Distribution Equipment Installation , Upgrades And Post EICR Remedial Work
Upgrading your distribution equipment can be a daunting task if you’re a commercial business. Often asked is, When can it be feasible to shut down areas of a building or the entire building, which will often have associated costs.
At MIT Commercial are values our based on leaving our clients with the best customer satisfaction
It is important that electrical distribution equipment should be compliant with the current IET Requirements for Electrical Installations BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (18th Edition). It is important that businesses understand that the electrical industry is ever expanding with new forms of safety equipment, designed to minimise the risk of harm to person or property and therefore this is reflected in ever changing electrical regulations, installation and maintenance practices
Distribution Board Installations And Upgrades
Enhancing Efficiency and Safety: Electrical Distribution Equipment Installation and Upgrades
Electrical distribution equipment installation and upgrades involve the planning, implementation, and enhancement of systems that distribute electricity within a facility or infrastructure.
This process typically begins with a comprehensive assessment of existing equipment to identify areas for improvement or replacement.
Installation may involve the integration of new components such as switchgear, transformers, circuit breakers, and distribution panels, tailored to meet the specific power requirements and safety standards of the facility. Upgrades often focus on enhancing efficiency, reliability, and safety through the adoption of modern technologies, such as smart meters, energy management systems, and automation solutions.
Throughout the process, careful coordination, compliance with regulations, and adherence to best practices are essential to ensure the seamless operation and longevity of the electrical distribution system.
Post-EICR Remedial Actions for Enhancing Electrical Safety in Commercial Properties
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an assessment conducted by a qualified electrician to evaluate the safety and condition of electrical installations in a property. In a commercial property, where electrical systems are typically more complex and heavily utilised, the EICR is essential to ensure safety and compliance with legal standards.
After the EICR is completed, several remedial actions may be recommended to address any deficiencies found. Here is a description of common post-EICR remedial actions in a commercial property
Repairs to Damaged Equipment:
Remedial action often includes repairing or replacing damaged or worn-out electrical equipment such as sockets, switches, wiring, and circuit breakers that may pose safety risks.
Upgrading Electrical Components:
Older components may not meet current safety standards or may be inadequate for the current usage demands. Upgrading circuit breakers, cables, and distribution boards to accommodate increased electrical loads or to enhance safety is a common action.
Improving Electrical Connections:
Loose or poor connections can lead to overheating and electrical fires. Tightening connections, redoing wiring, or replacing connectors can mitigate these risks.
Correcting Overloaded Circuits:
If the EICR identifies circuits that are overloaded, it might be necessary to redistribute loads, add additional circuits, or upgrade existing ones to handle the demand safely.
Enhancing Earth Bonding and Grounding:
Proper grounding is essential to ensure electrical safety. Remedial actions might include updating grounding systems or improving connections to reduce the risk of electric shock and electrical fires.
Resolving Issues with Residual Current Devices (RCDs):
RCDs are crucial for safety, providing protection from electric shock and helping to prevent electrical fires. Installing new RCDs or replacing faulty ones is a key remedial step.
Addressing Compliance Issues:
Electrical installations must comply with national and local regulations. Post-EICR actions often involve updating systems to meet the latest regulatory standards, such as the Wiring Regulations in the UK.
Implementing Regular Maintenance Schedules:
Beyond immediate repairs and upgrades, setting up a routine maintenance schedule is critical. Regular checks can prevent issues from developing and ensure ongoing compliance and safety.
Each remedial action is typically prioritised based on the level of risk it poses. Immediate dangers require urgent attention, while less critical issues might be scheduled for future resolution. Ensuring these actions are taken promptly not only enhances safety but also prolongs the lifespan of the electrical installation and can prevent costly repairs in the future.
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Post EICR Remedial Actions. Before And After, A Badly Installed Distribution Board Repair/ Upgrade
Left To Right
The initial distribution board installation was identified as being of low quality during an EICR inspection and was not compliant with the current regulations.
The initial process was to label each individual cable in preparation to strip out the D.B
Left To Right
All cables were removed to reinstall.
Cables were then neatly installed in to the D.B, identification labels were attached to each core, for future maintenance purposes
The Finished Product
At MIT Commercial, we take great pride in not only being compliant with the current IET Requirements for Electrical Installations BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (18th Edition), but also in the quality of our work
Portfolio Of Distribution Equipment Installations
We pride ourselves in the not only choosing industry leaders in distribution equipment such as Schneider Electrics, Hager and Eton, but also in the quality, functionality and aesthetics of the finished product.
Key Components and Functions of Commercial Electrical Distribution Systems
Commercial electrical distribution equipment forms the backbone of a building’s electrical system, ensuring that power is safely and efficiently distributed to various parts of a facility.
This equipment includes components such as transformers, distribution panels, circuit breakers, and switchgear. Transformers are crucial as they adjust voltage levels to suit the needs of different devices, typically stepping down the high voltage received from utility lines to a lower voltage suitable for commercial use.
Distribution panels serve as a central point from which electrical power is divided and directed to various circuits, ensuring that power is efficiently managed and that overload protection is in place.
Circuit breakers protect each circuit by automatically cutting off electrical flow in case of an overload or short circuit, preventing damage and fire hazards.
Switchgear plays a critical role in larger commercial settings by controlling, protecting, and isolating electrical equipment to enhance the reliability of the electrical supply. It includes switches, fuses, and circuit breakers that can be used to control the flow of electricity throughout the building, providing a means to shut down portions of the electrical system for maintenance and repair without impacting the entire network.
The use and management of this equipment involve careful planning and adherence to safety standards to prevent electrical accidents and ensure continuous operation.
Modern commercial electrical distribution systems also increasingly incorporate smart technology, allowing for remote monitoring and management of power usage, which can help in identifying inefficiencies, predicting potential failures, and enhancing overall energy management in commercial buildings.
3 Phase Distribution Board Installation
these are installed in buildings to distribute electricity from the main supply to various circuits and electrical outlets within the premises.
MCCB Panel Installation
In large commercial buildings, sub-distribution boards may be installed on each floor or section to further distribute electricity to specific areas or loads
Metering Equipment
Commercial buildings typically have electricity meters to measure the energy consumption of individual tenants or sections within the building. These may include traditional electromechanical meters or more advanced smart meters.
Protection Devices
These include devices such as surge protectors and voltage regulators, which protect electrical equipment and appliances from voltage fluctuations and transient surges.