BS 7671 max surface temperature under fault condition ??? | on ElectriciansForums

Discuss BS 7671 max surface temperature under fault condition ??? in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

Joined
Feb 13, 2019
Messages
14
Reaction score
3
Location
uk
Can anyone give me some clarification on the following.

I am installing some Osram Planon Plus led light panels into a temporary building and have been told the transformers need to housed in an enclosure as they do not have the correct markings for BS7671 "max surface temperature under fault condition".

Im a mechanical design engineer and not disagreeing with the request but want to understand the regulation and why these off the shelf units need additional enclosures in order to be used.

Many Thanks in advance.
 
421.1.2 Fixed electrical equipment shall be selected and erected such that its temperature in normal operation will not cause a fire. This shall be achieved by the construction of the equipment or by additional protective measures taken during erection.
The heat generated by electrical equipment shall not cause danger or harmful effects to adjacent fixed material or to material which may foreseeably be in proximity to such equipment.
Where fixed equipment may attain surface temperatures which could cause a fire hazard to adjacent materials, one or more of the following installation methods shall be adopted. The equipment shall:
(i) be mounted on a support which has low thermal conductance or within an enclosure which will withstand, with minimal risk of fire or harmful thermal effect, such temperatures as may be generated, or
(ii) be screened by materials of low thermal conductance which can withstand, with minimal risk of fire or harmful thermal effect, the heat emitted by the electrical equipment, or
(iii) be mounted so as to allow safe dissipation of heat and at a sufficient distance from adjacent material on which such temperatures could have deleterious effects. Any means of support shall be of low thermal conductance.

422.3.2 Measures shall be taken to prevent an enclosure of electrical equipment such as a heater or resistor from exceeding the following temperatures:
(i) 90 °C under normal conditions, and
(ii) 115 °C under fault conditions.
Where materials such as dust or fibres sufficient to cause a fire hazard could accumulate on an enclosure of electrical equipment, adequate measures shall be taken to prevent the enclosure from exceeding the temperatures stated above.
NOTE: Luminaires marked D in compliance with BS EN 60598-2-24 have limited surface temperature.

The symbol referred to in the Note above is a d writhing a triangle pointing down.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Sorry, the site plays up so much, that it’s easier to edit a post than to try to write a long one.
The logo is a D in a triangle pointing down.

Regs regarding temperature under fault conditions only apply to conductors as far as I am aware.
 
Mounting something that has the possibility of overheating, within an enclosure would seem to be completely the wrong choice, it's going to over heat quicker.

I'd be going for mounting in free air as a first choice, if fact I'd can't believe a company like Osram would manufacture something like this so I'd be contacting them and if it is correct looking for an alternative manufacturer first.
 
Mounting something that has the possibility of overheating, within an enclosure would seem to be completely the wrong choice, it's going to over heat quicker.

I'd be going for mounting in free air as a first choice, if fact I'd can't believe a company like Osram would manufacture something like this so I'd be contacting them and if it is correct looking for an alternative manufacturer first.

Mounting on a large piece of metal would be preferable to free air. It'll act as a heat sink.

However I think it is eluding to, if you install in an enclosure, the component that is going to reach >115 deg C will not be in contact with anything flammable.
 
If the panels have a metal enclosure just sit on top and ensure it is not enveloped by anything. As above I would not personally enclose them as this will restrict heat dissipation and the enclosure will also need to kept away from non flame retardant materials.
 
Ok - I hadn't thought about this before, so I had a quick look out of interest. Looking at your transformer it's missing the inverted triangle symbol with the thermal protection temperature. If you look at the pic below, it's saying 110 C, in line with @spinlondon quote from Regs of less than 115 C. I can't say if it's mandatory to have the symbol, but without it we don't know what it's performance will be under fault conditions. The symbol is referenced in BS7671 Table 55.3 . Scanning a few drivers, some have the symbol and some do not. Another Learning Moment for me :) .

[ElectriciansForums.net] BS 7671 max surface temperature under fault condition ???
 

Reply to BS 7671 max surface temperature under fault condition ??? in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

Recommended Sponsor News

Exclusive Forum Offer! Free euro 2024 wall chart for first 10 responses!

Hi everyone,

We have 10 exclusive Uheat EURO 2024 Wallcharts to giveaway for Electricians Forum Members! The first 10 people to reply YES to this thread - I will message and get them sent out to you just in time for this years tournament! GO GO GO

Quickwire Now Sponsor ElectriciansForums.net

I am sure you will join me in welcoming our newest sponsors of ElectriciansForums.net - Quickwire! They have decided to join us after seeing you guys discussing their products here. Now we have an expert on board that you can chat to @Quickwire-Sam who will be happy to answer your queries!

[ElectriciansForums.net] Quickwire Now Sponsor ElectriciansForums.net


@Quickwire-Sam said "At Quickwire, we're all about speed, safety, and reliability. We're a family-run business, and every Quickwire connector is proudly made right here in the UK, ensuring noticeable quality. In short, Quickwire is the fastest connection method on the market. Whether you're an experienced electrician or a DIY enthusiast, Quickwire makes electrical connections ridiculously quick and easy. We're passionate about blending British craftsmanship with innovation. If you have any questions or if there's any way we can help, please just ask me!"

PCBWay Now Sponsor ElectriciansForums.net!!

I hope you will all join me in welcoming our newest sponsor to the forum PCBWay! You can contact their friendly people by sending a message to @PCBWay who will be happy to answer your queries.

Welcome to the community and thanks for your sponsorship!

[ElectriciansForums.net] PCBWay Now Sponsor ElectriciansForums.net!!

PCBWay provides services including PCB Prototype and batch Production, PCB Assembly (SMT), 3D Printing, CNC Machining, PCB Design, Electronics Modules Selling, etc. We are committed to meeting the needs of global makers from different industries in terms of quality, delivery, cost-effectiveness, and any other demanding requests in electronics.

[ElectriciansForums.net] PCBWay Now Sponsor ElectriciansForums.net!!

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Electrician Courses Green Electrical Goods PCB Way Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Pushfit Wire Connectors Electric Underfloor Heating Electrician Courses
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc

YOUR Unread Posts

This website was designed, optimised and is hosted by untold.media Operating under the name Untold Media since 2001.
Back
Top