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Requirements for an electrical design & the EIC form signature

Former Community Member
Former Community Member

 

I’ve read the interesting post at Who is the electrical installation designer? - IET Engineering Communities (theiet.org) on “Who is the electrical installation designer?” but my thought is somewhat different else I would have tagged onto that thread.

I’ve also read the posts at  Electrical Design Courses & Regulations Recommendations (London, UK) - IET Engineering Communities (theiet.org) regarding the training and competence needed for electrical design and having been involved in electrical works for a considerable period am familiar with the significance of this role. Indeed, when I ask for new works of a small size direct to an electrical contractor I always ensure that the wording of taking on board design liability is included, this such that they are clear and can also charge for that work and its responsibility.  Larger works may be by an electrical designer such as a consultant.

Considering that the EIC has an entry for design where it states:

FOR DESIGN

I/We being the person(s) responsible for the design of the electrical installation (as indicated by my/our signatures below), particulars of which are described above, having exercised reasonable skill and care when carrying out the design and additionally where this certificate applies to an add1t1on or alteration, the safety of the existing installation is not impaired, hereby CERTIFY that the design work for which I/we have been responsible is to the best of my/our knowledge and belief in accordance with BS 7671 :2018, amended to ….. except for the departures, if any, detailed .as follows:  

What extent of information do readers consider to constitute an electrical design ?   Much of my reference information is in my office and I’ve not been there for 18 months so I thought I’d ask others what they considered to be the minimum information as to what comprises an electrical design for an installation has rather than trawl through other sources.  I thought it would be an interesting discussion point as well.

Paul.  

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    Chris Pearson: 
     

    I fully agree with JP (wouldn't dare do otherwise ? ) but any electrician who puts in any new work has designed it unless somebody else takes responsibility. That applies even to extending a circuit - is there spare capacity, is the Zs at the far end within limits and so on? Don't forget the wording of an MEIWC, part 5:

    I certify that … and the work has been designed, constructed, inspected and tested …

    The design needn't be written down - the information could be given verbally.

    But CDM Regulations still apply. Basically, whatever documentation you think is sufficient evidence if there's a proverbial knock on the door in future. 

    Sure, extending a circuit could very well be something that shows the limits and extent of the work done, and document some inspection and testing (along with the fact that the circuit otherwise meets the requirements of BS 7671, the cable size and circuit length, and test results, say, fall within the limits of Table 7.1(i) of the OSG), I'd say that could well be sufficient design information.

    Of course, you're also the contractor (and if it's domestic client, take on the Client's duties) … so perhaps some completion photos as proof in case anyone tampers with the installation in future wouldn't go amiss.

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  • 0

    Chris Pearson: 
     

    I fully agree with JP (wouldn't dare do otherwise ? ) but any electrician who puts in any new work has designed it unless somebody else takes responsibility. That applies even to extending a circuit - is there spare capacity, is the Zs at the far end within limits and so on? Don't forget the wording of an MEIWC, part 5:

    I certify that … and the work has been designed, constructed, inspected and tested …

    The design needn't be written down - the information could be given verbally.

    But CDM Regulations still apply. Basically, whatever documentation you think is sufficient evidence if there's a proverbial knock on the door in future. 

    Sure, extending a circuit could very well be something that shows the limits and extent of the work done, and document some inspection and testing (along with the fact that the circuit otherwise meets the requirements of BS 7671, the cable size and circuit length, and test results, say, fall within the limits of Table 7.1(i) of the OSG), I'd say that could well be sufficient design information.

    Of course, you're also the contractor (and if it's domestic client, take on the Client's duties) … so perhaps some completion photos as proof in case anyone tampers with the installation in future wouldn't go amiss.

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