Discuss torque requirements of MCB terminals in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net
the new regs say to take into account.I was at a NAPIT seminar this evening, a chap from the IET was also there to enlighten us and this matter was discussed.
It would appear in the eyes of NAPIT and the IET that the regulation stating manufacturers instructions must be followed does in fact require the use of a torque driver on not only your cable terminations but the checking of factory terminations as well. I m pretty sure that not all manufacturers instructions include torque settings, for example the Cheaper brands like CPN and the God awful CHINT boards (I do plan on verifying this).
As is often the case this is a regulation written for an ideal word and IMO leaves the electrician exposed to potential prosecution. But maybe I'm just being synical.
As it happens I do own a torque driver and use it whenever I discover manufacturers indicated settings, for example the Schneider (Merlin Gerin) breakers and boards have the NM requirement printed on them. I feel that if things are moving in the direction of electricians being required to install to precise torque settings all manufacturers should display there torque settings on the breakers themselves not buried in a leaflet or in some cases listed on a website.
I was at a NAPIT seminar this evening, a chap from the IET was also there to enlighten us and this matter was discussed.
It would appear in the eyes of NAPIT and the IET that the regulation stating manufacturers instructions must be followed does in fact require the use of a torque driver on not only your cable terminations but the checking of factory terminations as well. I m pretty sure that not all manufacturers instructions include torque settings, for example the Cheaper brands like CPN and the God awful CHINT boards (I do plan on verifying this).
As is often the case this is a regulation written for an ideal word and IMO leaves the electrician exposed to potential prosecution. But maybe I'm just being synical.
As it happens I do own a torque driver and use it whenever I discover manufacturers indicated settings, for example the Schneider (Merlin Gerin) breakers and boards have the NM requirement printed on them. I feel that if things are moving in the direction of electricians being required to install to precise torque settings all manufacturers should display there torque settings on the breakers themselves not buried in a leaflet or in some cases listed on a website.
the new regs say to take into account.
i took the recommend nm into acount your honor but the cables were still loose so i tightened them up properly lol
im not buying the guidance notes till i either go self employed or the 18th comes outHa ha! Yes im with you there!
I have not read the reg in Am 3 yet as im still saving my pennnies to pay for yet another set of Regs books ��
im not buying the guidance notes till i either go self employed or the 18th comes out
I wouldn't either seeing as they can't be bothered to print them correctly.
I assume they were reffering to the ammended regulation
From the IET website, although I do not have the yellow book to verify that this is the exact wording that made it into AMD3.
Regulation 134.1.1 has been changed from:
"Good workmanship by competent persons or persons under their supervision and proper materials shall be used in the erection of the electrical installation. Electrical equipment shall be installed in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the equipment."
to:
"Good workmanship by skilled (electrically) or instructed (electrically) persons and proper materials shall be used in the erection of the electrical installation. The installation of electrical equipment shall take account of manufacturers’ instructions."
thats exactly the same as in my bybLooks like they have managed to make it into even more of a grey area!
Looks like they have managed to make it into even more of a grey area!
Difference being Torque screwdrivers/ torque setting screws etc is now regulations.
NICEIC ask to see your torque screwdriver during inspection. I could rub some mud on it and make it looked used. A strong wrist and experience is all you need to do up an MCB, luckily I have both (No jokes about strong wrists please)
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