Update to wiring regs
August 1st 2008

The 17th edition of the Wiring Regulations, BS7671:2008, came into force this July and will apply to all new electrical installations, explains Bureau Veritas..

Compliance will enable companies to demonstrate conformity with the relevant parts of Electricity at Work regulations, should an incident occur.

As a result of the changes, Residual Current Devices that prevent electric shocks must now be installed on socket outlets and tested annually.

Consideration must also be given to emergency escape and warning systems, whilefacilities provided to ensure life support systems must have back-up power.

Newly-installed equipment must not emit dangerous levels of magnetic fields. In addition, the installation's documentation must be up-todate, and inspection, and testing must be undertaken periodically by a competent person.

A major step forward has been the reduction of disconnection times to reduce electric shock exposure and fire risk. Consideration has also been given to climate change by enabling the monitoring and control of energy use.

Health and safety practitioners will need to ensure their maintenance contractor understands the requirements.