Category Archives: Information

Wiring Matters Issue 84 – March 2021

It’s time to take a look what’s inside Issue 84 (March 2021) of Wiring Matters.

Estimating the age of an electrical installation

This article by Richard Giddings (IEng MIET ACIBSE) looks at how useful it is to be able to establish the approximate age of an electrical installation, whether needing this information for reporting purposes, work or just plain curiosity. Electrical testing alone is insufficient to give an installation’s exact age although, in some instances, it can assist. Instead, recognizing certain details will be a great skill which can be honed by experience.

Island mode earthing arrangements: New Guidance in the Second Edition of the IET Code of Practice on Electrical Energy Storage Systems

Introducing the concept of prosumer’s electrical installations (PEIs), and operating modes for a electrical energy storage systems (EESS) and examining the earthing arrangements for island mode operation for PEIs with EESS. By Graham Kenyon CEng MIET and Dr Andrew F Crossland CEng PhD.

The all-new 5th edition of the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment

In this article, James Eade, author of the 5th edition, continues his brief insight into the changes to this important Code, now available from the IET.

Broken PEN

Don’t panic, this article is not about broken ballpoint pens, it is concerning broken PEN conductors in PME earthing arrangements. By Michael Peace CEng MIET.

The history of colour identification of conductors

We consider identification of conductors by colour as the norm today, but it wasn’t always the case, as prior to 1916 conductors were not typically identified by colour. By Michael Peace CEng MIET.

What’s in Wiring Matters Issue 83 [November 2020]

Let’s take a look at what you can find in Issue 83 of Wiring Matters (November 2020)

The impact of Amendment 2 of the 18th edition (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022)

In this article, we look at the impact that some of the proposed changes in the draft for public comment (DPC) will have on electrical installations. We focus on Chapter 42, Chapter 44 and the new Chapter 82.

COVID-19 and how it has changed the way we work

Steven Devine talks about some of the effects that COVID-19 has had on the industry.

Current-carrying capacity of cables installed in concrete cable troughs

A discussion regarding the maximum number of cables that can be installed in a pre-formed concrete cable trough?

How I became a Chartered Engineer

Michael Peace shares his experience of becoming a Chartered Engineer.

Section 514 identification and notices in the Amendment No. 2 Draft for Public Comment

The draft for public comment (DPC) of Amendment No. 2 to BS 7671:2018 contains proposed changes to Section 514 Identification and notices. This article provides an overview of those proposed changes, and the reasons behind them.

Sponsored: Surge Protection – what you need to know

Surge protection devices (SPD) are a requirement under the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations and essential in protecting equipment from damage. Here, Dominick Sandford, Director and Head of Merchandising & Marketing at ElectricalDirect explains the requirements.

Wiring Matters – Issue 79 – March 2020

Issue 79 (March 2020) of Wiring Matters includes articles on Amendment 1 to BS 7671, the private rented sector, the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification and the return of our Mythbusters column.

Amendment number 1 to BS 7671:2018+A1

Amendment 1 of BS 7671:2018 was published at the beginning of February this year and may be implemented immediately. The amendment concerns Section 722 of BS 7671:2018 (electric vehicle charging installations). In this article, we give a brief overview of some of the main changes to Section 722.

The Electrotechnical Assessment Specification – January 2020 Edition

The Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) Committee is made up of a wide range of experts who are passionate about the electrotechnical industry. It includes representatives from the competent person scheme providers, certification and registration bodies, industry trade associations, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Health and Safety Executive, Electrical Safety First and the IET (which also provides administrative support to the committee).

Mythbuster #5 – Will any old terminal block do?

In this issue, James Eade investigates terminals and connectors.

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020

Between 17 February and 16 April 2018, the government invited comments on the Electrical Safety Standards Working Group’s decision to make a recommendation to introduce mandatory inspection and testing for private rented properties.

Getting important labelling right leaves a lasting impression

What you leave behind after an installation speaks volumes. While electrical labelling is most importantly about safety, it should also be convenient, professional, time-saving, making your life easier and leave a lasting impression with your customers.

You can read the full story’s here

Wiring Matters – Issue 77 September 2019

Lets take a look at what was in Wiring Matters – Issue 77 September 2019

Brief introduction to the deployment of medical IT systems

Patients undergoing acute care in healthcare establishments (such as hospitals) require enhanced reliability and safety of the electrical installation as well as the safe and reliable operation of the medical electrical (ME) equipment used. This is to provide security of supplies and minimize the risk of electric shock.

BS 7671:2018 Frequently Asked Questions

The IET’s technical helpline receives a wide range of frequently asked questions. Here are just a few of the common questions received.

Setting the Standard

This article explores a brief history of standardization, the current process of standardization and why it is so important for our industry today.

IET announces new amendment to BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations)

The IET has announced a new amendment to BS 7671:2018 (IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition). The national Wiring Regulations committee, JPEL/64, today agreed the publication of Amendment 1, which will consist of a stand-alone update to Section 722: Electric Vehicle Charging Installations.

Solar & Storage Live

The IET are pleased to announce that they are partnering with Solar & Storage Live again this year (17th – 19th September, NEC Birmingham).

Which RCD Type?

Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are safety switching devices. They are designed to provide safety for three types of protection, this section takes a look at them.

Setting the Standard continued, A-Deviations

In the previous article (Setting the Standard- Issue 77) they briefly described the process of standardisation from international to national level. One area that they did not discuss in detail relates to a situation a national committee is faced with when an EN or HD cannot be implemented at national level.

Wiring Matters – Issue 76 – July 2019

Issue 76 of the IET Wiring Matters magazine is out now ! Here is a brief look at what is in this issue :-

Protective bonding habits

Over the years, the requirements for protective bonding in the IET Wiring Regulations have changed. This article expands on James Eade’s November 2018 Wiring Matters article, where he touched upon some items of metallic equipment, which are usually bonded even when they are not considered to be extraneous-conductive-parts.

Latest developments in International Standards for supplies for electric vehicles

In this article they look at some of the international standards for electric vehicle charging.

An Interview with Michael Peace

The IET’s newest Senior  Engineer, Michael Peace, will be familiar to Wiring Matters readers as the author of last issue’s article  ‘To Bond or not to Bond’. The IET’s Cameron Fraser sat down with him, and found out more about the newest addition to the team.

Elex Shows

As an electrician it is now more important than ever to stay up to date with the latest information and regulations within the industry.  Following the Harrogate Elex tradeshow, show sponsors the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) are heading to Coventry on the 19th & 20th September.

Crabtree: 100 years of safety remembered and celebrated

Crabtree began on 17th April 1919 when John Ashworth Crabtree designed a quick make and break switch.

Read this issue in full here