16th Edition (reference only) – NOW superseded by the 17th Edition IEE Regulations.

chapter 5
Earthing

chapter 6
Circuits

Installation control and protection
  3.1 - Introduction 3.5 - High temperature protection
  3.2 - Switching 3.6 - Overload currents
  3.3 - Isolation 3.7 - Protection from faults
3.4 - Electric shock protection

3.8 - Short circuit and overload
------- protection


3.5.3 - Protection from burns

The Regulations provide a Table showing the maximum allowable temperatures of surfaces which could be touched and thus cause burns. The allowable temperature depends on whether the surface is metallic or non-metallic, and on the likely contact between the hand and the surface. Details follow in {Table 3.1}.

Table 3.1 Allowable surface temperatures for accessible parts
(taken from [Table 42A] of BS 7671: 1992)

Part Surface material Max. Temp (°C)
Hand held Metallic
55
  Non-metallic
65
May be touched but not held Metallic
70
  Non-metallic
80
Need not be touched in normal use Metallic
80
  Non-metallic
90

Other measures intended to prevent water and hot air systems causing burns are contained in Section 424, which was added in the 1994 amendments. They include the requirement that the elements of forced air heaters cannot be switched on until the rate of air flow across them is sufficient to ensure that the air emitted is not too hot, and that water heaters and steam raisers are provided with non self-resetting controls where appropriate. The suitability for connection of high temperature cables must be established with the manufacturer before cables running at more than 700C are connected.

Special attention must be paid to the likely temperature of hot surfaces where they may be touched by the very young, very old or the infirm.

 

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Extracted from The Electricians Guide Fifth Edition
by John Whitfield

Published by EPA Press Click Here to order your Copy.

Click here for list of abbreviations