TECHTALKS
THE NI EDITION OF CEF’S TECHTALKS WAS A HIT AND PRESENTED HOT TOPICS SUCH AS EV CHARGER INSTALLATIONS, EARTHING SYSTEMS AND SOLAR POWER… Belfast up to speed with electrical standards
O ver 130 electricians and contractors attended the Belfast edition of TechTalks, in the second season of the cherished series of presentations promoted by CEF, the leading multi-channel electrical distributor, in partnership with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). The event was held in February at the Culloden Estate and Spa hotel. Electrical experts Darren Staniforth and Dave Austin were joined by IET Head of Technical Regulations Mark Coles to discuss changes to the IET’s CoP for EV Charging Equipment installations, the requirements of BS 7430 Code of practice for protective earthing of electrical installations and Section 712 “Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Supply Systems”. “It was lovely to be able to come back and see familiar faces again,” commented Darren Staniforth. “It was a mixed audience, including contractors, electricians and management, and people were really engaged. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet some of our key supplier partners and discover their latest products, and feedback from these companies has been phenomenal.” Darren explained that thanks to CEF’s partnership with the IET, they are able to anticipate which regulations need to be revised next and present the changes first-hand to the attendees. “In Belfast, we were delighted to have Mark Cole, who is the Head of Technical Regulations
at the IET, so people couldn’t get information on the codes of practice from a better source,” he said. “It is also great to have a representative from the IET, as the audience can see there isn’t only an organisation behind the regulations and changes, but knowledgeable and approachable people who will answer your questions.” According to Darren, the hottest topic during this TechTalk was the BS 7430 Code of practice for protective earthing of electrical installations and how to apply them, which defines selection parameters for the earthing arrangement, such as the size and material for conductors and earth electrodes and explains the need for careful consideration of site conditions. “The standard is outdated, and it must be reviewed. Unfortunately, also due to the pandemic, there is still a lack of access to information and education on this topic.” Second season and counting The event in Belfast was one of the 26 TechTalks scheduled for the roadshow’s second season, which will help thousands of electricians and contractors get to grips with the latest changes in regulations in Leeds, Dublin and London, among other locations. The team is already planning a third season for this year. CEF’s TechTalks started in 2022 and have been a great success. Darren and Dave hosted a series of 31 free live events across the UK and
IET Head of Regulations Mark Coles (centre), pictured with electrical experts Dave Austin (left) and Darren Staniforth.
the Channel Islands, and over 7,500 contractors registered to attend the roadshow between April and July. The events are free and CPD-accredited, meaning attendees can use information from the day as part of their ongoing professional development.
T: +44 (0)28 2544 6959 E: sales.omagh@cef.co.uk www.cef.co.uk
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