uk and european standards

[andyc425]

Hi
I am currently studying a degree in building services and i need to write a report
Providing a commentary of my understanding of the hierarchy of standards and theirinterrelation and the legislative standing of each in relation to Electrical installation work. can anyone point me in the right direction where to find the heir achy of electrical standards.

Thanks Andrew

 

[Marvo]

Welcome to the forum Andy.

I suspect you're going to find this an emotive issue.

 

[GB.Kayak]

Hi
I am currently studying a degree in building services and i need to write a report
Providing a commentary of my understanding of the hierarchy of standards and theirinterrelation and the legislative standing of each in relation to Electrical installation work. can anyone point me in the right direction where to find the heir achy of electrical standards.

Thanks Andrew

The primary legislation that covers electrical installation in the UK is the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EaWR 1989). The next document that you will need to take a look at is BS 7671, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Requirements for Electrical Installations, Wiring Regulations Seventeenth Edition. This is a code of practice that covers many, but not all, situations where electricity is finally distributed and consumed. The distribution network owned by regional Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) is not covered by this standard and neither are certain specialist environments. BS 7671 contains a 'Note by the Health and Safety Executive' that endorses it as 'likely to achieve conformity with the relevant parts of the EaWR 1989.'

 

[newtothis]

I could be wrong, based on my understanding of your question
The website linked below may be helpful

CENELEC - About CENELEC - Who we are - CENELEC Community

 

[Farmelectrics]

welcome andy

 

[Pete999]

:welcome:

 

[SirKit Breaker]

I could be wrong, based on my understanding of your question
The website linked below may be helpful

CENELEC - About CENELEC - Who we are - CENELEC Community

This should send you towards the British Standards (BS7671) and others. The UK is as usual dragging its feet, and taking a bit longer to harmonise with european standards.

The Electrical Industry in the UK follows BS7671, and as such all installed equipment must meet this standard or better. We now have a situation in the UK where we install equipment that meets British Standards, and have been tested by the BBA (British Board of Agrement), all materials used in construction within the UK must have been tested and met these requirements. It will then be given a British Standard Number, and a Euro Norm Number, so we end up with BSEN Numbers.

When the OK finally aligns with all the other European Standards, then the BS will disappear and we will just have EN numbers, some materials already do if they have been developed and manufactured in Europe as their standards are the same as required by the BBA, so we can use BS, BSEN or EN standard equipment, and so can all the other euro countries.

It may be worth you getting hold of a copy of BS7671 and having a read of the first few pages, it explains about harmonisation etc better than i can ever do.

Cheers...............Howard

 

[andyc425]

thanks a lot guys so basically in order of most important is it?
electricity at work 1989
17th edition
The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002
The Building Regulations 200 (Parts L and P)

 

[GB.Kayak]

thanks a lot guys so basically in order of most important is it?
electricity at work 1989
17th edition
The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002
The Building Regulations 200 (Parts L and P)

Andy, it is nothing to do with 'importance', have you read any of these publications and do you understand their legal status?

 

[andyc425]

Andy, it is nothing to do with 'importance', have you read any of these publications and do you understand their legal status?

I understand the legal status of them but I have to put them in a heirachy structure of most important first explaining how standards interrelate with legislation for installation and design its a bit of a mind boggle to be honest there so much Info

 

[GB.Kayak]

I understand the legal status of them but I have to put them in a heirachy structure of most important first explaining how standards interrelate with legislation for installation and design its a bit of a mind boggle to be honest there so much Info

Ok, perhaps a good place to start would be to define some terms and explore what they mean ... can you explain in your own terms what the following words mean and give examples of each together with the corporate body that is responsible for each?

Legislation

Standard

Approved Code of Practice

 

[Silly Sausage]

I had a shufty at this subject earlier.
I understand the status of BS7671, but which Statute refers to 7671 either directly or indirectly?
A quick scan of EWAR & ESQCR gave no reference to said BS.

I just treat 7671 as 'The Law' anyways.

 

[spark 68]

I had a shufty at this subject earlier.
I understand the status of BS7671, but which Statute refers to 7671 either directly or indirectly?
A quick scan of EWAR & ESQCR gave no reference to said BS.

I just treat 7671 as 'The Law' anyways.

That is for the most part true Archy, but in typical legalese and backhandedness there is a note by the HSE in BS7671 which says:

"BS7671 and the IEE wiring regulations have been extensively referred to in HSE guidance over the years. Installations which conform to the standards laid down by BS7671 are regarded by the HSE as likely to achieve conformity with the relevant parts of the EAWR 1989"

So best to sing from the same hymn sheet.

 

[Silly Sausage]

That's a bit of a reverse reference!

 

[andyc425]

GB that actually helps a lot to just simplify it
legislation-statuatory law so government enforces it
standards and approved codes of practice - enforced by the HSE

After digging a bit deeper it loo to me that the
The Electricity at work act 1989 ( legislation ) would be at the top of the structure with BS EN 7671 being a non statutory regulation which is more of a guidance which seeks to adhere to the electricity at work act, essentially anyones who follows 7671 will satisfy the requirements of of it.
With The Electrical Safety Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 also being used in conjunction with the electricity at work act and BS EN 7671. thats basically where I'm at so far and now I'm looking at part p regs,The electromagnetic compatibility regulations 2006 and the cdm regs 2007