I wouldn't go so far as C2.

443.4.1 is interesting. If injury or loss of life, then clearly a non-compliance, so C3. Much the same applies to a safety service because it might lead to injury or loss of life. However, define "significant" in indent (iii). A significant financial loss to you might be loose change to me, or vice versa.

"For all other cases" seems to make non-compliance optional. That said, it would seem prudent to make an observation.

As to Stuart's second question, all I can say is that I have fitted SPD to my new distribution board at home. I didn't really see the need, but I felt that I should. We have been here for almost 26 years and nothing has been damaged yet due to an over voltage.

I completely agree with the above. The requlation does not specify when the spd should be fitted.

I would always note the lack of SPD but it would be a C3 at he absolute most.

I would always fit with a new fuseboard but i have only recently heard a few saying they fit with any new circuit. I cant see any requirement for this in the regulations.

The requlation does not specify when the spd should be fitted.

I agree the regs don't say "when". They do seem to cover "what" should be protected though - i.e. unless the 'owner says they don't want it & accept the risk', that's everything covered by the current version of BS 7671. So that would seem to imply that all additions should be provided with SPD protection (unless the owner opts out) no matter how small or large.

So it feels a bit like when RCD protction for sockets was introduced - even one extra socket on an existing ring would have to be provided with 30mA RCD protection, even if the rest of the ring could remained as it was. Could be done locally (RCD socket or RCD FCU), per-circuit with an additional RCCB in its own enclosure, change the MCB to an RCBO, complete consumer unit change, or up-front RCCB before the consumer unit. The customer pays their money and takes their choice.

    - Andy.

Just to be clear then.

An SPD should be fitted with any new circuit?

Stuart said:

Just to be clear then.

An SPD should be fitted with any new circuit?

You can't make that assumption I'm afraid. No "one size fits all" rule. Fitting SPDs into an existing installation requires some knowledge and decision making that isn't really covered by BS 7671.

For example, if the building has a lightning protection system LPS), but no SPDs. BS 7671 requires BS EN 62305 to be followed. At this point, it's over to a specialist company, if you are not yourself experienced with BS EN 52305 series.

The worst possible case is a building with existing LPS to the now withdrawn BS 6651 - it would perhaps be wrong to simply fit an SPD in this case, as the whole premises would have to be re-evaluated against BS EN 62305 series.

Stuart said:

Just to be clear then.

An SPD should be fitted with any new circuit?

You can't make that assumption I'm afraid. No "one size fits all" rule. Fitting SPDs into an existing installation requires some knowledge and decision making that isn't really covered by BS 7671.

For example, if the building has a lightning protection system LPS), but no SPDs. BS 7671 requires BS EN 62305 to be followed. At this point, it's over to a specialist company, if you are not yourself experienced with BS EN 52305 series.

The worst possible case is a building with existing LPS to the now withdrawn BS 6651 - it would perhaps be wrong to simply fit an SPD in this case, as the whole premises would have to be re-evaluated against BS EN 62305 series.

gkenyon said:

You can't make that assumption I'm afraid. No "one size fits all" rule. Fitting SPDs into an existing installation requires some knowledge and decision making that isn't really covered by BS 7671.

It may even not be possible. The CU may be full, and even if it is not, there may be no SPDs available that could go in there. There may be space constraints which do not allow a separate enclosure to be close enough.

Perfect! "I am afraid that you will need a new CU, Madam." ;-)