Stroma Certification Scheme 18th Edition email from Stroma

[Octopus]

So got an email today from Stroma outlining the changes planned for the 18th Edition:

What are the proposed changes to the Wiring Regulations?

• Part 1 has been amended so that a statement has to be made on an EIC if using non-approved equipment.
• Part 2 has been expanded and amended with many new definitions.
• Part 4 has significant changes such as all sockets up to 32A have to be 30mA RCD protected, with no exceptions. Metal pipes entering buildings with an insulated section will no longer need bonding. Lighting circuits in domestic premises must be 30mA RCD protected. The requirements for surge protection have been revised.
• Part 5 has significant changes including all cables requiring metallic fixings to prevent premature collapse, not just in escape routes. There is a new requirement for all installations to have an earth electrode to supplement a supplier's earth.
• Part 6 has been re-structured and the regulations have been re-numbered.
• Part 7 has a complete new section for supplies to inland navigation vessels.
• Part 8 is a new part which is for application of energy efficiency measures applying to installations in domestic, commercial and industrial premises.
• The Appendices have many changes which are mostly minor amendments, but Appendix 14 has completely changed and now concerns measurement of fault current.

Anyone know:

is there a definition of "non approved equipment"?

need more info

ALL sockets to be 30mA protected - this is daft... so FCU's from the 18th for freezers!

All sites to have an earth rod to supplement the suppliers earth - WTF !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Part 6 - Need more info

Part 7 - Need more info

Part 8 - Could be an interesting read!

So these changes should be wrapped in a free document, if you can prove the purchase of the BYB IMHO

Can anyone tell me which planet the muppets who come up with these ideas are on?

 

[Deleted member 9648]

[QUOTE="Murdoch, post: 1277240, member: 1892



So these changes should be wrapped in a free document, if you can prove the purchase of the BYB IMHO

QUOTE]

Best one I've heard all day,

wallet emptying time rapidly approaching.

 

[Pete999]

Anyone any idea as to the cost of new literature at the onset of the 18th, a new 7671, new OSG, all the GNs, new certificates, 18th course and exam, crikey that's going to be expensive.

 

[Wilko]

My highest and best use is bashing in earth rods - bring on the 18th

(been taking my happy pills this week ...)

 

[Pete999]

My highest and best use is bashing in earth rods - bring on the 18th

(been taking my happy pills this week ...)

Sadist

 

[Dave OCD]

Are they really saying that ALL cabling needs metal fixings, even low level and above ceilings ?! Could be a return to buckle clips.

 

[Pete999]

Are they really saying that ALL cabling needs metal fixings, even low level and above ceilings ?! Could be a return to buckle clips.

What goes around comes around, no Dave some bright clever git will invent a plastic cable clip with a metal base, you wait and see, going to be interesting, I have about 10 earth rods in my shed I ain't going to be using them, anyone local who wants them free, to be collected,

 

[Dave OCD]

Surely if we just make sure the clip pins are all at the bottom that'll be ok Pete ?

 

[Pete999]

Surely if we just make sure the clip pins are all at the bottom that'll be ok Pete ?

Not going to be that easy Dave after all, there's money to be made!!!!!!!

 

[Rpa07]

Are they really saying that ALL cabling needs metal fixings, even low level and above ceilings ?! Could be a return to buckle clips.

Groovy, I missed out first time around!

 

[Pete999]

Groovy, I missed out first time around!

Then you missed the chance to learn how to clip PVC/PVC cables correctly, and make it look like a professional tradesman did it, proper job it was in those days, not just a case of bashing a plastic clip in, now way can you make today's clips look nice.

 

[Rpa07]

How dare you @Pete999 - I do not just bash them in, there is finesse!

 

[Dave OCD]

Then you missed the chance to learn how to clip PVC/PVC cables correctly, and make it look like a professional tradesman did it, proper job it was in those days, not just a case of bashing a plastic clip in, now way can you make today's clips look nice.

I dunno, I'll give it a good go Pete.

 

[Pete999]

How dare you @Pete999 - I do not just bash them in, there is finesse!

You know exactly what I meant Rpa, yes some people have finesse my point was meant to be tongue in cheek.

 

[westward10]

I just roll with it, adapt and move on. Don't like it get a job in Wilko's.

 

[Rpa07]

In @Wilko s what?

 

[westward10]

In @Wilko s what?

Just realised what I have done there sorry Wilko, meant Wilkinsons

 

[westward10]

Non approved equipment would be a consumer unit made from old packing crates.

 

[Andy78]

Non approved equipment would pertain to the current reg 133.1.1. which asks all equipment to be of a BS or BSEN standard.
We will now be asked to make record where we choose to include non standardised kit.

 

[Ian1981]

I would say that in domestic installations the rules will apply the same as now,plasterboard ceilings have a fire rating to a certain period of time so your plastic cable clips will still be used.
Plastic saddles for conduit however could be rendered unusable for all exposed wiring containment everywhere at high levels maybe

 

[David M]

Then you missed the chance to learn how to clip PVC/PVC cables correctly, and make it look like a professional tradesman did it, proper job it was in those days, not just a case of bashing a plastic clip in, now way can you make today's clips look nice.

Trouble is, these days you are expected to do a new install in 1 day

 

[Wilko]

Just realised what I have done there sorry Wilko, meant Wilkinsons

No worries at all. I'm sure Rpa would be a great addition to any business, mine included .

 

[Midwest]

Chaps you should start reading the draft, and making comments on the draft.

For example re plastic clips, in the draft it says (521.10.210) 'Note 2 this regulation precludes the use of non metallic clips or cable ties as the sole mean of support where cables are clipped direct to exposed surfaces or suspended under cable tray, and the and the sole means of support of the cables therein.'

The addition of an earth rod 'may be' used....

Get reading and get commenting, save just sounding off here. You never know, if they get enough comments, they might realise how ridiculous some of their suggestions are

 

[Octopus]

^^ I think the 18th edition should e delayed until:

1. Sparks have their say on the contents
2. The Plain English Society review the 18th Edition and get all the "anomalies" sorted out

That would delay it by at least 3 years...

 

[Andy78]

Chaps you should start reading the draft, and making comments on the draft.

For example re plastic clips, in the draft it says (521.10.210) 'Note 2 this regulation precludes the use of non metallic clips or cable ties as the sole mean of support where cables are clipped direct to exposed surfaces or suspended under cable tray, and the and the sole means of support of the cables therein.'

The addition of an earth rod 'may be' used....

Get reading and get commenting, save just sounding off here. You never know, if they get enough comments, they might realise how ridiculous some of their suggestions are

I can't currently figure out how to view it. The BSi portal does not have BS7671 under drafts when I go there. Do you have a working link ?

 

[Andy78]

Right ignore that, I'm back on it through strange means. It does not appear on the portal but I found a link in a google search.

@Midwest Reg 542.1.201 states that there shall be an earth electrode supplementing any earthing facility provided by the distributor. Not may be.

 

[FatAlan]

So are they basically saying that the onus on providing a good earth connection moves from the DNO to the owner of the installation?

 

[Andy78]

So are they basically saying that the onus on providing a good earth connection moves from the DNO to the owner of the installation?

No. The DNO are not currently required to provide an earth connection as far as I am aware, just to maintain one they have provided.

This supplementary earth electrode is just that, supplementary, and additional to any other provided earth arrangement. Consider it akin to bonding.

 

[westward10]

This has been talked about for years at the IEE/IET and Paul Cook of the IEE produced an interesting paper on it over ten years ago with many people suggesting not long after that the 18th Edition should clarify/include this. Whether it will be clarified is debatable. I can see the benefit for lost neutral problems with TN-C-S systems as it would reduce the touch voltage should this occur.

 

[Midwest]

Right ignore that, I'm back on it through strange means. It does not appear on the portal but I found a link in a google search.

@Midwest Reg 542.1.201 states that there shall be an earth electrode supplementing any earthing facility provided by the distributor. Not may be.

Not sure which bit you can't locate, I used this link from IET; 18th Edition of BS 7671: send us your feedback - IET Electrical - http://electrical.------.org/wiring-matters/64/dpc/index.cfm
then 'log in' below Comment on. Whatever way you do use, when in the BSI web site search for - BS 7671 - (need the space between BS (&) 7671).

Stand corrected Andy. Edit, just reading 421.1.7 about AFDD's, is where I got me wires crossed, with 'may be' written there

In any case it needs further clarification, as alluded to by the many comments. I get side ways looks from my customers, when I suggest their bonding needs upgrading, when replacing a luminaire for them. They are going to think I'm a right rogue, when I spend half a day putting in some new earth rods

 

[Ian1981]

Not sure which bit you can't locate, I used this link from IET; 18th Edition of BS 7671: send us your feedback - IET Electrical - http://electrical.------.org/wiring-matters/64/dpc/index.cfm
then 'log in' below Comment on. Whatever way you do use, when in the BSI web site search for - BS 7671 - (need the space between BS (&) 7671).

Stand corrected Andy, have 'may be' in my notes, but see that it is 'shall be'. Must of had too many Gins

In any case it needs further clarification, as alluded to by the many comments. I get side ways looks from my customers, when I suggest their bonding needs upgrading, when replacing a luminaire for them. They are going to think I'm a right rogue, when I spend half a day putting in some new earth rods

There might be a few gas pipes/ water pipes getting hit in the process of installing earth rods because we all do a risk assessment before hand and acquire the location of the services don't we??

 

[Midwest]

There might be a few gas pipes/ water pipes getting hit in the process of installing earth rods because we all do a risk assessment before hand and acquire the location of the services don't we??

Have to say in the last few years, I haven't had to put any earth rods in. Would be a bit nervous in most small domestic properties, with the myriad of underground pipes etc. My son's having a small extension done, it's been put back a few months, by two discovered unrecorded drainage pipes.

 

[Toneyz]

They better proof read it this time as after spending that sort of money I expect it to be correct you wouldn't buy a DVD to watch just to have to keep ejecting it to play another insert to revert back to the original you'll soon want a refund.

 

[Strima]

How many weeks after release will there be an addendum? I say less than six.