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Feature Article 1 - Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations (2009 Edition) - Details of Major Amendments (2)

In this issue of Electricity News, we will continue introducing the details of some major amendments to the CoP.

Code11 F Supplementary Bonding

• In the part Determination of Extraneous Conductive Parts at Appendix 12C Worked Examples for Application of the CoP, the insulation resistance is increased from 21,000 Ohm to 45,000 Ohm.

Except for the change in the value of insulation resistance mentioned above, the provisions in the CoP remain the same: If the extraneous conductive parts and the exposed conductive parts are simultaneously accessible (note: within a distance of 2 m in general), supplementary equipotential bonding (commonly known as the "earthing wire") should be added. Appendix 12C makes the supplementary explanation that if the measured insulation resistance between the metallic part and the main earthing terminal still exceeds a certain value under the worst conditions, the metallic part could be considered as a non-extraneous conductive part, and it is not required to add the "earthing wire".

The value of the insulation resistance is changed in response to the updating of the relevant international standards (please refer to the table below). For details of the relevant theory, please refer to the first issue of "Electricity News".

The provisions on the "earthing wire" are general guidelines which cover all situations. The owners of electrical installations (including owners' corporation, property management companies etc.) and registered electrical contractors should take into account the actual circumstances and consider from the safety and risk management points of view what harm would be caused to the tenants, the public and the staff when the relevant electrical equipment broke down. Then, they should decide whether individual metallic parts need to add the "earthing wire" and whether it is necessary to take corresponding safety precautions.

International Standards	IEC 479-1:1994	IEC 60479-1:2005
Contact voltage (alternating current at 50/60 Hz)	220V	225V
Minimum body resistance (hand-to-hand) (95% of the population)	1,000Ohm	775Ohm
Maximum "safe current" that passes through the human body	10mA	5mA

A comparison of the new and old international standards on the effects of current on human beings and livestock

The first issue of " Electricity News " gave a detailed explanation of the theory of supplementary equipotential bonding

Code 13 Conductors, Joints and Connections

Code 17 Display of Labels and Notices

Code 18 Alterations and Additions

• The requirements of the new cable colour code are included.

With the implementation of the new cable colour code, Code 13, 17, 18, Appendix 13 (Checklists) and Appendix 18 (Installation Guidelines) are revised accordingly. The technical and safety requirements of these codes and appendices are the same as those in Amendment No.1:2007 to the Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations (2003 Edition) .

Code 21 Procedures for Inspection, Testing and Certification

• In Code 21B(5), the minimum insulation resistance of general low voltage circuit is increased from 0.5 megohm to 1 megohm.
• For electrical installations which are completed and connected to electricity supplies on or after 31 March 2011, the minimum insulation resistance of extra-low voltage circuits (not exceeding 500V) will be increased to 1 megohm in the insulation resistance tests. This requirement is the same as that in the reference standards such as the latest UK wiring regulations, Australian wiring regulations etc. (Note: For electrical installations which were completed and connected to electricity supplies before the above-mentioned date, the requirement of 0.5 megohm as stipulated in the old CoP is still valid.)
• The requirements of secondary injection tests are added to Code 21B(9).
• Although there is no specific requirement for secondary injection tests in the old CoP , most members of the trade have carried out secondary injection tests for the protective relays. The new CoP expressly requests the trade to carry out secondary injection tests.

Code 22 Making and Keeping of Records

• A new requirement of submitting detailed test results for electrical wiring is added to Code 22C.
• In recent years, when the members of the trade submit the Periodic Test Certificate (Form WR2), apart from the wiring diagrams and checklists as required by the old CoP , they are also required by the EMSD to submit test results on branch circuits, final circuits etc. The new CoP states this requirement clearly and the Schedule of Test Results for Electrical Wiring is added at Appendix 13.

Code 26A Domestic Installation and Appliance

• Code 26A(3)(a) makes reference to the latest IEE Wiring Regulations and sets the requirement that fixed electrical equipment in the bathroom must be installed with residual current device (RCD).
• The old CoP required that protection by means of RCD should be provided for socket outlet circuit. Under the new requirement, non-socket outlet circuit supplying electrical equipment within 2.25m in height and with exposed conductive parts in the bathroom (e.g. electric water heater, lighting fitting etc.) should also be protected by RCD.

Feature Article 2 - Points to Note for the New Cable Colour Code

Since the implementation of the new cable colour code on 1 July 2007, enquiries from the trade and the public have been received from time to time. We would like to take this opportunity to answer 3 frequently-asked questions.

Coding of circuits for the new cable colour code (for reference only)

News 1 - Technical Guidelines on Charging Facilities for Electric Vehicles

Last October, the Chief Executive announced in the Policy Address that the Government is working on the strategy and specific measures to promote the use of electric vehicles. It is known that electric vehicles are powered by batteries and charging facilities are indispensable. It should be noted that charging facilities, including recharge stations and electricity supply systems are electrical installations and are regulated by the Electricity Ordinance . To ensure safe operation of charging facilities for electric vehicles, the EMSD issued a set of technical guidelines in February 2010 for compliance by the trade. The guidelines can be downloaded at the EMSD website.

News 2 - Second Phase of Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme

The initial phase of the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme covering three types of products, namely room air conditioners, refrigerating appliances and compact fluorescent lamps has been in full implementation since 9 November 2009. At present, energy labels are required to be shown on these products for supply in Hong Kong to inform consumers of their energy efficiency performance.

The Government has also introduced the second phase of the Scheme by extending the coverage to two more electrical appliances, namely washing machines and dehumidifiers. The relevant legislative amendments have been passed by the Legislative Council and the second phase of the Scheme commenced on 19 March 2010 with an 18-month grace period.

The public and the trade can obtain information about the Scheme at the EMSD website. For enquiries, please contact the Energy Efficiency Office of EMSD at 2808 3465.

News 3 - Application for Registration as an Electrical Worker - Documentary Proof of Working Experience

Anyone who applies for registration as an electrical worker shall submit to the EMSD documents which substantiate his experience in electrical work. All documentary proof must be issued by a person authorised by the applicant's employer and must state clearly the applicant's electrical work experience, including:

• the employer's name and electrical contractor registration number;
• the applicant's personal data (name and HKID card number);
• the capacity employed and the employment period; and
• the details of electrical work experience, such as the type of electrical work done, the period for undertaking each electrical job (with start and end dates), the location of the electrical work carried out, the type, voltage and current rating of the electrical installations involved as well as the information of the registered electrical worker (name and registration number) who supervised the electrical work of the applicant.

Moreover, pursuant to the Electricity Ordinance , only registered electrical contractors can take up electrical work or contract to carry out electrical work. As such, throughout the entire period during which the applicant carried out electrical work, the employer should be an electrical contractor whose registration is valid or the parties concerned should explain to the EMSD how the applicant performs electrical work lawfully. If the applicant fails to provide the information as required above, his application may be rejected and the application fees paid will not be refunded.

The above requirements have been uploaded to the EMSD website for the reference of the trade.

News 4 - Application for Registration as an Electrical Worker - False Documentary Proof of Working Experience

According to the Electricity (Registration) Regulations , anyone who applies for registration as an electrical worker shall submit to the EMSD documents which substantiate his electrical engineering qualifications and experience in electrical work. We noticed that last year there were a number of applicants who used false documents to substantiate their electrical work experience in applying for registration. After investigation, we found that the applicants had never been employed by a particular registered electrical contractor, but they requested the person in charge of that company to make a false declaration to prove that they had worked there before.

After confirming the case, the EMSD referred it to the Independent Commission Against Corruption for follow-up action and investigation. It was found that the case involved nine persons who applied for registration as electrical workers and a particular registered electrical contractor. These persons were finally charged with conspiracy to defraud and were sentenced to imprisonment for three months and to community service.

We would like to remind registered electrical contractors and registered electrical workers that any person who makes a false declaration in any form for use by another person as documentary proof of work experience in applying for registration as an electrical worker or any person who uses false documents to apply for registration commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for 12 months and a fine.

News 5 - Checking and Endorsement of Periodic Test Certificates

In the recent checking of periodic test certificates submitted for endorsement, the following contraventions of the requirements for periodic inspection, testing and certification of electrical installations by individuals and contractors were identified:

1. There were registered electrical workers who carried out inspection, testing and certification for electrical installations that they were not entitled to work on according to the grade of work for which they were registered. The contractors failed to rectify the contraventions and endorsed the periodic test certificates.
2. Part of the test results did not comply with the relevant requirements of the Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations. For example, the earth fault loop impedance exceeded the maximum allowable value.

Appropriate disciplinary or prosecution actions were taken against the individuals and contractors in accordance with the Electricity Ordinance .

News 6 - The Electromagnetic Fields Safety Standards for Household Electrical Products

Except as otherwise provided in the Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation , in general, the suppliers should make sure that the household electrical products they supply conform to the latest requirements of the applicable IEC international safety standards (or other equivalent international standards, e.g. the European safety standard). Moreover, the electromagnetic field of household electrical products shall not produce radiation which is likely to cause danger to the public.

The EMSD has consulted the trade on the adoption of electromagnetic fields safety standards for household electrical products and a consensus has been reached on its implementation time frame. The details are shown in the table below:

Product Type	Applicable International Safety Satandards	Implementation Time Frame
Household Electrical Products	EN62233* or EN 50366 Household and similar electrical appliances - Electromagnetic fields- Methods for evaluation and measurement	Starting from 1 January 2011, the suppliers will import electrical products that comply with the relevant electromagnetic fields standards.
	IEC 62233# Measurement methods for electromagnetic fields of household appliances and similar apparatus with regard to human exposure

*The EU electromagnetic fields standard EN 62233 was published in May 2008 and is scheduled to formally replace the existing electromagnetic fields standard EN 50366 in December 2012.

^#According to the requirements of IEC 62233, the standard does not apply to electrical products such as audio and video electrical products and information technology equipment. The radiation produced by the electromagnetic fields generated by these products must conform to the following safety standards: 

1.IEC 60065: Audio, video and similar electronic apparatus - Safety requirements
2.IEC 60950: Information technology equipment - Safety requirements

 Sample of the Certificate of Compliance

Snapshot 1 - Annual Technical Seminar 2009 cum Registered Electrical Workers Safety Competition Prize Presentation Ceremony

The EMSD has been organising an annual large-scale seminar on electricity regulations in collaboration with the Hong Kong & Kowloon Electrical Engineering and Appliances Trade Workers Union and the Hong Kong Electrical Contractors' Association for 9 years. This year's seminar was held at the Jockey Club Auditorium of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on the evening of 27 November 2009. The theme of the seminar was "Ensuring Safety and Conserving Energy". Two engineers of the EMSD and Mr. M.L. Suen, Technical Director of the Hong Kong & Kowloon Electrical Engineering and Appliances Trade Workers Union gave presentations on the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme, enhancement of regulatory services for registered electrical workers and selection of earth fault protection devices. The participants showed great interest in the topics and were enthusiastic in raising questions.

This year's seminar was different from the previous ones, as the Prize Presentation Ceremony of the Registered Electrical Workers Safety Competition 2009 was held during the seminar. The main objective of the competition was to enhance the awareness of electrical workers on work safety. Gold, Silver, Bronze and 7 Merit prizes were awarded to the winners of the competition. Their names are as follows:

• Gold Prize Winner
• CHIU Kim Ming, Galaxy
• REC Engineering Company Limited
• Silver Prize Winner
• FAN Fai Keung
• CLP Engineering Limited
• Bronze Prize Winner
• WANG Yi Hui
• Deltahill Company Limited
• Merit Prize Winners
• CHAN Hok Ching
• Shun Hing Engineering Contracting Co. Ltd
• CHAN Tin Man
• Balfour Beatty E&M Limited
• LAI Kwok Sun
• Balfour Beatty E&M Limited
• TANG Chi Ming
• ISS EastPoint Property Management Ltd
• TSANG Wai Keung
• Goodwell Property Management Ltd
• WAN Che Non
• The HongKong Electric Co., Ltd
• WONG Wai Kwong
• Hong Yip Service Co. Ltd

Please visit the EMSD website for the video of the prize presentation ceremony and winners' tips on work safety.

Snapshot 2 - Seminar on Electrical Product Safety (2009)

The Electricity Legislation Division of the EMSD has been maintaining close communication with suppliers of electrical products and has been keeping the electrical trade informed of the latest legal requirements. To further enhance the exchange of up-to-date information on electrical product safety, the Electricity Legislation Division organised a seminar on electrical product safety in collaboration with the Hong Kong & Kowloon Electrical Appliances Merchants Association, Hong Kong Electrical Appliances Manufacturers Association, Hong Kong & Kowloon Electric Trade Association and Hong Kong Retail Management Association on 8 October 2009 in the Lecture Theatre of the EMSD Headquarters. This was the latest large-scale seminar organised by the Electricity Legislation Division with trade associations for electrical product suppliers (including manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers). Seminars of similar nature were held in 2005 and 2007.

The seminar was very informative. Engineers of the EMSD gave presentations on the certificate of safety compliance for electrical products and the statutory requirements of the mandatory energy efficiency labelling scheme. They also analysed incidents involving electrical products. Guest speakers Dr. Peter Chu, Chairman of the Hong Kong & Kowloon Electrical Appliances Merchants Association and Dr. Edward Chan, Honorary President of the Hong Kong Electrical Appliances Manufacturers Association gave talks on the latest progress of the adoption of new safety standards and the electrical product voluntary registration scheme respectively. They also presented recommendations and strategies about promoting electrical product safety to the participating trade members. Moreover, guest speaker Dr. K.C. Lee of the Hong Kong Standards and Testing Centre explained in detail to the trade the latest technical requirements of the electromagnetic fields safety standards, applicable European and international standards and methods for assessing the electromagnetic fields in the vicinity of household electrical products and similar products. His talk provided useful information to trade members on electromagnetic fields safety.

Supported by the trade, the seminar was well attended by suppliers and the response was overwhelming. Through the dissemination and exchange of information in these large-scale seminars, the trade can have a better understanding of the latest legal requirements and the close liaison and communication between the EMSD and the trade can be strengthened. That will help enhance the safety standards of electrical products and enable us to enjoy a safer and better home life.

Electrical Safety Quiz

Feedback

We look forward to receiving your valuable feedback about this newsletter for continuous improvement. Please complete the feedback form below and return it to our Electricity Legislation Division by post, fax or e-mail on or before 30 May 2010 (please refer to the contact information at the bottom of this page). To show our appreciation, the first 500 ^[1] respondents will receive a small gift by post.

Contact Information

Electricity Legislation Division, EMSD, 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong

1823

2895 4929

info@emsd.gov.hk