Do i need a qualified electrician?

tomhames · Jul 30, 2010

Hi there,

In my works, i have been tasked with building a "rig" that will run an electricity meter using an electric heater. this requires no more than simple wiring and a few drilled holes. The system will be attached to a 13A plug and will be fixed to a wall.

I am very confident with wiring as it made up a part of my univeristy degree, but i was wondering if the work will need to be carried out by an electrician, or if i can do it myself?

Thanks,
Tom

Addlight · Jul 30, 2010

Sounds like you are building an 'appliance', rather than erecting, modifying or extending a fixed electical installation.

So I'm guessing that you don't necessarily have to be a qualified electrican for this, but you would still be responsible for the design and contruction of the appliance - and its safe operation, and the safety of its users.

You may want to consider using an RCD plug top like this - rather than basic 13A fused plug.

RCD 13amp Plugtop

If the load drawn by heater is less than 13A you'd be better trying to find a suitably rated protection device.

If in doubt, get it checked over by a qualified electrical engineer or electrician!

tomhames · Jul 30, 2010

Ok, so how about if it was 6 electricity meters in series? I forgot to mention i already have and RCD plug. Its a very simple design and im confident about the safety of it.

Addlight · Jul 30, 2010

I don't feel competent to comment further

Clealry the circuit you are building isn't just to supply the heater - with 6 meters it's gotta be for something else??

It sounds like this would be classed as some sort of experimental device - so not part of the fixed installation covered by Part P of building regulations, or BS7671:2008.

tomhames · Jul 30, 2010

well its a test rig for a product we a developing to monitor the meter readings?

So yes it is an expeimental device.

Addlight · Jul 30, 2010

Sorry can't help on this one - there'll be someone along over weekend that doubtless can - or you could also try the IET discussion forum IET Forums

At the end of the day it'll be your company's health and safety people that will need to confirm it's okay.

tomhames · Jul 30, 2010

Ok, well thanks for your help anyway! It's given me plenty of things to think about at least, and a bit more reading to do!

Addlight · Jul 30, 2010

Good luck with that mate!

One other thought is that this would fall under portable applicance definition, so would need to be tested on that basis i.e. PAT tested.

This might help ...

wap.rdg.ac.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=38399&sID=143475

SirKit Breaker · Aug 1, 2010

I also think that this is an appliance that you are building. My consideration would be, 1 is it safe to connect to the electricity supply, and 2, What consideration have you given to the safety of the person who will use and or operate it. It maybe a protoype or whatever, but as it uses electricity then it has to be safe to all who come into contact with it. You sound clever enough and obviously not a mug, but you are liable if the proverbial hits the fan.

Cheers........Howard

tomhames · Aug 2, 2010

Hey Howard,

Thanks for the reply. I'm going to be the person who will operate the unit, so really i'm only really liable for my own safety in that case. I think im going to go ahead with building it, and we have someone on site who is qualified to PAT test the unit once i have done it.

Well thanks both of you for the advice

Cheers

Addlight · Aug 2, 2010

Hi Tom,

I know I'm going to sound like a big girl's blouse with this, but do check with boss, etc on this - as well as PAT test - Health & Safety at Work Act (1972), Electricity at Work Regulations (1989) etc, etc.

Just cover yourself.... and be safe!

tomhames · Aug 2, 2010

Yep, i definately will do! definately don't want to get myself in trouble! That's alot of hassle that i don't need!

tomhames · Aug 17, 2010

ok, so just so i don't have to start up a new thread, ive put it all together now, and it works as i had expected.

As an after thought, i was wondering if i will need to put any warning stickers or something on or around the rig?

Any ideas?

Cheers,
Tom