Guide to Junction Boxes

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Since 2005 the Building Regulations for England and Wales
have made direct reference to Electrical Installations,
increasing the influence on how Electrical Equipment is
installed in buildings.
Part P of the Building Regulations 2000 came into effect on
1st January 2005 and was further amended on 6th April 2006.
This document states that the requirements will be met by
adherence to the ‘Fundamental Principles’ for achieving
safety given in the Wiring Regulations BS 7671 Chapter 13.
For Scotland, the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 apply
to domestic and non-domestic buildings. Section 4.5
Electrical Safety in the Scottish Building Standards Agency
(SBSA) Technical Handbook prescribes that an electrical
installation should be designed, constructed, installed and
tested such that it is in accordance with the
recommendations of the Wiring Regulations BS 7671.
The ‘Fundamental Principles’ that are given in chapter 13 are
intended to provide for the safety of persons, livestock and
the protection of property against dangers and damage which
may arise in the reasonable use of electrical installations.
It is recognised that good workmanship by competent
persons using proper materials will reduce any hazards that
may arise and that every item of equipment shall comply with
the appropriate British Standard.
Electrical joints are a potential source of overheating and if
not securely made could ultimately cause a fire. For this
reason there are several regulations relating to electrical
connections. Indeed this is mentioned within chapter 13 in
regulation 134.1.4 ‘Every electrical joint and connection shall
be of proper construction as regards conductance, insulation,
mechanical strength and protection’
Building Regulations
“Good workmanship
by competent persons
using the proper materials
will reduce the risk of
overheating or fire”.
Guide to | Junction Boxes 4