Connecting to mains

[Guest bryan1656]

I've noticed that some systems are made to use a plug-in type of adapter.

Others need a transformer that is connected directly to the mains.

Depending on where you want to place the box, do you need to get a licensed electrician to run a new cable; install a new wall plug; and possibly add in a new breaker?

And if you are doing that, then wouldn't it be easier to simply terminate the new line in the box at the transformer?

I would tend to think that connecting directly to the mains would be more secure than relying on an adapter plugged in to the wall.

What are some of the pros and cons of the different types of installation? When do you do what and why?

[Deltaseven]

I've noticed that some systems are made to use a plug-in type of adapter.

Others need a transformer that is connected directly to the mains.

...

What are some of the pros and cons of the different types of installation? When do you do what and why?

30801[/snapback]

If you need to plug the panel in, then the chances are it is a DIY panel.

If the transformer is inside the panel, then there is a greater chance of the panel being a professional / trade panel (but this is not always the case). If the TX is in the panel, you SHOULD have an unswitched fused spur installed near to the panel by a competent sparky.

D7

[Guest]

I've noticed that some systems are made to use a plug-in type of adapter.

30801[/snapback]

That'd be the diy stuff then. Chances are, if it's got a plug in power supply the system isn't up to much anyway so a decent supply isn't going to help it any.

Profesional equipment comes with the transformer in the case and expects to be installed as fixed equipment with fixed wiring.

There, sorted.

[Guest bryan1656]

Okay. Makes sense now. The different systems are made for different types of installation. DIY v. profesional.

Interesting... in the U.S. I have never heard of a "fused spur". It looks like this is a junction box with circuit protection ??? not sure if this includes a trnsformer ???

For low voltage (<30V) in the U.S., what I've seen is either a transformer installed on a junction box, or in the panel. The transformer, usually has a fuse or breaker.

Again, in the U.S.; low voltage isn't regulated nearly like high voltage since there isn't the same amount of danger involved. This varies widely from state to state in the U.S., even from local jurisdiction to local jurisdiction within a state. Even if a special low voltage license *is* required, it isn't nearly the same as the requirements for general electrician's license.

I assume (correct me if I am wrong) that it is probably similar in the U.K.

QUESTIONS:

So what does someone who only works on low voltage do about connecting to mains?

Do you need to sub-contract a sparky (electrician) to connect to mains?

Or, can you pre-wire leaving the final connection for the sub-contracted electrician?

Or, can you run the wire and have a licensed electrician certify your work?

[Guest]

So what does someone who only works on low voltage do about connecting to mains?

30808[/snapback]

For someone doing a low volume of mains related work, e.g. alarm installer, then all they actually need to do is install it as per BS7671 (the electrical installation regulations).

Do you need to sub-contract a sparky (electrician) to connect to mains? 

30808[/snapback]

You don't need one, although some larger firms will specify that the customer has the spur installed within 1metre of the panel for their engineers to connect to.

Or, can you pre-wire leaving the final connection for the sub-contracted electrician?

30808[/snapback]

Can do, but that involves 2 visits and isn't convenient.

Or, can you run the wire and have a licensed electrician certify your work?

30808[/snapback]

Yes, but most engineers install their own equipment and leave it at that. BS7671 is not currently a mandatory regulation, although some othere mandatory regulations specify works are carried out to BS7671 standards where applicable.

[Guest IM_Alarms]

Just to add to what Stuart has said, electricians in UK aren't licensed like in the US, but they still shouldn't certify other people's work

[Guest]

they still shouldn't certify other people's work

30820[/snapback]

I do all the time. If I go into a building that already has electricity and start altering things I then have to test the installation and certify not only my own works but all of the work carried out by previous contractors.

[Guest bryan1656]

Many thanks, all! (and any further input is appreciated, as well)

I think it is going to work the same way here... at least for me in my area. The State Board of Contractors (BOC), as I am reading the statute, only requires a license if you are doing larger jobs (>$10k residential and/or >$50k commercial; larger buildings; multi-structured developments, etc.).

So for us "small time" folks, it looks like compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC), IEEE, or other standards is up to us. If anything happened in the future, we couldn't say that we were licensed, but we'd still have to articulate that we did the job "to code" ... which you'd still have to do anyway, even if you were licenses. Being licensed doesn't relieve you of any liability, nor does it carry a presumption of compliance.

Until someone reaches that "benchmark", then there is no legal requirement to be licensed prior to doing the work. However, you'd still be responsible for doing it correctly for liability purposes. The BOC doesn't want to even keep up with your paperwork unless you are a "bigger" business.

hmmmm.... still learning.... thanks again everyone!

Now I'll have to research the binding and insurance issue.

[jb-eye]

BS7671 is not currently a mandatory regulation, although some othere mandatory regulations specify works are carried out to BS7671 standards where applicable.

30818[/snapback]

Careful what about the electricity at work act

Jef

[Guest]

Careful what about the electricity at work act

30833[/snapback]

That's exactly what I mean, BS7671 isn't directly enforcable but the EAW act is, and it refers to BS7671.