SPDs AMD 2

Chris Pearson:

Graham, thank you. Every day is a learning day in this forum. ?


IMHO the proposed 443.4.1 would be clearer if the exception for single dwelling units were removed. As it stands, if the risks are considered to be tolerable, no further action is required. Note 4 refers to determining the total value of loss in dwellings and then it is up to the occupier to compare the cost of SPD with the possible loss, i.e. to make a judgement as to whether the risks are tolerable. What does not seem logical is to exclude dwellings from the risk assessment because it may show that SPD is not justified. (Of course there is nothing to stop an occupier or his electrician doing a risk assessment in any case.)


I also think that the difference between suburban and urban should be clarified though I struggle to determine where the boundary lies within this borough.


I would also add that the more I think about it, the more I feel inclined to install SPD at home.

I can't disagree with you here Chris. I think the real turning point will come when insurers don't pay out for an event simply because SPDs weren't fitted.


Don't forget, though, telephone master sockets may not have SPDs in them any more - so if you've got wired network devices and haven't got FTTP, you might want to surge protect your phone/broadband line too.

Chris Pearson:

Graham, thank you. Every day is a learning day in this forum. ?


IMHO the proposed 443.4.1 would be clearer if the exception for single dwelling units were removed. As it stands, if the risks are considered to be tolerable, no further action is required. Note 4 refers to determining the total value of loss in dwellings and then it is up to the occupier to compare the cost of SPD with the possible loss, i.e. to make a judgement as to whether the risks are tolerable. What does not seem logical is to exclude dwellings from the risk assessment because it may show that SPD is not justified. (Of course there is nothing to stop an occupier or his electrician doing a risk assessment in any case.)


I also think that the difference between suburban and urban should be clarified though I struggle to determine where the boundary lies within this borough.


I would also add that the more I think about it, the more I feel inclined to install SPD at home.

I can't disagree with you here Chris. I think the real turning point will come when insurers don't pay out for an event simply because SPDs weren't fitted.


Don't forget, though, telephone master sockets may not have SPDs in them any more - so if you've got wired network devices and haven't got FTTP, you might want to surge protect your phone/broadband line too.