Code for no SPD on new build

[newfutile]

I usually code no spd with no code or a C3.
However I have been sent to check compliance with BS 7671 on some new builds, there is no SPD present.

We usually say the date installed does not make a difference to coding but it does in a way.

The same may apply if Arc Fault Detection Device not installed in high rise flats or care homes.

 

[littlespark]

As far as I’m aware, can the occupant still refuse an SPD, if they decide that they don’t need one?
Signed waiver after risk assessment?

Don’t know how that stands with a developer/ builder, As they are the customer, but not the final user.

new builds should have capacity, and even a cable already in for EV point…

 

[newfutile]

As far as I’m aware, can the occupant still refuse an SPD, if they decide that they don’t need one?
Signed waiver after risk assessment?

Don’t know how that stands with a developer/ builder, As they are the customer, but not the final user.

new builds should have capacity, and even a cable already in for EV point…

its in a communal area which includes AOV door entry and emergency lighting.
i work for a housing association so we are the client

 

[littlespark]

Gotcha.

I thought you’de been brought in as a 3rd party to check someone else’s job.


Should it have been specced beforehand whether to include SPDs?

I wouldn’t expect it needs it. There’s not a lot there to be damaged if a surge was to happen.
Not like thousands of pounds worth of consumer electronics going PFFFT!

Is “communal areas” classed as domestic or outwith that description?

 

[mainline]

its in a communal area which includes AOV door entry and emergency lighting.
i work for a housing association so we are the client

Regulation 443.4.1 requires protection against transient overvoltages to be provided where the consequence
caused by the overvoltage could result in:
(i) serious injury to, or loss of, human life
(ii) failure of a safety service, as defined in Part 2
(iii) significant financial or data loss.

I would have thought that applies to emergency lighting and smoke alarms.

 

[Pretty Mouth]

Regulation 443.4.1 requires protection against transient overvoltages to be provided where the consequence
caused by the overvoltage could result in:
(i) serious injury to, or loss of, human life
(ii) failure of a safety service, as defined in Part 2
(iii) significant financial or data loss.

I would have thought that applies to emergency lighting and smoke alarms.

Point (ii) was removed in a corrigendum in 2023:

Indent (ii) of Regulation 443.4.1 has been removed. The term safety service, formerly included in Regulation 443.4.1 (ii), encompassed a wide range of systems. The provision, therefore, had unintended consequences for improvements to fire safety systems within installations.

 

[mainline]

Point (ii) was removed in a corrigendum in 2023:

Indent (ii) of Regulation 443.4.1 has been removed. The term safety service, formerly included in Regulation 443.4.1 (ii), encompassed a wide range of systems. The provision, therefore, had unintended consequences for improvements to fire safety systems within installations.

Thanks, I missed that corrigendum completely.

There is also BS 5839 series to consider.

 

[cliffed]

It’s a good point & may not need to be installed, personally any DB/CU I’d fit would have a SPD

 

[UNG]

One thing that seems to be overlooked with SPD's is whether the correct type of SPD has been installed when carrying out an inspection or when installing whether the correct type of SPD has been specified or chosen for the installation.
Some seem to treat SPD's as a one size does all, it's very often seen on here and other sites where the statement is made "it is only £30 so why would you not fit one" which clearly indicates a level of ignorance and a lack of understanding of the function of an SPD

As an example about 30 years ago one weekend a hospital were we did a lot of work took a lightning strike down the main supply the damage was extensive with the total repair bill coming in at around £450K and a couple of weeks disruption until all the repair work was complete. Following on from this one of the electrical engineers was tasked with doing a full risk assessment involving future risk of a strike, what equipment would be needed to mitigate or reduce the risk of damage to equipment on site and the big one was what it would cost, the future risk was assessed using software from a lightning protection company and depending what variables were used the risk was assessed to be 4 years, 44 years or 400 years, the cost of the SPD's to protect the site was estimated to be £600K. The decision in the end was not to bother fitting the SPD's as there was no history of a lightning strike in the last 50 - 100 years or more and the risk was deemed to be an acceptable one against the £600K spend which would impact other work budgeted for in that financial year

 

[cliffed]

Totally agree, SPD’s are there on the market for domestic & commercial properties, correct selection required.
DB/CU are usually pre installed with the SPD & conventional protection guaranteed