Regulations for the use of trailing wires outdoors

[telectrix]

one thought i've just had. are the general public going to be tramping around these cables, or is it just you and your club members?

 

[mattish2000]

The cables run for about 2 meters from the generator to the light poles one on the left of the genni and one on the right. The chances are they will never get stood on because they run along side a metal railing, however the area is accessible to both the public and the club members (we are using them at night, so we do not see many people around as it is not an overly populated area) . Again however I think with this coming to light (sorry the pun) the new risk assessment we are going to carry out is going to have to include the addition of barriers around the affected area - which will obviously exclude the public.

 

[Adam W]

Obviously a lot of tact is required when dealing with this guy, after all, nobody likes to be called an officious jobsworth.
Is it possible that this is a council specific requirement? Like how some local authorities make spurious requirements like "all work must be carried out by an NICEIC registered contractor" (when we all know other competent persons schemes are available)?
It sounds like this is a case of trying to convince the guy in the office to let you use automatic disconnection of supply (via rcd) as additional protection rather than reduced low voltage (110v), which they seem to prefer.
It may also be worth mentioning in your method statement that the cables will be visually inspected before each use, like you would with an outdoor 230v childrens' ride.

 

[nickblake]

You could quote regulation 740 , which is basically fair grounds and amusment parks because you are outside in a pubic area you could well apply this reg ,Where trailing leads are in use if the cables are protected against mechanical damage and protected by an RCD then you have no problems in using 230 volts out side in the area ,regulation nos , for flood lighting is 740.55.1.4 , generators 740.551.8 ,cables740.521.1 ,and RCD 740.415.1

 

[mattish2000]

Hi All
Thanks for everything so far, its all been very helpful in my understanding of the situation and the ability for me to make/argue my points.
Do any of the regulations refer to the use of Electrical equipment near to water. Our current set up is on a quay side approximately 4meters above the waters surface.

Thanks
Matthew

 

[Adam W]

Section 709 relates to "Marinas and similar locations", although more specifically for shore power supplies.
Basically everything must be rcd protected, suitably IP rated, you can't use a TNCS earthing system and sockets must be at least 1m above the maximum water level, or 30cm if on a pontoon.
There's no mention of 110v, in fact as far as I know the international standard supply is 230v 50Hz.
You would use 16A plugs and sockets and not 13A.

 

[nickblake]

All i can say is that any connections should be to a minimum of IP44 so as the guys have said a suitable RCD enclosure with some sockets if these were the master seal from MK they would comply with IP44 your lights if metal halide probable comply you see it prineted on the lable some where if you have connections at the fittings these should be Inline like the industrial 16 amp blue connectors whick if im not mistaken are IP 44 rated , IP code are for ingress protection IE water :

Solid ingress
IP1XProtected against solid objects greater than 50mm diameterIP2X
Protected against solid objects greater than 12.5mm diameter
IP3X
Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5mm diameter
IP4X
Protected against solid objects greater than 1.0mm diameterIP5XDust protectedIP6XDust tight (with a vacuum applied to the product)Liquid ingressIPX1
Protected against dripping water
IPX2
Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15
IPX3
Protected against spraying water
IPX4
Protected against splashing water
IPX5
Protected against water jets
IPX6
Protected against powerful water jets
IPX7
Protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water
IPX8
Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water

 

[Steve1412]

You could always stick another pole next to genny and run the cables over head with suitable catenary wire. No trailing cable for the jobsworth to moan about!!!!