Regulation to be Amended
134.1.1 (Good workmanship and manufacturer's instructions)
Proposed New Wording
Good workmanship by one or more skilled or instructed persons and proper materials shall be used in the erection of the electrical installation. The installation of electrical equipment shall take account of relevant manufacturers' instructions as long as they are no less safe than the intent of BS 7671.
Statement of Problem/Reason for Change
Ambiguity of "Take Account of": The current wording is often interpreted as an absolute requirement to follow Manufacturer’s Instructions (MI), even when those instructions are generic, poorly translated, or based on non-UK earthing arrangements (e.g., ignoring PME risks).
Safety Hierarchy: Currently, installers face a conflict when an MI contradicts a fundamental safety principle of BS 7671. This proposed wording clarifies that BS 7671 remains the primary safety framework for UK installations.
Accountability of the Skilled Person: It empowers the "Skilled Person" to exercise professional judgment. If an MI suggests a method that provides a lower level of safety (e.g., regarding RCD selection or earthing), the installer is explicitly authorized to prioritize the higher standard.
Supporting Examples for the "Safety Case"
EVSE Installations: Where MIs might suggest a lack of RCD protection that contradicts Section 722.
Terminations: Where MIs for domestic accessories may not account for the thermal effects of high-load continuous use (e.g., EV or Heat Pump circuits).
Foreign Equipment: Industrial machinery with MIs written for IT or TT systems being installed on a UK TN-C-S system.
As always please be polite and respectful in this purely academic debate.
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