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The Importance of Electrical Design Prior to Installation

I cannot stress how important it is to carry out an electrical design before any work is carried out, even simply adding 3 to 4 sockets you need to know whether this additional load can be taken by the property you’re in and whether this is a house an office or a shop failure to do this can lead to overloading and fires.

In the present-day and age with the massive uptake of EV cars, the headlong rush to install EV chargers comes at a high price, I see so many systems where the safety features have not been installed by the electrical contractor properly leaving customers at risk, but the price was low.

I see so many of these systems that have not been designed to check whether the load can be installed, putting homes and businesses at risk from the Cowboys who have jumped onto the bandwagon if they cannot produce a design that can prove that the additional load added to your system will be safe then you should not be using them.

Always ensure that you get an Electrical design carried out for any type of electrical change and make sure you see it, if necessary, get somebody you know to verify that is been done properly, please stop taking the risk because of a low price because believe me the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten.

Designing electrical systems before installation is a crucial process that can ensure that the electrical system is safe, efficient, and dependable. It is essential to take the time to design electrical systems before installation to identify potential issues or problems that may arise and develop a plan to address them, prior to installation afterwards always costs more money.

The electrical load, equipment selection, and layout plan are the critical components of designing electrical systems. The electrical load is the amount of electricity required to power all the devices and appliances in the building. Selecting the appropriate equipment involves selecting the right size wires, breakers, transformers, and other components required to power the electrical system safely and efficiently. The layout plan is an essential aspect of designing electrical systems that should be both functional and safe.

One of the most crucial factors in designing electrical systems is safety. Electrical systems can be dangerous if not appropriately installed and maintained. The designing of electrical systems before installation helps to identify potential safety hazards and develop a plan to address them. For example, an electrical design plan may identify the need for additional safety features such as circuit breakers, Type A RCBO’s, or surge protectors to protect the system from damage or prevent electrical shocks.

Efficiency is another critical aspect of designing electrical systems. An efficient electrical system will reduce energy costs and ensure that the building is not wasting electricity. An efficient electrical system may include energy-efficient lighting, smart thermostats, or energy-efficient appliances. Designing an efficient electrical system before installation can save money and reduce the carbon footprint of the building.

Once a competent electrical designer designs the electrical system, it is essential to update the designs from the site as soon as deviations or changes are made. Deviations or changes made during the installation process must be updated in the design to ensure that the electrical system meets safety standards and regulatory requirements. Failure to update the design can lead to potential risks to the building occupants and the electrical system itself.

Rule 132 of BS 7671, also known as the Wiring Regulations, requires that any deviations or changes made during the installation process must be updated in the design, and updated copies of the design must be kept proving compliance with the standard. This is essential for ensuring that the electrical system meets the required safety standards and that the building is compliant with regulatory requirements.

Failure to comply with regulatory requirements can lead to legal ramifications in the UK. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical installations to be maintained by the user to prevent danger, and failure to comply with the regulations is a criminal offence. Non-compliance with the regulations can lead to prosecution, fines, and imprisonment.

Many cowboys install inferior systems that can and do lead to fires later in the system’s life. The installation of an electrical system is a significant investment that should not be taken lightly. Cowboy installers often cut corners to save costs, putting the safety and security of the building occupants at risk. Inferior electrical systems can lead to fires, which can cause considerable damage to property and endanger lives.

The importance of designing electrical systems before installation and updating the design from the site as soon as deviations or changes are made cannot be overemphasised. Compliance with regulatory requirements is essential for ensuring that the electrical system is safe, dependable, and efficient. Updating the design from the site as soon as deviations or changes are made can help to prevent future risks and hazards, reducing downtime and minimising potential risks or hazards.

In summing up, designing electrical systems before installation is critical for ensuring that the system is safe, efficient, and dependable. It is also essential to comply with regulatory requirements, including updating the design from the site as soon as deviations or changes are made and keeping updated copies of the design. Non-compliance with regulatory requirements can lead to legal ramifications, including prosecution, fines, and imprisonment. It is crucial to collaborate with reputable electrical contractors who prioritise safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Unless an electrical contractor can show you a full design spec and drawings, carried out by an electrical design engineer, before any work is carried out so that you can question whether they are cutting corners, don’t use them. I know that this costs money, but in the long run, it always saves money and reduces costs, it will be one of the best investments of your time and money don’t move forward without it.