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5
Requirements of 17
th
Edition Wiring
Regulations BS 7671:2008
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.
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 RCDs.
There are 3 points of consideration,
1. Socket Outlets
2. Cables buried in walls
3. Locations containing a bath or shower
Certain Regulations
only apply to
installations not
under the supervision of
a Skilled or Instructed
Person i.e. Ordinary
persons
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