electrical4less_mirek HAGER Reality Check: Surge Protection
Our recent survey showed almost 30% of contractors were unsure of the new responsibilities around surge protection …
The 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations introduced a number of changes, including the topic of surge protection, which has caused some confusion within the electrical trade.
… with most confusion on appropriate solutions for residential and commercial installations.
So, what do contractors need to know about surge protection to remain compliant?
For commercial installations, a surge protection device (SPD) should be fitted if the consequences caused by an overvoltage result in:
- Serious injury
- Interruption of public services and/or damage to cultural heritage
- Interruption of commercial or industry activity
- A large number of co-located individuals being affected
For an installation outside this, a risk assessment according to Regulation 443.5 will determine if protection against transient overvoltages is required SPD is not
For more information on the 18th Edition, including the range of training courses offered by Hager, visit www.hager.co.uk/18thEdition
Hager Gets Real On Surge Protection
According to recent industry research, surge protection remains the number one area of concern for electrical contractors following the introduction of the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations.
A poll by Hager highlighted almost one in three contractors admitted to still being unsure about their responsibilities around surge protection, with selecting appropriate solutions for both residential and commercial installations the biggest area of confusion.
To provide an at-a-glance overview to help contractors better understand their responsibilities to remain compliant, Hager has produced a Reality Check graphic guide, which is available to download below the article.
The Reality Check sets out the key points to consider when thinking about where surge protection devices should be fitted on commercial installation projects, and outlines the range of potential overvoltage scenarios contractors need to be mindful of. It also highlights instances where risk assessments should be undertaken, as well as offering practical guidance about approaching residential applications. To help electrical contractors, Hager provides a pre-fitted distribution board which in- cludes a surge protection device built-in, removing the need for additional wiring.
The Reality Check is part of a range of helpful support material Hager has produced for electrical contractors to help them better understand the 18th Edition of the Wir- ing Regulations. These include bespoke 18th Edition training courses held at Hager’s purpose-built training academy at Telford.
Updated on 29/07/2019
