Drastic changes are being introduced in the electricity wiring of Abu Dhabi to ensure safety in old and new buildings.
The Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB) for the water and electricity sector in Abu Dhabi recently asked consultants to give feedback for the draft regulations, which require among other things provision for a properly audible alarm system, in case anyone gets an electric shock in a building.
While the materials used for wiring should comply with British Standards or International Electromechanical Commission standards, wiring circuits should provide sufficient protective devices to shield even people who might come in direct contact with electricity. "An earth leakage alarm may be provided for circuits, which are excluded from the earth leakage protection. This alarm should give an audible warning to [technical] people in the building that an electric shock has occurred," said Lindsy Hill, Director of Production and Power at the RSB.
"In high-risk areas like underwater lighting and swimming pools, the earthing system should be more sensitive," Hill added.
He said the draft regulation contains new provisions for improved security, especially to prevent electric shock.
The rules for distribution companies, electricity consumers, property owners or licensed contractors would be applicable to industrial units, public buildings, parks, farms, caravans, street lighting and even traffic signals.
"Proper earth leakage pro tective devices must provide protection against electric shock by limiting the time and magnitude of current that may pass through the body of an electrocuted person to earth. The overall earth leakage pro tection must operate within 200 milliseconds at the nominal current rating and within 40 milliseconds at five times," he said quoting the rules. It stipulates that the earthing device should not work below 50 per cent of the nominal rating.
Hill said the guidelines regulate wiring standards in residential flats, villas and commercial buildings in the capital. "Some of the new rules have been informally followed in the emirate from early 2001. The distribution companies in Abu Dhabi have been following some rules.We are getting more feedback from consultants, engineers and electricians to make the complete draft of final standards," Hill added.
Electrical work can be done by only licensed contractors and buildings will undergo periodic inspection to ensure they comply.
"Work on electrical installations may be carried out only by licensed contractors approved by the distribution company with a licence," says the draft.
"While internal and external instalations in domestic buildings will be inspected every five years, commercial and industrial premises are to be inspected every three years," the draft said, among other specifications.
By VM Sathish
© Emirates Today 2007
