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An overview of changes proposed in amendment 3 of the 17th edition of Wiring Regulations. To be implemented on the 1st January 2016.
Centring on fire protection, amendment 3 includes proposals for consumer units to have non-combustible enclosures rather than plastic. It also introduces requirements that the wiring systems and escape routes are to be supported so they’re not compromised in the instance of a fire. It is being introduced in response to reports of a recent trend of increasing fires involving consumer units having a moulded thermoplastic enclosure.
The main issue has been summarised by London Fire Brigade investigator Charlie Pugsley as a loose connection in a terminal causing a high resistance connection that leads to a fire. The National Wiring Regulations committee have considered these issues and proposed additional measures for consuming units within a new regulation in BS 7671 – as part amendment 3 – which also includes non-combustible enclosures.