The Electrical Safety Council, responding to the recent changes in Part P of the England & Wales Building Regulations, decided there was a need for a tool box guide for the electrical installation industry, initially dealing with the issue of protecting downlighters in ceilings.

The Intumescent Fire Seals Association, the specialists in all forms of penetration and linear gap sealing, were invited by the Electrical Safety council to participate in the Drafting Committee for this Guide.

As the Guide progressed, it became increasingly recognised that downlighters were not the only form of penetration that was weakening the fire separating and structural capability of modern dwellings and the brief was extended to cover light switches; power sockets and even items such as ventilating fans. All of these can have a major influence on the ability of a wall to provide the fire resistance requirements called up on Part B of England & Wales Regulations. The Guide was finally published by The Electrical Safety Council towards the end of September and now is freely available from their website www.esc.org.uk

One task that was given to the IFSA representatives was to produce a method of test that showed that any penetration seal, such as a fire hood, was robust in use and could not be displaced by subsequent work in the floor cavity. This test forms an annex in the tool box guide, the title of which is ‘Electrical installations and their impact on the fire performance of buildings: Part 1 – Domestic premises: Single family units (houses, flats, maisonettes, bungalows).

Whilst the first Guide is restricted to domestic dwellings, it has been recognised that there is a need for a second version aimed at commercial buildings which are generally required to satisfy higher levels of fire resistance. This work will be ongoing in the near future.