Issue 12 June 2003
ECSSA Electrical Contractors Safety & Standards Association,
Coolmore House, Park Road, Killarney, Co Kerry.
Tel: 064 37266, Fax: 064 37269, e-mail:
info@ecssa.ie Website:
www.ecssa.ie
Outdoor Metering Cabinet
For quite some time we have serious concerns about the standard of workmanship displayed in the fitting of the standard outdoor meter cabinets. It is our view that the cabinet is the direct responsibility of the building contractor (after all it is part of the finished building like a window).
However because it is going to contain electrical equipment it is your responsibility to ensure it is fitted correctly according to Page 11 of 2002 edition of 'National Code of Practice for Customer Interface'.
Just a few points
1. All piping for ESB service from Pole or Mini Pillar to the meter cabinet must be 50mm red and must enter cabinet at bottom left hand side as shown.
2. The red Hockey Stick is a fixed length to cater for depth of trench and height to reach cabinet (as shown). However this causes major problems where foundation level is high and possibly has steel reinforcing so the Hockey Stick may have to be fitted when pouring foundation (See sketch).
3. The cabinet is designed to contain combustion/fire (should it arise) for a reasonable time, therefore any damage to the structure of the cabinet that allows excess oxygen to enter will fuel the combustion/fire even further.
4. The Holes to accept 50mm ESB Service Pipe and pipe on customer's 'Tails' must be DRILLED to correct size and sealed.
5. There is now an option (as shown) of where to drill for customer tails. If entry is on side of the cabinet it must be within 50mm of bottom of cabinet.
6. Customer Tails in a cavity with aeroboard must be protected with suitable tubing. Various types of tubing are being used and in many cases the tubing does not enter the cabinet, therefore it cannot be ascertained if it exists at all. In other cases we know it does not exist. As of now in the interest of good work practice ECSSA are insisting that members use flexible Copex type tubing in one continuous length.
7. Under no circumstances will an opening of any type be tolerated on top of cabinet.
8. If aeroboard in cavity catches fire, toxic fumes could travel throughout the house and maybe cause fatalities while people sleep.
9. If ESB refuse to connect supply to a cabinet that is not fitted correctly do not telephone your ECSSA inspector to complain or to seek his help in having ESB decision reversed.
Protection of Cables from Sharp Edges (522.8.1.)
This clearly covers entry into all metallic boxes and switchgear. It also applies to
(1) Steel studded partitions
(2) Metallic frames for suspended ceilings etc
Note: For (1) and (2) above a minimum earth wire of 2.5 sq mm is also required.
Protection of Earth Conductor to Earth Spike (542.3.1.)
When this earth conductor leaves the building it must have mechanical protection as far as the spike.
Note: This protection may consist of conduit or pipe, of metal or heavy PVC material.
Lighting Sockets - usually 3 pin 5A (554.4.3)
These sockets must be controlled by a switch and must have suitably rated RCD protection.
3 Phase RCDs
These are designed for protection of 3 phase units. They are not suitable for control of single phase sockets which are supplied from various phases of a 3 phase supply. (An open circuit on the neutral could result in up to 380-400V at single phase sockets).
The correct design is to have a separate single phase RCD on each row of the 3 phase Board or of course separate R.C.B.O.s.
ECSSA OFFICE HOURS
Monday to Friday
9am to 1pm
2pm to 5pm
Hot Press (Airing Cupboard)
(1) Bonding
Where plumbing is basically plastic type piping but where copper piping is used from cylinder to ceiling, it is not necessary to run a 10 sq earth conductor from main Board. However if it is run at first fixing (not sure what type piping would be used by plumber) then be sure to connect it to copper pipes. Leaving it unconnected because plastic type piping was used, may cause confusion at a future date.
(2) Immersion Heater and other
Equipment (555.3)
The switching devise should where practicable be located outside the Hot Press. Where this is not possible it should be located inside in a position that is not likely to be covered by clothes (e.g. just inside door and under a shelf).
Where airing cupboard opens directly into a bathroom, then switches shall not be installed inside the cupboard.
If a light must be fitted it should be an enclosed type.
Bathrooms
(1) Lighting Fittings (701.55.06)
In the past we interpreted the note 'Light Bulbs in places must not be accessible without the removal of a cover' as referring to all zones in the bathroom. The ETCI have now confirmed to us that this does not apply to Zone 3.
However we still consider it good safety practice to use enclosed light fittings in all bathroom and ensuite rooms.
(2) Bonding
If plumbing in a bathroom is plastic type then you do not introduce an earth.
If a Class I appliance is fitted in a bathroom naturally it will be earthed but if there is more than one Class I appliance then they must have their frames interconnected by an earth conductor (2.5 sq mm).
If the plumbing in bathroom is copper then you interconnect all pipework and any Class I appliances with 2.5 sq mm earth conductor so as to create a cage - Equipotential Bonding.
Circuits of Safety Services (560 and 563) Safety Services include:
a) Fire Detection and alarm equipment (I.S. 3218)
b) Emergency Lighting (I.S. 3217)
c) Fire Extinguishing Equipment
d) Fireman's Lift
e) Smoke Control Equipment
Safety Circuits must be physically separated from other circuits by either distance, suitable barriers or by use of mineral insulated copper sheathed cable.
Safety Circuits shall not occupy a common multicore cable or conduit with other circuits.
Safety Circuits in Trunking, Ducting or other similar enclosures must have a fixed rigid fire resistant barrier to ensure separation.
S.W.A. Cables - Use of Sheath as Protective Conductor
This can be adequate in certain circumstances. It is important to check ETCI Annex 54B to satisfy yourself.
Note: The sheath may not be used as Main Protective Conductor.
Remember to look up our website
www.ecssa.ie
Festive Lighting
Up until now many of our members got Festive lighting (e.g. Christmas, Carnivals, Outdoor Events etc) connected direct to ESB network at numerous points throughout their town or village with ESB agreement on connected wattage to satisfy Billing. This will not happen anymore. It is now proposed that every connection must be metered with a suitable fee for each connection. This has implications for electrical contractor as it is likely he/she will be expected to wire his/her installation to a smaller number of locations (connection points). It also could have serious cost implications for the local committee who might not be aware of the changes until the week before their event takes place.
The local ESB know their customers who avail of these connections and they will be notifying them shortly of the new regulations that will apply in future.
However you know your own clients and their requirements so it would be good business on your part to make them aware of the proposed changes now.
Public Lighting Booklet
This Code of Practice for Public Lighting Installations in residential areas is now available from the ECSSA office at €14 including postage.
It is absolutely essential for any member who is involved (or likely to be involved at any future date) to have a copy.
Public Lighting is an area that can be quite lucrative and particularly if you are the electrical contractor on site anyway.
Faulty Main Switch Fuse
In our last newsletter we again listed the types that were banned and then added that a member could be held for subsequent damage, if he had carried out electrical work on the premises and left the banned switch fuse.
It was never intended that the member should have to replace the unit without being paid for his time and material. However we must emphasise that it is his/her duty to inform the customer of the problem and recommend it be replaced immediately. Should the customer refuse to have it changed then the member should record this fact on the certificate (if applicable) or alternatively in a subsequent letter to the customer. The member has now cleared his responsibility on the matter. We regret if the reference to this subject in our March 2003 Newsletter caused concern to some members.
Gas Central Heating Units
The electrical connections to these units are usually through a Fused Spur or through a 6A M.C.B. at the Board.
We are concerned that some members take the PVC/PVC cable direct into the unit. This is not acceptable. Heat resisting cable/flex must be used here.
Declaration of Compliance with ET101/202 for minor installation work
Completion Certificates for minor work are now available to ECSSA from ETCI.
Supplying Certificates to You
It is your responsibility to supply ECSSA with a copy of the renewal of your Public Liability Insurance.
We also need payment in advance either by cheque, cash, or credit card.
Remember we cannot issue you certificates if we do not have a copy of your up to date Public Liability Insurance Certificate.
