Concrete Waterproofing - Evercrete Vetrofluid®

Churchill's are pleased to introduce a revolutionary waterproofing product to the UK.

The product is Evercrete Vetrofluid® manufactured by an Italian company called ecoBETON, along with other products in their range Evercrete  Vetrofluid® has been successfully used across Europe & USA for many years but has never been available in the UK until now, so what is Vetrofluid®?

Evercrete Vetrofluid® is a special waterproofing and anti-deterioration product for concrete, its specific catalyst allows the product to penetrate up to 40mm in concrete, both new & old, and to become a waterproofing barrier, permanent and definitive in time. It is a permanent waterproofing system that preserves concrete from the erosive action of water for the entire lifespan of the artefact, it is recommended for application on underground artefacts, bed castings, ceilings, above ground walls and earth retaining walls.

Evercrete Vetrofluid® is colourless and does not leave any films or foils on the surface of the support. Consequently the concrete maintains its natural aspect. It replaces all other technologies (bituminous membranes, water repellent products, impregnating agents) and can be used on all sorts of concrete artefacts and installations, both vertically and horizontally.

It is also effective in negative pressure (up to 10atm), for waterproofing from within or for waterproofing when building a retaining wall or a structure in contact with soil.

Evercrete Vetrofluid®: Characteristics

·         It is permanent and definitive treatment

·         It penetrates up to 40mm into the concrete

·         It creates a permanent and definitive waterproof barrier also in negative pressure (up to 10 atm)

·         It seals the internal porosity of the concrete

·         It consolidates the concrete

·         Applied on foundations and bed castings it blocks rising damp

·         Resistant to chemical aggression

·         It is environmentally friendly non toxic, safe for humans and the environment

·         It has excellent resistance to cycles of freezing and thawing and to de-icing salt aggression

·         It bears the CE marked in conformity with the UNI EN 1504-2 (Certificate number GB08/76012 issued by SGS United Kingdom Ltd)

·         It is marked EPD –Environmental Product Declaration. (Certificate number S-P-00143, www.environdec.com

What is Waterglass?

Waterglass is a chemical substance that has been known for centuries and since 1825, thanks to Johan Nepomuk von Fuchs, the industrial production of water – soluble sodium  silicates has been analysed becoming known as ‘liquid glass’ (waterglass). Waterglass, or liquid glass, or soluble glass is nothing else but sodium silicate (xSiO2 *Na2O), where the ration between sodium and silicate (x) can vary between 0.50 and 3.75 on a molar basis. Soluble glass used for applications on concrete has a x=3.25.

The chemical reaction impregnates the porous in the concrete with liquid glass and leads to the formation of a calcium silicate and lye based gel: Ca(OH)2  + Na2O * xSiO2 = 2Na (OH) + CaO + xSiO2

This reaction occurs thanks to the presence of free calcium hydroxide present in the composition of the concrete reducing the average pore section, sealing and protecting them from water and deterioration phenomena.

Evercrete Vetroshield®, in the same way as waterglass, reacts with the cement material triggering the vitrification reaction: the pores and micropores in the concrete are sealed and the concrete is waterproofed, while maintaining its breathability.

Consolidating Treatment

·         Increases the concrete’s a cortical compressive strength by 30%

·         Has a resistance in the negative pressure of 1MPa – ca 10 atm

·         Resists without being damaged to 300 freeze-thaw cycles

·         Reduces 70% of the absorption of water under pressure

Treatment Against Carbonation

Evercrete Vetroshield® is able to prevent the carbonation phenomena and the detachment of the concrete cover maintaining the concrete intact and preserved. In fact, the treatment blocks the passage of moisture and carbon dioxide avoiding the triggering of carbonation reaction

Anti Acid Treatments

Evercrete Vetroshield® resists;-

·         To sulphuric, nitric, hydrochloric acids

·         To acetic acid

·         To salts

·         To chlorides and sulphates

·         To other acids of organic origin

Solar Panel Farms - Earthing

A solar panel farm consists of a set of solar photovoltaic modules electrically connected and mounted on a supporting structure.

A photovoltaic module is a packaged, connected assembly of solar cells.

The solar panel can be used as a component of a larger photovoltaic system to generate and supply electricity in commercial and residential applications. Each module is rated by its DC output power under standard test conditions (STC), and typically ranges from 100 to 320 watts. The efficiency of a module determines the area of a module given the same rated output - an 8% efficient 230 watt module will have twice the area of a 16% efficient 230 watt module. A single solar module can produce only a limited amount of power; most installations contain multiple modules. A photovoltaic system typically includes a panel or an array of solar modules, an inverter, and sometimes a battery and/or solar tracker and interconnection wiring.

The installation of lightning protection to protect these ever growing popular types of alternative energy installations is essential, the first stage of which is to establish the soil resistivity that varies throughout the UK. Once the resistivity of the soil has been established the earthing designer designs a suitable earthing solution to ensure protection against the effects of lightning is achieved.

Churchill Specialist Contracting, working alongside the world's leading authority in lightning protection, Furse of Nottingham offer a complete turnkey solution from soil resistivity testing, to design, the supply of materials and

installation supported by an annual testing programme.

In addition to offering a complete turnkey solution Churchill can offer any one of the above referenced five stages of service with materials delivered next day anywhere in the UK.

Advances in Lightning Protection

In addition to having established ourselves as a respected and trusted specialist within the construction industry, Churchill Specialist Contracting is also accepted as a major force in the supply and delivery of Lightning Protection, Earthing and Height Safety equipment via our unique online eCommerce facility enabling both private and commercial customers alike to purchase a full range of equipment, quickly and conveniently from the comfort of their own home or office environment.

Working in partnership with the industry's most respected leading manufacturers and suppliers which, together with our own house technical expertise born from years of installation practices, means we are able to offer a customer service that is second to none for customers who purchase materials and equipment from us.

In attempt to offer as wide a range of services as possible, CSC Ltd is also able to offer a full range of ESE (early streamer emission) devices and accessories. Whilst it is common knowledge within our industry that ESE devices are not recognised by lightning protection British Standards past and present, it is accepted that in certain circumstances and to satisfy a particular clients requirements, ESE devices are considered an alternative to a traditional lightning protection system.

Since the advent of the latest Lightning Protection British Standard, BSEN 62305 first released in 2006 and revised recently in 2011, providing a lightning protection system is now a complex process.

One common misconception is that the provision of Surge Protection Devices are still optional as they were in the previous British Standard BS6651 which was fully withdrawn in 2008, or that the main distribution board is provided with a Surge Protection Device (SPD) so there is no further need for SPDs elsewhere.

Working with our suppliers we are able to dispel this myth and offer understandable and logical guidance on where SPDs should be considered and which type. In short any SPD must be rated according to the magnitude of the expected lightning discharge it is designed to resist in order to provide the protection of both personnel and the equipment alike. Some devices already built into distribution boards, by their manufacturers, may not satisfy this requirement.

In addition to the main incomer all services entering or leaving a building such as telephone lines, data cables, cctv systems, roof mounted equipment ect, should all be provided with a suitable SPD in order for compliance with BSEN62305 2011 and protected against the primary risk 'R1', identified by the code, "loss of human life".

Lightning Protection... What Lightning Protection?

Lightning protection is built into the majority of electrical specifications for new build projects, and for good reason. The primary risks identified by the latest British Standard, BSEN 62305 2011 are, “loss of human life” and “loss of service to the public”.

By its nature, in order for lightning protection to work effectively, conductors have to be readily accessible to receive a lightning discharge. After extensive design work at considerable expense by teams of Architects, the last thing anyone wants to see is an external lightning protection system surely?

Modern building practices and the vast range of lightning protection materials are such that this need not be of concern.

Provided they are correctly designed into a lightning protection system by an ATLAS accredited designer, the metallic roofing, architectural features, guttering, plant screens, etc together with the steel framework, or steel reinforcing bars within a concrete structure are all acceptable for use as part of the lightning protection system negating the need for extensive visual traditional conductors.

Even where external conductors are required, lightning protection has become so commonplace in today’s construction industry that they can be designed in at an early stage of the buildings conception. Indeed conductors are regularly built into cavities, behind render and decorative curtain walling. In addition, (where the demands of BSEN 62305 allow) conductors can be hidden by rain water pipes, installed below roofing tiles and beneath the surface of the increasingly popular ‘green’ and ‘brown’ eco-style roofs.

Where it is necessary for conductors to be visible there are a variety of different colours of pvc sheathing and clips available to try and mask their presence as much as possible.

The more complex the structure, the more nooks and crannies are available to hide traditional conductors. The more modern the structure, the more natural elements available in their construction which can be used as a substitute for traditional conductors.

Not forgetting the other ‘hidden’ major element of a correctly installed lightning protection system, in addition to structural protection, all services entering or leaving a structure and from any roof mounted equipment, must be provided with suitable surge protection devices (SPDs).

So go on, the next time you are out, try and spot a lightning protection system. If you can’t it doesn't necessarily mean it isn't there!

The importance of annual Test Inspection and Maintenance

The importance of lightning protection has been recognised in the UK since 1985 when the British Standard was completely revised and built into the majority of electrical specifications for all UK new build projects, and for good reason.

It is essential for the protection of our structures, their contents and the lives of its occupants. As such, annual maintenance is a vital part of any systems longevity, efficiency, and our safety, even more so since the advent of BSEN 62305 which was first published in 2006, revised in 2011.

Danger exists not only from a direct strike to a structure from a lightning discharge of up to 200KA, but indirect strikes can cause havoc to our internal electrical equipment and cost us thousands in unnecessary and avoidable loss of production and  insurance claims. 

Annual test, inspection and maintenance is often overlooked when a new build project is handed over to its client, but at what cost? 

•    Lightning Protection is fundamentally installed to reduce the risk of “loss of human life” and “loss of service to the public”.
•    Maintenance of the Lightning Protection System is often a requirement of the building insurances.
•    The electricity at work regulations 1989 states that “all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, danger”.
•    The effectiveness of the Lightning Protection System may be reduced over time due to physical damage, corrosion, adverse weather conditions, or as a result of additions or alterations to the building under protection.

Churchill Specialist Contracting Ltd are a driving force in leading our industry in the correct implementation of BSEN 62305 2011 and are dedicated and resourced to offer a technical and professional service to our current and future customer base. In addition to our range of extensive services, we are dedicated to providing a Test Inspection and Maintenance program which can be tailored to a customer’s particular needs for what is a crucial part of any structures ongoing maintenance.

As a recognised and well respected NVQ provider to our industry, Churchill’s are able to provide NVQ Level 3 qualification for Lightning Protection Test and Inspection Engineers, which has been developed in conjunction with ATLAS, the Training Group and the CITB National Training College.

The dangers of designing an incorrect level of protection.

Since September 2008 the lightning protection industry has been working to BSEN62305. The main difference between this and the previous British Standard (BS6651) was the introduction of a complex risk analysis calculation to establish which of four levels of protection should be applied to a particular structure.  Levels, or Classes of protection, range from 1 to 4 and are dependent on a number of factors, the major contributor being the actual physical size of the structure to be protected. Level 1 is the most stringent through to level  4 being the least  in terms of the amount of protection actually required. This inevitably gives rise to price differences between the various levels at quotation stage.

All Churchill’s lightning protection designers hold an ATLAS (The Association of Technical Lightning and Access Specialists) certificate of accreditation to demonstrate design competence, and are trained in the use of industry specific software to carry out these risk analysis and the subsequent design.

Until our sector is fully up to speed with how to complete the new risk assessments the very real risk is that companies may either through lack of training, or perhaps even in an attempt to achieve commercial gain choose to endorse Lightning Protection designs and installations which are non-compliant with BSEN62305 by using the incorrect level of protection.

For example, a group of structures physically linked together have to be classed as one complete structure and would therefore warrant a greater level of protection (possibly level 1 or 2) at a greater cost implication than if they were completely isolated, where they may only warrant a level 4 for instance.

“Loss of human life” is the primary reason for providing protection in the first instance. The final level of protection based on the information available to the designer is therefore of critical importance for obvious reasons. The responsibility for which, as well as the financial risk to rectify any non- compliance, may well fall on the original contractor or indeed the client.

Something to be avoided at all costs.

ESE Pulsar v Faraday Cage

As the increase in popularity of the ESE (Early Streamer Emission) Pulsar systems for providing lightning protection increases the UK lightning protection industry and building designers are increasingly faced with finally confronting the barriers traditionalists and stalwarts of the Faraday cage system often present when electing to reject ESE Pulsars.

For example English Heritage will not entertain the thought of an ESE Pulsar even though aesthetically the Pulsar can be installed discretely, represent a cost saving and indeed greatly reduce the effects associated with metal theft.

What are the reasons behind this reluctance to accept ESE Pulsars? First lets look at the authors and those who contribute to the writing of lightning protection standards here in the UK.

As with the writing of most standards it often falls upon those with product knowledge and industry experience to produce the content for a standard, often these individuals will still be in employment and therefore it could be argued have a vested interest in promoting a particular ethos, in this case the traditional proven faraday cage system.

It is a well known fact that the use of a correctly designed ESE Pulsar requires considerably less materials and can be installed in a fraction of the time compared to a Faraday cage installation therefore greatly reducing revenues.

Secondly a reluctance to promote ESE Pulsars has also centred around questions raised about the quality of some products, particularly from the far east with stories including nothing being found  inside a sealed Pulsar unit once opened up!! Concerns have also been raised in relation to the validity of testing undertaken to prove the performance of a Pulsar however with the recent acquisition of Helita by ABB all of the aforementioned has been put to bed.

ABB testing facility at Pic du Midi located at 2877m in the French Pyreenes provides state of the art testing and with each and every pulsar produced tested before being dispatched the ABB Helita Pulsar supported by the French national standard NF C 17-102. ChurchillSC Ltd have embraced the ESE Pulsar because like it or not the Pulsar is here to stay and offers a very viable cost effective solution for providing lightning protection

New Managing Director Appointed

Churchill Specialist Contracting Ltd is extremely pleased and proud to announce the appointment of Richard Rowson as the Managing Director of their lightning protection division.

A requirement to install a proven and respected industry achiever such as Richard to manage and direct Churchill’s rapidly increasing lightning protection division is considered by the owners to be not only a progressive step but also highly essential as part of the company’s growth strategy.

Churchill's CEO Wayne Murry has nothing but praise for Richard......" Richard Rowson is a highly respected proven performer in the lightning protection sector who prior to joining Churchill’s was the branch manager of the sectors largest and most successful business for the previous 12 years with over 23 years service in total. During his previous tenure Richard managed the growth of the Nottingham branch from a turnover of circa £1.5M to £4M and experienced at first hand growing pains companies at our stage undoubtedly encounter as they expand. It goes without saying that individuals of Richards’s stature do not become available every day so following our initial meeting things moved at a pace to secure Richards tenure. The directors of Churchill’s consider securing Richards appointment to be a huge compliment to the business and underlines how well respected Churchill's have become within the lightning protection sector in such a relativity short period"

Richard Rowson acknowledged his appointment by commenting "I consider my appointment as Managing Director of Churchill Specialist Contracting Lightning Protection division to be an honour and I am excited by the vision of the owners and highly impressed by how well structured and technologically advanced the business is.  I am looking forward to my new role and working with the owners and established Churchill team to continue with the structured and controlled growth of the division calling on my experience of having previously experienced a very similar position in my previous role. Having held discussions with the owners of Churchill’s it is very clear to me that there is no big fix required however I am confident that my experience will assist the division in continuing to move forward and assist the business in opening new markets"

In recognition of his achievements within Churchill’s lightning protection division Mark Hancock has been appointed a company director, in the role of Lightning Protection Operations Director Mark’s appointment will also add synergy to the business mirroring a role already established in the steeplejack/specialist access division.

Wayne Murry will continue in the business as CEO concentrating with the development and management in the areas of the business including steeplejacking, specialist access and training together with the rapidly increasing ecommerce venture that has recently seen ABB and Cleveland Cable add product ranges.  

ABB - Helita ESE Pulsars

Churchill are pleased to announce an agreement with ABB that will see Helita ESE products made available for direct purchase via our ecommerce web site.

The full range of Helita ESE products will be available for purchase via our eccomerce web site at www.churchillsc.co.uk commencing April 2013.

The agreement favours both parties and ensures technical and installation assistance is available when purchasing ESE products calling on Churchills design and contracting experience installing ESE systems over the previous five years.

For more information on Helita ESE products please call Connor Murry on 0844 504 9998 ext 228

Cleveland Cable - Ecommerce Account Established

Churchill are pleased to announce that commencing early March 2013 Cleveland Cable products will be marketed and available to purchase directly via our ecommerce web site.

Initially the arrangement will focus on the top 50 products sold in the UK by Cleveland Cable and confirms the recognition by large organisations that marketing their products via ecommerce represents a huge potential area for sales growth.

For more information of the range of Cleveland Cable products or to order products prior to the launch of the products on our ecommerce site please contact Connor Murry on 0844 504 9998 ext 228

ABB - Helita Ecommerce Account Established

Churchill are pleased to announce an agreement with ABB that will see Helita ESE products made available for direct purchase via our ecommerce web site.

The full range of Helita ESE products will be available for purchase via our eccomerce web site at www.churchillsc.co.uk commencing early March 2013.

The agreement favours both parties and ensures technical &  installation assistance is available when purchasing ESE products calling on Churchills design and contracting experience installing ESE systems over the previous five years.

For more information on Helita ESE products please call Connor Murry on 0844 504 9998 ext 228

Lightning Protection Division Breaks £1M Turnover

The recently formed lightning protection division of Churchill Specialist Contracting Ltd has for the first time achieved a turnover of over £1M during 2012.

The growth of the division saw seven new full time employees join the business during 2012 a year that saw the business open several new areas of business whilst continuing to thrive of the success of the steeplejack and access division formed in 1994.

NVQ Qualifications Represent the Future for Construction

The ability to prove the competency of an individual to safely carry out a specific task has long been a problem in Construction which no scheme or card system has been capable of solving, however construction based NVQ's at last achieve this goal simply by removing grey areas and proving an individuals competency.

A CSCS card without an NVQ qualification has never been and never will be a way of proving competency, yet Blue Chip organisations and UK's largest construction companies continue to display a lethargic and in some cases a reluctance to embrace NVQ qualifications...Why?

The truth is that obtaining NVQ's in many of the specialist trades is not always readily available with a lack of A1 qualified assessors and costs associated with the obtaining the qualification which is often in the region of £2000 both individuals and companies are reluctant to invest in individuals.

Until this investment arrives or the the larger companies begin to pressurise sub contractors for an NVQ qualification as a minimum requirement, goals such as Balfour Beatty's Zero Harm by 2012 will remain pie in the sky and totally unacheivable.

Churchill’s Expand in to the Rail Sector

Churchill Specialist Contracting Ltd is a multi disciplined contracting organisation specialising in the Lightning Protection, Earthing, Surge Protection and Working at Height sectors who wish to expand these specialist services into the Rail Sector.

Operating from our centrally based HQ in Nottingham we currently employ 37 full time field operatives with a skill base including but not limited to fully coded welders, NVQ level 2 (minimum qualification) Lightning Protection Engineers, NVQ Level 2 (minimum qualification) Steeplejacks, NDT Testers, Irata Rope Access Technicians, Appointed Persons and Temporary Modular and Motorised Platform Installers.

Brief Case Study;-

In February 2012 Churchill were employed to remove 2no 50m redundant lighting towers located at the Hornsey railway sidings in North London without the use of mobile cranes, with no disruption to rail services both towers were safely removed within budget and programme. 

The success of this project resulted in the company being encouraged by Network Rail and the contract sponsor to obtain Link Up accreditation to increase our exposure in the rail sector, we are now pleased to announce accreditation to Link Up for the following product codes;-


    0428.1002.SER    Health, Safety & Environment Training - SER
    0803.1007.SMP    Protective Installations - SMP
    0803.1007.DES    Protective Installations - DES
    0803.1007.CBD    Protective Installations - CBD
    0803.1007.TCD    Protective Installations - TCD
    0803.1007.RAD    Protective Installations - RAD
    0803.1007.MRC    Protective Installations - MRC
    0804.1007.SER    Steeplejack Services - SER
    1214.1001.SER    Access Scaffolding - SER
    1230.1001.SMP    Specialist Access (Platforms etc.) - SMP
    1230.1001.DES    Specialist Access (Platforms etc.) - DES
    1230.1001.CBD    Specialist Access (Platforms etc.) - CBD
    1230.1001.RAD    Specialist Access (Platforms etc.) - RAD
    1230.1001.MRC    Specialist Access (Platforms etc.) - MRC
    1237.1001.SER    Ultrasonic Testing - SER


If you would like more information please do not hesitate to give me a call, alternatively you may wish to visit our web site at www.churchillsc.co.uk where there is also an online sales counter for the purchasing of a wide range of lightning protection, earthing and surge protection products.

Link Up - Churchill Specialist Contracting

Churchill Specialist Contracting  have achieved accreditation to Achilles Link Up for both lightning protection testing & installations as well as specialist access platforms.

This latest accreditation will support the business in obtaining contracts in the Rail sector without the need to be sponsored by a third party not only in the field of lightning protection but will for the first time offer the rail sector a unique turnkey solution for installing specialist access with a skill base to then simultaneously carry out a wide range of tasks including but not limited to surveys, dismantling and the repair/maintenance of concrete, brick & steel structures including towers, shafts & bridges.

In addition our specialist access solutions together with our techniques employed in the field of controlled dismantling is now directly available to the rail sector, a combination recently recognised when we were employed to dismantle 2no large lighting towers located in the Hornsey railway sidings North London.

The contract was safely completed without a mobile crane and without the need for a line closure, within budget and without incident

Churchill Online Store Service

Churchill Specialist Contracting new online store offers a full range of lightning protection, earthing and surge protection products from the UK and Europe’s leading manufactures including Furse, Wallis and Sudafix.

Due to our locality and our relationship with the UK’s largest manufacturers of lightning protection products established over an 18 year relationship via our contracting division Churchill have been successful in obtaining very competitive rates on a wide range of products, as a result we are able to offer these products up to 20% the manufacturers RRP.

Supported by our experienced contracting team if required help is on hand to assist on line purchasers with the selection and installation of lighting protection products all in accordance with the latest standard BS EN 62305.

Based centrally in Nottingham next delivery of all purchased products via the web site is available anywhere in the UK and with shipments and air freight regularly being dispatched to Nigeria, Saudia Arabia, Spain and France. The online shopping opportunity previously not available to the sector is proving to be a great success.

The site is still relatively young but as the SEO and marketing begins to take effect the 1200+ products will rapidly begin to rank high in the search engines and coupled with a concentrated marketing campaign to be launched in September 2012 the future for the ecommerce site looks very promising.

Please visit our store by clicking on the following link http://www.steeplejack.co.uk/Store/Default.aspx and discover a new more cost effective and easier solution to purchase your lightning protection, earthing and surge protection products.

Lightning Protection

Throughout history lightning has always been seen as extraordinary and has intrigued people. Even today people are astonished of the power of lightning and the images it produces.

Lightning featured in the news once again recently, when a bolt of lightning struck the Empire State Building in New York City. Many people in awe of this force of nature captured the moment on their cameras during a series of thunderstorms affecting the city. Countless numbers of these people will be perhaps unaware of the danger of these brilliant bolts of light, despite them being an exciting object of photography.

According to the National Weather Service the Empire State Building is annually struck by lightning on average twenty three times. This startling fact reinforces the need for buildings such as this to have installed lightning protection systems, without which they could potentially be destroyed. These systems protect the fabric and content of buildings and structures if they are affected by a lightning strike.

These protection systems can be easily installed by specialist contracting companies such as Churchill, who will assess the building in question and provide adequate safety constructions.

Having an earth termination system provides protection not only for your building but also for the occupants of the building, making it an essential instalment in workplaces. External grid arrangement lightning protection systems are also commonly employed which is designed and applied in order to confer protection depending on the risk associated with the building. 

It is important to remember that although lightning can be amazing to watch it can also be exceptionally destructive making lightning protection a necessity.

TATA Steel - Chimney Replacement Project

Churchill have secured the contract to replace 2no 40m boiler chimneys at the TATA Steel site in Rotherham.

The turnkey project will include the removal and re processing of the 2no existing steel boiler chimneys and the supply and erection of 2no steel replacement stacks with all site work being undertaken by ChurchillSC directly employed labour.

The work is scheduled to be completed during the sites outage period beginning at the end of the July 2012.

Chimney Dismantling

Churchill have successfully completed the piecemeal small dismantling of a 50m tall x 2.2m diameter disused steel chimney on a COMAH 1 site in Stowmarket.

To add to the complexity of the project that would see a requirement for hot work at height the chimney was situated adjacent to a live railway line managed by Network Rail that determined cranes could not be used as part of the project.

The chimney was dismantled within budget and completed within an eight week program

BS 7671 - Surge Protection Section (534)

Surge Protection - Latest BS 7671 Wiring Regulations

A new key section (534) within the latest edition of BS 7671 Wiring Regulations published on the 1 July 2011 came into  effect on 1 January 2012.

Section (534) now sees a requirement for all new electrical installations designed after 1 January 2012 to include the correct selection and installation of a SPD's (Surge Protection Device).

This requirement is to provide protection against over voltages from atmospheric origin (lightning) or electrical switching events both of which are capable of severely effecting electrical installations and connected equipment.

The risks to life, buildings and electronics due to over voltages are detailed within BS EN 62305 'Protection Against Lightning' with the standard clearly detailing a risk assessment to establish the type and level of SPD's required.

Churchill offer a full range of SPD's manufactured by the world's leading suppliers, this is supported by free comprehensive advice together with free seminars to larger clients explaining the fundamentals of SPD's.

The most popular SPD on the market and the one most commonly installed is the Furse ESP 415 M1 which is an enhanced protector for three phase supplies of 346 - 484 volts, for single phase supplies of 200 - 280 volts the ESP 240 M1 should be employed.

For more information of SPD's call our helpdesk on 0844 504 9998