WIRINGMATTERS

WIRINGMA
WIRINGMATTERS
TTERS
SPRING 11 ISSUE 38

The Institution of Engineering and Technology

SURGE
PROTECTION
Guarding against damage to electronic equipment

Prefab wiring systems PAT testing Medical locations Fuse standards

Key aspects of BS We clear up some of Details of a new Changes to reflect
8488 and designers’ the common causes section of BS 7671 to developments of low­
responsibilities of confusion be introduced in July voltage fuse standards

www.electrical.theiet.org/wiring-matters
.org/wiring-matters
PAT testing frequency | 3

PAT Testing and the parameters

affecting the frequency of testing
How frequencies of testing should be interpreted for in-service inspection and testing

By Richard Townsend

There is a particularly testing of electrical equipment, and the environments they are the tests required and offers
common group of questions on commonly known as portable used in and how this affects guidance on the initial
the help-line, which centres on appliance testing (PaT). their testing regime. frequencies that should be
the requirement for applied. in some cases the
consultants, contractors and There seems to be much The ‘Code of Practice for help-line callers possess this
customers to understand the confusion as to why they should in-service inspection and document but struggle to
frequencies of testing that comply and how to comply, Testing of electrical understand what is meant or
should be carried out for with a great deal of confusion equipment’ (3rd edition), implied by requirements for
in-service inspection and linked to types of equipment produced by the ieT, describes and frequency of tests. E

Spring 11 | IET Wiring Matters

4 | PAT testing frequency

For the purpose of this article 1. Performing in-service

we will be concerned with two inspection and testing,
of these. which consist of three
activities:
Electricity at Work i user checks
Regulations 1989 ii formal visual
Provision and Use of Work inspections (without tests)
Equipment Regulations iii combined
1998 inspections and tests
2. Performing maintenance
The requirement for PAT or, if necessary, replacing
testing and maintenance is to the defective item of
comply with the Electricity at equipment (depending
Work Regulation 4 (2) which upon the results of the
states that: “As may be in-service inspection and
necessary to prevent danger, testing), and
all systems shall be maintained 3. keeping up-to-date
so as to prevent, so far as is records that can be a
reasonably practicable, such means of showing
danger”. It must also comply compliance.
with Regulation 5 of the
Provision and Use of Work Information on the Electricity at
Equipment Regulations 1998, Work Regulations can be
which states that: “Every found in the HSE publication
employer shall ensure that ‘The Memorandum of
work equipment is maintained Guidance on the Electricity at
‘PAT testing’ determines whether electrical equipment is safe to use
in an efficient state, in efficient Work Regulations 1989’.
F The main objective for ‘PAT Health and Safety at Work working order and in good
testing’ is to ascertain if etc. Act 1974 repair”. When regular inspection and
electrical equipment that is in Management of Health and testing is carried out, this can
use, or likely to be, is fit and Safety at Work Regulations This means that any form part of an ongoing
safe for continued use or if the 1999 maintenance and frequencies maintenance programme,
equipment should be Provision and Use of Work of inspections and tests should which in turn can be used by a
quarantined for repair/ Equipment Regulations be sufficient to prevent a competent person to
maintenance or quarantined 1998 dangerous occurrence, so far determine the frequencies and
for correct disposal. Electricity at Work as is reasonably practicable. level of inspections for the
Regulations 1989 future on going programme.
Legislation Workplace (Health, Safety The requirements of the
The legislation relevant to and Welfare) Regulations Electricity at Work Regulations It also allows the responsible
electrical maintenance is: 1992 can be met by: person to monitor the E

Wiring Matters is a quarterly publication produced by IET Services Limited, a subsidiary of The Institution of Engineering and
Technology (IET), for the IET. Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2AY, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1438
313311 Fax: +44 (0)1438 313465. The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England & Wales (no
211014) and Scotland (no SC038698). The IET is not as a body responsible for the opinions expressed.

Advertising Sales D Smith +44 (0)1438 767224 [email protected] | Editor G D Cronshaw +44 (0)1438 767384 [email protected] |
Contributing Editors M Coles, J Elliott, P Bicheno | Sub editors Jim Hannah, Leanne Farnell | Design Dan Shadrake, John Rooney, Jon Bonny.
©2010: The Institution of Engineering and Technology. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted in any form or by any means without the permission in writing of the publisher. Copying of articles is not permitted except for personal
and internal use. Multiple copying of the content of this publication without permission is always illegal. Web-offset printing by Wyndeham Heron, The
Bentall Complex, Colchester Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex, UK

Co-operating Organisations The Institution of Engineering & Technology acknowledges the contribution made by the following organisations in the prepara­
tion of this publication: British Electrotechnical & Allied Manufacturers Association Ltd – P D Galbraith, M H Mullins | Department for Communities
and Local Government – I Drummond | Electrical Contractors Association – D Locke, S Burchell | City & Guilds of London Institute – H R Lovegrove |
Electrical Contractors Association of Scotland SELECT – N McGuiness | Health & Safety Executive – K Morton | Electrical Safety Council | ERA Technol­
ogy Limited – M Coates, A Finney | Consultant – M. Al-Rufaie | Dept of Health – C Holme | British Cables Association – C Reed | Scottish Building
Standards Agency | Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform | GAMBICA – M Hadley, A. Sedhev | Lighting Association – L Barling
ISSN 1749-978-X

IET Wiring Matters | Spring 11

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6 | PAT testing frequency

working state, or it shows signs

of requiring earlier
maintenance periods due to
breakdowns through damage
or unreliability.

Consideration should be given

to a piece of equipments
position and accessibility will
play a big part in its test
frequencies, for example, if a
television or monitor screen is
wall mounted at high level and
has little or no physical
interaction with operators, it
stands to reason that it’s
frequency of test could be
F condition of any equipment acceptable and that sufficient technical judgement using the extended due to its
and in doing so the ongoing protection is afforded to end existing data, or history, with inaccessibility and low risk of
maintenance programme can users. which to make an informed damage from user interaction.
be modified to ensure that decision, which again, should
equipment life expectancy can The frequencies that are used be backed up with continual
be achieved or safely are based on general usage monitoring in order to confirm
extended. without any prior knowledge of any decisions made.
the installation. Once a history
Frequency of Testing of tests exists it may be It should be noted, however,
The code of practice for acceptable to extend the that in certain circumstances
in-service inspection and test frequencies beyond those that the frequencies may need
(COP), table 7.1 gives initial used in Table 7.1. The level or to be reduced if the
frequencies of inspections and time frame that the intervals environment the equipment is
tests. These “initial can be extended is dependant operated in, is sufficiently
frequencies” are often taken on the competent persons harsh to degrade its safe
out of context and used as
absolute figures regardless
of any analysis of an individual
business requirement. This is The Code of Practice describes
a common and costly error the tests required and offers
of judgement and is made guidance on initial frequencies
quite clear on page 36, item
7.4 of the same code of Regular risk assessments
practice. remain key in all continuous
monitoring PAT test plans and
The table 7.1 in the they should be re-visited
COP should be used regularly to prove their
as a guide for the effectiveness. If this methodol­
initial frequency of ogy is accepted and adhered
any inspection and to, the regular PAT testing
tests. As soon as programme can become a
a history of regular useful tool in product/asset
testing, inspection reliability and effectiveness.
and maintenance is This can only serve to reduce
produced or proved, annual maintenance expendi­
the competent person ture and ensure that the
responsible for the installation maximum life span of equip­
can determine whether the ments can be achieved
equipment test frequencies are effectively and safely. L

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8 | Prefabricated wiring systems

Specification of 2
7
2

6 13 4 7 4
2

6 4 3
2
4 4

prefabricated
3 7 7

4 7 4
5 1

wiring systems
10
10

10

9
2 8
4 11

Prefabricated wiring systems are an established 8 3 8

4
alternative to conventional fixed wiring methods. 7 7
10

They are often referred to in generic terms as 12

‘modular wiring’ or ‘plug-and-play’.
Key

By Paul Sayer IEng MIET GCGI 1

2
Distribution board
Mains cables (fixed installation)
8
9
Socket-outlet for office desk
Switch
3 Junction box 10 Pillar
4 Factory wired cable set 11 Trunking/ducting
5 Small distribution board 12 Suspended floor
6 Lighting fixture 13 Suspended ceiling
7 Distribution block

This article identifies key design calculations and Fig 1 – Diagram of a typical prefabricated wiring system. Line
aspects of BS 8488 for the BS 7671. diagram courtesy of BSI.
specification of prefabricated
wiring systems and associated BS 8488 System are intended to be installed BS 8488 identifies that
requirements in BS 7671 and safety standard by instructed or skilled separate luminaires are a
highlights the responsibility on BS 8488 specifies safety persons, including the typical group of electrical
the designer to make the requirements, together with connection and equipment, which can easily
necessary electrical associated tests, for disconnection of installation be linked to a comprehensive
calculations. prefabricated wiring systems couplers lighting system by using a
that are within its scope. prefabricated wiring system
When referring to this standard It includes systems that: Application of the system (see fig 2).
it is important to realise that its The standard provides a guide
latest amendment is incorporate installation to use and applications, Safety requirements and tests
BS 8488:2009+A1:2010 couplers to BS EN 61535 including those within Safety requirements and tests
Incorporating Corrigendum have a rated voltage up to suspended floors and in BS 8488 include:
No 1. This latest amendment and including 500 V a.c. ceilings. Fig 1 illustrates
introduces requirements are a permanent connection a typical prefabricated wiring provision for
associated with electrical in fixed installations system. earthing

IET Wiring Matters | Spring 11

Prefabricated wiring systems | 9

the number of loaded cores details to be provided with

Pluggable Distribution Board
Lighting Marshalling Box (LDU) defined by the manufacturer each prefabricated wiring
not being grouped with section, if they are necessary
other wiring systems or to ensure safe use and
cables maintenance:
not being in contact with
thermal insulation instructions for safe use
A the ambient temperature system design information,
D
B not exceeding 30°C validating conformity with
Area Distribution Box
the frequency of operating BS 7671*
being not greater than information required to
61Hz facilitate inspection and
testing for conformity with
Marking of wiring section rated BS 7671*
current
BS 8488 requires that the *This information can be for
Tee Piece rated current (A) and the complete system and not
T T T T
corresponding reference provided with each wiring
method from BS 7671:2008, section.
Table 4A2 is distinctly and
Switch Block 2 Way durably marked on each It can be assumed that safe
Sw2 individual section (see fig 3, use includes protection
below). against electric shock and
T T T
adequate conductor
System design to BS 7671 current-carrying capacity.
Additional documentation Therefore, it is likely that
BS 8488 requires the following every BS 8488 system E
Fig 2 – Diagram of a typical prefabricated wiring system

protection against Rated current and wiring

electric shock section conductor size
resistance to solid BS 8488 prescribes that
objects, dust and the rated current shall be
moisture assigned according to a
insulation resistance reference method defined
and electric by the manufacturer
strength from BS 7671:2008,
clearances, and creepage Table 4A2.
distances
resistance to heat, fire and The rated current and
tracking cross-sectional area of the
electrical connections wiring section conductors,
routine tests during/after are determined on the
production following basis: Fig 3 – Example of rated current marking on each individual section

Spring 11 | IET Wiring Matters

10 | Prefabricated wiring systems

circuits connected to separate One example of this

overcurrent protection shall arrangement is a multiple
originate from an LV switchgear circuit distribution cable
and controlgear assembly (known as a home run)
complying with the relevant originating from a distribution
part of BS EN 60439, board and terminating at an
BS EN 61439 or assembly of couplers, known
BS EN 61534. as an Area Distribution Box or
ADB (see fig 5, below).
An appropriate standard for
the system distribution board Depending upon the
can be BS EN 60439-3, which configuration of the assembly
is known as an MCB of couplers for through
distribution board. connection, BS 8488
requires conformity with
Where the LV switchgear and BS 5733 or the relevant part of
controlgear assembly contains BS EN 60439, BS EN 61439
the wiring system overcurrent or BS EN 61534.
protection, the connector to
the assembly must conform to Circuit branching
BS EN 61984 and the arrangements
installation coupler shall Where a wiring system
conform to BS EN 61535 comprising a single circuit
(see fig 4). terminates at an assembly
containing couplers intended
Through-connection for branching of the circuit, BS
arrangements 8488 requires the assembly
BS 8488 stipulates the containing the couplers must
applicable standards for the comply as follows:
assembly containing couplers
for the through-connection of a. if it is not designated for the
circuits that emanate from connection of luminaires, it
Fig 4 System distribution board to BS EN 60439-3 with distribution separate overcurrent must conform to BS EN
connectors to BS EN 61984 protection e.g. circuit­ 61535 and be classified as
breakers. a distribution block
F will have been designed compliance with BS 7671
using basic calculations/circuit may include:
arrangements or dedicated
calculation software and be Cross-sectional area of live
provided with this design conductors
information. Voltage drop
Earth fault loop impedance
BS 8488 states that the for protection against
required current-carrying electric shock (fault
capacity of a system section protection)
should be determined by Protective conductor
the system designer by cross-sectional area for
applying rating factors for protection against earth
the specific installation fault current
conditions. Cross-sectional area of live
conductors for protection
This current carrying capacity against short circuit current
may be different from the rated
current. Connection to LV switchgear and
controlgear assembly
Design elements of the system A key requirement of BS 8488 Fig 5 An assembly of couplers (known as an ADB) complying with
Design elements of the specifies that a wiring system BS EN 61439-2 connected to a multiple circuit distribution cable
system, to be verified for comprising a number of (known as a home run)

IET Wiring Matters | Spring 11

Prefabricated wiring systems | 11

Summary and testing for conformity with

BS 8488:2009+A1:2010 BS 7671.
specifies the safety
requirements, together with It can be assumed that safe
associated tests for use includes protection against
prefabricated wiring systems. electric shock and adequate
Three key requirements conductor current-carrying
associated with BS 7671 are: capacity. Therefore, it is likely
that every BS 8488 system will
Wiring sections must be have been designed using
marked with the rated basic calculations/circuit
current and corresponding arrangements or dedicated
reference method from BS calculation software and be
7671:2008, Table 4A provided with this design
System design information, information.
validating conformity with
BS 7671 shall be provided* Specifiers and installers have
Information required to been keen to exploit the
facilitate inspection and benefits of prefabricated wiring
testing for conformity systems for a number of years.
with BS 7671 shall be The development of
provided* BS 8488A1: 2010 now sets
down the requirements for the
Fig 6 LDU complying with BS 5733:2010 *If they are necessary to design of pre fabricated wiring
ensure safe use and systems to conform with
b. if it is specifically manufacturers might not be maintenance specific parts of BS 7671.
designated for the compatible nor safely
connection of luminaires, it interconnectable. Fig 7 If necessary, to ensure safe References and further reading
must conform to BS 5733 illustrates one manufacturer’s use and maintenance, Standards referenced in this
and be classified as a type of installation coupler BS 8488 requires information article can be purchased from
lighting distribution unit used in a prefabricated wiring to be provided relating to the British Standards Institution
(LDU) as defined in BS system. system design and inspection (BSI) www.bsigroup.com.
5733:2010 (see fig 6)

c. if it is not covered by (a)

or (b), it must conform to
BS 5733 or the relevant
part of BS EN 60439,
BS EN 61439 or BS EN
61534

Compatibility between different

manufacturers
BS 8488 requires that
prefabricated wiring systems
use installation couplers that
conform to BS EN 61535.
Installation couplers are not
required to be dimensionally
compatible between different
manufacturers. Therefore, the
standard requires that a notice
be marked on each section or
in the manufacturer’s
instructions and/or literature,
warning that prefabricated
wiring systems manufactured
to BS 8488 by different Fig 7 One manufacturer’s type of installation coupler used in a prefabricated wiring system

Spring 11 | IET Wiring Matters

12 | Fuses and BS 7671:2008 (2011)

Impact of Fuse Standard

Developments on BS
7671:2008 (2011)
A previous edition of wiring Matters (summer 2010 Issue 35) discussed the developments of the
low-voltage fuse standards that are currently referenced in BS 7671:2008. The first amendment BS
7671:2008 (2011), due for publication on 1 July will include a number of changes to reflect these
developments, and this article will provide an overview for some of the changes.

By Paul Bicheno

IET Wiring Matters | Spring 11

W
W IN A
OR T
Existing BS BS 7671:2008 Comment TH EST
7671:2008 (2011) £1 ER
Fuse
Reference
Amendment 1
Reference A Brother ,20
0
BS 88-2.2 BS 88-2 This is a bolted type fuse that is recognised
internationally as fuse system E Labeller takes
BS 88-6 BS 88-2 This is a clip in type fuse that is recognised
internationally as fuse system G care of more
BS 1361 BS 88-3 This is a cartridge type fuse that is recognised
internationally as fuse system C than you think.
Table 1 – Summary of low-voltage fuse standard changes for first
amendment

As stAted in the previous Part 2

issue (#35), the fuse standards Part 2 includes a section on
Bs 88-2.2 and Bs 88-6 were symbols that are used in the
withdrawn on 1 March 2010 Wiring Regulations. For fuses
and have now been replaced the symbols ‘gG’ and ‘gM’ are
by Bs 88-2:2010 and Bs 1361 defined and currently align to
was also withdrawn on the generic standard Bs 88.
1 March 2010 and has now However, due to the fuse
been replaced by Bs 88­ standard changes, these now
3:2010. these updated Bs require specific reference to
standards reflect the Bs 88-2 to differentiate with
developments of the IeC Bs 88-3 fuses.
60269 series and CeNeLeC
eN 60269 series low-voltage Chapter 41
fuse standards and include the Regulation 411.4.6 plus its
specific fuse systems used in associated table 41.2 and
the UK. Regulation 411.4.8 plus its
associated table 41.4 currently
table 1 (above) summarises both include values of
how this will affect the first maximum earth fault loop
amendment. Although the impedance (Zs) for commonly
change appears simple, table used ratings for fuse types Bs
1 highlights that the existing 88-2.2, Bs 88-6 and Bs 1361.
Bs 88-2.2 and Bs 88-6 parts For tables 41.2 (a) and 41.4
are now combined into the (a) the fuse standard changes
single Bs 88-2 standard and are likely to result in an
the Bs 1361 standard has updated title to clarify the
been replaced by the Bs 88-3 types of fuse system, namely As an electrician, being professional
standard. the bolted type e and the clip and safety conscious is all part of the job.
in type G as well as some That’s why you need equipment that will
engineers will need to updated values of Zs. the take care of your work, your customers and

PT-7600VP
your reputation. The Brother PT-7600VP
appreciate the particular updated values of Zs are due
electronic labeller will do just that, and
fuse standard part being to alignment to the time/ together with the top of the range electrical
referred to as the listed fuse current characteristics for the multifunction tester, your kit is complete.
systems will all have a ‘Bs 88’
reference. It is also important
fuse types in Bs 88-2 which
are slightly different to those of
To buy, visit your preferred 6 TESTERS
to highlight that the first Bs 88-2.2 and Bs 88-6.
wholesaler today and for your chance TO GIVE AWAY
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finalised and is subject to For tables 41.2 (b) and 41.4 * Terms and conditions apply, see www.brother.co.uk for details.

editorial change; therefore (b) the replacement of Bs

this should be taken into 1361 with Bs 88-3 is likely to
account while reading this also result in an updated title
article, where the intention is to clarify the fuse type, namely
to highlight key areas of the cartridge type C and
change. updated values of Zs. However, E

Spring 11 | IET Wiring Matters

14 | Fuses and BS 7671:2008 (2011)

EXEL fuse distribution board

image courtesy of EATON
Electric Ltd

F it should also be noted that standard and as such will

certain nominal fuse ratings include BS 88-2 fuse systems
within the range given in BS E and G and BS 88-3 fuse
88-3 are also different to that system C.
of BS 1361 as shown in table
2. Lastly, Regulation group Chapter 53
411.8 Reduced low voltage Regulation 533.1 lists the
systems has table 41.6 which recognised devices used for
includes values of Zs for BS protection against overcurrent
88-2.2 and BS 88-6 fuses. and includes BS 88.2-2,
Therefore this will be updated BS 88-6 and BS 1361. For
to align with the characteristics consistency this will follow the
given in BS 88-2. same approach described BS 88-3 fuse system C
previously for Chapter 43.
Chapter 43 Regulation 533.1.1.2
Regulations 432.4, 433.1.2 highlighted an amendment in
and 433.1.5 currently include the Draft for Public Comment
reference to BS 88.2-2, BS (DPC) to include reference to
88-6 and BS 1361. These now BS 1361 fuses amongst other
need to reflect the updated changes. However, this will
standards BS 88-2 and BS now need to reference the
88-3. In this instance an replacement BS 88-3. Table
approach will be to provide a 53.2, which will become Table
reference to ‘BS 88 series’ as 53.4 for amendment 1 due to
this is an accepted method for the inclusion of Section 534
referring to all parts of a detailed in the DPC, includes E

IET Wiring Matters | Spring 11

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The Institution of Engineering and Technology (the IET) is registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698). Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG1 2AY, UK.

Spring 11 | IET Wiring Matters

16 | Fuses and BS 7671:2008 (2011)

BS 88-2 fuse
system G (clip in)

F an entry for BS 88 fuses. BS 1361 Fuse Ratings BS 88-3 Fuse Ratings fuses only have nominal values
However, this again will (Amps) (Amps) up to 125A. The values of
need to refer to the BS 88 5 5 current associated with the 0.4
series to include the 15 16(1) and 5 Seconds disconnection
appropriate fuse types. 20 20 times in these figures are used
30 32(1) to generate the Zs values in
Appendix 1 tables 41.2 and 41.4, therefore
Appendix 1 is normative and 45 45 the updated values for these
forms an essential place to 60 63(1) figures has a direct impact on
check for the standards the tables. L
80 80
referenced in BS 7671:2008
100 100
and thus the first amendment. Additional Information
1: highlights different rating
This will need to be updated to Subscription to ‘British
summarise the status of the Table 2 – Comparison of BS 1361 and BS 88-3 fuse nominal ratings Standards Online’ is a useful
various fuse standards already way of checking the status of
described and will be useful standards BS 88-2 and BS Given that the replacement Standards http://shop.
way of checking what updates 88-3 will be to align the standards have different bsigroup.com/en/Navigate-by/
have been implemented due to associated characteristic characteristics the cited BSOL/
the cross referencing that is data for these figures. It is figures will need updating
also included. To assist with worth highlighting that in the to provide new values and The British Electrotechnical &
understanding the impact of standards each nominal fuse curves where appropriate. For Allied Manufacturers
the fuse standard changes it is rating includes a zone for the the replacement of BS 1361 Association (BEAMA) includes
likely that entries to highlight time/current characteristic, with BS 88-3 it should again membership of fuse
that BS 88-2.2, BS 88-6 and whereas in BS 7671:2008 be noted (see table 2, above) manufactures who can provide
BS 1361 have been withdrawn a single curve representing that some of the nominal fuse specific technical information
will be included. the upper part of the zone ratings have a slightly different on low-voltage fuse. The
is published to provide the values. BEAMA website address is
Appendix 3 most onerous values. To www.beama.org.uk
Appendix 3 currently includes make this clearer the title of For the replacement of BS
figures (3.1, 3.3A, 3.3B) each associated table will be 88-2.2 and BS 88-6 with BS Fuse images courtesy of
providing the time/current amended. 88-2 the alignment is likely CooperBussman
characteristic curves for to result in updated current www.cooperbussman.com
BS 88.2-2, BS 88-6 and As normally stated, for specific values for some of the fuse
BS 1361 fuse ratings. The fuse data the manufacturer ratings. Another useful point to Fuse distribution image courtesy
impact of the replacement should be consulted. highlight is the type G (clip in) of EATON Electric www.eaton.com

BS 88-2 fuse system E

(bolted)

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18 | Update on Medical Locations BS 7671:2008 (2011)

Medical
Locations
As BS 7671:2008(2011) nears the publication
date of 1 July 2011, this article looks to show
more detail of a proposed new Section for BS
7671 – Section 710 Medical locations.
By Mark Coles

Section 710 has its origins in Scope of Section 710 BS 7671, which recognises the their defensive capacity
iec 60264-7-710, the current the Scope of Section 710 is onerous nature of the has been reduced. During
and first edition being 2002. intended to cover areas such procedures or task that will invasive operations, such
As with other areas of BS 7671 as hospitals, private clinics, take place in these areas. as open-heart surgery, very
and the treaty of Rome, the medical and dental practices, small voltages (of the order
agreement is that the UK healthcare centres, dedicated often, when a medical or of a few mv) can interfere
adopts the technical intent of medical rooms in the clinical procedure takes place, with the heart’s pumping
european ceneLec workplace and veterinary the skin may be broken and action leading to ventricular
Harmonised Documents. At clinics. there are, of course, the patient could be bleeding. fibrillation.
present though, the HD has many different types of the natural protection of the
yet to be published but it is in medical procedure and the human body against electric Designation of areas
the final stages of new section is arranged to shock can be considerably Rather like other sections of
development. reflect the electrical risks to reduced when certain BS 7671, such as bathrooms
patients and medical staff. clinical procedures are being or swimming pools, where
Work on iec 60364-7-710 performed on it. A patient may more onerous practices occur
began in 1988 and it has been The risks in medical locations lose natural or involuntary or the risk of electric shock
a mammoth task to achieve the proposed new section is reactions to voltages and increases, areas are grouped
standardisation across europe allocated a ‘Seven’ designation, currents as the skin resistance according to the expected risk.
in medical locations. i.e. included in Part 7 of has been broken down or

IET Wiring Matters | Spring 11

BS 7671:2008 (2011) | 19
Update on Medical LocationsXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Medical Locations are are not intended to be used

allocated a grouping signifier, and is less onerous, in terms of
as follows: risk of electric shock, when
compared to groups 1 and 2,
group 0 therefore, the common rules of
Medical location where no BS 7671 apply in group 0.
applied parts are intended to be
used and where discontinuity The reduced 25 V a.c. limit
(failure) of the supply cannot Fig 1 Medical trunking has been seen before in BS
cause danger to life. group 2 physical contact with the patient 7671, it was in the 16th
Medical location where applied to enable ME equipment or Edition, Section 605
Examples of group 0 include parts are intended to be used, an ME system to perform its Agricultural and Horticultural
consultant examination rooms where discontinuity (failure) of function. premises. The requirement
or massage rooms. the supply can cause danger disappeared when the
to life, in applications such as Protection against electric shock 17th Edition was published
group 1 intracardiac procedures or vital As medical locations of groups but now we see its
Medical location where treatments and operations. 1 and 2 have more onerous reintroduction.
discontinuity of the electrical practices occurring within
supply does not represent a It is important to be aware of the when compared to group 0, a Further, in light of the reduced
threat to the safety of the definition of an applied part: 25 V a.c. or 60 V d.c. limit is voltage limit, the disconnection
patient and applied parts are imposed between exposed­ times for 230 v Uo circuits in
intended to be used externally Applied part conductive and/or extraneous­ medical locations of group 1
or invasively to any part of the Part of medical electrical conductive-parts under fault and group 2 are also modified
body except where group 2 equipment that in normal conditions. Group 0 is a from the general rules, i.e.
applies. use necessarily comes into location where applied parts Parts 1 - 7: E

Spring 11 | IET Wiring Matters

20 | Update on Medical Locations BS 7671:2008 (2011)

for life support systems,

surgical applications and
electrical equipment used in
the patient environment.

An IT system, (I, Isolated; T,

Fig 2 Services Terre), as the term describes,
F Note that with all Part 7 is isolated from earth, usually
requirements, where an by means of an isolating
exception is not given, the transformer. During an Fig 3
requirements of the general important surgical operation, 25 v between
rules apply, therefore, the should an earth fault develop, metallic parts
disconnection times of Chapter the last thing anyone needs is presentation of a first fault. The disconnection will not occur in
41 are applicable to group 0. for automatic disconnection to insulation monitoring device the required time,
occur. (IMD) is to be in accordance supplementary bonding can
If disconnection cannot be with BS EN 61557-8:2007 and also be used to limit any
achieved in the required time, Therefore, in the event of a the device should alert of voltages available within the
BS 7671 requires other first fault, an insulation insulation failure when locations.
additional methods be utilised monitoring device will warn of resistance has decreased to
to protect those in the area. the insulation failure, thus 50kΩ. If the response value is Patient leakage current flowing
allowing the procedure to adjustable, the lowest possible through an earthed patient is
Additional protection: IT system continue under the managed setpoint value is to be ≥ 50 kΩ. normally greatest when the
In medical locations group 2, circumstances. Note that a A test device should be equipment’s connection to the
an IT system is to be used for short-circuit, or fault between provided and the response and means of earthing is lost. A limit
final circuits supplying medical line and neutral or line to line, alarm-off time shall be ≤ 5 s. is set to the amount of leakage
electrical equipment intended will always disconnect upon current which can flow in the
Additional protection: patient circuit when the
Supplementary equipotential protective earth conductor is
bonding disconnected. Patient leakage
In each medical location of currents of the order of 10 µA
group 1 and group 2, have a probability of 0.2% of
supplementary equipotential causing ventricular fibrillation
bonding should be installed when applied through the heart.
between the following parts of
the patient environment: In order to limit any potential
rise due to the effect of
protective conductors leakage current, the voltage
extraneous-conductive-parts between the hard-wired
screening against electrical system and the ERB (Earth
interference fields, if installed Reference Bar) should not
connection to conductive exceed 20 mV. A further
A new event for the floor grids, if installed voltage of 30 mV is allowed
electrical contracting industry. metal screens of isolating between the exposed
transformers, via the conductive parts of the
National Conference shortest route to the
earthing conductor
medical equipment and the
supply cord (BS EN 60601-1).
and Exhibition Supplementary bonding will This means that the maximum
19 May 2011, Epsom Downs Racecourse limit any potential risk due to obtainable voltage between the
the effect of leakage currents exposed conductive parts of
Speakers include: appearing within the locations the medical equipment and
Quentin Willson, TV Presenter and Journalist due to faults. Chapter 41 the ERB should exceed not
Sir Richard Needham, Director, Dyson and former MP
Peter Moule, Founder, ChocBox
recognises that where 50 mV. To limit potentials, the
Tony Cable, NICEIC a.c. d.c. maximum resistance between
the socket-outlet terminals,
TN 03.s 0.5s
fixed equipment terminal or
Book now @ www.niceiclive.com TT 0.05s 0.1s extraneous metalwork should
Table 1 - Disconnection times be no greater than 0.2 Ω . E

IET Wiring Matters | Spring 11

PRODUCT SHOWCASE | 21

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Spring 11 | IET Wiring Matters

22 | Update on Medical Locations BS 7671:2008 (2011)

medical isolating transformer IT system follow when designing a new

with earthed screen distribution panel
L1 electrical installation or carrying
load CT socket­
L
L1
L2 outlets
out alterations and additions to
an existing installation but the
standard is not to be applied
E
retrospectively.
L2
N
socket­
L1 outlets There are many installations in
L2 medical locations in the UK
PE
that do not currently resemble
E
Normal Monitoring
System
the proposed requirements of
Insulation BS 7671:2008(2011). Such
Overheat
Overload installations will have been
monitoring system installed and maintained to the
Audible mute
Test
including insulation monitor requirements of Healthcare
equipotential reference
Fig 4 IT system Technical Memorandums
alarm system busbar
(HTM). In time, the
F To aid the reduction of Periodic inspection devices (IMDs) associated requirements of Section 710 of
electromagnetic interference, In a step not usually taken by with the medical IT system BS 7671 will be implemented
radial wiring methods are to be BS 7671, recommended including insulation failure, in all medical areas as new
followed to avoid earth-loops, periods are given for the transformer high building and refurbishment
hence, supplementary bonding periodic inspection of temperature, overload, work takes place.
in medical location group 2 installations falling within the discontinuity and the
should consist of single Scope of Section 710. Up to acoustic/visual alarms Thanks to: M. Al-Rafaie -
conductors installed between now BS 7671 has recommended linked to them. Private Healthcare Consultant,
the equipment and an that installations are periodically Every three years: Paul Harris - IHEE, Michael
equipotential reference bonding inspected in line with the Measurements of leakage Bernard - AXrEM, Graeme Del -
busbar, located in or near the requirements of the IET’s current of the output circuit Cableflow International Ltd and
medical location. The Guidance Note 3 – Inspection and of the enclosure of the Sean Hoban - WCH.
connections should be arranged and Testing. Therefore, in medical IT transformers in
so that they are accessible, addition to the requirements of no-load condition Further reading
labelled, visible and can be Chapter 62, the following Annually: Measurements to IET Guidance Note 7 – Special
disconnected individually. procedures, appearing as a verify that the resistance of Locations; IET Guidance Note
note, are recommended at the the supplementary 3 – Inspection and Testing;
Safety lighting given intervals: equipotential bonding is IEC 60364-7-710 –
It is likely that each emergency within limits. Requirements for special
luminaire will incorporate its Annually: Complete installations or locations –
own battery to provide power functional tests of the Older installations Medical Locations
when the electrical supply has insulation monitoring BS 7671 is the standard to HTM 06-01 A and B
failed. In addition to the monitoring system
requirements given in any including insulation monitor
Monitoring
System

lighting code, the necessary

minimum illuminance shall be temperature
sensor
provided for the following:
L alarm panel
load
CT
group 1 – in each such room at
least one luminaire shall be
supplied from the power supply N
source for safety services
medical gases
PE and boom
group 2 – minimum of 90% of
protective earth bar
the lighting shall be supplied
from the power source for equipotential reference taps and
bonding bar pipes antistatic grids
safety services. (if installed)
Fig 5 if needed

The luminaires of the escape Supplementary

routes shall be arranged in equipotential
alternate circuits. bonding group 2

IET Wiring Matters | Spring 11

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24 | Surge Protection

Surge
Protection
Why do we need it?
By Geoff Cronshaw

MORE AND MORE sensitive the actual requirements may Fig 2 Tempory
electronic equipment such as change. overvoltage
computers, electronic process
controls, telecommunications In this article we take a closer
systems and point-of-sale look at transients compared
terminal equipment is in use with other forms of electrical
as time goes by. Society is now disturbance, the different types
heavily reliant on the of surge protection devices,
continuous and efficient and the selection and
running of such systems. installation of surge protection overvoltages into an this level of voltage. An
Electronic equipment today is devices. installation. Transient voltages example of a transient
much smaller and less energy are usually only a few micro overvoltage is shown below.
from transients is required to Transient overvoltages seconds in duration. However
damage this equipment. Both lightning strikes and their peak value can reach Other forms of electrical
electrical switching can inject 6kV. Normal electronic disturbance include temporary
Proposed new section 534 what are called transient equipment cannot withstand overvoltages, which are not
This is the second of two transients and can last a few
articles specifically on the Fig 1 Transient seconds but are usually at a
proposed new Section 534 – overvoltage much lower voltage. A
Selection and erection of surge temporary overvoltage is
protection devices (SPDs) considered to be any voltage
which is planned for inclusion greater than the nominal
in Amendment number 1 of voltage (Uo) plus 10%, see
BS 7671:2008. Note: The Fig 2. The permitted tolerance
article is based on the draft for is +10%/-6% which gives a
public comment and therefore permitted voltage range of

IET Wiring Matters | Spring 11

Surge Protection | 25

harmonic currents in the Fig 4 Power cut

neutral conductor and the
need to take account of it. In
electrical installations there is a
particular problem in three­
phase circuits.

The third and other triple occur, especially when the installation. In addition the
harmonics combine in the switching inductive loads. magnetic field associated with
neutral to give a neutral a lightning strike can induce a
current that has a magnitude Inductive circuits voltage in any metallic
equal to the sum of the third The instantaneous voltage that structure the magnetic flux
harmonic content of each appears across an inductor is cuts. Also, if a building is
phase. The heating effect of given by struck, it is the objective of the
this neutral current could raise lightning rod and conductor
di
the temperature of the cable v = L di/dt
dt tape to pass the current to
above its rated value and ground to help protect the
damage the cable. Where, structure from physical
damage. However the current
Power-cuts or blackouts as v = the instantaneous voltage flowing through the tape will
shown in Fig 4 are total breaks across the inductor generate its own magnetic field
in the supply. which can induce transients
L = the inductance in Henrys within the buildings cabling
Switching events system.
As mentioned in a previous di = instantaneous rate of
dt
article, generally any switching current change expressed As detailed within BS EN
operation, fault initiation or in units of amps per 62305 ‘Protection against
interruption in an electrical second. lightning’, surges present a risk
installation is followed by a of dangerous sparking or
transient phenomenon in Atmospheric events flashover leading to possible
which overvoltages can occur. The current contained within a fire and electric shock
The sudden change in the lightning strike varies hazards. Surges also present
216.2-253V. Temporary system can initiate damped considerably with the risk of disruption, degradation
overvoltages are often caused oscillations with high atmospheric conditions. and damage to electrical and
by HV switching and fault frequencies (determined by However it is understood that electronic equipment leading
clearing operations on the HV the resonant frequencies of the values of 200 kA are possible. to costly system downtime.
network. network), until the system is Associated with this sudden
stabilised to its new steady discharge of current is a SPD operation.
In comparison, harmonics are state. The magnitude of the magnetic field that surrounds The proposed new Section 534
a steady-state disturbance switching overvoltages the lightning perpendicular to contains requirements for the
compared with short-term depends on several the direction of travel. installation of SPDs to limit
transient overvoltages. parameters, such as the type Lightning can impress a transient overvoltages where
Harmonics are generally of circuit, the kind of switching voltage onto a low voltage required by Section 443 of BS
caused by non-linear loads operation (closing, opening, power network in a number of 7671:2008 or where otherwise
such as switched mode power restriking), the loads and the different ways. Resistively, specified by the designer.
supplies of computers and protection device. In most inductively or capacitively. A
discharge lighting see Fig 3. cases, the maximum lightning strike direct to An SPD is a device that is
Regulations 523.6.1 and overvoltage is up to twice the ground, overhead lines or intended to limit transient over
523.6.3 of the 17th edition amplitude of the system building protection lattice will voltages and divert damaging
recognise the effect of triple voltage but higher values can inject a huge amount of charge surge current away from
which flows, in the form of sensitive equipment. SPDs
Fig 3 Harmonics current, away from the point of must have the necessary
injection. As it passes along its capability to deal with the
routes, potential differences current levels and durations
are created and if the routes involved in the surges to be
coincide with building expected at their point of
structures or cabling then installation. All SPDs are to
these voltages are seen within comply with BS EN 61643. E

Spring 11 | IET Wiring Matters

26 | Surge Protection

or withstand level UW) results SPD installation in conjunction

in a lower stress to the with RCDs
equipment which may result Clause 534.2.6 of Section 534
not just in a lower probability of is concerned with SPDs and
damage, but also a longer their installation with respect to
operating life. As such, the risk RCDs. It is ideal to install SPDs
assessment within BS EN on the supply side of the RCD
62305 defines SPDs with low as this prevents the RCD from
voltage protection levels Up as tripping during a surge event.
enhanced SPDs. Where this is not possible and
SPDs are installed on the load
Fig 5 When an overvoltage is detected the SPD begins to conduct According to BS EN 62305, side of an RCD transients
Type 1 enhanced SPDs should could therefore trip the RCD.
 As mentioned in a previous and Type 3 SPDs are used have a protection level Up (or In this situation, 534
article, SPDs can operate in near terminal equipment. let-through voltage) no more recommends the use of RCDs
one of two ways, based on the Combined Type SPDs are than 1600 V whilst Type 2 and which are resistant to surge
component technologies within classified with more than one Type 3 SPDs should have a currents of up to 3 kA.
them. One way is as a voltage Type, e.g. Type 1+2, Type 2+3. protection level Up no more
switching device where under than 600 V when tested in SPD status indication.
normal conditions, the device Standards such as BS EN accordance with BS EN 61643 SPD status indication needs to
is an open circuit. However at 61643 series (components for series. be provided by a status
a certain threshold voltage the low-voltage surge protective indicator local to the SPD itself
SPD conducts and diverts the devices) define the Given that transients can and/or remote, that the SPD no
current through it. It has two characteristics of lightning and be present between all longer provides (or provides
states ON and OFF, hence the voltages to enable reliable and conductors or modes (for limited) overvoltage protection.
name of voltage switching. repeatable testing of SPDs (as example line to earth, line to
Spark gaps, gas discharge well as lightning protection neutral and neutral to earth) Further information
tubes, thyristors (silicon components). Although these it is important to ensure good Important: this article is only
controlled rectifiers), and triacs waveforms may differ from protection level Up in all such intended as a brief summary of
are examples of voltage actual transients, the modes. possible forthcoming
switching devices. standardised forms are based requirements in BS 7671.
upon years of observation and Connection of SPDs Persons involved in this area
Another way is as a voltage measurement (and in some One important point to note is should seek specialist advice.
limiting device. Voltage limiting cases simulation). They that in order to gain maximum For further information on the
type SPDs again present an provide a fair approximation of protection the supply installation of surge protective
open circuit under normal the real-world transient. conductors of the SPD shall be devices see HD 60364-5-534.
circuit conditions. When an kept as short as possible, to
over voltage is detected the The most important aspect in minimise additive inductive Conclusion
device begins to conduct, selecting an SPD is its voltage voltage drops across the Section 534 is expected to be
dropping its resistance limiting performance during conductors. included in amendment
dramatically such that the the expected surge event – this number 1 of BS 7671:2008
overvoltage is limited and the parameter is the SPD’s Section 534 contains a depending on the decision of
surge current is diverted away protection level Up, also number of requirements for the National Wiring
from the protected equipment. known in industry as the SPD’s the Connection of SPDs Regulations Committee
Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) let-through voltage. An SPD depending on the type of (JPEL/64). The first
are a common example of with a low limiting voltage or supply and system earthing. amendment to BS 7671:2008
voltage limiting devices. lower (hence better) protection Therefore, for example, is expected to be issued on the
Advanced SPDs often utilise level reduces the risk of Section 534 requires that 1st July 2011 and planned to
hybrid technologies combining flashover causing insulation SPDs at or near the origin of come into effect on the 1st
voltage switching with voltage breakdown and associated the installation (if there is a January 2012 subject to the
limiting components. hazards (fire or electric shock) direct connection between the decision of the National
as well ensure adequate neutral conductor and the Committee.
Selection of SPDs protection of the equipment. protective conductor at or near
All SPDs are to comply with BS the origin) shall be connected Acknowledgements
EN 61643. Typically, Type 1 It should also be noted that between each line conductor Special thanks to Furse, and
SPDs are used at the origin of selecting an SPD with a lower and the protective conductor/ Hager for some of the images
the installation, Type 2 SPDs value Up (compared to the main earthing terminal which and information contained in
are used at distribution boards equipment’s damage threshold ever is the shorter distance. this article.

IET Wiring Matters | Spring 11

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