Guidance Note
Evaluation Criteria for Inspections of
Registered Electrical Contractors.
On 21st October 2008, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) appointed the Electrical Contractors
Safety & Standards Association (Ireland) Ltd (ECSSAI) and the Register of Electrical Contractors of Ireland
Ltd (RECI) as the new electrical Safety Supervisory Bodies (SSBs). These SSBs are now responsible for
regulating the activities of Registered Electrical Contractors (RECs). Furthermore, it is the role of the
SSBs to ensure that all RECs are operating to the relevant national standard and technical rules. This
includes inspecting RECs work on an ongoing basis and taking corrective action where necessary.
Specifically, the primary objectives regarding the operation of the Electrical Safety Regulatory
Scheme are to:
·
to ensure that installations on the customer side of the meter are safe, and that they are installed,
tested, certified and maintained to the correct standards; and
·
to encourage the public to always use a REC, to ensure that an electrical installation is compliant
with the National Wiring Rules and ETCI requirements.
In order to ensure a common and consistent approach to monitoring the performance of RECs, the Criteria
Document places an onus on the SSBs to carry out audits and inspections of RECs, based on a Risk
Monitoring System (B. 3.2 and B. 3.4.8 in Criteria Document refer.) and to use a common Performance
Evaluation Scheme.
Following a series of workshops, the CER in conjunction with representatives from ECSSAI and RECI
agreed a Common Performance Evaluation Scheme document in December 2010, which will ensure a
standardised approach to inspections across both SSBs. It is now an imperative that the same standard of
audit and inspection of RECs is implemented by the SSBs. In order to facilitate the operation of the
Common Performance Evaluation Scheme, this Guidance Document has been prepared to facilitate
inspectors across both SSBs, with respect to carrying out inspections.
This Guidance Note is common to all SSBs and shall be
applied in a harmonised manner.
Guidance Note: Common Performance Evaluation Scheme 2011
Section 1: Scope
This Guidance Note defines the Inspection Criteria to be applied by an Auditor/Inspector of an SSB when
auditing/inspecting an REC in respect of electrical installation work whether new, upgraded or existing. It
also outlines the scope and scoring system to be used. In addition, it gives guidelines to the
Auditor/Inspector conducting the Audit.
Section 2: Inspection Criteria and Performance Marking Scheme
The headings for an Inspection are contained within the SSB Inspection Report (See Appendix One).
Please note the Inspector is not carrying out a complete check of all aspects of the installation but uses
his/her experience to evaluate key areas which have an impact on the safety of the installation.
To assist the Inspector in the task of safety inspection and reporting, this Guidance Note sets out a method
of classifying non-conformances by relating them to the perceived risk. The inspector should apply a colour
coded performance marking (as outlined in Section 2.1) based on the safety risks identified.
Section 2.1: Colour Codes for Performance Marking
·
Code Red
Codes an installation, or aspect thereof, not conforming to the Technical Rules, where the
immediate or direct result of its intended use could cause a hazard to persons or property. This
is a major non-conformance with significant implications for the safe performance of the
installation. Appendix Two provides a list of Code Red breaches of ET101 based on (a)
S.I.299 2007 part 3, (Electricity), Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application),
and (b) ETCI “The Management of Electrical Safety at Work”.
·
Code Amber.
Serious non-conformance for an installation or aspect thereof, which does not conform to the
Technical Rules/Rules of Registration.
·
Code Lemon
Less serious non-conformances for an installation or aspect thereof, which does not conform to
the Technical Rules/Rules of Registration.
Section 2.2: Performance Evaluation Guidelines
The National Wiring Rules and other Standards approved by the ETCI cover a variety of electrical
installations including specialised work. It would be onerous on the SSB to provide a comprehensive
checklist to cover all aspects of electrical work. Based on feedback from the Regulatory Bodies, a list of the
more common non-conformances has been drawn up. Where breaches occur, these are recorded in the
“Breaches Found/Comments” section of the SSB Inspection Report (even if corrected by the REC during
the SSB’s inspection). This is not an exhaustive list and the Inspector uses his judgement to give suitable
colour codes if additional non-conformances are identified.
Over time the checklist may be changed based on experience and feedback from the SSB Inspectors.
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Guidance Note: Common Performance Evaluation Scheme 2011
For clarity, the following items should be noted regarding the inspection criteria:
i.
The non-conformance codes awarded by the Inspector is recorded on the RECs file, and will be
inputted to the SSB’s database for performance monitoring and development of the Risk based
inspection programme.
ii.
Where the non-conformances include code “Red” breaches the facility to self certify may be
immediately withdrawn. Subsequent to a follow-up review and monitoring, a disciplinary process will
be activated for that REC. The facility to self certify will only be restored when the SSB is satisfied
that it is warranted.
iii.
Where the non-conformance codes are amber, the SSB, subsequent to a follow up review and
inspection, may at its discretion initiate the disciplinary process.
iv.
Where the non-conformance codes are “Lemon”, the non-conformances should be rectified on the
spot (and be recorded by the Inspector).
Section 2.3: Exceptions
In some cases the SSBs may become aware of difficulties in conforming to the Technical Rules. Examples
are measurement of Loop Impedance and coordination of protective devices. In such cases, the Inspector
should determine if there is a valid issue to be addressed, and process it for resolution by the appropriate
authority (e.g. T.C.2) through the SSB.
Section 3: Audit of RECs
The Audit requirements are specified in Appendix 1. A declaration of conformance with these
requirements is required from the REC at time of renewal of registration, and the Auditor/Inspector will
sample aspects of these requirements, as advised by the SSB Office in scheduling the Audit/Inspection.
The REC will be advised of documentation/equipment to have with him/her where the Audit is conducted on
site (applies mainly to REC who is a sole trader).
Section 4: Summary
This Guidance Document has been prepared to facilitate the inspectors of the SSBs in carrying out their
functions under the Criteria Document. In the event that an Inspector or a REC has a query regarding the
Common Performance Evaluation Scheme, they should contact their SSB for further guidance.
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Guidance Note: Common Performance Evaluation Scheme 2011
Appendix One:
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Guidance Note: Common Performance Evaluation Scheme 2011
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Guidance Note: Common Performance Evaluation Scheme 2011
Appendix Two:
Ref
1
Rule No
Heading
Rule
411.2
2
411.3.1
Basic protection
(protection against
direct contact)
Protective earthing
3
411.3.2
Basic protection (protection against direct contact) shall be provided for all electrical equipment, and shall consist of either basic insulation of live parts, or barriers or enclosures, in
accordance with Annex 41A. Partial protection against direct contact by means of obstacles or by placing out of reach in accordance with Annex 41B may be used only in special
situations where there is adequate supervision.
Exposed conductive parts shall be connected to a protective conductor under the specific conditions for each type of system earthing. Simultaneously accessible exposed conductive
parts shall be connected to the same earthing system, individually, in groups or collectively. A protective conductor shall be provided for each circuit, and connected to the relevant
main earthing terminal. Conductors for protective earthing and equipotential bonding shall comply with Chapter 54.
In each building the main bonding system shall comprise connections between the main earthing terminal and the following extraneous conductive parts:
- metal pipes supplying services within the building, such as gas, oil, water, air,
- structural metal parts,
- central heating and air conditioning systems,
- main metal reinforcement of reinforced concrete structures where practicable.
Extraneous conductive parts originating outside the building shall be bonded as close as practicable to their points of entry into the building.
Metal sheaths of telecommunication cables may be connected to the main bonding system, taking account of the requirements of the owners or operators of such cables.
Note: For supplementary bonding, see 411.3.3.4 and 544.2.
411.3.3.1 If in a circuit or equipment a fault of negligible impedance occurs between a phase/line conductor and a protective conductor, a protective device shall automatically
disconnect the supply thereto. Disconnection shall ensure that a prospective touch voltage exceeding 50V a.c. r.m.s or 120 V d.c does not persist for a duration resulting in a risk of
harmful physiological effects in a person in contact with simultaneously accessible conductive parts.
Note 1: Higher values of disconnecting time and voltage are admissible in systems for electric power generation and distribution up to the origin of the installation.
Note 2: Lower values of disconnecting time and voltage are required for special installations or locations according to the relevant sections of Part 7.
Note 3: In IT earthing systems, automatic disconnection is not usually required on the occurrence of a first fault.
Note 4: The values of touch voltage (50 V a.c. Lm.S and 120 V d.c.) are conventional.
Equipotential
bonding (for
protective
purposes)
4
411.3.3
Automatic
disconnection of
supply
5
Ref
411.4.1
TN systems
Rule No
Heading
411.3.3.2 Automatic disconnection shall comply with:
- for TN earthing systems: 411.4,
- for TT earthing systems: 411.5.
411.3.3.3 For systems with a nominal voltage exceeding 50 V a.c. or 120 V d.c. automatic disconnection within the times specified is not required if, in the event of a fault, the output
voltage of the source is reduced in not more than 5s to not more than 50 V a.c. or 120 V d.c.; nevertheless, disconnection may be required for reasons other than shock protection.
411.3.3.4 Where automatic disconnection in accordance with 411.4 or 411.5 cannot be achieved within the specified time, supplementary bonding shall be provided in accordance with
416.2.
411.4.1 In a TN earthing system the exposed conductive parts shall be connected by a protective conductor to the earthed pole of the supply. The arrangement shall comply with either
a) or b) below, whichever is appropriate:
a) Low voltage supply from the Distribution System Operator (DSO):
In this situation, the earthing system shall be TN-C-S and, the protective conductor shall be connected to the neutral pole of the supply in accordance with 543.4.
b) Low voltage supply from the proprietor's equipment:
Where the installation is supplied from the proprietor's generator or transformer, the earthed pole of the supply shall
be connected to the protective conductor system at one of the following:
- the main distribution point of the installation,
- a sub-distribution point of the installation,
- the generator or transformer.
Note I: In large installations where other effective earth connections exist it is recommended that the protective conductor system be connected to such points wherever possible.
Earthing at additional points, distributed as evenly as possible, may be necessary to ensure that the potentials of the protective conductor system remain, even under fault conditions, as
near as possible to earth.
Note 2: In large buildings such as high rise buildings, additional earthing of protective conductors is not possible for practical reasons. See 544.1.
Rule
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Guidance Note: Common Performance Evaluation Scheme 2011
416.1 Additional protection for basic insulation (protection against direct contact) by RCDs
Additional protection against direct contact in the event of failure of basic protection or of carelessness by users shall be provided where specified in these Rules by means of RCDs with
a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30mA. The use ofRCDs is not recognized as a sole means of protection against direct contact and does not obviate the need to apply
one of the protective measures specified in 411,412,413,414 or 415.
Note: Additional protection applies in particular e.g. to circuits for socket-outlets (411.3.4), circuits in bathrooms (701) and in agricultural installations (705).
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416.2 Additional protection for fault protective measures (protection against indirect contact) by supplementary equipotential bonding
Note 1: Supplementary equipotential bonding is regarded as an addition to the normal fault protection.
Note 2: The use of supplementary equipotential bonding does not obviate the need to disconnect the supply for other reasons, e.g. protection against fire.
Note 3: Supplementary equipotential bonding may involve a location, an item of equipment, a part of an installation, and even (rarely) the entire installation.
Note 4: This type of additional protection is necessary in certain types of locations - see Part 7.
416
Additional
Protection
416.2.1 For compliance with 411.3.3.4, supplementary equipotential bonding shall include all simultaneously accessible exposed conductive parts of fixed equipment and extraneous
conductive parts including where practicable the main metal reinforcement of constructional reinforced concrete. The equipotential bonding system shall be connected to the
protective conductor.
416.2.2 Where doubt exists regarding the effectiveness of supplementary equipotential bonding, it shall be verified that the resistance R between simultaneously accessible conductive
parts fulfils the following condition:
for a.c: R x Ia ≤ 50V
for d.c: R x Ia ≤ 120V
where R is the resistance in ohms, &
where Ia is the operating current in amperes of the protective device:
- for RCDs, the rated residual operating current Id,
- for overcurrent protective devices, the 5s operating current.
416.2.3 Conductors and arrangements for supplementary bonding shall comply with 544.2.
Annexes for Chapter 41:
Annex 41A: Measures for basic protection against electric shock
Annex 41B: Measure for basic protection in certain types of location
Annex 41 C: Special measures for protection in case of a fault for application only where the installation is controlled or under supervision by authorised persons.
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420.2.1
Ref
Rule No
Protection against
Fire and Harmful
Thermal Effects.
Heading
420.2.1 Persons, livestock, fixed equipment and materials, especially combustible materials adjacent to electrical equipment, shall be protected against harmful effects of heat
developed by electrical equipment in electrical installations by taking into account the requirements of these Rules and the instructions of equipment manufacturers. The heat
generated by electrical equipment shall not cause danger or harmful effects to adjacent fixed material or foreseeable material in proximity to such equipment. In particular, this
measure shall prevent:
- bums to persons or livestock,
- combustion, ignition or degradation of materials,
- impairment of the safe functioning of installed equipment.
Note: Damage or ignition may be caused by:
- heat accumulation, heat radiation, hot elements,
- failure or defects in protective devices or in fire- sealing,
- overcurrent,
- insulation faults or arcs,
- harmonic currents,
- lightning strikes,
- inappropriate selection of equipment,
- overvoltages (see 443 for faults caused by overvoltages).
Rule
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Guidance Note: Common Performance Evaluation Scheme 2011
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432.1
Nature of Protective
Devices
Devices providing protection against both overload and short-circuit current A protective device shall be capable of breaking any overcurrent up to and including the prospective shortcircuit current at the point where the device is installed. Where the device is a circuit-breaker, it shall also be capable of making such overcurrents. It shall satisfy the requirements of
both 433 and 434. Devices shall be selected and installed in accordance with 533.
Such devices may be:
- circuit-breakers incorporating magnetic and overload releases, e.g. circuit-breakers complying with LS.EN 60947-2 or MCBs complying with LS.EN 60898,
- fuses having gC characteristics complying with LS. EN 60269-2 or LS. EN 60269-3,
- suitable circuit-breaker-fuse combinations.
Note I: A fuse comprises all the parts that form the complete protective device.
Note 2: A protective device having a breaking capacity lower than the value of the prospective short-circuit current at its place of installation may be used subject to the requirements of
434.5.1.
Note 3: This clause does not exclude the use of other protective devices provided 433 and 434 are fulfilled.
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461.1
Devices for
Isolation and
Switching
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11
530.5.4
Erection of
Distribution Boards.
530.5.6
Erection of
Distribution Boards.
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613.1
Testing
Installations shall be provided with devices for non-automatic isolation and switching that prevent or remove hazards associated with those installations, and with electrically-activated
equipment and machines. Such devices shall be selected and installed in accordance with 537.
A distribution board shall not be installed in the following locations:
- storage or airing cupboards,
- under timber staircases,
- where it may be covered by garments or similar articles ..
- in a bathroom, washroom or we.
A distribution board shall not be mounted over a cooking or heating appliance.
A distribution board installed in areas of increased fire hazard shall in addition comply with 422.2.1
A distribution board shall not be located within 400 mm in any direction from a gas meter or a gas appliance.
This shall not apply where the gas meter is located within a separate gas-tight enclosure.
The test methods specified in this chapter are reference methods. Other methods are not precluded provided they give no less valid results.The following tests shall be carried out
where applicable and preferably in the following sequence:
a) Before the installation is energised:
- continuity of protective and bonding conductors (613.2.1),
- continuity of all conductors of final ring circuits (613.2.2),
- insulation resistance of the electrical installation (613.3),
- detection of erroneous connections between circuits (613.4),
- separation of circuits: SELV, PELY, electrical separation (613.5),
- conditions for protection by automatic disconnection of supply, earthing and equipotential bonding, (613.6),
- floor and wall resistance (613.7),
- polarity (613.8), - phase sequence (613.9),
- voltage drop (where desired) (613.10),
- electric strength tests for assemblies built or modified on site (613.11),
- functional tests (613.12).
b) After the installation is energised:
- fault-loop impedance measurement (613.13),
- verification of operation of RCDs (613.14).
Should the installation fail a test, that test and any preceding tests that might have been influenced by the fault indicated, shall be repeated after the fault has been rectified.
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