Electrical Contracting News (ECN) November 2016 | Page 41

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SPECIAL
FEATURE

KEEPING UP WITH STANDARDS
Matt Nimmons of CEDIA discusses everything electrical contractors need to know about
industry standards and the importance of staying up to date with industry developments.

W

e all
understand
the importance
of reputation.
Facilities
managers,
contractors,
and most of
all, homeowners, are all sceptical of
the ‘cowboy electrician’ – and rightly
so. We’ve all heard the story of badly
insulated wiring, light fixtures that don’t
fit and wrong gauges installed. This is
why knowledge and possession of codes
of practice, accreditations and standards
is paramount.

certified in compliance with the appropriate
technical rules and standards.
The specifications and procedures
outlined within these standards are
designed to maximise the quality
of electrical work, to ensure those
carrying out electrical work are
qualified and proficient and to safeguard
consumer safety.
These standards ban traders in all
sectors from using unfair commercial
practices towards consumers. Those who
comply are provided with a trust mark,
quality mark or equivalent to display and
assure customers they are a trusted and
reliable tradesman.

What are industry standards? What happens if you fail to
Industry standards are published
follow industry standards?
documents, established by the sector’s
experts, associations and trade bodies
to protect the interests of employees and
end users through a clear and structured
regulatory system. This allows electrical
works to be carried out, tested and

Failing to follow industry standards can
result in serious consequences, such
as penalty charges, losing the right to
continue work within this trade and
even the liquidation of a business. Other

‘The smart
home market
in the UK is
expected
to show a
revenue
growth of
57.4 per cent
in 2016.’

side effects of failing to follow industry
standards include:
• Compromised employee safety – the risk
to life and limb can be significant when
working with electrical systems and
equipment. Most regulations will state
employers are responsible for ensuring
and maintaining a safe environment for
employees and technicians.
• Damage to equipment – electrical
systems require care and attention
to ensure safe, optimal performance.
Complying with industry regulations
keep equipment operating at or near
its designed conditions so that it will
efficiently deliver the performance
required when needed.

Rising technology
means rising standards
In the last two years, the smart home
industry has grown exponentially. In
fact, recent findings from Statista, the
statistics portal, has found the smart

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