Wired for safety

The amendment heralds important changes that will have significant implications in terms of fire safety. The IET has stated that: "potentially life-saving changes make this a vital update.”

Published in January 2015, the amendment includes a number of new requirements, such as those for consumer units (which will come into effect in January 2016), wiring in escape routes, changes to earth fault loop impedances for all protective devices, updated Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) and Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) forms, plus some changes to definitions.

It is important to note that these changes are not limited to the above amendment but will apply to all electrical installations designed after the 1st of July 2015 (apart from the January 2016 date for the consumer unit changes).

The British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association has said that the primary root cause of fires in consumer units is loose connections, an assessment backed by exhibiting the London Fire Brigade who have recorded statistics indicating that the number of incidents of fire involving consumer united has increased rapidly to approximately five incidents a week.

As a result, the LFB, Electrical Safety First, BEAMA and other industry organisations have been working together to include specific requirements in Amendment 3 that provide a degree of enhanced fire risk protection. Enclosures will have to be made from a suitable non-combustible material, or be enclosed in a cabinet or enclosure made from a suitable non-combustible material complying with regulation 132.12 – such as steel.

The Third Amendment also looks to put more responsibility on installers with specific chapters such as Chapter 61 stating that a skilled person (electrically), has the additional condition of the individual being competent in inspection, testing and certification work. This chapter also notes that supplies up to 100 amps have a new, more thorough schedule of inspections.

Michael French, a spokesperson from ISSWWW said: "Competency in inspection, testing and certification is important for managers of health and safety or those in charge of large facilities who require bringing in contractors or safety inspectors. It is vital that those individuals are checked and compliant with these new amendments.

"The IET’s 17th Edition Wiring Regulations are the industry standard for all electrical installations and the first word in electrical excellence.”

Geoff Cronshaw, chief electrical engineer at the IET added: "The amended IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671:2008 incorporating Amendment No. 3:2015 will set the electrical standards for those professionals working in the electrical, construction and built environment industries. It is paramount that, as an organisation, the IET continues to ensure that electrical standards are up-to-date and relevant to the ever evolving requirements of the UK’s electrical industry.

"What’s more, it is essential that all electrical industry professionals familiarise themselves with the amended IET Wiring Regulations, to ensure that the work they do is compliant and, most importantly, is carried out in a safe and appropriate manner.”