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Also, Safety Bulletin - supporting heavy cables

SwitchedOn News for the industry from Electrical Safety First £5.00

Issue 33 Summer 2014

2 Inside

Issue No. 33 | Summer 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.ukSwitched On

News 3 From the DG’s desk. Also,Guidanceoncharginge-cigarettes

4 CertificationofcompliancewiththeBuildingRegulations

5 DavidWalliamsvoicesnewCharleySaysfilms

6 Revisedguidanceonelectricalsafetyatplacesofentertainment Also,Switchingontothedigitalworld!

7 Firmsfinedafterchildiscrushedtodeathbyanelectricgate

8 Third-partycertification-whatisitandwhyarethereconcerns?

9 ElectricalSafetyFirstcallsforhigherstandardsinWelshprivaterentedsector

10 WillScotlandleadthewayonelectricalsafetyintheprivaterentedsector? Also,AmissedopportunityintheConsumerRightsBill

11 Halogenheaters–avoidingfirerisks

15 RevisedTrustMarkcriteriaasteptowardsgreaterconsumerprotection

20 Roundtablefollows-upproductsafetyissues

Feature 12 SafetyinthedesignandconstructionofLEDlamps

Technical 16 In-carpowersuppliesinvestigated

17 Haveyoueverbeenasked..?

18 SafetyBulletin–supportingheavycables

Letters

I’msurethattherearemanywithintheelectricalindustrywhowillhavestrongfeelingsaboutsomeoftheissuesraisedinSwitchedOn.Sofeelfreetoshoutaboutthem.

PleaseemailyourletterstotheEditor ofSwitched On at: [email protected]

Published by:

ElectricalSafetyFirstUnit 331MetalBoxFactory30GreatGuildfordStreetLondonSE10HS

www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.ukwww.twothirtyvolts.org.uk www.switchedonkids.org.uk

T: 0203 463 5100 E:[email protected]

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www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

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www.twothirtyvolts.org.uk

www.switchedonkids.org.uk


3News

Issue No. 33 | Summer 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk Switched On

From the DG’s desk

»BythetimeyoureadthisissueofSwitched On,

thewiderpoliticallandscapeinwhichElectricalSafetyFirstoperatesmightlookdifferent.

TheEuropeanelectionsofferthechanceforUKresidentstohavetheirsayonwhorepresentstheminBrusselsand,intheprocess,potentiallytopasswidercommentaboutourpositionwithintheEuropeanUnionitself.

TheultimatequestionabouttheUK’smembershipoftheEU,ifiteverdoesarise,isfurtherdowntheline.

However,theseelectionsprovideanexcellentopportunitytoexplainwhyIbelievetheEUisavitalmechanismforhelpingElectricalSafetyFirstachieveitsgoalofprotectingconsumersfromthedangersthatelectricitycanpose.

ThroughtheUK’smembershipoftheEU,ElectricalSafetyFirstisabletoaccessthelegislativeprocessthatcandirectlyaffectthesafetyofUKconsumers.

Withourknowledgeandexpertise,wecanengagewithMembersoftheEuropeanParliamenttohelpensurethatEUlegislationisproperlyformedandwellimplemented.UKmembershipalsomeansthatallofficialdocumentation

ispublishedintheEnglishlanguage, making it easier forustounderstand.

IftheUKeverfindsitselfoutsideoftheEUhowever,aparadoxicalsituationwouldarisewherebylegislationwouldbemadethatdirectlyimpacteduponUKconsumers,buttheUKorganisationsthatexisttoprotecttheseverypeoplewouldhavehadnoinfluenceoverit.

Takeproductsafetyforexample.IntheeventofanexitfromtheEU,productsenteringtheUKfromoutsideEuropewouldmostlikelystillbemanufacturedtoEUsafetystandards,butthesestandardswouldbedevelopedwithreducedinputfromUKorganisationsthatspecialiseinproductsafety.

ContinuingUKmembershipoftheEUisthereforevitalsothatElectricalSafetyFirstcancontinuetocampaignonbehalfofconsumersinthiscountry.

AfurtherchangetothepoliticallandscapethisyearcouldcomeinScotland,butwewillhavetoawaittheoutcomeofthereferendumbeforeweknowwhat,ifany,thechangeis.

OnmoreimmediatemattersinScotland,IwasdelightedtoseetheInfrastructureandCapitalInvestmentCommittee’sreportontheScottishHousingBillbackourrecommendationsforfive-yearlyelectricalchecksbyaregisteredelectrician.

ThisdevelopmentbroughtourcampaignforsaferconditionsintheprivaterentedsectorastepclosertosuccessandIwouldliketothankeveryoneinvolvedinmakingthishappen,particularlyourstakeholderswhoofferedgreatsupportasthingsmovedforward.

Moresuccesshasbeenachievedwithournewbrand.WehavereceivedlotsofpositivefeedbackandItrulybelievethatthenewbrandwillhelpusengagemoreeffectivelywithconsumersand government alike.

Thishasalreadybeendemonstratedbyourlatestcampaign,whichsawthereintroductionofthe70s’stylepublicinformationfilmCharley Says.Voicedby DavidWalliams,thefilmisaimedatraisingawarenessofelectricalsafetyaround the home.

ByearlyJune,thevideoalreadyhadalmost75,000viewsonYouTubeandreceivedwidespreadcoverageinthenationalmedia.Incaseyouhaven’tseenityet,Iwon’tsaytoomuchotherthanIhopethepublicarenowmore awareofthedangersofoverloading sockets.

I am delighted that ElectricalSafetyFirstiscreatingopportunitiestoprogressthesafetyagendaonthepublicstage.

However,Iwouldliketoendbysayingthatthissuccesscansometimesleadtoconflictsofinterestwithpartnerorganisations.Itismyhopethatratherthancapitalisingonoursuccesses,theycanworkwithusmorecloselyinfuturetohelpensurethatour messages reach the widestpossibleaudience.

Asalways,wewouldwelcomefeedbackonthecontentofSwitched On. Please email [email protected]

Phil Buckle Director General

Guidance on charging e-cigarettesInterim guidance has been issued following a number of reports of e-cigarettes ‘exploding’ whilst being charged.

Followinganumberofreportsofe-cigarettes‘exploding’whilstbeingcharged,ElectricalSafetyFirst,togetherwiththeTradingStandardsInstitute(TSI),hasissuedthefollowinginterimguidancetoe-cigaretteuserswhilsttheylookmorecloselyattheproblem,whichseemstobeassociatedwiththetypeofrechargeablebatterytheycontain:

●● Followthemanufacturer’sinstructions

●● Heedanywarningsprovidedwiththeproduct

●● Donotleaveane-cigarettechargingforlongerthannecessary,andneverovernightorwhenyouarenotathome

●● Check that the charger has a CEmark,whichindicatesthatitcomplieswithEuropeansafetystandards.

PhilBuckle,DirectorGeneralofElectricalSafetyFirstsaid:“Wearebecomingincreasinglyconcernedaboutincidentsinvolvinge-cigarettes.Whilstthesemightbeisolatedcases,wearereceivingmoreandmorereportsofe-cigarettesexplodingwhenbeingcharged.Byfollowingthesesimplesteps,peoplecanhelptoprotectthemselves,theirfamiliesandtheirpropertyagainstanypotentialharm”.

JaneMacGregor,TSIjointleadofficerforhealth,added:“Westronglyadviseusersofe-cigarettestofollowtheinstructionsprovidedwiththem,totakeheedofanywarningsfromthemanufacturer,andlookfortheCEmarkonthechargers”.




4 News


Certification of compliance with the Building RegulationsBS 7671: 2008 (as amended) requires that, on completion of the verification of electrical installation work, appropriate certification is issued to confirm that the work complies with all the applicable requirements of that standard and is therefore safe for use.

»Inaddition,whereelectricalinstallation

workiscarriedoutindomesticpremises,theworkmustalsomeetalltheapplicablerequirementsoftherelevantBuildingRegulations.InEnglandandWales,aBuildingRegulationsComplianceCertificatemayberequiredfortheworkinadditiontotheelectricalsafetycertificate.

AnyonecarryingoutelectricalinstallationworkindomesticpremisesinEnglandandWalesisrequiredbylawtocomplynotonlywiththeparticularelectricalsafetyrequirementsofPartPoftheBuildingRegulations,butalsowiththerequirementsof all other Parts oftheBuildingRegulations

relevant to the electrical installationworkundertaken.

ThesePartsincludeforexample:

●● PartA(Structure)–whichgivesrequirementsforthemaximumdepthofchasesinwalls,andthesizesandpositionsofholesinjoistsandpartsofstructures

●● PartB(Firesafety)-whichgivesrequirementsforthefireperformanceofwallsandceilings,andfortheprovisionofautomaticfiredetectionandalarmsystems

●● PartC(Sitepreparationandresistancetomoisture)-whichgivesrequirementsforpreventingtheingressofwaterwherecablespassthroughexternalwalls.

Somedisturbancetothebuildingfabricisusuallyunavoidablewheninstallingcablesanditemssuchassocket-outlets,switchesandlightingfittings.Forexample,itmaybenecessarytoliftfloorboards,makechasesinwallsanddrillholesthroughceilings,wallsandjoists.

Suchworkmustnotadverselyaffectthesafetyofthepropertybyweakeningitstructurally,orbyreducingitsabilitytoresistthespreadoffireandsmoke.

ItisafundamentalrequirementoftheBuildingRegulationsthat,followingconstructionwork,abuildingmustbenolesssatisfactoryinrespectofcompliancewiththose

regulationsthanbeforetheworkwascarriedout.

Whilstthedesigner,builder,electrical installer and the buildingownereachhavearesponsibilitytoensurethatbuildingworkcomplieswithalltheapplicablerequirementsoftheBuildingRegulations,itwillbethebuildingownerwhoisservedwithanenforcementnoticeifLocalAuthorityBuildingControl determines that the buildingworkdoesnotcomplywiththoseregulations.

Oncompletionofnotifiable1 electricalinstallationwork,appropriatecertificationmustbeissuedbytheinstallertoconfirmcompliancewiththeBuildingRegulations.

Iftheelectricalworkwascarriedoutbyaregistered competent person, the installer orthebodywithwhichtheinstaller is registered has 30 daysfromthedatetheworkwascompletedtoprovide:

●● acopyofthe Building Regulations Compliance Certificatetotheowneroftheproperty,and

●● theoriginalcertificate,oracopyoftheinformationcontainedinthecertificate,totherelevantbuildingcontrolbody.

Fig 1. All building work must meet the applicable requirements of the Building Regulations


5News


Alternatively,installerswhoarenotregisteredcompetentpersonsshouldnotifythe relevantbuildingcontrolbodyoftheproposedelectricalworkbeforeitisstarted.Insuchcases,itisthebuildingcontrolbody’sresponsibilitytodecidewhatdegreeofinspectionandtestingbythemwillbenecessarytoconfirmthattheworkissafe.

Thedeterminationwilltakeintoaccountfactorssuchasthenatureandrelativecomplexityoftheproposedwork,andtheapparentcompetenceofthepersonwhoistocarryoutthework.

Anyinspectionandtestingdeemednecessarymaybeperformedbythebuildingcontrolbodydirectlyorbyasuitablycompetentpersonactingontheirbehalf,andthepropertyownerwillbechargedforthecostsincurredbythebuildingcontrolbodyrelatingtothatverificationwork.

A new option for installers who are not registered competent persons, which applies to notifiable work carried out in homes in England only, is to employ a registered third-party certifier. Details of this new option are given in the article on page 8.

1For England, details of whether or not electrical installation work is notifiable are given in sections 2.5 to 2.9 of Approved Document P (2013 edition). For Wales, reference should be made to Table 1 and the associated notes of Approved Document P (2006 edition incorporating 2010 amendments). Both documents may be downloaded free of charge from www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/approveddocuments/partp/approved

David Walliams voices new Charley Says filmsCharley Says, the nation’s favourite public information film1, has been brought back to life by Electrical Safety First with the help of comedian David Walliams.

» Throughaseriesofnewadventures and near misses,CharleytheCatandhishaplessyoungownerwillteachchildrenaboutelectricalsafetyinthehomebyhighlightingwhatnottodo.

The original Charley Says films,createdbythegovernment’s then Central OfficeofInformation,werebroadcastduringthe70sand80stowarnchildrenabouteverydaysafetyissuessuchasnotgoingoffwithstrangersorplayingwithmatches.

ElectricalSafetyFirstisusingthenostalgiaoftheoriginalfilmstodrawattentiontoelectricalsafetyinafunandmemorableway.

ThefirstvideoissetinthekitchenandseesCharleypreventingtheyoungboyfrompluggingatoasterintoanalreadyoverloadedsocket,burninghispawintheprocess.

Inkeepingwiththetoneoftheoriginalfilms,Charleyisrewardedwithafishforhissavvybehaviour.

ThestorylinewaschosenbyElectricalSafetyFirstasmanypeopleremainunawareofthedangersofoverloadingsockets.

Nearlyhalfofadultsadmittheyarenotconfidentaboutwhatcombinationsofappliancescanbesafelypluggedintoasinglewallsocket,andafurtheroneintenhavenoticedscorchmarksorevensparksaroundasocket.2

And,justlikeCharley,thousandsofpeoplehavereceivedaburnfromanoverloaded socket.3

Thevideocanbeviewedatwww.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/CharleySays,wherethereisalsoalinktoourinteractiveonline socket overload calculatorwhichyoucanuse

tocheckwhichcombinationsofappliancesaresafetoconnecttoasinglewallsocket.

1According to a poll by BBC Magazine of 25,000 readers to mark the 60th anniversary of the Central Office of Information: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4853042.stm241% of adults do not know which combinations of appliances are safe to plug into an extension lead or block adaptor. 11% of adults have seen plugs on extension leads spark and 10% have noticed scorch marks around a plug.34% of adults have received a burn from an overloaded socket, which equates to approximately 1.8 million adults across the UK.

The consumer research referred to in notes 2 and 3 above was conducted in February 2014 by Populus on behalf of Electrical Safety First with a sample of 2,053 adults. The figures have been weighted and are representative of UK adults.


www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/approveddocuments/partp/approved




www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/CharleySays

www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/CharleySays

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4853042.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4853042.stm

6 News


Revised guidance on electrical safety at places of entertainmentIn March, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published revised versions of two Guidance Notes concerning electrical safety at places of entertainment.

» Oneisaimedatthosemanaging or maintaining

placeswhereentertainmentisprovided.Theotherisaimed at those using sound, lightingorotherequipmentinplacesofentertainment.

ThethirdeditionofHSEGuidanceNoteGS50Electrical safety at places of entertainment providesadviceprimarilyformanagersofplacesofentertainmentandpeoplewhoprovidefacilitiesforusebyentertainers.However,itwillalsobeofinteresttotechnicians and those involved intheinstallationofelectricalequipmentinsuchlocations.

GS50providesguidanceonthefollowing:

●● Risks

●● Thelaw

●● Licensing

●● Managingelectricalsafety

●● Preventingelectricaldanger

●● Fixedinstallations

●● Independentsupplies(generators)

●● 110-125volt(USA)equipment

●● Electricalequipment

●● Equipmentmaintenance.

GS50hastwoappendices.Appendix1discussesthelegalrequirementsandgivesinformationabouttheagenciesresponsibleforenforcingthoserequirements.Appendix2containsanexamplechecklistforusewhencarryingoutroutineelectricalchecksonportableapparatus.

HSEGuidanceNoteINDG247(revision1)Electrical safety for entertainersprovidesguidanceaimedspecificallyattheusersofsound,lightingorothersimilarelectricalequipmentduringperformancesandrehearsals.

INDG247 discusses all the issuescoveredbyGS50,butin a less technical manner to suit the target audience.

BothGuidanceNotesmakenumerousreferencestotheappropriateuseofresidualcurrentdevicesasaneffectivewayofminimisingtheriskofelectrocutionfromfaultyelectricalequipmentandinstallations.

GS50 and INDG 247 can be downloaded free of charge from www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/gs50.htm and www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg247.htm respectively.

Switching on to the digital world!Unless you’re reading a printed copy, welcome to the fifth issue of the digital page-turning version of Switched On.

»Aspreviouslyannounced,thepaperversion

isnowonlyavailablebyindividualsubscription.

Foranannualsubscriptioncostingonly£18includingpostage,youcancontinuetohavefourquarterlyissuesofSwitched On delivered straighttoyourdoor.

Subscriptionsforthepaperversioncanbetakenoutatanytime.However,aswe’reusuallyunabletosupplypapercopiesofbackissues,thesooneryousubscribe,thebetterifyoudon’twanttomisstoomany.

Shouldyouwishtosubscribe,pleasesendus an email at: [email protected]

Forfurtherinformationaboutsubscribing,pleasegoto:

www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/switchedon,wherethedigitalversionofthepastthreeyears’issuesofSwitchedOncanalsobefound.

Whilst stocks last, those subscribing in time to receive the autumn issue will also receive a printed copy of the previous three issues free of charge.


www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/gs50.htm

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/gs50.htm

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg247.htm

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg247.htm

http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/switchedon

http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/switchedon

7News


Firms fined after child is crushed to death by an electric gateThe dangers that can be created by incorrectly designed, installed and/or maintained electric gates have been covered in several previous issues of Switched On.

»InJune,twofirmswereprosecutedatCardiffCrownCourtfollowingthe

deathofachildwhowasfatallyinjuredwhenshewascrushedbetweentheclosingedgeofanelectrically-poweredgateandagatepost.

InJuly2010,thefive-year-oldgirlwastrappedbythegatetoablockofflatsnearherhomewhentheyautomaticallyshutafteracarpassedthrough.Shewasfoundshortlyafterwardsbyaresidentbut,althoughshewasrushedtohospital,shediedofherinjuries.

Intheirinvestigationintotheincident,theHealthandSafetyExecutive(HSE)foundthattheclosingforceofthegate,whichwasinexcessof2000N,greatlyexceededthelevelpermittedbyEuropeanandBritishsafetystandards.

TheHSEalsofoundthatthedesignofthegateinstallationwasinherentlyunsafeastherewasspaceforpersonstobecometrapped,thatinsufficientsafetydeviceswereinstalledtopreventthegateclosingonapersonorotherobject,andthatthedevicesthatwerefittedwereincorrectlyset.

TheCourtwasinformedthatJohnGlen(InstallationServices)Ltdfittedanewelectricmotorwhenthepreviousmotorstoppedworking,butputthegatebackintousedespitethefactthattherewereobvioustrappingpoints.Thefirmalsofailedtocheckthatthegatewouldstopifitmetanobstruction,ortotesttheclosingforce.

TheCourtwasalsotoldthatanotherfirm,TremorfaLtd,wascontractedtomaintainthegateinstallation.Althoughtheyhadvisitedtheinstallationtwice,thelastvisitjusttwoweekspriortothegirl’sdeath,theyhadfailedtoperformvitalsafetychecksincludingthemeasurementoftheclosingforce.

JohnGlen(InstallationServices)LtdofPhoenixWay,GarngochIndustrialEstate,Swansea,wasfined£60,000andorderedtopay£40,000incostsafterpleadingguiltytobreachingSection3(1) oftheHealth and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

TremolfaLtd,ofPascalClose,StMellons,Cardiffalsopleadedguiltytothesamecharge,andwasfined£50,000withcostsof£40,000.

Speakingafterthehearing,HSEInspectorStuartCharlessaid:“Bothcompanieswalkedawayfromthegateleavingitinanunsafecondition.Bothcouldhavepreventedthistragedy.

“Automatedgatesarebecomingmorecommonandit’ssometimesdifficulttoappreciatethatevensmallgatescanclosewithsignificantforce.Badlyinstalledand maintained gates are a threat to allpedestrians,butyoungchildrenareparticularlyvulnerablebecausetheyareoftencompletelyunawareofthedangers.

“Nooneshouldinstallorworkonautomatedgateswithoutknowingtherelevantsafetystandardsorwithouthavingtherightequipmenttocheckthatthegateissafeaftertheyhaveworkedonit.

“Ifyouownorareresponsibleformanagingpropertieswithautomaticgatesyoushouldensuretheyareproperlymaintained.Youshouldalsoensurethatthosecarryingoutthemaintenancearecompetenttodoso.”

AsreportedinIssue31(Winter2013)ofSwitched On,theHSEhasissuedthreesafetyalertsconcerningtheinstallationanduseofelectricgates,detailsofwhichcanbefoundat:

www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/poweredgates.htm

www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/electricgates.htm

www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins electricgates2.htm

Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states: “It shall be 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 risks to their health or safety.”






www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/electricgates2.htm

www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/electricgates2.htm

8 News


Third-party certification - what is it and why are there concerns?Up until 6 April this year, only two procedures were available to certify that notifiable electrical installation work in homes in England and Wales complied with the requirements set out in Part P (Electrical safety – Dwellings) of the Building Regulations: ‘self-certification by a registered competent person’, or ‘certification by a building control body’.

»Onthatdate,however,athirdprocedure-

‘third-partycertificationbyaregisteredthird-partycertifier’-becameavailablefornotifiableworknotcarriedoutbyaregisteredcompetentperson,butonlyinEngland.

Third-party certification is not recognised in the version of Part P of the Building Regulations currently in force in Wales, so the remainder of this article relates specifically to electrical installation work carried out in dwellings in England.

Thenewprocedureenablesnotifiableelectricalinstallationworkindwellingstobecarriedoutbyanypersonprovidedthat, amongst other things, itissubjectedtoappropriateinspectionandtestingbyaregistered third-party certifier.

Itisintendedbygovernmenttobeapotentiallylesscostlyalternativetothe‘certificationbyabuildingcontrolbody’procedurefornotifiableworknotcarriedoutbyaregistered competent person,withtheexpectationthatitwillreducethesignificantamountofnotifiableelectricalworkthatisnotbeingcertifiedascompliantwiththeBuildingRegulations.

Inprinciple,registeredthird-partycertifierscaninspect,

testandcertifyelectricalinstallationworkascompliantwiththerequirementsoftheBuildingRegulationsincludingcompliancewithBS7671,theUKstandardforthesafetyofelectricalinstallations.

Whereused,thenewprocedurerequiresthat,beforeworkbegins,aninstallerwhoisnotaregisteredcompetentpersonmustappointaregisteredthird-partycertifiertoinspectandtesttheworkasnecessary.

Then,withinfivedaysofcompletingthework,theinstallermustnotifytheregisteredthird-partycertifierwho,subjecttotheresultsoftheinspectionandtestingbeingsatisfactory,shouldcompleteanelectricalinstallationconditionreportorrecognisedequivalent,andgiveittothepersonorderingthework.

Finally,theregistrationbodyofthethird-partycertifiermust,within30daysofasatisfactoryconditionreportbeingissued,giveacopyoftheBuildingRegulationscompliancecertificatetotheoccupierandthecertificate,oracopyoftheinformationonthecertificate,tothebuildingcontrolbody.

Currently,onlytwooftheelectricalcompetentperson

schemeoperatorshaveoptedtoofferaregistrationschemeforthird-partycertifiers:NAPITandSTROMA.

Thelargestschemeoperator,CertsureLLP,hasabstained,citingconcernsoversafetyincludingpotentiallydetrimentaleffectsonthequalityofcertifiedwork,issueswithguaranteeingtheimpartialityofthird-partycertifiers,andapossiblynegativeeffectonthenumberofelectriciansregisteringwiththemainPartPself-certificationschemes.

Certsure is also concerned abouttheabilityofthird-partycertifierstoadequatelyinspectandtestelectricalinstallationworkafterithasbeencompletedbecausesomepartsarethenlikelytobeinaccessible,suchaswiringconcealedinthebuildingfabric.

There is also concern that thoseprovidingthird-partycertificationservicesmaynotfullyappreciatetheresponsibility–andthereforetheliability–theywill

assumeforthesafetyoftheworktheycertify,especiallyasthecompetenceoftheinstallerwillbeanunknownfactor,andfullinspectionandtestingproceduresinaccordancewiththeUKstandard(BS7671)maynotbepracticable.

“We have grave concerns over thethird-partycertificationoption,particularlyfollowinglastyear’sreductionintherangeofnotifiableworkcoveredbyPartP,theonlylegalframeworkinEnglandprotectinghouseholdersfromunsafeelectricalworkinthehome”,commentsPhilBuckle,DirectorGeneralofElectricalSafetyFirst.

“Therearealsosomekeyissues-suchasforhowlonganinstallationcanbeenergisedbeforeitiscertifiedandwhowillultimatelyberesponsibleforthesafetyofthework-thathavenotbeenaddressed.WefearthatthisnewprocedurewillsimplyaddtotheconfusionaroundPartP–forbothconsumersandcontractors.”

ElectricalSafetyFirstwouldliketohearyouropinionabout thethird-partycertificationoption.Pleasesendanemailto feedback@electricalsafetyfirst.org.uktoletusknowwhatyouthinkofthepractice,ortotelluswhatyouthinkcouldbedonetoimproveit.



9News


Electrical Safety First calls for higher standards in Welsh private rented sectorElectrical Safety First has welcomed the Communities, Equalities and Local Government Committee’s initial review of the new Welsh Housing Bill, which supports the charity’s campaign to improve safety and poor conditions in the private rented sector in Wales.

»Recognisingthedangersthatelectricitycanposeto

tenants,theNationalAssemblyforWales’Committee’srecentreportrecommendsthattheproposednewCodeofPracticeforLandlordsincludesarequirementformandatoryperiodicchecksonelectricalsafety.

ThisisavitalstepinWaleswheretheprivaterentedsectorisexpandingrapidly,indeedsorapidlythatitisestimatedthatby2020oneinfivehomeswillbeprovidedbyprivatelandlords.1

InJanuary,ElectricalSafetyFirstsentanopenlettertoCarlSargeantAM,MinisterforHousingandRegeneration.

Signedbyleadingbusinesses,charities,publicbodiesandothersignificantWales-basedorganisations–includingCitizen’sAdviceCymru,theCharteredInstituteofEnvironmentalHealth,NUSWales and Welsh Tenants -theletterurgedaseriesofimprovementstoelectricalsafetystandardsintheprivaterentedsector.

AlthoughtheMinister’sresponserejectedourproposalformeasurestobeintroducedaspartoftheHousing(Wales)Bill,westillbelievethelegislationprovidesakeyopportunitytodriveupstandards,improvehomesafetyandrebuildconfidenceintheprivaterentedsector.

Tocoincidewiththisactivity,werecentlyheldajointeventwithNUSWalesinCardiff,whichfocusedonthepoorconditionsfacedbymanystudentrenters.

Speakingattheevent,DeputyPresidentofNUSWales,Beth

Button,said,“ArecentNUSpollofWelshstudentrentersoutlinestheseriousnessofthisissue.

“Overhalfofrespondentswereforcedtolivewithdamp,mouldorcondensationintheirhome,while18%reportedrentingpropertiescontainingpotentiallyseriouselectricalsafetyhazards.WethereforefullybackElectricalSafetyFirst’s call to make electrical safetychecksmandatory.”

The event also included a keynoteaddressfromtheWelshLiberalDemocratshousingspokespersonPeterBlackAM.Hecommented:“Inordertodriveupstandardsofprivatelyrentedhomes,theproposedcodeofpracticeforlandlordsneedstoclearlysetouttheminimumphysicalstandardstheirpropertiesmustmeet.

“Iwouldalsoadvocatethatitshouldincludearequirementonlandlordsforperiodicchecksonelectricalsafety,andtheinstallationandmaintenanceofcarbonmonoxidedetectors,aswellasotherissuesaroundsafetyinthosehomes.Ithinkthatisthebestwaytodriveupstandards.”1CIH Cymru, Welsh Housing Review 2012


10 News


Will Scotland lead the way on electrical safety in the private rented sector?Electrical Safety First’s campaign for improved safety in Scotland’s private rented sector recently came a step closer to success after the Infrastructure and Capital Investment (ICI) Committee’s Stage One report on the new Scottish Housing Bill recommended that all private rented sector accommodation be subjected to mandatory, five-yearly electrical checks by a registered electrician.

»TheBillputsforwardarangeofproposalstohelp

reformthesector,includinganewHousingTribunalwhich,ifapproved,willprovidelandlordsandtenantswithmoreefficientandaccessibleaccesstojusticetohelpresolvedisputes.

However,webelievefurtherprovisionsshouldbeincludedtoimprovethesafetyandconditionofprivaterented homes, including measuresformandatoryelectricalsafetychecks.

ThiscouldbeachievedbyanamendmentlodgedinMaythisyearbyBobDorisMSP,whohaslong

beenasupporterofourcampaignsinScotland.

Priortotheamendmentbeinglodged,heoutlinedhisviewsataneventattheScottishParliament,saying:“Landlordshavearesponsibilitytoensurethattheirpropertiesaresafeforpurposefortheirtenants.

“Mostlandlordsaregoodlandlords and ensure that their homesarefitforpurposeandsafe–butgoodpracticeneedstoberegulatedtoensureitisuniversalacrossScotland.TheproposalbyElectricalSafetyFirstformandatoryelectricalsafetychecksisthereforebothsensibleandpractical.

“Iintendtobringforwardan amendment to the HousingBill,andamhopefulthatthevitalaspectwillbeunderpinnedinthelegislation.”

FollowingtheICICommittee’srecommendation,itsConvenerMaureenWattMSPsaid:“ThereismuchinthisBillthattheCommitteesupportsandbelieveswillhelpthosewhorentacrossthedifferentsectors.

“However,wehavealsoputforwardrecommendationstoParliamenttofurtherimprovetheBill,shouldParliamentagreewithusthatitshouldcontinuetoprogress.

“Forexample,ourrecommendationsonmandatoryfive-yearlyelectricalchecks, mains smoke alarms andcarbonmonoxidealarmswould,webelieve,greatlyimprovesafetyforalltenantsinprivaterentedhousing.”

“We are delighted that the Committeehasmadetheserecommendations”,saidPhilBuckle,DirectorGeneralofElectricalSafetyFirst.“Itisarequirementwehavecampaignedlongandhardfor.

“MostaccidentalfiresinScotlandarecausedbyelectricity–almost70%in2012-20131. We also knowthatconditionsanddisrepairintheprivaterentedsectorareworsethaninanyotherScottishhousingsector,and research indicates that privatetenantsaremoreatriskfromelectricalfires.

“SoweareextremelypleasedthattheCommitteerecognisestheneedforthisfundamentalsafetyrequirement.

Improvingstandardsintheprivaterentedsectoriscrucialtoensuringthateveryonehasasafe,affordablehometolivein,sowehopetheScottishGovernmentwilltakethisopportunitytoleadthewayonelectricalsafetyinthesector.”

1Analysis by the Scottish Government of Fire Datasets: DCLG and Scotland for 2012-13

A missed opportunity in the Consumer Rights BillElectrical Safety First is disappointed that the opportunity to address the issue of electrical product recalls in the Consumer Rights Bill, covered in the previous issue of Switched On, has been missed.

»FionaO’Donnell,MPforEastLothian,tabled

an amendment intended to placegreaterresponsibilityonmanufacturersandretailers toinformconsumersof productrecallsinthefastestpossibleway.

However,theproposedamendmentwasdefeatedbya government vote, meaning thattheBillwillprogress


11News


withoutaddressingthewidespreadconcernsabouttheineffectivenessofthecurrentarrangementsforrecallingpotentiallydangerousproducts.

Onthisproposedamendmentanditssubsequentdefeat,EmmaApter,HeadofCommunicationsatElectricalSafetyFirstsaid:“Faultyelectricalitemscanposearealthreatofelectricshockorfire

toconsumersandtheirfamilies.Giventhis,theyhavetherighttoknowassoonaspossiblewhenaproducthasbeenidentifiedasbeingpotentiallydangerous.

“Yetcurrently,mostrecallsfailtoretrieve80to90%ofaffecteditems1 revealing a lack ofeffectivecommunicationbetweenmanufacturers,retailers and consumers. This shockingsituationisleaving

hugenumbersofpotentiallydangerousitemsofelectricalequipmentinpeople’shomes.

“WewouldliketoextendourthankstoFionaO’DonnellMPforherefforts,butbelievethefailureoftheConsumerRightsBilltocoverelectricalproductrecallsisasadlymissedopportunity.

Wehopeitdoesn’ttakeeven more serious accidents

causedbyrecalleditemstomakechangehappen.Thegovernmentshouldbeactingnowtoaddressthisimportantpublicsafetyissue.”1Recall Effectiveness: A Hot Topic; K. Ross, 2009. Available at http://www.bowmanandbrooke.com/insights/~/media/Documents/Insights/News/2009/09/Recall%20Effectiveness%20A%20Hot%20Topic/Files/DRI%20Recall%20Fall%2009/FileAttachment/DRI%20Recall%20Fall%2009

Halogen heaters – avoiding fire risksHalogen heaters, which produce instant radiant heat in a cost-effective way, are proving more and more popular as their price decreases and householders become more aware of their energy bills.

»Oftenthoughtofassaferthanconventional

portableheaters,theselightweightdevicesstoreverylittleheatenergyandsocoolrapidlywhenturnedoff.

Manyhave‘tilt-switches’thatinstantlyturnoffthepowershouldtheheaterfallover.

However,caremustbetakenwhenbuyingandusing these heaters, as simpleusererrorscanhavedevastatingconsequences.

LondonFireBrigadefiguresshowthat,sinceJanuary2009, halogen heaters have beenresponsiblefor48firesinLondonthatresultedinfivedeathsand29injuries,withthreeotherbrigadesreportingafurthersevenfatalfireselsewhereintheUK.

The greatest dangers come fromplacingtheseradiantheaters too close to clothing or othercombustiblematerials,andfromheaterswithouttripswitchestopplingover.

Additionallythough,theconstructionofmanyofthesehalogenheatersreflectstheirlowcost,resultinginpotentiallyserioussafetyissues.

Whenbuyingaheater,usersshouldalwayschecktoseethatitisstable,hasatilt-switchsafetydevice,andisofgoodquality.Recognisedbrandsarelikelytobeconstructedto higher standards.

Second-handheatersshouldbeavoided,asolderappliancesmayhavebeenconstructedtolowerstandardsthantoday,andsufferedwearandtear.Andcomponentsmayhavedeterioratedwithage.

ElectricalSafetyFirsthasissuedthefollowingsimpleguidelines to increase awarenessoftherisksfromhalogenheatersandtohelppreventfurtheraccidents:

●● Buygoodqualityhalogenheatersfromrecognisedmanufacturers

●● Avoid second-hand heaters

●● Put the heaters on a level surfacewellawayfromanythingthatcouldknockthem over

●● Makesuretheyareatleastametreawayfromanycombustiblematerials,suchaspaper,furnitureorcurtains

●● Never leave halogen heaters unattendedwhilstinuse

●● Donotcontrolthemwithanautomatictimer

●● Neverleavethemonwhilstsleeping

●● Donotcoveranyelectricheater

●● Neverpoweranelectricheaterfromanextensionlead–suchleadscanbeeasilyoverloadedandcausefires

●● Inspectheatersregularlyfordamageanddeterioration.Ifthey’renotingoodcondition,don’tusethem!

This image, courtesy of London Fire Brigade, shows the devastation a halogen heater can cause if not used correctly.

A common design of Halogen Heater – image courtesy of London Fire Brigade


http://www.bowmanandbrooke.com/insights/~/media/Documents/Insights/News/2009/09/Recall%20Effectiveness%20A%20Hot%20Topic/Files/DRI%20Recall%20Fall%2009/FileAttachment/DRI%20Recall%20Fall%2009




12 Feature


Safety in the design and construction of LED lampsLED lamp manufacturing is projected to see significant growth over the next decade, which will bring an increasing number and variety of products onto the UK market. These LED lamps are available to buy not only on the high street, but also from many online sources.

12 Feature


»SincetheEuropeanbanonthesaleofmosttypesofconventional

incandescentlightbulb,evermoreinnovationsandadvancementsarebeingmadeinthefieldofLEDlightsourcestomeetthedemandforalternativelightingsolutions.

Anegativeeffectofthistimeofrapidtechnologicaladvance,however,isthatnumerouscheap,poorqualityandpotentiallyunsafelampsarefindingtheirwayontotheUKmarket.

Forinstance,thesummer2012issueofSwitched OnincludedafeatureonthesafetyofLEDlampsbeingmarketedasreplacementsfortraditionalfluorescenttubes.ItdrewattentiontotheriskofelectricshockwhensomemakesofthattypeofLEDlampwerebeinginstalled.

Morerecently,aconsumercontactedustoreportthathehadsufferedanelectric

shockwheninstallingatypeofLEDlamphavingatraditionalbayonetbase.

WehavethereforefurtherinvestigatedthesafetyofthetypesofLEDlampintendedtoreplaceconventionalincandescentandfluorescentlampsinandaroundthehome.

Webeganbybuyingtenrandomsamplesfrommainlyonlineretailersforsafetyscreeningbyanindependenttestlaboratory.ThesamplesincludedEdisonScrew,bayonet,G24,GU10andR7(typicalfloodlight)lamptypes.

Wewereconcernedthatnoneofthesesamplespassedtheoverallsafetyassessment,andthattheinvestigationfurtherrevealedariskofelectricshockfromanumberoflampsthathadanexposedLEDarrayand/orinadequateseparationfromthemainssupply.



13Feature


13Feature


Test criteria and summary of main safety issues foundThetensamplesweresubjectedtotestingunderthegeneralsafetyprovisionsofthefollowingstandards:

●● BSEN61140:2002Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and equipment

●● BSEN60598-1:2008General requirements for the safety of luminaires

●● BSEN62560:2012Self-ballasted LED lamps

Userinstructionsweresuppliedwithonlyoneofthesamples,andthosewereofapoorstandard.

Theabsenceofadequateinstallationandsafetyinstructionsisaconcern,particularlywheremodificationofanexistinglightfittingisrequiredtoaccommodateanLEDlamp-suchaswiththeG24typewheretheoriginalcontrolgearneedstoberemoved.

However,therewereanumberofothersafetyconcernswiththelampsamplesrelatingtopoordesignand/orconstruction,andaccesstoliveparts.

Clearly,alllampsputonthemarketshouldbedesignedandconstructedtowithstandtheforcesreasonablynecessarytoinsertthemin,andtoremovethemfrom,anappropriatelampholder,butthiswasnotthecasewithsomeofthesamplelamps.

Examples(seeFig1)included:

●● thebayonetbaseofoneofthesamplesbecomingdetachedwhenitwasbeinginsertedintothelampholder,exposinginternalliveparts

●● theplasticbaseofanothersamplehavingaGU10basebeingeasilyunscrewedfromthemetalheat-sinksurround,presentingasimilarelectricshockhazard.

Fig 1. Poor lamp construction

AnotherpotentialelectricshockhazardwasfoundintwoofthesamplesthathadanexposedLEDarray.(SeeFig2.)

Fig 2. Accessible contacts on an exposed LED array

Theinternalwiringwasofanadequatestandardinonlytwoofthetensamples.

OnesamplewascomprisedofanumberofLEDarraysconnectedbyextensiveinternalwiring.Thewireswereeasilydetachedfromthearrays,creatingariskofextra-lowvoltagewiringmakingcontactwithmainsvoltagecircuitry.(SeeFig3.)

Fig 3. Poor internal wiring

Despitetheconfinedspacewithin‘hollow’LEDlamps,theelectroniccontrolcircuitsstillneedtohavesufficientphysicalisolationorelectricalseparation,orboth,betweentheprimaryandsecondarypartsofthecircuitstoprovideprotectionagainstelectricshock.

Fiveofthesampleshadnotransformer,andfourofthemalsohadnoelectricalseparationbetweentheprimaryandsecondarycontrolcircuits.

Therelevantproductstandardsrequiresuchlampstowithstand2960Va.c.appliedforoneminutewithoutflashoverorbreakdownoccurring.

However,fourofthesamplesfailedthistestwith,inthemajorityofcases,breakdownoccurringimmediatelythevoltagewasapplied.

Lampoperatingtemperatureswererecordedatseveralpointsoneachsample.Thetestranforapproximatelyeighthours,themaximumtemperaturepermittedbythestandardbeing70oC. Twoofthesamplesfailedthistestwithrecordedtemperaturesatthefrontofthelampof76.5oC and 76.8 oC.

Itwasalsonotedthat,forthreeofthesamples,therecordedinputpowerwasfargreaterthantheratingstatedonthepackaging.Inonecase,itwasalmostthreetimesthestatedrating.

Further testing

WiththeinitialinvestigationrevealingsuchpooroverallconstructionissuesandtheriskofelectricshockfromlampshavingexposedLEDarrays,wecommissionedfurthertesting.

Weboughtanotherrandomselectionof12differentLEDlampsfortestinghavingamixtureofEdisonScrew,bayonetandGU10bases,specificallytodeterminewhethertheremightbeariskofelectricshockwheninstallingorremovingthemfromanenergisedlampholder.

TheinvestigationfocusedonthesafetyofthesupplycircuittotheLEDarrayandonthetouchvoltagesandcurrentspresentonaccessibleLEDpinsandsoldercontactsthatmighttobetouchedduringinsertionandremovalofthelamps.(SeeFig4.)

Fig 4. Exposed LED arrays and associated contacts



14 Feature


●

Thelampsweresenttoanindependentlaboratoryforlimitedtestingagainstparticularrequirementsofthefollowingstandards(furtherdetailsofwhicharegivenontheproceedingpage):

●● IEC62560:2011-Clause8forinsulationresistance and electric strength

●● BSEN60598-1-Clause10forvoltageand touch current values.

Theappliedtouchvoltageandcurrentlimitswerederivedfromtherequirementsforprotectionagainstelectricshockgivenin BSEN60598-1:

●● Touchvoltage:60Vripple-freed.c.

●● Touch current: Where the touch voltage exceeds60Vripple-freed.c.,thetouchcurrentmustnotexceed2.0mA.

The electric shock hazardVoltagesweremeasuredfornormalandreversepolaritybetweenEarthandtheaccessibleLEDpinsandconnectionsatasupplyvoltageof240Va.c,50Hz.

LampswithEdisonScrew-typebaseswereincludedinthereversepolarityvoltagetestingas‘bayonettoEdisonScrewadaptors’arereadilyavailable.

Leakagecurrentwasmeasuredatthe pointswherethehighestvoltagewasrecorded.AscanbeseenfromtheTablebelow,hazardoustouchcurrentsrangingfrom69mAto93mAwererecordedoneightofthetwelvesamples.

OnlyoneofthosesampleshadanLEDarraythatwasprotectedbyaglasscoverwhichpreventedtheelectricshockhazardfromotherwiseaccessiblelivecontacts.

However,atouchvoltageof103.5Vd.c.wasmeasuredontheheat-sinkencasingtheLEDarray,andthelampalsofailedtheelectricstrengthtest.

Inaddition,anumberofthelampscouldbeeasilydismantledwithoutcausingpermanentdamage,exposinghazardousliveinternalcircuitry.

Our conclusions Thetestfindingshighlightedserioussafetyconcernsincludingunacceptableelectricshockrisks,supportingthereportedelectricshockincidentthattriggeredourinvestigation.

Toavoidtheriskofelectricshock,werecommendthatwhenbuyingthetypesofLEDlampthatcompriseoneormoreLEDarrays,onlythosewherethearraysandcontactsareprotectedbyaplasticorglasscovershouldbechosen.

However,ourinvestigationsindicatethat,eventhen,thelampsmightbepoorlyconstructedand/orhaveinadequateseparationbetweentheprimaryandsecondarysidesoftheintegralcontrolcircuits.

Itisthereforeimportantalwaystotrytoensurethatalampholderisde-energisedbeforeinstallingorremovinganLEDlamp(andindeedanyothertypeoflamp).

Furtheradviceonhowtoidentifypotentiallysubstandard,unsafeLEDlampscanbefoundonourwebsite.

Wewillberaisingthesafetyissuesarisingfromourinvestigationswiththesuppliersconcernedand,whereappropriate,willpassourfindingstoTradingStandardstoassistthemwiththeirmarketsurveillanceandenforcementduties.

Aswithallourproductscreeningprojects,copiesofthelaboratorytestreportsandamoredetailedreportofthefindingscanbefoundinthe‘Electricalprofessionals’sectionofourwebsite www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

14 Feature


A B C D E F G H I J K L

Conditions

Normal polarity (V) 70.4 20.8 79.3 53.5 170.1 186.4 7.5 23.4 157.9 88.1 206.0 191.2

Reverse polarity (V) 175.2 21.5 157.8 103.5 73.3 64.9 7.4 23.8 83.1 201.0 47.8 58.7

Leakage current (mA) 81.4 0.0058 73.4 0.0202 76.0 85.6 0.005 0.0056 69.4 90.2 93.2 85.4

Sample designation and recorded values (Red = Failure)

Table: Overview of touch voltage and current measurements

Fig 4. continued




15News


Revised TrustMark criteria a step towards greater consumer protectionTrustMark, the government-backed quality mark for reputable tradesmen, was relaunched in April by Consumer Minister Jenny Willott, with new improved standards of consumer protection under a renewed master licence from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

» PeterHansford,thegovernment’sChiefConstructionAdviser,emphasisedthegovernment’sstrong commitment to TrustMarkandcalleduponmorefirmstogetbehindtheschemewhichiscentraltoboostingthereputationoftradesmen and consumer confidenceinthedomesticrepairs,maintenanceandimprovementmarket.

TheConsumerMinisterannouncedthenewcorecriteria – the government-endorsed standards at the heartoftheTrustMarkscheme–andurgedthewholeindustrytomeetthenewstandardswhichcovercustomerservice,goodtradingpracticesandtechnicalcompetence.

Therelaunchwasaccompaniedbyanewpublicitycampaignto increase consumer awarenessofTrustMark.

SomeofthekeychangestotheTrustMarkcorecriteria,thefirsttobemadesincetheschemewaslaunchedin2005,include:

●● Firmer standards. The old requirementsinthelicenceandcorecriteriaspokeaboutschemeoperatorsusing“bestendeavours”tomeet certain standards, and gave“examples”ofchecksandactivitiesthattheymight use to demonstrate compliance.Nowthecorecriteriatalkaboutschemeoperators’requirements(“schemeoperatorsmust...”)

●● Morespecificstandards.Wherebefore,forexample,

schemeoperatorshadtohave a general commitment toraisingstandards,theynowneedtoshowhowtheyareraisingstandardstoaddressidentifiedareasofconsumerdetrimentandothertrade-specificissues

●● Morevettingoftradesmen,includingspecificchecksthatmustbedonenotonlyuponafirm’sentrytothescheme,butalsoatrenewalstageoronanongoingbasis

●● Moreproactiveuseofcomplaintsdatabyschemeoperators,morereportingofthatdata,andmoretransparencyinthecomplaintsprocess

●● ChangestoprotectthebrandandreducemisuseoftheTrustMarklogo

●● Anewrequirementforschemeoperatorstodevelopwaystomeasuretheeffectivenessoftheircodeofpracticeandhowitreducesconsumerdetriment,andtokeepitregularlyreviewedinthelightofchangingcustomerexpectationsintheirsector.

Existingschemeoperatorswillhave12monthstoadapttothenewcorecriteria.Allnewschemeoperatorsapplyingsincetherelaunchwillbeassessedagainstthenewcorecriteriafromdayone.Also,thecorecriteriawillnowbereviewedandupdatedannuallytomaintainthedriveforhigherstandards.

“Consumers have the right toexpectthatanyworkundertaken in their home isdonesafelyandtoahighstandard”,saidPhilBuckle,DirectorGeneralofElectricalSafetyFirst.“TrustMark’srevisedcriteriaareabigsteptowardsachievingthisgoalanditisthereforeastepwewelcome.

“That Trustmark recognises the needtoincreaseawarenessoftheirschemeandattractmorecontractorsofthehighestcalibreispositive,butonlyoncethisbecomesarealitywillconsumershavetotalconfidenceinthequalityoftheworkmanshipandbeaffordedthebestpossibleprotectionfromdeath,injuryanddamagetotheirproperty”.

“Asacampaigningcharity,consumerprotectionisournumberonepriorityso,whilstwesupportTrustMark’srevisedcriteria,wearealsoawarethatmoreneedstobedone.Wewillthereforecontinuetoworkonbehalfofconsumerstomakethemawareofthedangersofemployingelectricaltradesmenwhodonotpossessthenecessaryskills”.


16 Technical


In-carpower suppliesinvestigatedAspartofitsongoingelectricalproductsafetyscreeningprogramme,ElectricalSafetyFirstcommissionedanindependentlaboratorytoassessthesafetyofaselectionoftypicalin-carpowerinvertersunderforeseeableconditionsofuse.

»These inverters are electronic devices thatconverta12Vd.c.supply

fromabatterytoa230Va.c.supply.

Dependingontheirratedoutput,theinvertersaredesignedeithertoplugintoacar’s12Vsupply/cigarettelightersocket,ortobeconnecteddirectlytothecarbattery,topowermainsvoltagedevicessuchaslaptops,televisions,travelkettlesandthelikethroughastandard13Asocket.Someplug-intypesalsoincludeUSBpoweroutlets.

Four in-car inverters, rated at 150 W, 200W,300W,and600Wwereselectedatrandomandpurchasedfromonlineretailers(includingUKsuppliers).

Asthereisnospecificproductstandardforin-carpowerinverters,therangeofsafetytestscarriedoutwerebasedonprofessionalengineeringjudgementandthegeneralsafetyrequirementsoftheproductstandardsreferencedattheendofthisarticle.

Test resultsLivetestingwasnotcarriedoutononeofthesamplesbecauseitwasdeemedtobeunsafeonthebasisofvisualinspectionalone.Butthethreethatweretestedperformedsatisfactorilyduringshort-circuit and overcurrent tests.

However,alltheinvertersfailedthefollowingcriteria:

●● Markingandinstructions:Theuserinstructionssuppliedwereinadequate.Inparticular,therewasnowarningnoticeatthesocket-outletorprovidedwiththeinstructionswarningusersofthepotentialdangerofconnectingtheinvertertoa230Vhouseholdsupply

●● Protectionagainstelectricshockandenergyhazards:Alltheinvertersfailedunderflashtestingduetoinsulationdeficiencieswhenthetestvoltagewasappliedbetweenlineandneutralofthe 230 V outlet and either the metal outercasingor,ifpresent,theUSBport.Insulationfailuresalsooccurredbetweenthemetaloutercasingoftheinvertersandthetransformercoreorprintedcircuitboard

●● Socket-outletdimensions:Noneofthe13Asocket-outletsfittedtotheinverterscompliedwiththedimensionalrequirementsofBS1363.Threeoftheinvertershad‘universalsocket-outlets’.Itwasnotpossibletofullyinsertthe 13Aplugtestgaugeintoanyofthesethreeinverters.(SeeFig1.)

●● TheotherinverterwasfittedwithaSchukosocket-outletofthetypeusedacrossmuchofcontinentalEurope,andsuppliedwithaseparateplug-inEurope-to-UK13Atraveladaptor.

●● Clearanceandcreepagedistances:Insufficientseparationdistancesbetweenpartswerefoundonallofthesamples,forexamplebetweentheprimaryandsecondarysideoftheprintedcircuitboard,andbetweentheoutermetalcasingandsolderedjoints.

ConclusionAlthoughdeficiencieswerefoundwithalltheinverterssampled,wefoundnoevidencethattheypresentedashockriskto users. The inverter circuit arrangements providedelectricalseparationbetweenthe12Vd.c.inputand230Va.c.output,andnoprovisionwasmadeforconnectiontothegeneralmassofEarth.

Wewillbefurtherinvestigatingthesafetyofinverters,andpublishingthefindingsinfutureeditionsofSwitched On.

Allourlaboratorytestreportsareavailabletoviewinfullinthe‘Electricalprofessionals’sectionofourwebsite: www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

Footnote:Relevant requirements in the following Standards were used for assessing the safety of the inverters:EN 60950-1: Information technology equipment – Safety. Part 1: General RequirementsEN 60065: Audio, video and similar electronic apparatus. Safety requirementsEN 62109-1: Safety of power converters for use in photovoltaic power systems – Part 1: General requirementsEN 62109-2: Safety of power converters for use in photovoltaic power systems – Part 2: Particular requirements for invertersEN 60320-1: Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes - Part 1: General requirements BS 1363: 13 A plugs, socket-outlets, adaptors and connection unitsFig 1. It was not possible to fully insert the

plug test gauge



17Technical


WhatisthedifferencebetweenClassIandClassIIequipment?PersonscarryingoutinspectionandtestingofportableequipmentmustbeabletoidentifytheconstructionClassoftheequipmenttodeterminewhatelectricaltestsareappropriate.

Basic safety requirement

Clause4ofthebasicelectricalsafetystandard BS EN 61140: 2002 (as amended) Protection against electric shock - Common aspects for installation and equipment states that ‘hazardous-live-parts shall not be accessible and accessible conductive parts shall not be hazardous live, either under normal conditions (operation in intended use and absence of a fault), or under single-fault conditions’.

Manufacturersofelectricalequipmentshouldconstructtheirequipmentinsuchawaythat:

●● usersoftheequipmentcannotcomeintocontactwithinternalliveparts,and

●● anyexposed-conductive-partsthatcouldbecomeliveunderfaultconditionsare connected to an earthing terminal thatpermitsconnectionofaprotectiveconductor.

TechnicalReportPD2754-2:1993Classification of electrical and electronic equipment with regard to protection against electric shock – Guide to requirements for protection against electric shock recognises fourconstructionClassesforelectricalequipment:Class0,ClassI,ClassIIandClassIII.

Class 0 equipment

ThesaleofClass0equipment,whichhasnoprotectiveearthconnectionandonlyasinglelevelofinsulation,isnotpermittedintheUKonsafetygrounds,andsothisClassofequipmentisnotfurtherdiscussedhere.

Class I equipment

ForequipmentofClassIconstruction,protectionagainstelectricshockisprovidedbylimitingthedurationofacurrentpassingthroughthehumanbody.

Inpractice,thisisachievedbytheconstructionoftheequipmentandbyconnectionoftheexposed-conductive-partsoftheequipmentwhichmaybecomeliveunderfaultconditions,such as a metallic outer casing, to the earthingarrangementsoftheelectricalinstallationviaaprotectiveconductor.

Inshort,intheeventofanearthfault,thesafetyofClassIequipmentisreliantupontheprotectivedeviceandprotectiveconductorarrangementsoftheelectricalinstallationtowhichitisconnected.

ThesafetyearthingterminalofClassIequipment,whichisconnectedtotheexposed-conductive-partsofthatequipment,isnormallydesignatedwiththesymbolshowninFig1.

Fig 1. Safety symbol for a safety earthing terminal

ExamplesofClassIequipmentincludephotocopiers,domesticwhitegoodsandkitchenappliances.

Class II equipment

ForequipmentofClassIIconstruction,protectionagainstelectricshockisprovidedbypreventingcurrentpassingthroughthehumanbody.

Thisisachievedeitherbytheprovisionaroundlivepartsofbothbasicandsupplementaryinsulation(seeFig2),orofreinforcedinsulation.

Reinforcedinsulationmaybeasinglelayerofinsulationofferinganequivalentdegreeofprotectiontothatprovidedbybasicand

supplementaryinsulation,ormaycompriseseverallayersthatcannotbetestedsinglyasbasicinsulationorsupplementaryinsulation.

ForClassIIequipment,protectionagainstelectricshockdoesnotrelyonthefaultprotectionarrangementsoftheelectricalinstallationtowhichitisconnected,andsoaprotectiveconductorisnotrequired.

ExamplesofClassIIequipmentincludepowersupplyunitsandmostmodernmains-poweredtoolsandgardenequipment.

ClassIIequipmentshouldbeidentifiedbytheconstructionsymbolshowninFig2.

Fig 2. Class II equipment construction mark

SomeitemsofClassIIequipmenthaveametalliccasingeithertoprovidemechanicalprotection,orforpurelyaestheticreasons(ClassIIcequipment).Themetalliccasingofsuchequipmentdoesnotneedtobeearthedastheinsulationpreventsitfrombecomingliveunderfaultconditions.

Whenconsideringwhat,ifany,testsshouldbeperformed,anyequipmentthatisnotmarkedwithaClassIIsymbolshouldberegardedasClassIequipment.

Thisappliesalsotoextensionleadsbecause,underfaultconditions,anyitemsofClassIequipmentconnectedtothemwillbereliantforsafetyupontheeffectivenessoftheprotectiveconductorinthelead.

Class III equipment

ProtectionagainstelectricshockinClassIIIequipmentisprovidedbylimitingthemaximumnominalvoltageto50Va.c.or120Vripple-freed.c.

AsClassIIIequipmentdoesnotrequireanyelectricaltestingtodetermineitscontinuedsafety,itisnotdiscussedanyfurtherinthisarticle.

Itshouldbenoted,however,thatthesourceofsupplyforsuchequipment,whichmaybeofClassIorClassIIconstruction,mustbetestedasappropriatetoitsequipmentClass.

Have you ever been asked..?

Fig 2. Class II equipment


18 Technical


Safety Bulletin –supportingheavycablesInAugust2010,amanoperatingapallettruckinawarehousetragicallysufferedfatalheadandspinalinjurieswhensixarmouredcablesfellontohimfromaheightofabout17metres.

»Itisprobablethat,whenoriginallyinstalled,thecableswereadequately

securedtotheundersideofcabletraybymetalbands,ashadbeenthepracticeelsewhereinthewarehouse.

Atsomelatertime,however,theoriginalsupportshadbeenremovedinordertodisposeofredundantcabling,theremainingcablesthenbeingbunchedandre-securedwithplasticcableties.

Afteranumberofyearsthosetiesfailed,resultinginthecollapseofthecables.Giventheweightofthecablesandtheheightfromwhichtheyfell,theimpactforcewaslethal.

FollowinganinquestintotheincidentlastOctober,theCoronerwrotetotheInstitutionofEngineeringandTechnology(IET)recommendingthatfurtherguidancebepublishedontheselectionofcablefixingsand,inparticular,thoseusedtosupportheavypowercables.

The Coroner also suggested that electrical designersandinstallersshouldbemadeawareofthepotentialconsequencesofheavycablesfallingfromheight.

The IET advised the Coroner that JPEL/64,thecommitteeresponsiblefortheUKstandardforthesafetyofelectricalinstallations-BS 7671 - had considered the circumstances leading to thefatalityandhadconcludedthatthecurrentrequirementsofBS 7671: 2008 (asamended)fortheinstallationandsupportofcablesweresufficient.

However,tohelppreventsimilaraccidents,themembersofthecommitteeagreedtoworktogethertoraiseawarenessoftheimportanceofsupportingheavycablescorrectly,andthepotentialconsequencesoffailingtodoso.

ThisSafetyBulletin,whichhasalsobeenofferedtootherpartiesforpublication,isElectricalSafetyFirst’scontributiontothatinitiative.

Relevant requirements of BS 7671: 2008 (as amended)

Whenassemblinganelectricalinstallation,BS7671requiresgoodworkmanshipbycompetentpersonsorbythoseundertheirsupervision,theuseofsuitablematerials,andinstallationinaccordance


19Technical


withtheinstructionsprovidedbythemanufactureroftheequipment(134.1.1).

Where,duetothemethodofinstallation,cablesarenotsupportedcontinuouslythroughouttheirlength,theyshouldbeadequatelysupportedatappropriateintervalssuchthattheydonotsufferdamageresultingfromtheirownweight(522.8.4).

Everycableshouldbesupportedtotakeaccountofanymechanicalstrainimposedbythesupportedweightofthecableitself(522.8.5).

Thecircumstancesofthisincidentclearlydemonstratethattheoriginalsafetyofaninstallationcanbeadverselyaffectedbyworkcarriedoutonitatalaterdate.

ItshouldthereforebeborneinmindthattheaboverequirementsofBS7671apply

equallytoalterationsandadditionsmadetoanexistinginstallation,andtoanypartsofanexistinginstallationaffectedbyanadditionoralteration(110.1.2(vi)).

Additional guidance on the support of cables

Cablemanufacturerspublishguidanceanddataontheminimumrequirementsforthesupportoftheircables.AnumberofindustrybodiesalsopublishguidanceonhowtomeettherequirementsofBS7671fortheselectionanderectionofwiringsystemsandcabling.Suchguidanceshouldbetakenintoaccountduringinstallationandsubsequentmaintenance.

Orientation of the support system

Theorientationofasupportsystemsuchascabletrayorladderrackingmustbetakenintoaccountwhenselectingthemeansbywhichcablesareattachedtoit.

Ifthesupportsystemisinstalledverticallyonawallorwithits‘openface’facingdown,thesupportofthecablesistotallyreliantontheintegrityofthemeansofattachmenttothetray–ifthemeansofattachmentfails,thecableswillfall.

Ifthesupportsystemisinstalledwithits‘openface’facingup,supportisprovidedinherentlyandtherewillbeconsiderablylessstrainonthemeansofattachingthecables.Inmanycases,thefixingssupportingatrayorladderrackwillpreventinstalledcablesfallingofftheside.

Forthesereasons,horizontalrunsofcablesupportsystemsshouldbeinstalledwiththe‘openface’upwhereverpracticable.

Selection of fixings

Wherecablesareattachedtoaverticalsupportsystemortothe

undersideofameansofsupport,thestrengthandcontinuedintegrityofthemeansofattachmentiscritical.

Consequently,onlyfixingshavingsufficientstrengthanddurabilityshouldbeused.Thisprecludesthesoleuseofplasticcabletiesasapermanentmeansofsecuringcablesand,inparticular,heavypowercables.

Appropriatetypesoffixinginclude:

●● cableclipsorcleatsattachedbynutsandbolts,threadedrodorsimilar

●● metallicbandingattachedbynuts andbolts

●● metalliccabletiesattachedinaccordancewiththe manufacturer’srecommendations.

Periodic inspection

Inordertopreventdanger,everyelectricalinstallationneedstobemaintained.Thiscanbeachievedbyaneffectivemanagementsystemforpreventativemaintenance,orbyasuitableprogrammeofperiodicinspectionandtesting.Ineithercase,aninstallationshouldbesubjectedtoinspectionatappropriateintervals.

Inthecasereportedonabove,theinadequatemeansofre-supportprovidedforthecableshadbeeninplaceforseveralyearswithoutbeingdetectedandcorrectedbeforeitscatastrophicfailure.

Appendix6of BS 7671containsalistoftypicalitemsthatrequireinspectionduringaperiodicinspectionofnon-domesticpremises.Thelistincludescheckingthatcablesarecorrectlysupportedthroughouttheirlength,whetherformingpartofadistributioncircuitorfinalcircuit.

Fig 2. Open face down

Fig 1. Open face up

Cables are supported by the trayFixings locate cables and prevent movement under fault conditions. Cables are easier to install

Full weight of cables is supported by the fixings.Cables must be fixed by suitable means at appropriate intervals such as to prevent them suffering damage by their own weight


20 News


PreviousissuesofSwitchedOnareavailabletoreadordownloadfromourwebsite.

Back issues of Switched On

www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/switchedon

Round table follows-up product safety issuesA recent Electrical Safety First round table event attracted a host of senior figures from the electrical product supply chain to discuss issues relating to the traceability and recall of defective electrical products.

» Theevent–afollow-uptotheProductSafetyConferencethattookplacelastyear-wasattendedbyrepresentativesfromAMDEA,BEAMA,Beko,Dixons,KenwoodandRETRA,togetherwithkeyfiguresfromtheDepartmentforBusiness,InnovationandSkills,ANEC(theEuropeanvoiceonstandards),theBritishStandardsInstitutionandTradingStandards.

Delegates discussed undertaking areviewofexistingguidance

forproductrecalls,withtheaimofencouragingindustrytake-upanduseofbest-practiceexamples.However,theneedforeffectiveconsumereducationwasthekeyconcernforallthoseattending.

“Iamdelightedbytheresponsewe’vehadtotheroundtable”,explainsPhilBuckle,DirectorGeneralofElectricalSafetyFirst.“Theneedforimprovedtraceabilityandproductrecallprocessesisnotjustanindustryconcern.Ourownresearchhas

shownthatalmosttwomillionadultshaveknowinglyignoredtherecallofanelectricalitem.

“Givenourcampaigningexpertise,we’reideallyplacedtotaketheleadonactivitiesinvolvingconsumereducation,andwouldwelcomeopportunitiestoworkcollaborativelytoachievethis.”

Othertopicsdiscussedattheroundtableincludedareviewofthedataprotectionbarrierstoeffectivetraceability–anissue

ElectricalSafetyFirsthasbeenraisinginboththeUKandtherestoftheEuropeanUnion.

Among the ideas Electrical SafetyFirsthassuggestedtoimprovetraceabilityfrompoint-of-salethroughtotheenduseristhedevelopmentofacentralisedproductregistrationsystem.Anotheristheincreasedpromotionanduseofproductregistrationcardsdesignedforthesolepurposeofalertingconsumerstospecificsafetyissues.

Delegates also considered hownewtechnology–suchastheuseofQRcodes–mightbeusedtosupportimprovedtraceabilityprocedures.

ThesuccessoftheroundtablehasledtoElectricalSafetyFirstplanningafurthereventasalead-intoitspopularconferenceinNovemberonelectricalproductsafety.

Product Safety FirstTime for changeElectrical Product Safety Conference 2014 12 November 2014 | Church House | Westminster | London


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