SPD protection commercial and industrial

[sparky1888]

Hi

Trying to sort an argument here, am I right in saying that ALL work including altering existing circuits in commercial and industrial installations requires SPD protection unless a risk assessment is completed.

The only exception would be a direct replacement for maintenance purposes?

Thanks

 

[IAmSparkytus!]

First time I've heard of SPDs being mandatory.

 

[Julie.]

Hi

Trying to sort an argument here, am I right in saying that ALL work including altering existing circuits in commercial and industrial installations requires SPD protection unless a risk assessment is completed.

The only exception would be a direct replacement for maintenance purposes?

Thanks

Yes.
Although the wording is the other way around, you do an assessment to determine if spd is required or not. If no assessment is made then spd must be fitted.

On residential no assessment is required, and spd may be omitted if the customer indicates the cost doesn't justify the cost of consequence

As to ALL work - strictly yes, but generally minor works tend not to be.

 

[pc1966]

As to ALL work - strictly yes, but generally minor works tend not to be.

I guess at some point there will be a debate about just where the crossover is:

• If you were replacing a broken socket or failed lamp, you would probably not modify the CU to include SPD (or anything else, unless some C1/C2 is apparent, like its an outdoor socket and no RCD).
• Adding a new circuit, would it merit SPD? Maybe at least an disclaimer/risk assessment with the custimer before proceeding without SPD?
• Putting in a new CU/DB and it is almost certainly going to have SPD included.

 

[Julie.]

I guess at some point there will be a debate about just where the crossover is:

• If you were replacing a broken socket or failed lamp, you would probably not modify the CU to include SPD (or anything else, unless some C1/C2 is apparent, like its an outdoor socket and no RCD).
• Adding a new circuit, would it merit SPD? Maybe at least an disclaimer/risk assessment with the custimer before proceeding without SPD?
• Putting in a new CU/DB and it is almost certainly going to have SPD included.

That's the issue/point really, and it applies to all installations, and to all aspects of the regs, not just spd.

Anything new must be to the latest, but that means sometimes a much larger scope of work than the additional bit under consideration.

Where does one draw the line....?

(Answers on the back of a postage stamp)

 

[sparky1888]

I had a chat to NIC technical about this and they advised if its a client that you have contract with to possibly set up a blanket risk assessment that will base the installation of SPD on the value of the job, so small minor works no SPD, DB replacements and large new installs include SPD. Seems logical to keep you compliant

 

[i=p/u]

do you want to protect your electrical items from damage yes or no. If they say yes, do they get guarantee and from whom......

 

[Julie.]

do you want to protect your electrical items from damage yes or no. If they say yes, do they get guarantee and from whom......

I would never suggest a SPD protects (in spite of the name) - Extension leads (with SPD) for example, talk about reducing the potential impact of surges.

Same with SPD, they reduce the possibility of damage due to a surge, not eliminate it.

If you advise a customer that fitting an SPD will "protect your items from damage" then it would be you making the guarantee.

 

[IAmSparkytus!]

Can anyone point out which regulation states that you must install an SPD when installing new circuits?

 

[timhoward]

Can anyone point out which regulation states that you must install an SPD when installing new circuits?

See post #4 - I think that covers the fact that it isn't black and white.

 

[IAmSparkytus!]

See post #4 - I think that covers the fact that it isn't black and white.

He has said though that when installing a new DB, an SPD should be fitted - but is this a regulation?

Thanks

 

[Julie.]

He has said though that when installing a new DB, an SPD should be fitted - but is this a regulation?

Thanks

Yes

 

[Megawatt]

Hi

Trying to sort an argument here, am I right in saying that ALL work including altering existing circuits in commercial and industrial installations requires SPD protection unless a risk assessment is completed.

The only exception would be a direct replacement for maintenance purposes?

Thanks

Across the pond as of 2020 edition of the NEC states SPD’s located at the service are required on new builds and service upgrades. Just saying

 

[pc1966]

Fitting SPD inside, or along with, equipment is something I have been doing for decades, but then I have more cause to fear divine retribution than most!

 

[IAmSparkytus!]

Yes

Which one?