18th Edition - Poll - what are your thoughts?

[Octopus]

So we all know the unnamed, faceless bureaucrats are trying to push on us more costs via the 18th Edition so do you support these changes?

 

[Midwest]

I don't think they, the JPEL/64 have thought some of their proposals, like the earth rod, like the exemption for single domestic installations for not having SPD's. I'm sure it will all come out in the wash, but if we get a Trump/Brexit equivalent, I hanging up me side cutters

 

[Ian1981]

Im ok for some of the changes but against some such as fitting Earth electrodes.
The draft gives no data on what size conductor to use and gives no consideration into a value of resistance we should be aiming for with regard to keeping the touch voltages low with regard to open neutral faults and the electrode carrying any load currents.
I can see it getting ditched for now but will be back in the coming amendments, when more research and data has been carried out.
Imagine a load of earth electrodes next to each other say in a block of flats , you may end up introducing a fault current into adjacent flats/ dwellings.
Needs tweaking and some clarity.

 

[westward10]

I don't care I just go with the flow, if you don't like it stop harping on about expense, money making scheme, blah blah and find another job.

 

[Devonchris]

It would appear that some of the changes are not just about improvements but to facilitate the move towards electric vehicles for all.

The following, which is an extract from the full article about requirements for charging vehicles, offers some explanation for a TT system in domestics.

It is not clear at this stage the
effect of the Electricity Safety,
Quality and Continuity Regulations
on supplies to electric vehicles;
however, it seems reasonable to
assume the same requirements
would apply to a vehicle as a
caravan. If this was the case one
option would be to convert the
PME system to a TT system at
the charge point for the vehicle.
Persons involved in this work are
advised to seek advice from HSE.

IET Wiring Matters | Spring 10

 

[Pete999]

I voted yes, because technology is advancing, hence regulating these changes is a must.

However I strongly object to the, what I consider, are the needless publication of new and expensive documents, why BS7671 is not published in a ring binder method is mind boggling, it would be a simple transition, although it may be an expensive outlay at the first issue, subsequent additions, changes in the regulations and deletions would be a simple thing to do, publish the changes and insert them into your ring binder, simple, inexpensive for the users.

But of course the IET and the CP Schemes wont get as much revenue this way.

Then of course you have the ubiquitous courses and exams to bring you up to date, you have to ask yourself why? when all the courses and exams prove is that you can navigate your way through a British Standard, it does not make you a better Electrician, although there are some that believe it does, how anyone can fail this exam is beyond a joke.

So in short I agree with the changes but NOT the blatant monetary burden placed on hard working Electricians, every time some Mandarin in the IET decides to enforce many unnecessary changes.

Sorry for the long explanation

Sorry Guys it seems I'm not allowed to vote because I'm retired so I'ii withdraw my vote, if I knew how, I'm also being accused of being a keyboard Warrior, aint that right Murdoch?

 

[Dave OCD]

Pete , you're a highly respected and well liked bloke on here, I'm certain Murdoch was just having a laugh with you so don't take offence.

 

[Rpa07]

'Keyboard warrior' sounds Well Cool @Pete999 better than a 'mouse minion'!

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

We don't know all the confirmed changes but I think moving forward with safety and possible life saving regulations is a good thing, regards to expense, £150 on books and £250 on a course isn't too bad in my eyes and I'm a cards in spark who will pay for it all.

If one of the new regulations saves one persons lige... surely it's worth it?

 

[freddo]

Isn't it getting near the point of being out of control though? I mean RCD protection for everything without exception seems a bit much. The only people to really benefit are the manufacturers of circuit protection devices. I hate installing 3ph distribution boards with RCBOs in every single way.

All these extra safety features are still missing the point that most unsafe electrics are due to shoddy installation or neglecting maintenance, not lack of circuit protection. Properly installed UK wiring is very safe, even without RCDS, AFCIs etc. on every circuit.

I keep saying this but if people want to use electricity they need to understand that it needs to be treated with respect. The regulations should not be adjusted to allow for careless/stupid people.

 

[Pete999]

Some people think because I'm retired, I shouldn't have an opinion, so I had better keep stumn

 

[freddo]

Some people think because I'm retired, I shouldn't have an opinion, so I had better keep stumn

Tell us! I want to know!

 

[Pete999]

Tell us! I want to know!

Stumn, no names no pack drill, more than my life is worth.

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

It surely won't be all circuits will need RCD protection.

 

[Rpa07]

You'll have 'more of an opinion' @Pete999 unless you retired just before the 9th came out AND I don't think that is true is it?
Experience is always valued by all on the forum - don't hang up your tool belt and mouse just yet!

 

[Pete999]

It surely won't be all circuits will need RCD protection.

Told you I'm not saying, Sorry Chris didn't mean to hijack your post, but it does look that way at the moment, but my thoughts don't matter, apparently.