Constituting one of the biggest shake ups to the electrical sector seen since Part L , this January ( 2016 ) saw the Amendment 3 to BS7671:2008 of the IET Wiring Regulations fully implemented . It includes a host of significant changes that electrical installers and contractors must now adhere to , including a reduction in earth loop impedance values for added protection against electric shock , the addition of protective devices and conditions for cabling located in escape routes , to name but a few . Risk factor
The regulation 421.1.201 specifically requires metal consumer units to be installed in domestic ( household ) premises and follows an investigation by the London Fire Brigade into several tragic household fires , which concluded that a key cause of the incidents was due to faulty cable connections contained inside consumer units . Sadly , the consensus was that the issue could easily have been prevented with some basic safety measures and yet resulted in a number of fatalities .
Amendment 3 has been designed specifically to alleviate this risk ; helping to raise standards for all – and the industry is clearly fully behind it . In fact , a survey we recently conducted at Newey & Eyre found that a third of contractors agree with the
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reasoning behind the reforms and a further third were already proactively encouraging customers to change their product options in advance of the changes .
One concern , however , is the huge impact it is going to have on the installer ’ s working day . Already , installers around the country have to spend time outside of work to fully understand the amendments ; whether that ’ s been through research , taking extra courses or speaking to trade bodies . Now that the reform is enforced , it will also mean a more difficult and timely installation process .
Innovation
The good news is that many leading manufacturers have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to create new innovations specifically designed to aid compliance with Amendment 3 – in the quickest time possible .
A good example of this can be found by looking at the new range of Newlec metal consumer units and accessories . Each consumer unit is manufactured from steel to the highest degree of engineering excellence , adhering to both Amendment 3 and BS EN61439-3 .
Recognising that every installer takes a different approach , each board comes with non-flammable pierce through cable entry seals for outgoing cables and two alternate gland plates to suit both mini trunking and circular glands . This allows real flexibility , eliminating the need for installers to go off site to buy new plates
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or drill them out specifically if required . Supported with this is the new Newlec consumer unit fastfit gland which has been designed specifically for use with metal boards and to fit almost all conceivable cable configurations , enabling a fast and fuss free install .
Equally advantageous , rear entries to the board means installers can bring the cables through the back for a neater job , while the addition of a cable interface guard alleviates the risk of damage to cables from sharp edges . The knockout is removed using suitable tools and then a protector plate is inserted into the aperture and the fixing tabs bent over to secure .
Ease of retrofit is also accounted for . The Newlec range has been designed to accommodate main switch incomers positioned on either the left or right hand side of the board . The neutral and earth bars can be easily configured allowing the installer total flexibility when replacing a board . On top of this , the busbar is snappable meaning it can be easily adapted on site to the exact specification . This means an easy retrofit , whatever the situation , when replacing old boards .
Ideal for new build sites , a unique plaster guard means that installers can complete a first fix and come back at a later date to complete the installation
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without the risk of plaster or other on site debris contaminating their work .
Further meeting the need for speed , a large and accessible internal space is supported with a new range of incredibly compact RCBOs , meaning the installer has much more space to wire devices in the board . Furthermore , additional accessories are available including a split load conversion kit , switch disconnector kit , accessory pack and door barrel key lock to help with most domestic applications .
Raising standards
While it has certainly been a long road to reaching the final implementation of Amendment 3 , the reality is that it is the most important piece of legislative change we have seen since Part L and it will go a long way in raising safety standards for all and , ultimately , saving lives .
Indeed , it may be extra work for the installer , but the good news is that many manufacturers have already pre-empted the changes and developed clever innovations to alleviate some of the added pressure . By taking advantage of these solutions , installers can not only maintain compliance and ensure maximum safety in each and every job , but also optimise efficiencies .
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