The 3rd issue of Electricity News published in October 2003 briefly introduced readers to the deliberation of adopting a new cable colour code in Hong Kong. As a registered electrical contractor ("REC") or worker ("REW"), you are likely to be concerned about the progress. This issue of Electricity News gives you an update on the latest development. The tightening up of prosecution and disciplinary actions against RECs and REWs is also featured in this issue for your information.
We have received feedback from many readers about the last issue of Electricity News and we thank our readers for taking the time to do so. In order to improve the newsletter and enrich its content, we again appeal to our readers to complete the feedback form on the back cover and return it to our Electricity Legislation Division as soon as possible.
2R, the cover girls of this issue of Electricity News, is an up-and-coming canto-pop group formed by Rosanne and Race from Singapore. The two sisters are singers and actresses and won several singing awards in 2003 and 2004. Apart from pursuing a singing career, they also perform in films, TV shows and dramas, MTV and TV commercials, and have gained popularity among local fans. Before coming to Hong Kong two years ago, Rosanne and Race were studying at a university in Australia. After completing their first year's study, they were enlisted by their present agent and came to Hong Kong to pursue an entertainment career. Rosanne and Race still hoped that some day they would finish their university studies and get a degree, even by part-time study.
When asked how they felt when they first came to Hong Kong, Rosanne said, "Hong Kong and Singapore have so many things in common. I have a homelike feeling here." Race said, "Me too. The socket outlets and plugs used in Hong Kong and Singapore are exactly the same and the voltage used is 220V too." Our reporter (an engineer from the Electricity Legislation Division (the "ELD") of EMSD) could not help talking about what he knew best as an engineer and briefly introduced them to the legislation relating to electrical products and installations in Hong Kong, the registration of electrical contractors and workers, and the work of the ELD. To our reporter's surprise, 2R was well versed in the subject. Rosanne said, "We also have similar legislation and registration system in Singapore. We have Licensed Electrical Workers there." Race added, "Yes, electrical work in Singapore must be carried out by licensed workers and the statutory requirements on the safety of electrical installations are more or less the same as those in Hong Kong." Being curious, our reporter asked, "How do you know about all these?" Rosanne and Race gave a hearty laugh. Race said, "Some of our relatives actually work in this field. We have been hearing about all these since we were children."
2R also knew that there had been a number of fatal electrical accidents in Hong Kong in the past two years involving electrical installations, and the victims included members of the public and electrical workers. Rosanne asked our reporter, "Can these accidents be avoided? Life is priceless!" Race said, "I agree. It is bad if people get hurt." Our reporter replied, "In fact, these accidents could be avoided. Most of our electrical workers do strictly observe the safety codes to avoid accidents. However, some of them from time to time would neglect their own safety as well as the safety of the others and cause accidents. Last year, EMSD stepped up inspections on electrical installations with a view to minimizing the number of electrical accidents." Rosanne and Race sincerely hoped that there would be no electrical accident in Hong Kong.
Rosanne and Race also wished all RECs and REWs happiness and success in their work.
Hair : Tavin (Hair Culture)
Makeup : 2R@Universal Music
Photographer : Guy
Photos provided by : Universal Music
The cable colour code currently used for the fixed electrical installations in Hong Kong (i.e. red, yellow (or white), blue, black and green/yellow) originates from the British Standard, and the relevant requirements are specified in the Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations published by EMSD. In recent years, the European countries including the UK have begun to adopt the new cable colours (i.e. brown, black, grey, blue and green/yellow) stipulated by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization. In the cable colour code currently used in Hong Kong, blue and black are used to identify phase conductors and neutral conductors respectively. In the new cable colour code adopted by the European countries, blue and black are used to identify neutral conductors and phase conductors respectively (i.e. opposite colour code). Since black and blue are currently used to identify neutral conductors and phase conductors respectively in fixed wiring in Hong Kong, adoption of the new colour code may cause confusion. In addition, if electrical workers do not pay proper attention to the colour code when carrying out wiring work and use the old and new colours together, electrical accidents may occur.
The change of cable colour code in Europe might affect electrical safety, cable supply and international code standardization in Hong Kong. EMSD set up the Working Group on the Review of Cable Colour Code in Hong Kong in November 2003 to study and assess the impact of changing the colour code in Hong Kong and to make recommendations on the way forward. Members of the Working Group come from the following trade unions and associations, power companies, cable supplier, professional institutions, university and government departments including:
In the first Working Group meeting held in November 2003, members expressed their views on the adoption of new cable colours in Europe and its impact on Hong Kong. Some members favoured adopting the new cable colours, while others preferred to maintain the status quo. In general, members shared the view that we should first consider the experience of the UK in the adoption of the new colour code (especially the safety issue) before mapping out our way forward.
In the second Working Group meeting held last August, EMSD reported the result of the survey on the source of cable supply to Hong Kong and provided updated information on the supply and certification of cables if we adopted the new British Standard but kept using the old cable colour code. Regarding the issue of cable supply, we found out that the cables used in Hong Kong were mainly imported from the Mainland and overseas countries (i.e. Japan and the UK, etc.). In 2003, 52% and 11% of low voltage cables were imported from the UK and the Mainland respectively, whereas 53%, 18% and 15% of high voltage cables were from Japan, the UK and Thailand.
If Hong Kong follows Europe's lead and adopts the new cable colour code, safety will be our primary concern. Besides, we must work out a detailed plan to ensure that cable supply will remain stable. In the third meeting held in November 2004, the Working Group set up three task groups (i.e. Technical Support Task Group ("TSTG"), Training Task Group ("TTG") and Publicity Task Group ("PTG")) to study technical, cable supply, electrical workers training as well as publicity and promotion issues. The chairmen and vice-chairmen of TSTG and TTG come from the trade. TSTG held several meetings to evaluate the risk taken by the trade if the new cable colour code was to be adopted and to study the issue of cable supply during the transitional period.
EMSD would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the trade and the stakeholders who have made much contribution to the deliberation and discussion about the adoption of the new cable colour code. We will keep an eye on the implementation of the new colour code in Europe to monitor any accidents related to the new code and maintain close contact with the trade. If you have any opinion regarding the adoption of the new cable colour code, please feel free to contact us
Last year saw a number of serious electrical accidents resulting in four fatalities and 25 injuries. Our community has expressed serious concern about electrical safety. The safety of fixed electrical installations and the electrical work in Hong Kong are regulated by the Electricity Ordinance and its subsidiary regulations, to ensure that certain safety level is reached. EMSD is the enforcement authority of the aforesaid legislation, and our duties include the monitoring of the quality of the electrical work carried out by registered electrical contractors ("RECs') and workers ("REWs'). RECs and REWs provide specialized services to the owners of electrical installations. Hence, they are responsible to the owners for ensuring the safe operation of the installations. They should also avoid electrical accidents during their work.
EMSD recently stepped up its inspection of electrical installations in buildings. We found that, for a few installations, despite the completion of periodic inspections and tests, defects such as exposed live parts, luminaires not earthed, inadequate equipotential bonding, incorrect schematic drawings and missing labels on distribution boards. RECs and REWs are reminded that, despite the fact that the defects merely exist in a small part of an installation, they may have serious consequences. In fact, these defects were the culprits of many electrical accidents resulting in deaths, injuries and fires, and must not be overlooked.
As the enforcement authority, EMSD will follow up on all of the aforesaid problems and consider taking disciplinary action against non-compliant RECs or REWs. The responsible RECs or REWs may be subject to reprimand, fine, suspension of registration or revocation of registration.
RECs and REWs must ensure that their electrical work complies with the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations. EMSD has tightened up its enforcement action, including disciplinary or prosecution actions against the offenders, and will keep a close eye on the electrical work carried out by RECs and REWs to ensure compliance with the relevant requirements.
In addition to the cases of electrical accidents discussed in the last issue of Electricity News, here are two more cases for your reference:
At the staircase of a domestic building, a tee-off cable from the rising mains loosened and the live part of the cable was accidentally in contact with a metallic trunking. The trunking had become ineffectively earthed due to rusting over a long period of time. The tee-off circuit had a protective device. However, under high impedance fault condition, the magnitude of the earth fault current was not large enough to cause the protective device to operate. As a result, a persistent earth fault current led to overheating and eventually caused a fire.
When working in restrictive places, the likelihood that workers touch ineffectively earthed metallic parts or even live parts is comparatively high, which poses a higher risk of electric shock to workers. In a past case, an electrical worker inadvertently touched some live cables and got electrocuted while working above a false ceiling.
"Human factor" is one of the significant factors contributing to electrical accidents. Hence, owners of electrical installations should have their installations inspected and tested periodically while electrical workers should carry out electrical work with care and caution to prevent accidents.
From time to time, we hear about incidents relating to household electrical products. These incidents were mainly caused by current leakage which triggers fires or electric shock. Our investigation record shows that the number of incidents relating to electrical products in 2004 is higher than that in 2002 and 2003. The electrical products involved included luminaires, computer monitors, electric blankets, electric water heaters, washing machines, TV sets, air conditioners, hair dryers, refrigerators, electric fans and exhaust fans, etc.
In 2004, the major causes of those incidents, which were investigated by EMSD and found related to electrical products, were component faults, improper use or lack of appropriate maintenance. These factors caused the electrical products to catch fire or emit smoke. Other incidents involved the careless use or repair of electrical appliances, and the victims suffered scalds or got electric shock. In other cases, fire incidents occurred as a result of improper installation of electrical appliances.
A number of recent incidents were related to washing machines and TV sets, the safety of which has become a matter of considerable public concern. Our investigation record shows a case where a washing machine was embedded in a kitchen cupboard, and water had accumulated on the working table of the cupboard. The accumulated water was not removed and, after a period of time, seeped into the washing machine. The internal component of the washing machine became wet, causing leakage and fire. It is also worth noting that many TV sets which caused incidents are the ones that had been used for years and have not been properly maintained.
If registered electrical workers, in the course of carrying out electrical work, identify any electrical product that might cause hazards, they should advise the product users to take remedial action to avoid accidents.
As the "Government Laser Safety Officer", EMSD provides technical support to other government departments and "quasi-government" organisations. For public safety, we also give advice to the public on the safe use of lasers. You may remember that the 4th issue of Electricity News (April 2004) featured an article on laser safety. In view of the increased use of laser devices and the rapid development of laser technologies and applications in recent years, EMSD has drafted the Laser Safety Guidance Notes for Industry, Display and Entertainment. After consultation with the trade, the Guidance Notes was published in March this year.
The Guidance Notes has been published to promote the safe use of laser and to provide basic and technical guidelines for laser equipment. The Guidance Notes has been drawn up as a supplement to the operating manuals provided by the manufacturers of laser devices and is not a legal document.
The contents of the Guidance Notes are based on the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60825-1:2001 Standard as well as various overseas guides and codes of practice. The Guidance Notes consists of four major parts and several technical annexes. Part 1 "Introduction to Lasers and their Hazards" provides basic information on lasers, their classification and hazards, and this part is relevant to all fields of laser application. The remaining three parts providing safety guidelines are "Guidance on the Safe Use of Lasers in Industry", "Guidance for the Manufacturer of Laser Products" and "Guidance on the Safe Use of Lasers for Display Purposes".
EMSD will move to its new headquarters in mid-2005. Previously an air cargo terminal, our new headquarters building is situated at 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon Bay (See Figure). Opposite the building is the International Trademart, and behind the building is the ex-Kai Tak International Airport. The new headquarters is also at the hub of the future South East Kowloon Redevelopment. On the ground floor of the building is our new Customer Services Office ("CSO"), which will start serving the public and the trade on 17 May 2005 (Tuesday), after the public holiday for the Buddha's Birthday. The operating hours of the new CSO will be same as those of the existing one, i.e. 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturdays (closed on Sundays and public holidays).
In the vicinity of the new headquarters building are a number of bus stops (routes include: 5D, 11X, 13X, 15A, 15P, 24, 28, 98D, 98P, 215X, 219P, 219X, 224M, 224X, 296D, 297, 909R, 107, 302, 606 and 641) and mini-bus stops (routes include: 48, 680, 110 and 111). It takes about 15 to 20 minutes' walk from MTR Kowloon Bay Station to the building.
The last operating day of the existing CSO situated at 98 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway, will be 14 May 2005 (Saturday).
In order to make EMSD's public educational materials on household electrical safety (e.g. posters, leaflets and mailers, etc.) appealing, we recently signed a 14-month licence agreement with the licensing agent of the popular Japanese comics and cartoon character, Doraemon. We shall integrate Doraemon and his friends (such as Nobita, Dorami, Shizuka, Gian and Suneo) into our materials to promote household electrical safety effectively. A new set of materials will soon be posted or distributed throughout the territory.
The Electricity Supply Lines (Protection) Regulation made under the Electricity Ordinance aims at regulating works carried out in the vicinity of electricity supply lines to prevent electrical accidents and interruptions to the supply of electricity. The Regulation requires any person carrying out the aforesaid works to take reasonable steps before the commencement of works and to take reasonable measures during the course of works to avoid damaging any electricity supply lines. Regarding underground electricity cables, the "reasonable steps" shall include engaging a competent person to ascertain the alignments and depths of the cables.
Since the full implementation of the Regulation on 1 April 2001, the number of cable damage incidents has decreased dramatically (see Figure below). In the past 12 months, we stepped up our enforcement action and strengthened our publicity work, and achieved notable results. The number of incidents decreased considerably, from 308 in 2003 to 221 in 2004, which was very encouraging. With a view to further reducing the number of incidents, EMSD is now reviewing the Code of Practice on Working near Electricity Supply Lines to provide the most update working procedures and technical guidelines for compliance by the trade.
To prevent electrical accidents and interruptions to the supply of electricity arising from the damage of electricity supply lines, works contractors, consultants, power companies and competent persons have to cooperate with one another to enhance work safety. Experience shows that proper planning of the works, dissemination of sufficient information on electricity supply lines to frontline workers and taking all necessary safety precautions can help prevent accidents.
Every year, EMSD organizes a large-scale technical seminar in collaboration with the Hong Kong and Kowloon Electrical Engineering & Appliances Trade Worker's Union and the Hong Kong Electrical Contractors' Association. The latest seminar was held in the evening of 5 November 2004 at the Jockey Club Auditorium of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. With the full support of the trade, about 1,000 participants took part in the seminar, a record number ever since the annual event began in 2001. The 2004 seminar covered topics including international cable colour codes, case studies on electrical accidents, common defects of fixed electrical installations and power quality. Participants were highly attentive to the presentations and there was enthusiastic discussion in the Q&A session.
EMSD maintains close contact and strengthens its communication with the trade by organizing technical seminars. We shall continue to hold similar seminars to raise the technical standard and safety awareness of the trade. Your continuous support is most essential to us.
Besides maintaining close contact with the trade, EMSD also gives full support to E&M safety promotion activities organised by the trade. The Hong Kong Federation of Electrical and Mechanical Contractors and the Federation of Hong Kong Electrical and Mechanical Industries Trade Unions organized the "E&M Safety Walk 2004" in Hok Tau, Fanling on 12 December 2004. More than 50 EMSD staff members and their families took part in the event. Mr. Roger Lai Sze-hoi, JP (Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services), Dr. Ng Tat-lun (Chairman of the Occupational Safety and Health Council), the Honourable Li Fung-ying, BBS, JP, Ir. Dr. the Honourable Raymond Ho Chung-tai, JP and the Honourable Abraham Shek Lai-him, JP officiated at this Walk.
The Walk was a healthy and meaningful activity. Participants had a chance to keep fit, and also learnt more about E&M safety by taking part in an occupational safety quiz in a fun and relaxed environment.
The "E&M Safety Campaign 2004" was a major public educational campaign organised by EMSD in collaboration with 17 leading organisations and trade associations from the utilities, public transport, housing and estate management sectors, and was held from July to November 2004. The campaign aimed at raising the public's awareness of electrical, gas, lift and escalator safety, as well as increasing their knowledge of energy saving via launching a series of promotions and community activities, including media publicity and a grand outdoor carnival.
The "E&M Safety Carnival 2004", which was one of the core activities of the campaign, was held at the Kowloon Park Piazza in Tsimshatsui on 23 and 24 October 2004 with over 12,000 members of the public attending. The carnival included game booths, pop singers' performance and other attractions.
Our Electrical Legislation Division joined hands with the Hong Kong Housing Authority, CLP Power Hong Kong Ltd., The Hongkong Electric Co. Ltd. and China Inspection Co. Ltd. in promoting electrical safety. Apart from the above activities, we carried out a volunteers' service for more than 100 elderly households. Our volunteers enhanced the electrical safety of the households by inspecting their electrical appliances and installations and carrying out the necessary improvement work. We also took the opportunity to educate the elderly on the safe use of electrical appliances and installations at home.
1. |
What is the minimum clearance in front of a low voltage switchgear (e.g. distribution board) which rated current does not exceed 100 A? |
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2. |
What is the rated current of an overcurrent protective device? |
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3. |
When an electric cable goes through an expansion joint of a building, the cable should be? |
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4. |
Which of the following substances cannot be used as earth electrodes? |
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5. |
When testing the earthing resistance of an earth electrode, which is the minimum distance between the earth electrode and the auxiliary earth electrodes used during the test? |
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6. |
How many non-industrial 5 A (or 15 A) socket outlet(s) can be connected to a radial final circuit of the same rating? |
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7. |
When a busbar trunking distribution system uses a plug-in tap-off unit, a mechanical interlock is required to be installed inside the unit. What is the reason? |
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8. |
Circuit protective conductors are mainly used to connect? |
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(Answers: 1B, 2A, 3B, 4C, 5B, 6A, 7A and 8A.)
We look forward to receiving your valuable feedback about this newsletter so that we may continue to improve it. Please complete the feedback form and return it to our Electricity Legislation Division by post, fax or email on or before 15 June 2005 (please refer to the contact information below). To show our appreciation, the first 500 respondents (see Note 1) will receive a "Doraemon" souvenir (see Note 2) by post.
Notes 1. Please excuse us for not notifying those not among the first 500 respondents.
Notes 2. The souvenir is being designed. As design approval and production may take some time, the souvenirs will be sent to respondents a bit later.
Electricity Legislation Division, EMSD, 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong
1823 (Hotline)
2895 4929