AFDDs NEW REGULATION IN AMD 2

We now need a very carefully collected set of fire statistics to see if there is any change. I wonder how that can be fully enforced? I wonder if this is seen as a code 3 or a code 2 for EICRs of these places, quite a good question and potentially a very expensive one?

I know a few HMO owners who have been doing all they can to avoid upgrading their properties, they are not going to be impressed with this change in requirements.

The minimum EPC rating for rented homes will be increasing in due course as well for all properties, as well as this the number of tenants has been effectively reduced in many HMOs with the minimum floor area in communal areas being increased forcing landlords to extend their property or reduce the number of tenants, many HMO owners who are upgrading their properties end up chasing the elusive "young professionals" as tenants trying to fill their HMOs with young doctors and others, who really should be buying a place of their own.

This new requirement on its own is probably not a deal breaker for existing and prospective HMO owners, but combined with all the other new requirements it could be the straw that breaks some of their backs.

The IET did a webinar this morning on AMD 2 on You Tube you can see it here www.youtube.com/watch

Now we need to wait and see how local council housing departments enforce this requirement for HMOs, will some of them or even all off them insist on consumer unit upgrades for the renewal of existing HMO licences?

Technically, the Landlord Regs say that rented propertied have to comply with BS 7671:2018 at all times (i.e. not :2022), and that any deviations from that which have been flagged by 5-yearly inspections have to be remedied within 28 days.

So there is currently no legal obligation for landlords of HMO premises to install AFDDs based solely on the the Landlord Regs. If there is some other legal or contractual reason to comply with the latest amendment, than that obviously applies.

HMOs have to be licensed, each council sets standards for their own area,

Years ago locally in HMOs with BS3036 fuse boards either the fuse board had to be enclosed in a non-combustible cupboard or replaced with a new consumer unit with MCBs, which in those days meant consumer unit with a plastic enclosure, because it was a long time before the Wiring Regulations introduced requirements for non- combustible consumer units or cupboards.

If the local council decide that AFDD in HMOs are required, so be it, it’s up to each local council to decide.

Do they mean the circuits being protected by up to 32A OCPD? Or the socket outlets rated at 32A? Seems either could be true.

I haven't received my copy yet, so can't check.

Curious that the recommendation has changed from final circuits in general to just those supplying sockets.

Is that an admission that arc between copper conductors of fixed wiring aren't detectable and the benefits only really apply to appliances?

Does that open the door to socket mounted AFDDs (like they have in the US)? I can see some value in that if protection is required but its not desireable to loose an entire circuit just due to one faulty appliance.

   - Andy.

If the enemy is supposed to be arcs forming in flexible cables and plugs and sockets, then it is surprising that temporary installations (building sites pop festivals, film sets and so on) have not been put in the focus as the folk who use flex by the kilometre and far more plugs and sockets than anyone else.

I imagine it is more the fact that no AFDDs are made for circuits with as low a current as the MCB as a typical UK lighting circuit .

Of course we do not have the culture of unfused extension leads that are the norm on the continent and the US.

Mike.

I see a 6 A AFDD (regarding 'with as low a current').

https://www.electricpoint.com/wylex-nxsb06afd-6a-combined-rcbo-afdd-type-b.html

They're not so common, though.

Perhaps you're thinking of the minimum current needed to make them bother tripping.  I guess there then aren't many UK lighting circuits with enough current unless the owners still have incandescents.