Faulty electric wiring and appliances are one of the most common causes of fires in industrial and commercial premises, accounting for 5,000-6,000 (20%) of the 25,000-30,000 non-residential accidental fires. The extent of this serious problem could be reduced substantially if a few simple rules regarding electrical distribution systems are followed:

Ten Golden Rules

1. Ensure that there are a sufficient number of well placed socket outlets so that no permanent extension leads are required.

2. Ensure there are no more than 8 twin sockets on a single ring circuit - this can be checked by counting circuit breakers/fuses in distribution panels and comparing this with the number of sockets.

3. Ensure cables are of sufficient cross-section. Two easy-to-follow rules are:
-cable/trunking temperature should be not more than lukewarm
-cables should be at least one-size-up on the safety minimum.

4. Ensure main distribution cables are secured at regular intervals and that connections are tight and corrosion-free - this can be done by visual inspection and periodic testing.

5. Ensure ‘dual earths’ are installed - these are secondary cables running in parallel with the main distribution cables, which help to minimise the hazardous effects of earth leakage currents.

6. Ensure accurate up-to-date drawings, wiring schedules and diagrams and test schedules are kept and are available covering the whole installation.

7. Ensure wiring systems - distribution panels, cables, busbars - are clearly labelled to show:
-their identity as depicted on the drawings
-the presence of hazardous voltages
-the identity of the currents they supply.

8. Ensure testing and preventative maintenance of the installation is performed at an appropriate interval and that test results are filed for future use.

9. Ensure all pluggable equipment is PAT tested on a regular basis, the periodicity of which is defined by a risk assessment performed by a competent person. Ensure comprehensive records of testing are kept.

10. Ensure all plugs are correctly wired by a competent person and properly fused and, if in doubt, unplug the equipment and seek advice.

Finally, if you are at all worried about the electrics at your workplace and are thinking of calling an electrician, make sure they are professional, accredited by the Electrical Contractors’ Associations or NICEIC.