Rules and Guidelines
Want to participate in the discussions? Please read our Community Rules and Guidelines. Need some help? Visit Support and Answers.

  • State Not Answered
  • Locked Locked
  • Replies 24 replies
  • Subscribers 42 subscribers
  • Views 4705 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
You may also be interested in
This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

BS7671 - It's A School Day (Every day is a school day)

Sergio Fernandez

Something to ponder for a Friday


Should the period of inspect for schools fixed electrical systems be shortened from 5 years to 3 or even made annual?

Should schools for under 16 years be granted special location status in BS7671?

Should all circuits in schools be protected by a 30mA RCBO/RCD regardless of their use?  This would apply to new or existing circuits.

Should schools have an accessible earth rod/disc and an inspection pit?


As always please be polite and respectful in this purely academic debate. 



Come on everybody lets help inspire the future.

  • 0 in reply to geoffsd

    We were not aware of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete until the start of term was being delayed for several schools.

    As parents/gaurdians and engineers we have a duty of care to all that are in education to make sure they are safe.  The rules in BS7671 should be written as if we are custodians of the UK wiring system.  The rules we help shape now will become our legacy. 

  • 0 in reply to gkenyon
    gkenyon said:
    Scope would have to include not just schools, but nursery/day care


    Lets include the above criteria.  

    Then lets consider that 30mA RCBO should give a safer instalation than one with MCBs.

    With luminaire being replaced due to energy consumption/failure and that the EU have banned filament lamps and are in the process of phasing out t5 and t8 fluorescent tubes it stands to reason that more luminaries will be replaced for LED version.  The LED versions will naturally leak DC current to Earth.

    RCBO could also help detect borrowed neutrals

    RCBO could help detect imbalance between L and N

    gkenyon said:
    A final thought regarding BS 7671 is, wouldn't the same, or similar,  risks be prevalent in domestic premises in which children live? And if so, would BS 7671 be deficient if it didn't deal with those risks "by default" for homes

    My opinion on this would differ as there could be 30 - 35 children in the classroon from different families and also children at home will be more familiar with their home enviroment.  Equally important would be visitors to the school.  Think of a parents evening or A summer fair when extention leads are trailled outside to power lights and music. 

  • 0
    Sergio Fernandez said:
    Should schools for under 16 years be granted special location status in BS7671?

    Scope would have to include not just schools, but nursery/day care, perhaps scout huts, cadet centres, etc.

    But I guess the question is, what is the "increased shock risk" that we are trying to mitigate against? (i.e. what's the evidence we need this?)

    A final thought regarding BS 7671 is, wouldn't the same, or similar,  risks be prevalent in domestic premises in which children live? And if so, would BS 7671 be deficient if it didn't deal with those risks "by default" for homes?

    There is a standard that covers H&S in laboratories/workshops etc. used in educational settings, and electrical safety (including for fixed installation in those locations) is considered: BS 4163:2021+A1:2022 Health and safety for design and technology in educational and similar establishments. Code of practice

  • 0

    Do you think there is a problem with school electrical installations?

Community Rules & Guidelines