transport systems (ITSs), ranging from traffic monitoring
to emerging co-operative-ITS (C-ITS) initiatives.
(d) water monitoring – use of smart water systems that help conserve water by
detecting leaks.
(e) digital kiosks/information points for citizen engagement.
(f) smart mobility – ensuring that users such as residents, workers and visitor/tourists
have particular services delivered, depending on their needs.

Currently many questions exist as to what can actually be achieved through the application
of sensors on lighting columns in addition to questions as to the most appropriate
networking technology to use: wired; wireless; mesh networks; GSM; Wi-Fi; Bluetooth
etc., while still ensuring the privacy of the data and security of the system.

Certain smart city technologies mounted on columns may have associated safety
requirements/safety zone limits. The designer must ensure that the client is fully aware
of the manufacturer’s guidance, who in turn must advise their contractors and operatives
who may need to attend to such equipment.

8.3 Column design considerations

The development of smart city technologies and the consideration for such technologies
to be located upon lighting columns merits consideration now, with the main requirements
being:

(a) for the column to structurally support the additional loading of these technologies
in terms of weight and windage: the current consideration to meet this
requirement is for the column design to include both a factor of safety for the
intended or existing luminaire and an additional consideration of a 0.6 m2 sign
plate located at the top of the column.
(b) the provision of a direct current electrical supply at the top of the column/at the
luminaires: at least one LED driver supplier now produces a driver with a separate
dedicated DC output for such a purpose.

Consideration should also be given to any equipment that may need to be located within
the base compartment of the column and if the size and access details are adequate.

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 1
Appendix A

Market trader sample risk assessment

Brief Description Date of Assessors: At Risk:
of Activity: Assessment:
ONGOING MWDM A – WCC staff and contractors

Market trader B – Market traders

electricity supply to
individual trade stalls
C – Members of the public
D – Equipment and property

Other Supporting documentation (please list):

before controls
Risk level

Controls
Risk Level with
Groups at risk

Probability
Severity

Hazard/risk Controls to be applied

1. 30 mA RCD/RCBO protective
devices to be installed in the
circuits directly before the last
sockets to protect life.
A 2. Any person permitted by the
General B authority to use the electrical
danger of Cr O H system is made aware of the L
electric shock. C associated risks to safety.
3. Maintenance regimes will be
implemented that ensure
frequent monitoring/testing and
record keeping is maintained
throughout the life of the asset.
4. 30 mA RCD/RCBO protective
devices to be installed in the
General danger A circuits directly before the last
of burns due B sockets to protect life.
to contact with Cr R M L
C 5. All portable equipment to be CE
exposed live
marked and/or double insulated.
parts.
6. Recorded process – occasional
monitoring.
7. Stallholders must ensure that all
equipment used on, at, or for
A their site is safe and secure at all
General danger
times.
of burns due B
to contact with S O M 8. Recorded process – occasional L
hot electrical C monitoring.
equipment.
9. Only PAT certificated equipment
to be used (license condition)
other than lighting, may be used.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 79

 before controls
Risk level

Controls
Risk Level with
Groups at risk

Probability
Severity
Hazard/risk Controls to be applied

Use of
C
equipment/ 10. Use of swipe card issued to
power supply D Cr O H licensed traders (authorised L
by unauthorised user) to activate power supply.
persons.
11. The local authority will specify
a minimum standard for this
requirement and also provide a
solution within the service level
agreement (SLA). Along with
various options that will ensure
that they are electrically tested
(minimum) every 6 months
and visually inspected by a
competent person on at the
agreed interval. The licensed
Damage to market trader (authorised user)
cable between A will be issued with operational
market trader guidance that will instruct that,
B
electrical supply Cr O H before being connected to L
bollard and the C the supply, the cable between
stall resulting in market trader electrical supply
electric shock. bollard (MTESP) and the stall
must be checked for any cracks,
splits, abrasions or temporary
joints or extensions in the
cable, for security of cable cord
grips at entries to equipment,
plugs and sockets and that the
outer sheathing of the cable is
terminated within the apparatus
and to ensure the plugs and
sockets are in good condition.

12. 30 mA RCD/RCBO protective

devices to be installed in the
circuits directly before the last
sockets to protect life.
13. Maintenance regimes will
be implemented that ensure
frequent monitoring/testing and
record keeping is maintained
throughout the life of the asset.
14. 30 mA RCD/RCBO protective
devices to be installed in the
Market trader circuits directly before the last
attaching faulty sockets to protect life.
A
equipment at 15. Maintenance regimes will
the stall resulting B
Cr R M be implemented that ensure L
in electric C frequent monitoring/testing and
shock if current record keeping is maintained
leakage to stall throughout the life of the asset.
structure occurs. Only PAT certificated equipment
to be used (license condition),
other than lighting.
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 before controls
Risk level

Controls
Risk Level with
Groups at risk

Probability
Severity
Hazard/risk Controls to be applied

16. To counter potential trip and fall

hazards it is a requirement that
A the cable between the MTESP
Trips and
falls due to B and the curb/back of stall a
inappropriate cable protection ramp should
C M P L be used. T
running of cable
between MTESP D 17. Monitoring, education and
and stall enforcement (license condition)
will be implemented through
the SLA.
18. Mitigated by an authorised/
responsible authority appointed
service provider having
responsibility for the deployment
and those persons carrying
‘Removable’ out visual and basic functional
A
MTESPs and/ testing, on deployment of a
or associated B unit to a location. These checks
equipment should be logged following
C Cr R M T
could be the procedures laid out in
damaged D HSG 107 (Health and Safety
in transit or Executive, Maintaining portable
storage. and transportable electrical
equipment).
19. Recorded process – SLA
managed and contract
monitored process.
20. A limit to what equipment can
be connected is agreed with the
individual traders (authorised
user).
21. Only CE marked and/or double
insulated equipment to be used
The condition A on market stalls.
and suitability of
the equipment B 22. Only PAT tested equipment,
Cr R M L
attached to the C other than lighting, may be
network by the used.
market traders.
23. Traders may no longer retail
used electrical goods.
24. Monitoring, education and
enforcement (license condition)
will be implemented through
the SLA.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 81

 before controls
Risk level

Controls
Risk Level with
Groups at risk

Probability
Severity
Hazard/risk Controls to be applied

25. The requirement is that the

resistance of this earthing
system should be no higher than
200 Ω although a substantially
lower earth value would be
preferential if it is practical to
A achieve (compliant to BS 7671).
100 A single/
multi-phase TT B 26. 100 mA RCD timed delayed
supply needs Cr R M protective devices to be T
user supplied C installed at the beginning of the
earth mat installation immediately after
the meter.
27. Maintenance regimes will
be implemented that ensure
frequent monitoring/testing and
record keeping is maintained
throughout the life of the asset.
28. A dual earth electrode system
is adopted which will offer a
backup, should one of the earth
paths be accidently damaged or
broken by future works in the
area.
Note: Individual situation may
reduce this requirement
to a single earth electrode
A following a site specific risk
Damage to assessment
B
earth electrode
29. The earth system is to be
or CPC between C Cr R M T
included in the periodic testing
feeder pillar and
D regime.
earth electrode.
30. 100 mA RCD timed delayed
protective devices to be
installed at the beginning of the
installation immediately after
the meter.
31. Maintenance regimes will
be implemented that ensure
frequent monitoring/testing and
record keeping is maintained
throughout the life of the asset.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology

82
 before controls
Risk level

Controls
Risk Level with
Groups at risk

Probability
Severity
Hazard/risk Controls to be applied

32. All primary (local authority

owned) equipment to have
an IP rating suitable to prevent
water ingress in its designed
location.
Danger of A
33. 30 mA RCD/RCBO protective
electric shock B devices to be installed in the
due to leakage Cr O H L
C circuits directly before the last
caused by
sockets to protect life.
ingress of liquid.
34. Maintenance regimes will
be implemented that ensure
frequent monitoring/testing and
record keeping is maintained
throughout the life of the asset.
FREQUENT

PROBABLE

OCCASIONAL

REMOTE

IMPROBABLE

CATASTROPHIC N N N H M
CRITICAL N N H M L
SERIOUS H H M L T
MINOR M M L T T
NEGLIGIBLE M L T T T

T – Tolerable Risk – No additional controls required

L – Low risk – Recorded process – occasional monitoring

M – Medium Risk – Frequent monitoring/testing and record keeping

H – High Risk Constant management of location

N – No tolerable Risk Cessation of activity. Activity is not to proceed.

SEVERITY CONSEQUENCE
CATASTROPHIC (C) Multiple fatalities or a single death of a member of the
public; severe widespread environmental damage.
CRITICAL (Cr) Single fatality and/or multiple severe injury or illness to
members of the public; environmental impact.
SERIOUS (S) Single severe injury or multiple minor injuries to members
of the public, destruction of property.
MINOR (M) Minor injury, damage to property.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 83

 PROBABILITY DESCRIPTION
FREQUENT (F) Expected, will occur several times.
PROBABLE (P) Occurs repeatedly/an event to be foreseen.
OCCASIONAL (O) Could occur some time.
REMOTE (R) Unlikely though conceivable.

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology

84
 IET Standards
Guide to Highway
Guide to Highway Electrical Street Furniture
Electrical Street Furniture
www.theiet.org/standards

Guide to Highway Electrical Street Furniture

IET Standards
Michael Faraday House
Six Hills Way
Stevenage
Herts
SG1 2AY