SiteLines : Electrical Safety -

Do the new building regulations for CO go far enough?
Regulations due to take effect later this year will, for the first time in the UK, demand CO alarms in certain new homes, aiming to curb deaths and injuries from carbon monoxide poisoning. But Gerald Jones Kidde Business Manager Professional Channels, proposes these regulations do not go far enough and fail to learn lessons from existing requirements for smoke alarms that have saved lives in domestic fires.

How would you rate your downlighters?
There is a growing misconception that a 90-minute fire rated downlighter with inbuilt protection is automatically suitable for a 30-minute fire rated application. However, this may not be the case because of the different types of construction used in fire rated structures.

Part P relationships
An electrical installer's primary concern is compliance with Part P, however an electrical installation often forms just one part of an overall building project and awareness of an compliance with other relevant Building Regulations is essential.

Down lighter protection - a cover up?
There continues to be confusion in some areas as to whether or not recessed down lighters should be protected to preserve the fire and acoustic rating of the ceiling lining that has been perforated in order to install them.

Downlighters under fire
With the increasing number of regulations and stricter application of current guidance, the recessed down lighter, more than any other component, is now being closely scrutinised to see that it is suitable for its intended application, says Alan Rogers of Safe and Sound Lighting.

Installers continue to self-certify
According to figures released by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in April, a growing number of electrical installers are opting to self-certify compliance with Part P through competent person scheme registration, with a majority opting for registration with the NICEIC.