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This section aims to explain some of the new Regulations
contained within the 17
th
Edition Wiring Regulations, regarding
the consumer unit and final circuits.
Firstly however, to fully understand what is required we need
to consider some definitions from Part 2 of the Regulations.
Requirements of 17
th
Edition
Wiring Regulations
Ordinary Person
Someone who is neither skilled or instructed e.g.
general public / home owner
Skilled Person
A person with technical knowledge or experience
to enable him/her to avoid dangers which
electricity may create e.g. qualified electrician
Instructed Person
A person who has been adequately advised or
supervised to enable him/her to avoid dangers
which electricity may create e.g. facilities
manager
Typically commercial installations will be under the control of
a Skilled or Instructed Person. However domestic and some
commercial installations will not. This is particularly important,
as certain Regulations only apply to installations not under
the supervision of a Skilled or Instructed Person.
A significant change is the introduction of Regulations
requiring additional protection by RCD’s.
There are 3 points of consideration
1. Socket Outlets
2. Cables buried in walls
3. Locations containing a bath or shower
Guide to
| 17
th
Edition Consumer Units
6
“Certain Regulations only apply to
installations not under the supervision
of a skilled or instructed person i.e.
ordinary persons”