Quality, health and safety experts, Bureau Veritas, have warned that an increasing number of AC-type residual current devices (RCDs) are being affected by direct currents (DC) from modern electronic devices, electric appliances, and renewable energy sources. 

 

The previous (17th Edition) Wiring regulations said that AC-type RCDs should be used for sockets that might supply outdoor equipment. However, with increasing number of domestic, commercial and industrial sites now installing renewable energy sources such as solar panels, Bureau Veritas says that these RCDs might not be fit for purpose. 

The BBC has reported an increase in leaks of SF6 (sulphur hexafluoride), widely used in the electrical industry to prevent short circuits that could lead to fires. 

 

The gas is cheap and non-flammable and is effective for insulating medium- and high-voltage electrical installations. However, it has around 23,000 times more global warming potential than carbon dioxide (CO2) and its effect in the atmosphere is likely to last for hundreds of years 

Electrical installations and appliances are linked with around 350,000 serious injuries and almost half of all domestic fires each year. 

 

The best way to reduce this risk is to use a competent, registered electrician for repairs or renovations in your home. 

 

However, there aren’t any requirements for regular electrical safety checks in UK homes. 

In a security- and efficiency-conscious environment a building management system (BMS) can be used to manage fire alarms, and to coordinate controls for timers, thermostats, fans and lights. Most importantly a BMS can save energy. 

 

Building energy management is now catching up with LED lighting as the most popular way for businesses to reduce energy costs. 

 

While around two thirds of the businesses introducing energy management systems have 1000 employees or more, there’s still scope for smaller organisations to make significant savings. 

If you’re considering buying a property that’s more than 20 years old as a renovation project, here are some things to think about. 

 

Your House Buyer’s survey doesn’t include and electrical inspection and condition report (EICR). A professional inspection of the wiring and any installations will confirm that the property is safe and help you to understand what you will need to do to bring it up to modern standards.