JS 21: 1992

UDC 621-315/316

Jamaican Standard

Specification

For

Electrical Installations

Bureau of Standards
6 Winchester Road
P.O. Box 113
Kingston 10
Jamaica W. I.
Cable: STANBUREAU
Telex: 2291 STANBUR JA
Fax: (809) 929-4736

January 1992
 JS 21: 1992
UDC 621-315/316

Jamaican Standard

Specification

For

Electrical Installations

Jamaica Bureau of Standards

 JS 21: 1992

© 1992 Bureau of Standards

ISBN 976-604-133-4

Declared by the Bureau of Standards to be a standard specification pursuant to section 7 of the Standards Act, 1968.

First published January 1992.

This standard specification was circulated in draft form for comment under the reference No. EWR 22.

Jamaican standards establish requirements in relation to commodities, processes and practices, but do not purport to include
all the necessary provisions of a contract.

The attention of those using this standard specification is called to the necessity of complying with any relevant legislation.

AMENDMENTS
No. Date of Issue Remarks Entered by and Date

ii
 JS 21: 1992
Contents
Page
Foreword vii
Committee representation....................................................................................................................................................... vii
Acknowledgement viii
Related documents viii

Specification

1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................... 1
2 Definitions................................................................................................................................................................ 2
3 Application............................................................................................................................................................. 12
4 Design and construction of electrical equipment......................................................................................................13
5 Safety requirements.................................................................................................................................................17
6 Distribution and control........................................................................................................................................... 21
7 Installation of conductors and cables.......................................................................................................................41
8 Installation of accessories, apparatus and appliances...............................................................................................83
9 Installation of electric discharge lamps..................................................................................................................119
10 Earthing ............................................................................................................................................................... 123
11 Protection and lightning........................................................................................................................................ 145
12 Inspections and tests..............................................................................................................................................146
13 Additional tables................................................................................................................................................... 148

Appendices

A Private generating plants and secondary battery installations.................................................................................156

B Permitted methods of wiring................................................................................................................................. 158
C Flammable and explosive conditions.....................................................................................................................158
D Testing the effectiveness of earthing arrangements in an installation......................................................................164
E General note on earthing of extensive installation..................................................................................................167
F Conductors and cables...........................................................................................................................................168
G Cable capabilities of conduit and trunking.............................................................................................................261
H Short circuit-faults................................................................................................................................................. 268
J Symbols used in electrical drawings......................................................................................................................272
K Safety rules for electricians.................................................................................................................................... 288
L First-aid treatment for electric shock and other ailments........................................................................................289
M Standard international units and comparison of metric and imperial copper conductor sizes
for fixed cables-circular......................................................................................................................................... 294
N British metric size conductors with nearest American equivalents..........................................................................295
P International system of units (SI) conversion factors..............................................................................................297
Q Conversion from metric measures.........................................................................................................................299
R Standards referenced in this specification..............................................................................................................299
S The National Electrical Energy Distribution System..............................................................................................302

iii
 JS 21: 1992
Tables

1 Number and size of conductor for insertion into differing sizes of terminal holes.....................................................32
2 Sub circuit type: maximum number of points, rating and attendant cable size..........................................................35
3 Recommended spacing between single conductors and single-core cables...............................................................76
4 Recommended spacing between single conductors and single-core cables...............................................................76
5 Minimum clearance for aerial conductors calculated at 120 F (48.9 C)................................................................77
6 Types of lamp holders and appropriate rating for excess-current protection..............................................................88
7 Maximum wattage of lamps for which different types of lamp caps and lamp holders are designed.........................88
8 Conditions of use for portable appliances and suitable safeguards...........................................................................95
9 Requirements for earth continuity conductors........................................................................................................132
10 Minimum size for rectangular bus bars.................................................................................................................134
11 Main and distribution switchgear to control consumer's wiring.............................................................................148
12 Main switchgear for generators............................................................................................................................. 150
13 Estimation of the maximum demand of an installation, for use in computing the
sizes of cables for service mains and submains......................................................................................................151
14 Minimum internal radii of bends in cables for fixed wiring...................................................................................153
15 Spacing of supports for cables in accessible positions............................................................................................154
16 Minimum radial thickness of tough-plastic-sheathing of neutral-screened cables
permitted to be installed without further enclosure.................................................................................................154
17 Size of copper earth-continuity conductor in metal-sheathed, tough-rubber sheathed
and P.V.C.-sheathed cables with copper conductors...............................................................................................155
18 Minimum cross-sectional area of protective conductors in relation to the area of
associated phase conductors..................................................................................................................................155
C1 Classification of flammable vapours and gases according to explosive properties..................................................159
F1 Single-circuit current ratings and associated volt drops for single-core p.v.c.-insulated,
non-armoured, with or without sheaths (1.5 mm² to 35 mm², copper)....................................................................177
F2 Single-circuit current ratings and associated volt drops for single-core p.v.c.-insulated
cables, non-armoured , with or without sheath (50 mm² to 630 mm²)....................................................................180
F3 Single-circuit current ratings and associated volt drops for twin and multicore p.v.c.-insulated
and sheathed cables, non-armoured (1.5 mm² to 35 mm², copper).........................................................................183
F4 Single-circuit current ratings and associated volt drops for twin and multicore p.v.c.-insulated
and sheathed cables, non-armoured (50 mm²to 400 mm², copper).........................................................................186
F5 Single-current ratings and associated volt drops for twin and multicore armoured
cables 1.5 mm² to 35 mm², copper).......................................................................................................................188
F6 Single-current ratings and associated volt drops for twin and multicore armoured
cables 50 mm² to 400 mm², copper.......................................................................................................................190
F7 Single-circuit current ratings and associated volt drops for single-core cable
(non-metal-sheathed) having 85 C rubber insulation (1.5 mm² to 35 mm², copper)..............................................193
F8 Single-circuit current ratings and associated volt drops for single-core cables insulated,
(non-metal-sheathed) insulated with butyl rubber or e.p. rubber (50 mm² to 630 mm², copper).............................196
F9 Single-circuit current ratings and associated volt drops for twin and multicore cables
(non-metal-sheathed) insulated with butyl rubber (1.5 mm²to 35 mm², copper).....................................................199
F 10 Single-current ratings and associated volt drops for twin and multicore cables
(non-metal-sheathed) insulated with butyl rubber (50 mm² to 400 mm², copper)...................................................201
F 11 Single-circuit current ratings and associated volt drop for single-core cables
insulated with impregnated paper, lead sheathed, with p.v.c. oversheath, non-armoured
(copper conductor)[50 mm² to 1000 mm², copper].................................................................................................204

iv
 JS 21: 1992
F 12 Single-circuit current ratings and associated volt drops for twin and multicore cables
insulated with impregnated paper lead-sheathed or aluminium sheathed, armoured or
non-armoured, with or without serving..................................................................................................................207
F 13 Current ratings and associated volt drops for heavy duty mineral-insulated cables current
ratings and associated volt drops for heavy light mineral-insulated cables
(copper conductors and sheath), exposed to touch or having an overall
covering of PVC.................................................................................................................................................... 210
F 14 Current ratings and associated volt-drops for heavy light mineral insulated cables
(copper conductor and sheath), exposed to touch or having an overall covering of PVC.........................................212
F 15 Current ratings and associated volt drops for heavy duty, mineral insulated cables
(copper conductors and sheath) having the sheath bare and not exposed to
touch and not in contact with combustible materials..............................................................................................214
F 16 Current ratings and associated volt drops for light duty, mineral insulated
cables (copper conductors and sheath) having the sheath bare and not
exposed to touch and not in contact with combustible materials............................................................................216
F 17 Current ratings and associated volt drops for mineral-insulated cables
(copper conductor and sheath) used as earth concentric wiring..............................................................................218
F 18 Single-circuit current ratings and associated volt drops for bare or
lightly-covered solid copper conductor of circular cross-section,
installed in vertical trunking with spacing of 75 mm between conductors..............................................................221
F 19 Single-circuit current ratings and associated volt drops for bare or lightly-covered
solid copper conductor of rectangular cross-section, installed in vertical trunking,
with spacing of 75 mm between conductors when disposed in parallel, or with a spacing
of 30 mm between conductors when disposed edge-to-edge..................................................................................223
F 20 Current ratings and associated volt drops for vulcanised rubber-insulated flexible cables,
other than flexible cords........................................................................................................................................ 225
F 21 Current ratings and associated volt drops for flexible cables insulated with butyl rubber
or e.p. rubber or silicone rubber.............................................................................................................................227
F 22 Current ratings and associated volt drops and masses supportable, for flexible
cords insulated with vulcanised rubber, or PVC or butyl rubber, or e.p. rubber
or silicone rubber, or glass fibre.............................................................................................................................229
F 23 Single circuit current ratings and associated volt drops for single-core PVC-insulated
cables, non-armoured, with or without sheath........................................................................................................232
F 24 Single circuit current ratings and associated volt drops for twin and multicore
PVC-insulated and sheathed cables, non-armoured...............................................................................................235
F 25 Single-circuit current ratings and associated volt drops for twin and
multicore armoured PVC-insulated cables.............................................................................................................238
F 26 Single-circuit current ratings and associated volt drops for single core
cables insulated with impregnated paper, lead sheathed, with PVC oversheath,
non-armoured (copper conductor)..........................................................................................................................241
F 27 Single-circuit current ratings and associated volt drops for twin and multicore
cables insulated with impregnated paper, lead-sheathed or aluminium-sheathed,
armoured or non-armoured, with or without serving (aluminium conductors)........................................................245
F 28 Single-circuit current ratings and associated volt drops for bare or lightly-covered
solid aluminium conductor of circular cross-section, installed in vertical trunking
with spacing of 75 mm between conductors..........................................................................................................247
F 29 Single-circuit current ratings and associated volt drops for bare or lightly-covered
solid aluminium conductor of rectangular cross-section, installed in vertical trunking,
with spacing of 75 mm between conductors when disposed in parallel, or with a spacing of
30 mm between conductors when disposed edge-to-edge......................................................................................248

v
 JS 21: 1992
F 30 Dispositions of cables enclosed in trenches............................................................................................................250
F 31 Rating factors for cables in enclosed trenches........................................................................................................251
F 32 Rating factors for single core, non-metal-sheathed and non-armoured cables
carrying a.c. and run in proximity to steel, iron or ferro concrete............................................................................252
F 33 Rating factors for single-core non-armoured lead-sheathed cables carrying a.c
and run in proximity to steel, iron or ferro-concrete................................................................................................253
F 34 Maximum ambient temperatures for cables, and maximum normal operating
temperatures for installation and sheath of cables..................................................................................................254
F 35 Bare busbars of circular section a.c. current rating.................................................................................................255
F 36 Comparison of a.c. current ratings bare rectangular section, copper, aluminium,
and copperclad busbars, in free air.........................................................................................................................256
F 37 Bare busbars of rectangular section a.c. current rating in duct................................................................................257
F 38 Dimensions and resistance of solid and stranded circular conductors.....................................................................259
F 39 Size of fuse element composed of tinned copper wire or standard-alloy wire
for use in semi-enclosed fuses............................................................................................................................... 260
G 1 Cable factors for short straight runs.......................................................................................................................262
G 2 Conduit factors for short straight runs....................................................................................................................262
G 3 Cable factors for long straight runs, or runs incorporating bends...........................................................................263
G 4 Conduit factor for runs incorporating bends...........................................................................................................263
G 5 Cable factors for trunking...................................................................................................................................... 266
G 6 Factor for trunking................................................................................................................................................ 266
H 1 Resistance of overhead lines at differing conductor spacings.................................................................................268
H 2 Typical reactance and resistance for copper conductors..........................................................................................269
H 3 Semi-enclosed fuses..............................................................................................................................................269
H 4 Cartridge fuses of voltage ratings up to 660 V.......................................................................................................270
H 5 Cartridge fuses for domestic consumers units, 250 V, 50 Hz..................................................................................270
H 6 Interrupting current rating rms symmetrical amperes.............................................................................................271

Figures

1 Preferred sequence of connections...........................................................................................................................21

2 Assembly and connections of neutral and earth-continuity-conductor busbars.........................................................28
3 Illustration of a ring circuit using BS 1363 type fused plugs....................................................................................37
4 Means of preventing a magnetic field in a plate of magnetic materials.....................................................................49
5 Heat barrier in a vertical channel, duct or trunking..................................................................................................56
6 Precautions for cables and flexible cords in appliances and fittings..........................................................................57
7 Spacing of supports for cables................................................................................................................................. 62
8 Method of determining space factor.........................................................................................................................68
9 Cable sag chart........................................................................................................................................................80
10 Single phase plug sockets location of contacts.........................................................................................................92
11 Typical monitored earth circuit for a three-phase motor............................................................................................98
12 Earth electrode in "toby"........................................................................................................................................ 139
13 Voltage operated earth leakage circuit breaker.......................................................................................................144
14 Current operated earth leakage circuit breaker.......................................................................................................145
15 Types of spray-coating booths................................................................................................................................163
16 Measurement of resistance of an earth...................................................................................................................166
17 Measuring ambient temperature of loaded cables (for cable rating factor)..............................................................170
18 Disposition of grouped circuits enclosed, to which single circuit ratings apply......................................................171
19 Defined conditions for single-core cables..............................................................................................................172
20 Defined conditions for multicore cables and spacing of walls................................................................................173

vi
 JS 21: 1992
Foreword

The original edition of this standard, JS 21: 1976, was based on the New Zealand Electrical wiring regulations 1961 which
were amended in 1970 and had been modified to suit Jamaican conditions and practices. The tables of current rating and
voltage drops for cables were reproduced from the 14th edition of IEE regulations for the Electrical Equipment of Buildings.

This revised edition now includes adaptations from other standard bodies such as BSI and IEE, however, the majority of the
material is still based on the New Zealand Electrical Wiring Regulations. Most of the tables of current rating and voltage
drops for cables are reproduced from the 16th edition of IEE Regulations for electrical installations.

The purpose of this specification is the practical safeguarding of persons and of buildings and their contents in the use of
electricity, whether the electricity is derived from an external source or from a private generating plant or secondary battery.

Information on the national electrical energy distribution system is contained in appendix S.

This standard is compulsory.

Committee representation

The preparation of this standard for the Standards Council, established under the Standards act 1968, was carried out under
the supervision of the Bureau's Electrical Practices and Products Committee, which at the time comprised the following
members:

Mr E Williams, Chairman Jamaica Public Service Company Limited

Mr D Anderson Private Consultant
Mr J Bonnick Jamaica Public Service Company Limited
Mr H Brand Brandwell Limited
Mr R Campbell Electrical Contractors Association
Mr R Chen Government Electrical Inspectorate
Mr W Johnson Jamaica Institution of Engineers
Mr L Miller Government Electrical Inspectorate
Mr H Sinclair Electrical Contractors Association
Mr W Smith Jamaica Telephone Company Limited
Mr A Walder Government Electrical Inspectorate
Mr R Walker Electrical Contractors Association
Mr K Warren Ken Warren Associates Limited
Mr E Dennis Bureau of Standards
Mr A Hunter Bureau of Standards
Mr C Raymond, Technical Secretary Bureau of Standards

vii
 JS 21: 1992
Acknowledgement

Acknowledgment is made to the following institutions for permission to reproduce material from the following documents:

New Zealand Electricity Department and Handbook to the electrical

New Zealand Government Printer wiring regulations

Institution of Electrical Engineers, UK IEE regulations for the electrical equipment of buildings

Related documents

This standard makes reference to the following:

Handbook to the electrical New Zealand Electricity Department

wiring regulations

IEE regulations for electrical Institute of electrical engineers, U.K.

equipment of buildings

viii
 JS 21: 1992
Jamaican Standard Specification for
Electrical installations

1. Scope

This standard specifies the electrical wiring regulations and practices applicable to the Jamaican condition.

2. Definitions

For the purpose of this standard the following definitions apply unless the context otherwise requires changes
of interpretation:

2.1 Accessible. Not permanently closed by the structure or finish of the building.

2.2 accessory. Any device, other than a lighting fitting, associated with the wiring and current-using
appliances of an installation; includes switch, fuse, plug, socket, lampholder, and ceiling rose.

2.3 adaptor. A lampholder adaptor as defined in 2.74.

2.4 aerial conductor. Any conductor which is supported above the ground and which, or the covering of
which, is directly exposed to the open air.

NOTE. (1) Conductors cleated or clipped on the outside of a building or structure are not considered to be aerial conductors.
(2) For catenary wires see 7.4, 7.15 and 7.29. For collector or trolley wires of overhead travelling cranes see
note 12 of 7.29.

2.5 all-insulated. Covered with a non-conducting material in such manner that it is impossible when the
device is in use for any person to make accidental or unintentional contact with any metal liable to become
alive. This is in relation to any accessory, appliance, fitting, or other device.

2.6 apparatus (electrical apparatus). All machines, fittings, accessories, and appliances in which
conductors are used.

2.7 appliance. An item of current-using equipment other than a luminaire or an independent motor.

2.8 approved. Approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector (C.E.I.).

2.9 arms reach. A zone of accessibility to touch extending from any point on a surface where persons
usually stand or move about, to the limit which a person can reach with his or her hand in any direction
without assistance.

2.10 barrier. A part providing a defined degree of protection against contact with live parts, from any
usual direction of access.

1
 JS 21: 1992

2.11 bonded. Connected together electrically, not normally for the purpose of carrying current but so as to
ensure substantially common potential. This is in relation to items of metalwork.

2.12 branch circuit. That portion of a circuit extending beyond the final overcurrent devices in the circuit.

2.13 British Standard Specification or "BS". A standard issued under the name by the British Standard
Institution and includes all supplements, amendments and additional British Standards which may from time
to time be issued in connection therewith.

2.14 bunched. Cables are said to be bunched when two or more are contained within a single conduit,
duct, or groove, or, if not enclosed, are not separated from each other.

2.15 bus. A conductor which serves as a common connection for the corresponding conductor of 2 or more
circuits.

2.16 cable. A length of insulated single conductor (solid or stranded), or two or more such conductors,
each provided with its own insulation, which are laid up together, which insulated conductor or conductors
may or may not be provided with an overall mechanical protective covering. They may be of different types as
follows:

(a) cable, armoured. A cable provided with a wrapping of metal (usually tape or wire) for the
purpose of mechanical protection.

(b) cable, mineral-insulated metal-sheathed.

A cable in which a conductor insulated by a highly compressed
refractory mineral insulating material, such as magnesia, is
contained in a hard-metal sheath.
(c) cable, PVC-insulated.
A cable in which the insulation of the conductor or conductors is a
polyvinyl-chloride compound.

(d) cable, PVC-sheathed.

A cable in which mechanical protection is provided for the insulated
core or cores by a sheath of polyvinyl-chloride compound.

(e) cable, tough-plastic-sheathed.

A cable in which mechanical protection is provided for the insulated core or
cores by a sheath of plastic compound e.g., PVC.

(f) cable, tough-rubber-sheathed.

A cable in which mechanical protection is provided for the insulated core or
cores by a sheath of rubber compound.

2
 JS 21: 1992

2.17 cable coupler. A means enabling the connection, at will, of two flexible cables.It consists of a
connector and a plug.

2.18 cable ducting. A manufactured enclosure of material, or insulating material, other than conduit or
cable trunking, intended for the protection of cables which are drawn in after erection of the ducting but which
is not specifically intended to form part of a building structure.

2.19 capacitor. A piece of apparatus capable of storing electrical energy as electrical stress in insulating
material and generally consisting of conducting surfaces (known as the plates or electrodes)at a small distance
apart and separated by an insulating material (in the past the term "condenser" was commonly used instead of
"capacitor" but its use in this sense is now deprecated.

2.20 cartridge fuse. A fuse in which the fuse element is totally enclosed in a cartridge.

2.21 Chief Electrical Inspector (CEI). The person for the time being designated as such by the Minister
under section 33 of the Electric Lighting Act.

2.22 circuit. An arrangement of conductors for the purpose of carrying current.

2.23 circuit breaker. A mechanical device for making and breaking a circuit, both under normal conditions
and under abnormal conditions, the breaking of the circuit being by automatic operation.

2.24 conductor. Any wire, cable, bar, or tube used for conducting electricity.

2.25 connector. The part of a cable coupler or of an appliance coupler which is provided with female
contacts and which is intended to be attached to the flexible cable connected to the supply.

2.26 consumer. Anybody or person supplied, or entitled to be supplied with electricity by an Electrical
Supply Undertaking; includes any person who, being under no disability and being competent to receive a
supply, is willing to enter into a contract with the Electrical Supply Undertaking for electricity to be supplied
to him at a point within the Electrical Supply Undertaking's area of supply on the terms and subject to the
conditions generally prevailing for those contracts within the Electrical Supply Undertaking's area of supply.

2.27 contactor. A mechanical device for frequently making or breaking a circuit. It may be operated
electro-magnetically, electro-pneumatically or mechanically, as for instance from a cam-shaft.

2.28 damp situation. A situation in which moisture is either permanently present, or intermittently present
to such an extent as to be likely to impair the effectiveness or safety of an installation conforming to the
requirements for ordinary situations.

2.29 dead. At or about earth potential and disconnected from any live system.

2.30 disconnecting means. A device, group of devices or other means whereby the conductors of a circuit
can be disconnected from their source of supply.

3
 JS 21: 1992

2.31 distribution board. An assembly of parts, including one or more fuses or other excess-current
protective devices, arranged for the distribution of electricity to sub-circuits or to other distribution boards or
both.

NOTE. A distribution board is often called a "sub board," and where it contains fuses only it is sometimes referred to as a "fuse-
board". It is also referred to as a "panel board".

2.32 distribution line. An electric line from which electricity can be supplied to the service lines of
consumers.

2.33 double insulation:

(a) In the case of a conductor, that insulation material intervenes not only between the conductor and
its surrounding envelope (if a cable) or immediate support (if bare), but also between the envelope or
support and earth.

(b) In the case of a portable appliance having accessible metal parts, that protective insulation is
provided in addition to the normal functional insulation in order to protect against electric shock in
case of a breakdown of the functional insulation.

NOTE. Double insulation is used in an appliance having exposed metal parts for the purpose of enabling the appliance to be
operated safely without the necessity of earthing such exposed metal parts. The design, construction, and test
requirements of a double-insulated appliance are much more stringent than for an appliance having ordinary
insulation and most standard specifications require that a double-insulated appliance be so marked. For further
information about double insulation see BS 2754-Memorandum on double-insulated and all-insulated
electrical equipment.

2.34 drip proof. Applied to apparatus to denote that the live parts are enclosed by a cover or covers, any
ventilating openings being so protected as to exclude falling water or dirt. Do not confuse with
"weatherproof".

2.35 duct. A passage-way formed underground or in a wall intended to receive one or more cables which
may be drawn in.

2.36 earth. A connection to the general mass of earth by means of an earth electrode. An object is said to
be earthed when it is electrically connected to an earth electrode, and a conductor is said to be solidly earthed
when it is electrically connected to an earth electrode without a fuse, switch, circuit-breaker, resistor, or
reactor in the earth connection.

2.37 earth-free situation. A situation where there is no likelihood of an electric shock to earth from any
live metal. Bathrooms, sculleries, damp situations, rooms with concrete floor surfaces, and similar situations
are deemed not to be earth free. A situation in which a radio receiver having a bare or lightly insulated aerial
or earth connection is installed is also deemed not to be earth free.

4
 JS 21: 1992

2.38 earthed. Indicates effectual connection to the general mass of the earth.

2.39 earth-continuity conductor. The conductor, including any clamp, connecting to the earthing lead or
to each other those parts of an installation which are required to be earthed, which conductor may be in whole
or in part the metal conduit or the metal sheath of the cables, or the special continuity conductor of a cable or
flexible cord incorporating the conductor.

2.40 earth electrode. A metal rod or rods, or a system of underground metal water pipes or other
conducting object, providing an effectual connection with the general mass of earth.

2.41 earth electrode resistance. The resistance of an electrode to earth.

2.42 earth leakage current. A current which flows to earth, or to extraneous conductive parts, in a circuit
which is electrically sound.

2.43 earthed metal. Metal that is directly or indirectly in electrical contact with earth.

2.44 earthing lead. The final conductor by which the connection to the earth electrode is made.

2.45 electric-discharge lamp. An electric lamp comprising a hermetically sealed bulb or tube containing
gas or metal or both intended to be vapourised during operation and fitted with electrodes between which a
discharge of electricity takes place, the useful light being emitted from or excited by the discharge through the
gas or vapour or being so emitted and excited.

2.46 electric line. Any conductor or conductors used for conveying, transmitting, or distributing
electricity.

2.47 electrical hazard. Danger from electricity to life or property or both.

2.48 electrical inspector. Any electrical inspector appointed under Section 33 of the Electric Lighting Act.

2.49 Electrical Supply Undertaking. Any Local Authority, company or person, who by the Electric
Lighting Act may be authorised to supply electricity within any area.

2.50 electrode boiler or electrode water heater. Apparatus for the electrical heating of water or other
liquid by the passage of electric current between electrodes immersed therein or through a resistor which
owing to its being in electrical contact with the water or other liquid is in this respect indistinguishable from
an electrode.

2.51 emergency switching. Rapid cutting off of electrical energy to remove any hazard to persons,
livestock, or property which may occur unexpectedly.

2.52 equipotential bonding. Electrical connection putting various exposed conductive parts and
extraneous conductive parts at a substantially equal potential.

5
 JS 21: 1992

2.53 extra-low voltage. Any voltage normally not exceeding 50 V a.c. or 120 V d.c. whether between
conductors or to earth.

2.54 final circuit. A circuit connected directly to current-using equipment, or to a socket outlet or socket
outlets or other outlet point for the connection of such equipment.

2.55 fire resisting (or resistant). That property by virtue of which an element of a structure functions
satisfactorily while subjected to a prescribed heat influence and load for a period as specified in BS 476.

2.56 fixed appliance. An appliance which is fastened or otherwise secured at a specific location.

2.57 fixed wiring. All conductors forming part of the electrical installation between the point of entry and
any point.

2.58 flameproof enclosure. An enclosure for electrical apparatus which will withstand without injury any
explosion of prescribed flammable gas that may occur within it under practical conditions of operation with
the rating of the apparatus and recognised overloads (if any) associated therewith, and will prevent the
transmission of flame such as will ignite any prescribed flammable gas that may be present in the surrounding
atmosphere and approved as such by the Bureau of Standards.

2.59 flammable. Capable of being easily ignited.

2.60 flexible cable. A cable consisting of one or more cores, each formed of a group of wires, the
diameters of the wires and the insulating material being such as to afford flexibility.

2.61 flexible cord. A flexible cable in which the cross-sectional area of each conductor does not exceed 4
mm².

2.62 fuse. A device for opening a circuit by means of a conductor designed to melt when an excessive
current flows; and includes all parts that form the complete device.

NOTE. The current rating of a fuse is a current, less than the minimum fusing current, stated by the maker as the current that the
fuse, and the link with which it is fitted, will together carry continuously without deterioration.(See BS 88 for
H.R.C. fuses and BS 3036 for rewirable type fuse).

2.63 fuse element. That part of a fuse which is designed to melt and thus open the circuit.

2.64 fuse link. That part of a fuse which comprises a fuse element and a cartridge or the container, if any,
and either is capable of being attached to fuse contacts or is fitted with fuse contacts as an integral part of it.

2.65 fuse switch. A switch, the moving part of which carries one or more fuses.

6
 JS 21: 1992

2.66 guarded. Covered, shielded, fenced, enclosed, or otherwise protected by means of suitable covers or
casings, barriers, rails or screens, mats or platforms, to remove the liability or dangerous contact or approach
by persons or object.

2.67 high-rupturing capacity (H.R.C.) or high-breaking capacity (H.B.C.). A term in common use to
denote cartridge fuses having categories of duty not less than AC3 and DC3, i.e., having a breaking capacity
rating of 16,500 amperes or more (see BS 88).

2.68 incombustible or non-ignitable. Neither burns nor gives off flammable vapours in sufficient
quantity to ignite at a pilot flame when heated in the manner described in BS 738 or in BS 476 whichever is
applicable.

2.69 installation. The assemblage of apparatus and accessories intended for the production, distribution,
and utilization of electrical energy.

2.70 intrinsically safe:

(a) Any electrical sparking in a circuit that may occur in normal working under specified conditions
and with the prescribed components, that is incapable of causing an ignition of the prescribed
flammable gas or vapour.

(b) The apparatus is so constructed that when installed and operated under specified conditions any
electrical sparking that may occur in normal working, either in the apparatus or in the circuit
associated therewith, is incapable of causing an ignition of the prescribed flammable gas or vapour.

2.71 isolating switch. A switch suitable for disconnecting a circuit under no-load conditions only.

2.72 Jamaican Standard or JS. A specification declared by the Bureau of Standards to be a standard
specification pursuant to section 7 of the Standards Act 1968 and includes all supplements and amendments.

2.73 joint box. Forming a part of a wiring installation and provided to contain joints in the conductors of
the cables of the installation.

2.74 lampholder adaptor. An accessory for insertion into a lampholder for the purpose of connecting to
the supply a current using appliance.

2.75 length of run. For the purpose of the tables of current rating and volt drop this is the point-to-point
distance measured along the route taken by the cables. With single-phase two-wire circuits the length of
conductor in the circuit is the "length of run" multiplied by two.

2.76 licensed electrician. A person licensed by the Board of Examiners in accordance with the provisions
of the Electric Lighting (Licensing of Electricians) Regulations, 1958 under the Electric Lighting Act, Cap.
108.

7
 JS 21: 1992

2.77 lighting fitting. A device for supporting or containing a lamp or lamps together with any lampholder,
shade, or reflector and includes a pendant with a ceiling rose, an elect rolier, or a portable standard.

2.78 live or alive. In relation to a conductor of electricity, means charged with electricity so that a
difference in electrical potential exists between the conductor and earth.

2.79 looping-in (in wiring). A method of avoiding tee-joints by carrying the conductor to and from the
point to be connected.

2.80 low voltage. Any voltage normally exceeding extra-low voltage but not exceeding 1000 V a.c. or
1500 V d.c. between conductors or 600 V a.c. or 900 V d.c. between any conductor and earth.

2.81 low voltage protection. The effect of a device operative on the reduction or failure of voltage to
cause and maintain the interruption of power to the main circuit.

2.82 luminaire. Equipment which distributes, filters, or transforms the light from one or more lamps and
which includes any part necessary for supporting, fixing and protecting the lamp, but not the lamp
themselves, and, where necessary, circuit auxiliary together with the means for connecting them to the supply.

NOTE. For the purpose of these regulations a batten lampholder, or a lampholder suspended by a flexible cord is a luminaire.

2.83 main earthing terminal. The terminal or bar provided for the connection of protective conductors,
including equipotential bonding conductors for functional earthing, if any, to the means of earthing.

2.84 miniature circuit breaker. A compact circuit breaker (see 2.23).

2.85 motor-controller. A device for controlling the speed of a motor at will, usually suitable for sustained
operation in certain positions. The term does not necessarily include the resistors or other means of control
used therewith neither does it include shunt-field rheostats.

2.86 motor-starter. A device arranged for starting and accelerating a motor to normal speed and having
no running position other than the full-on position.

2.87 multiple-earthed-neutral or M.E.N. A neutral conductor of any low-voltage alternating current

system, being a conductor that is earthed at the source of supply and at one or more other points along the
distribution or service line, and at each consumer's premises, the resistance between any point of the neutral
conductor and earth not exceeding 10 ohms.

2.88 neutral conductor or neutral. The term includes the neutral conductor of a three-phase four-wire
system, the conductor of a single-phase or d.c. system which is earthed at the source of supply and the middle
wire or common return conductor of a three-wire d.c. or single-phase a.c. system.

8
 JS 21: 1992

2.89 neutral-screened cable. A cable consisting of one or more insulated cores surrounded by an outer
stranded conductor.

2.90 non-reversible. Refers to any accessory in the nature of an adaptor, or a plug and socket, for
connecting apparatus, so constructed and installed that the respective conductors between the adaptor or plug
and accessory are always connected to the same pole, phase, neutral, or earthed conductor, as the case may
be.

2.91 overcurrent. A current exceeding the rated value. For conductors, the rated value is the current
-carrying capacity.

2.92 panelboard. As described in 2.31.

2.93 plug. A device, provided with contact pins, which is intended to be attached to a flexible cable and
which can be engaged with a socket outlet or with a connector.

2.94 point. A termination of the fixed wiring intended for the attachment of a lighting fitting or of a device
for connecting to the supply a current-using appliance.

2.95 point of attachment. The point at which the aerial conductors of a service line, or, as the case may
be,of a consumer's line are terminated on building or structure.

2.96 point of entry. The point at which a service main or a combined overhead or underground
service-line and service-main cable enters a building.

2.97 point of supply. The point at which connection is made between the service-line conductors and the
service main conductors; and where an overhead-line connector box is used, the connection between service
line and service main is deemed to be made at the terminals of the box; and where an overhead or underground
cable is used as a combined service line and service main, the terminals at which the cable terminates on the
premises are deemed to be the point of supply.

2.98 portable appliance. An appliance that from the nature of its use requires to be moved while it is
working or is so designed that it can readily be moved while it is working and is connected to the fixed wiring
by means of a flexible cord and plug or adaptor.

2.99 premises. Includes any land owned or occupied by a consumer or an Electric Supply Undertaking as
the case may be, on which electricity is generated, transmitted, or used; but does not include any public street
or road.

2.100 protective conductors. A conductor used for some measure of protection against electric shock and
intended for connecting together any of the following parts: exposed conductive parts, extraneous conductive
parts, the main earthing terminal, earth electrode(s), the earthed point of the source, or an artificial neutral.

9
 JS 21: 1992

2.101 readily-accessible. Able to be reached quickly and without climbing over or removing any
obstruction or resorting to any device for climbing.

2.102 semi-portable appliance. An appliance not being a portable appliance as defined in this specification
but from the nature of its use is required to be moved or is capable of being moved to a new position from
time to time while it is working or between the periods when it is working.

2.103 service fuse. A fuse installed by the Electrical Supply Undertaking for interrupting the supply to an
installation on the consumer's premises from the Undertaking lines.

2.104 service lift. A lift, the car of which has a floor area not exceeding 0.84m² and a height not exceeding
1.25 m and which is used only for the purpose of carrying goods or material or both and which is operated
from outside the lift well.

2.105 service line. An electric line connecting a consumer's installation to a distribution line.

2.106 service main. The portion of the wiring on a consumer's premises between the main switchboard and
the service line from which supply is obtained.

2.107 shock current. A current passing through the body of a person or an animal and having
characteristics likely to cause dangerous pathophysiological effects.

2.108 socket outlet. A device provided with female contacts, which is intended to be installed with the fixed
wiring, and intended to receive a plug.

2.109 source of supply. Either the generating station, the substation, the transformer, or the secondary
battery, as the case may be, which is the place where electricity, at the voltage at which it is delivered to the
consumer, is derived.

2.110 space factor. See 7.20 note 4.

2.111 stationary appliance. Either a fixed appliance or an appliance which cannot easily be moved from
one place to another.

2.112 subcircuit. That portion of a circuit extending beyond the final circuit breaker or set of fuses.

2.113 submain. Those cables connecting a main switchboard or distribution board to any other distribution
board, which cables shall be deemed to have their origin at the load terminals of the fuses or circuit breaker
protecting them.

2.114 switchboard. An assemblage of switchgear with or without instruments, but does not include a group
of local switches on a subcircuit.

2.115 switchgear. Any apparatus for controlling the distribution of electricity, or for controlling or
protecting electrical circuits, machines, and current-using appliances.

10
 JS 21: 1992

2.116 switch fuse. A unit comprising a switch and one or more fuses, the fuses not being carried on the
moving part of the switch.

2.117 systems of distribution:

(a) two-wire. A system of distribution with d.c. or single-phase a.c. comprising two conductors only, between
which the load is connected.

(b) three-wire.A system of distribution with d.c. or single-phase a.c. comprising two conductors and a middle
or neutral wire, the supply being taken from the middle wire and either outer conductors, the middle wire
carrying only the different current and being usually connected to earth (some types of load can also be
connected directly to the two outer conductors).

(c) three-phase three-wire. A system of distribution comprising three conductors connected to a three-phase
supply.

(d) three-phase four-wire. A system of distribution comprising four conductors of which three are connected
to a three-phase supply and the fourth to a neutral point in the source of supply.

2.118 tap-on. An accessory by means of which one or more plugs or two or more cords may be connected
to a plug socket (socket-outlet adaptor, a term used overseas, has the same meaning).

2.119 theatre. Any building or part of a building regularly or frequently used for dramatic, operatic, motion
picture, or other performances or shows.

2.120 trench, open. A trench without covering, or covered by an open grille.

2.121 trip-free. That the tripping mechanism will operate even if the trip handle is held in the 'ON' position.

2.122 troughing (trunking). A preformed channel in which cables are laid to protect them against
mechanical damage.

2.123 unattended. Refers to an automatically controlled motor or a condition where there is no person
normally in attendance on a motor or on a machine or machines which it operates.

2.124 undertaking. Any local Authority, company or persons, who by the Electric Lighting Act may be
authorised to supply electricity within any area.

2.125 voltage. The difference of electrical potential between conductors or between conductors and earth.

11
 JS 21: 1992

NOTE. (1) With alternating current the voltage is the r.m.s. value which is the voltage normally recorded by a voltmeter.
(2) All other terms used in this specification shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the
meaning given to them in B.S. 205 Glossary of Terms used in Electrical Engineering.

2.126 watertight. Applied to apparatus to denote that live parts are enclosed by a cover or covers so
constructed as to exclude water under prescribed conditions.

2.127 weather proof or splash proof. Applied to apparatus to denote that live parts are enclosed by a
cover or covers so constructed to exclude rain and external splashings.

3. Application

3.1 This standard shall primarily apply to installations in which the declared voltage does not normally
exceed 650V to earth provided that nothing herein contained shall apply to electric line or work:

(a) used or intended to be used by any undertaker at a voltage exceeding 650 V;

(b) used, or intended to be used, by any undertaker at 650 V or any lower voltage;
elsewhere than on any premises;

(c) used, or intended to be used, to a greater depth than 1.5 m below the surface of any
mine or other place which is subject to the provisions of the Mining Law or any
regulations thereunder;

(d) any vessel or vehicle used for transport purposes;

(e) any device or apparatus or material manufactured solely for export or imported
solely for re-export.

NOTE: (1) 3.1(d) applies only to the electrical wiring and apparatus associated with the normal propulsion, lighting and
signalling of the vehicle and to completely self-contained lifting or hoisting equipment on a vehicle. Electrical
wiring and apparatus that is supplied by a connection with a consumer's installations, e.g. caravans, tankers
and refrigerated vehicles, are not exempted.
Similarly, the electrical wiring and apparatus of a generating plant mounted in or on a vehicle and used to
supply electricity to an installation on any premises is not exempted.

(2) Every addition to, or alteration of, an existing installation shall be deemed to be a new installation and all
the provisions of this specification shall apply to all work done in connection with such addition or alteration.

(3) This specification shall not apply to any self-contained direct current electrical generating set or
installation connected thereto (herein after collectively referred to as "plant") in respect of which the following
requirements are fulfilled:

12
 JS 21: 1992

(a) that the voltage does not exceed 20 V;

(b) that the capacity does not exceed 500 W;

(c) that no part of the plant is connected to any electrical source of supply exceeding a voltage of
20 V,

(d) that the plant is installed for a period not exceeding two months.

3.2 Permits for wiring: see Regulations under the Electric Lighting Act.

3.3 Inspection of temporary wiring: see Regulations under the Electric Lighting Act.

3.4 Connection, inspection, testing: see Regulations under the Electric Lighting Act.

3.5 Hazardous installations: see Regulations under the Electric Lighting Act.

3.6 Compliance with regulations: see Regulations under the Electric Lighting Act.

3.7 Permission to use other methods and material: see Regulations under the Electric Lighting Act.

3.8 Prohibited work: see Regulations under the Electric Lighting Act.

3.9 Devices, apparatus, wiring and methods, which do not comply: see Regulations under the Electric
Lighting Act.

3.10 Use prohibited: see Regulations under the Electric Lighting Act.

3.11 Disputes: see Regulations under the Electric Lighting Act.

3.12 Assembly and repair: see Regulations under the Electric Lighting Act.

3.13 Electrical Supply Undertaking as consumer or contractor: see Regulations under the Electric
Lighting Act.

3.14 Private generating plant and installations connected thereto: see Regulations under the Electric
Lighting Act.

4. Design and construction of electrical equipment.

4.1 Compliance with standard specifications.

4.1.1 Electrical apparatus or material used in or associated with an electrical installation coming within the
scope of this specification shall comply with the electrical safety requirements of an appropriate standard
specification approved by the Bureau of Standards.

13
 JS 21: 1992

4.1.2 In the absence of a particular standard specification for the purposes of 4.1.1, such electrical
apparatus or material shall, where applicable, comply with the appropriate electrical safety requirements of
British Standard Specification 816 which relates to the general requirements of electrical appliances and
accessories.

4.1.3 Nothing in 4.1.1 or 4.1.2 shall prohibit the use of any electrical apparatus or material conforming to
the electrical safety requirements of any other specification that has been declared by the CEI to be suitable
for the purposes of this specification. The CEI may rescind any such declaration.

4.1.4 If any standard specification to which this clause applies or refers is amended or replaced, the
provisions of the specification existing before such amendment or replacement shall for the purposes of this
clause, continue to be operative for a period of one year after the date on which the amendment or
replacement took effect or for such longer period as the CEI directs. On the expiration of the period of one
year or the longer period directed by the CEI, as the case may be, the amended or replacement specification
shall become operative for the purposes of this clause.

NOTE. (1) A list of relevant standard specifications is given in appendix R. Jamaican and overseas standard specifications are
obtainable from the Bureau of Standards, 6 Winchester Road, Kingston 10.

(2) For apparatus and material which may not comply with any standard specification see 3.7.

(3) Approval of apparatus and material, where such is required, is vested solely in the Chief Electrical
Inspector.

(4) Apparatus and material for use on extra-low-voltage installations, is exempted from 4.1 by 8.35.

4.2 Protection against contact with live parts. All live parts of electrical apparatus shall be protected
against accidental personal contact either by the design and construction of the apparatus or by the manner of
its installation.

NOTE. (1) Appropriate safety measures, such as shields or barriers, may be necessary when repairs or alterations are being
made.

(2) Apparatus used on extra-low-voltage installations is exempted from this regulation by 8.35

4.3 Marking on apparatus and material.

4.3.1 Except as exempted in 4.3.3, 4.3.4, and 4.3.5, all electrical apparatus and material shall be
permanently and legibly marked to indicate clearly:

(a) the name of the manufacturer, or the registered trade name or registered trade mark;

(b) in the case of current-carrying apparatus, the maximum operating voltage, amperage, and
wattage.

14
 JS 21: 1992

4.3.2 In addition to the markings prescribed by 4.3.1, there shall be permanently and legibly marked:
(a) on every generator having a wattage exceeding 0.5kW, the output, the voltage between
terminals at the rated output, the speed in revolutions per minute, and if an alternator, the
number of phases, frequency and power factor;

(b) on every transformer (other than a transformer used for radio, visual, or sound
reproduction purposes) the output, the voltage between primary terminals, the voltage
between secondary terminals, the number of phases, and the frequency where the rating
exceeds 0.5 kilovolt-ampere, and, where applicable, if of the current-limiting type;

(c) on every battery charger and rectifier, the input, the voltage between input terminals, the
voltage between and polarity of the output terminals, and in the case of alternating current
the number of phases and the frequency;

(d) on every capacitor (other than a capacitor used for radio, visual or sound reproduction
purposes), or radio interference suppressor the capacity, the working voltage, and where
applicable, the number of phases, the phase connections, and the frequency.

4.3.3 Marking of the maximum operating voltage and amperage and wattage, as required by 4.3.1 may be
omitted from bayonet-lampholders and lampholder adapters, screw lampholders, and ceiling roses, that
comply with the appropriate standard specifications.

4.3.4 Marking as prescribed in 4.3.1 and 4.3.2 may be omitted from the integral components of apparatus
where the apparatus as a whole is adequately marked for the purposes of this clause.

4.3.5 Marking of amperage and wattage, as required by 4.3.1, may be omitted from electric dry shavers.

NOTE. (1) The appropriate British Standard Specifications for the purpose of 4.3.3 are:
(a) BS 52: Bayonet lampholders and lampholder adapters;

(b) BS 67: Ceiling roses;

(c) BS 98: Screw lampholders.

(2) Bayonet lampholders and lampholder adapters and screw lampholders complying with the above Standard
Specifications are designed for use only at voltages not exceeding 250 V.

(3) The maximum circuit current rating and the maximum wattage of lamps for use in the various types of
lampholders are dealt with in 8.9.

(4) The maximum permissible current for lampholder adapters is prescribed in 8.11.

(5) BS 67 limits the rating of ceiling roses to 250 V and 5 A.

15
 JS 21: 1992

4.4 Marking of cables.

4.4.1 Every cable, flexible cable, and flexible cord insulated, or sheathed, or both insulated and sheathed,
with rubber or thermoplastic material shall have an acceptable mark or equivalent means of identification
throughout its entire length indicating that it is the product of a particular manufacturer.

4.4.2 Cables, flexible cables, and flexible cords insulated, or sheathed, or both insulated and sheathed, with
rubber or thermoplastic material and having a grade of insulation other than 250-V grade shall have a readily
identifiable permanent mark to indicate the grade. The mark shall appear at intervals of not more than 0.3 m.

NOTE. (1) The following marks or means of identifying the manufacturer are acceptable:
(a) a mark printed or embossed on the insulation at intervals not exceeding 1 m;

(b) a mark printed, embossed, or indented on the sheathing at intervals not exceeding 1 m;

(c) a legible and continuous printing on a tape included in the cable, flexible cable, or flexible cord;

(d) a distinctive coloured thread or threads suitably incorporated in the cable, flexible cable, or flexible cord.

(2) For list of thread colours allocated to Commonwealth manufacturers by the British Standards Institution
see Register of Colours of Manufacturers' Identification Threads for Electric Cables and Cords, PD 2379.

4.5 Apparatus and material submitted for opinion. Any electrical apparatus or material may be
submitted to the Chief Electrical Inspector for his opinion as to its compliance with the requirements of this
Specification. Any such submission shall be in such form as the Chief Electrical Inspector may require, and a
fee shall be payable for the inspection of each article submitted.

NOTE. (1) each article should be suitably marked for identification purposes;
(2) each article should be accompanied by the approved fee;

(3) any article may be retained by the Chief Electrical Inspector for record purposes;

(4) when an article is desired to be returned to the submitter, a photograph or illustration suitable for
identification and record purposes should be supplied to the Chief Electrical Inspector.

4.6 Submission of unsatisfactory apparatus. Any electrical apparatus or material considered by any
person to be unsatisfactory may be submitted to the Chief Electrical Inspector for inspection, in which case it
shall be accompanied by a statement setting out in full the objections to its use.

16
 JS 21: 1992

5. Safety requirements.

5.1 Construction and conditions for use. All conductors (including flexible conductors) and apparatus
(including portable apparatus) shall be sufficient in size and power for the purposes for which the supply of
energy is to be used and shall be constructed, installed, and protected so as to prevent danger as far as
reasonably practicable.

NOTE. "Sufficient in size and power", implies not only that they must be of adequate capacity for normal working, but that they
should be capable of safely withstanding the electro-thermal and electro-magnetic effects of any short circuit
which may occur.

5.2 Position of fuses, switches and circuit breakers. No fuse, or circuit-breaker other than a linked
circuit-breaker, shall be inserted in a conductor connected with earth, and any linked circuit, shall be a linked
switch and shall be arranged to break all the live conductors.

NOTE. It is a principle of the multiple-earthed-neutral system that the neutral is always connected with earth and not broken
while any conductor in the circuit is alive.

5.3 Insulation and protection of live conductors. All live conductors, including those forming part of
apparatus, shall be so insulated, and further effectively protected where necessary, or so placed and
safeguarded, as to prevent danger from electric shock or fire.

NOTE. (1) Although extra-low-voltage circuits are considered not to present an electric-shock hazard they can presents a fire
hazard, due to the relatively large currents employed. The source of the supply, i.e. secondary battery,
transformer, generator or rectifier must be taken into account in assessing the possible fire hazard in the case of
a short circuit; the impedance of a transformer may keep the short-circuit current to a safe value.

(2) A neutral or negative conductor of a cable, whether earthed or not, requires to have the same degree of
insulation as a corresponding live conductor of a cable.

(3) Frequently electricians are required to carry out work near live conductors which, for various reasons, it
may not be practicable to isolate by means of the equipment provided in accordance with 5.7. In such cases the
provision of adequate warning notices or effective barriers can minimise the risk of accidental contact with the
live conductors.

5.4 Protection against excess current. Every distinct circuit shall be protected against excess current
and energy by means of a suitable fuse or automatic circuit breaker of adequate breaking capacity suitably
located and of such construction as to prevent danger from overheating, arcing, or the scattering of hot metal
when it comes into operation and as to permit the ready renewal of fusible metal without danger.

NOTE. (1) "Distinct circuit" describes each service main, submain, and subcircuit.

17
 JS 21: 1992
(2) For installations connected to an Electrical Supply Authority's overhead distribution lines, the excess-
current protection for service mains provided by the Electrical Supply Authority under the Electrical Supply
Regulations is acceptable. Where such protection is not provided by the Electrical Supply Authority in the case
of installations connected to overhead distribution lines, and in all
cases where the supply is from underground lines, the excess-current protection of the service mains should be
discussed with the Electrical Supply Authority.

(3) Circuits supplied from the secondary side of a transformer require protection on all poles that are not
earthed. The only exemption is where a transformer, or circuits connected thereto, is so designed that it will
either withstand a sustained short circuit without damage or the primary protection is adequate to prevent
danger.

(4) See notes to 6.14.

5.5 Precautions against metal becoming alive. Where metalwork, other than current-carrying
conductors, is liable to become charged with electricity in such a manner as to create a danger if the insulation
of a conductor should become defective or if a defect should occur in any apparatus the metalwork shall be
earthed in such a manner as will ensure immediate electrical discharge without danger, or other adequate
precautions shall be taken to prevent danger (see clause 10 for further details).

5.6 Protection against effects of leakage to earth. Every circuit shall be protected against the
persistence of leakage to earth of currents liable to cause danger. Acceptable methods of providing protection
against leakage to earth are described in 10.1.

5.7 Isolation of installations and apparatus. Such efficient means, suitably located, shall be provided
for cutting off all voltage from every part of an installation as may be necessary to prevent danger.

NOTE. (1) Where an installation is supplied by more than one incoming feeder to a common busbar, a warning notice
should be prominently displayed indicating the necessity to isolate all feeders to deaden the busbar. Alternately
some form of interlock could be used between the means of isolation for each feeder.

(2) For details of isolation of motors and other apparatus, see clause 8.

(3) See note 3 of 5.3.

5.8 Position of apparatus. Every piece of electrical apparatus which requires operation or attention in
normal use shall be so installed that adequate means of access and working space are afforded for its
operation or attention. Every electric motor shall be controlled by an effective switch or switches for starting
and stopping and the switch or switches shall be so placed as to be readily accessible to and easily operated
by the person in charge of the motor (see 8.20 for further details about control of motors and motor circuits).

NOTE. A push-button switch used for the remote control of a contactor is regarded as an effective control switch for the purposes
of this clause, but such a switch is not necessarily a suitable switch for the purposes of isolation required by
5.7 and 8.20.

18
 JS 21: 1992

5.9 Precautions for special conditions. All electrical apparatus and conductors exposed to weather,
corrosive atmospheres, or other adverse conditions shall be so constructed or protected as may be necessary
to prevent danger arising from such exposure. Where the conditions comprise exposure to flammable
surroundings or an explosive atmosphere, the conductor or apparatus shall be protected by an enclosure of an
appropriate standard of construction or be otherwise of such construction or intrinsically safe characteristics
as to prevent danger.

In a situation which may normally be wet or damp, where electrical apparatus is present and might give rise
to danger and where there are substantial exposed metal parts of other services (such as gas and water pipes,
sinks and baths), the earth-continuity conductor of the electrical installation shall be effectively connected
electrically and mechanically to all such metal parts and to any exposed metalwork of the electrical apparatus
which is required by 5.5 of this specification to be earthed.

NOTE. (1) For flammable or explosive conditions, see 8.6.

(2) Enclosures for electrical apparatus are referred to in the following specifications:

BS 229 : Flameproof enclosure of electrical apparatus.

BS 4999: Types of enclosure of electrical apparatus.
BS 5490: Method for the type testing of enclosures for electrical apparatus for use in onerous dust conditions.

5.10 Addition to an installation. No addition, temporary or permanent, shall be made to the load of an
existing installation, unless it has been ascertained that the current rating and the condition of any existing
apparatus and conductors (including that of the Electrical Supply Undertaking) which will have to carry the
additional load are adequate for the increased loading. The earthing arrangements shall also be adequate.

NOTE. It is the responsibility of the person carrying out the work to satisfy himself as to whether or not the additional load can
be safely carried by the existing installation.

5.11 Voltage exceeding 250 volts.

5.11.1 Where apparatus is to be operated at voltages in excess of 250 V, all terminals or other fixed live
parts not permanently shrouded in insulating material shall either be installed so as to be accessible only to
authorised personnel or shall be enclosed in earthed metal or incombustible insulating material.

5.11.2 Every item of electrical apparatus, or enclosure, within which voltages in excess of 250 V exists and
where the presence of voltages in excess of 250 V would not normally be expected, shall be so arranged that
before access is gained to live parts, a warning of the maximum voltage present is clearly visible.

5.11.3 More than one phase of a supply shall preferably not be brought into a multi-gang switch box, but
where this is unavoidable 5.11.4 is applicable, and, in addition, the switches, accessories and wiring connected
to each phase shall be separated from each other by rigidly fixed screens or barriers.

19
 JS 21: 1992

5.11.4 Where terminals or other fixed live parts between which voltages in excess of 250 V separate
enclosures or items of apparatus which, although separated, are within reach of each other, a notice shall be
placed in such a position that anyone gaining access to live parts is warned of the maximum voltage which
exists between them.

5.11.5 All socket-outlets in any one room shall be connected to the same phase (or pole of a 3-wire system).

5.12 Exemption. In non-domestic premises, if it is clearly impracticable to comply with, more than one
phase (or pole) of the supply may be utilised provided that all socket-outlets on one phase (or pole) are
grouped together and are not intermingled with socket-outlets connected to a different phase (or pole), and
provided that in no circumstances may a socket-outlet be installed at a distance less than 2 m from any
socket-outlet connected to a different phase (or pole).

NOTE. (1) 5.11, refers to conductors and apparatus where the voltage exceeds:
(a) 250 V between any live conductors or other metal and earth when the system of supply has one conductor
earthed;

(b) 250 V between live conductors or other metal when no conductor of the system of supply is earthed.

(2) Attention is directed to 8.1 regarding the use of apparatus of proper voltage rating for a circuit and, in
particular, to the notes about fuses.

(3) Special requirements for high-voltage-discharge lamps are dealt with in clause 9.

(4) In the case of private generating plant installations, such as mobile crushing and screen plants and the like
which operate from a three-phase three-wire or four-wire system of supply exceeding 250 volts and where
effective earthing is impracticable the following conditions would form the basic principles required to comply
with the requirements of 5.11:

(a) All exposed metalwork is to be effectively bonded and connected to the star point.

(b) The plant is to be fitted with protective equipment which, in the event of a fault that could liven any
exposed metalwork, will automatically disconnect the whole of the supply from the generator, or alternatively,
shut down the generator engine.

(c) Interconnection between individual mobile units is to be by means of suitable flexible cable having pliable
metallic armouring, screening, or braiding and providing for bonding purposes two separate earth-continuity
conductors one of which may be the metallic armour, screen or braid, if of sufficient cross-sectional area for the
purpose.

(d) Each mobile unit is to have a chain or similar training earthing device as an antistatic measure.

20
 JS 21: 1992

(e) The owner must arrange to have inspection and maintenance of the electrical equipment carried out at
regular intervals not exceeding 3 months and details of such inspections suitably recorded. The inspection
referred to above may be carried out by a licensed electrician as arranged by the owner.

6. Distribution and control.

6.1 Switchgear.

6.1.1 Every main switchboard controlling the supply from an external source shall be fitted with the
switchgear specified in table 11.

6.1.2 Every distribution board shall be fitted with the switchgear specified in column 4 of table 11 except
that, where fuses are used at the point of tap-off from a common submain in accordance with 6.11, the fuses
need not be controlled by an adjacent switch if there is not more than one such fuse per phase.

6.1.3 Every main switchboard controlling the supply from a private generating plant or from secondary
batteries shall be fitted with the switchgear specified in table 12.

The sequence of the equipment forming the switchgear required by 6.1.1 shall be such that the means of
isolation follows the consumer's terminals without the intervention of any other apparatus (see diagrams
below).

Fig. 1. Diagrams of preferred sequence of connections. Diagrams illustrating sequence of protective

devices in typical domestic installations (the supply undertaking's equipment and the consumer's switchgear
are included).

21
 JS 21: 1992

Fs.1 Service fuse and neutral link, if any.

Wh Watt-hour meter and/or time switch where required for off-peak tariff supply. S
Consumer's linked switch.
Fs.2 Consumer's main fuse.
CB Consumer's linked excess-current circuit-breaker with or without earth-leakage trip.
Db Consumer's distribution board.

22
 JS 21: 1992

NOTE. (1) The consumer's linked switch (S) and the consumer's main fuse (Fs.2) may be combined in a switch-and-fuse unit.
(2) A circuit breaker of adequate interrupting capacity shall be installed for the existing fault level.

(3) Where supply can be derived from more than one source suitable switches or circuit breakers should be
provided to prevent such service lines being accidentally interconnected.

(4) Where an earth-leakage circuit breaker is used it must be installed in accordance with 10.13. Any switch or
fuses on the supply side of the earth-leakage circuit breaker should be of the all-insulated pattern to prevent
danger from fire or shock. With metallic-enclosed switches or fuses the exposed metal enclosures could be
subjected to excess voltage rise in the event of an earth fault.

(5) Never assume that the top (or bottom) terminal of a fuse is the live one, ALWAYS TEST FIRST. Due to
varying practices with manufactured equipment it is not possible to specify which should be the live (supply)
terminals. It is good practice, however, to standardise the connections on any particular switchboard, if at all
possible.

(6) Although extra-low-voltage circuits are considered not to present an electric-shock hazard they can present
a fire hazard, due to the relatively large currents employed. The source of supply, i.e., secondary battery,
transformer, generator, or rectifier must be taken into account in assessing the possible fire hazard in the case
of a short circuit; the impedance of a transformer may keep the short-circuit current to a safe value.

(7) Except where different supplies are involved, e.g. a.c., and d.c., there should be, where practicable, only
one point of supply to a building at which the supply to the building may be disconnected.

(8) Wherever practicable, the preference should always be for one main switch only to a building. Where
continuous supply circuits, e.g. fire-fighting pumps, lifts, timekeeping systems and burglar alarms are required,
the consumer should provide the necessary additional switches. The control for such installations should be
discussed with the supply authority on account of metering requirements. Where there is, in fact, more than
one main switch, each should be clearly marked to show what it controls, or does not control, according to the
particular circumstances of the installations.

(9) Switches on switchboards should be so arranged that the blades or moving parts are disconnected from the
supply when the switch is in the "off" position. It is essential that the handle of a switch be accessible for
operation and for this purpose it is considered that the top of the handle in its highest position should not be
more than 2.25 m above floor level.

(10) Attention is drawn to the possible danger that can arise in the case of a fire in a building if a main switch
that controls a passenger-lift supply is turned off. Any such switch that controls a passenger-lift supply,
whether on or off a switchboard, should be clearly marked "This Switch Supplies A Lift".

23
 JS 21: 1992

(11) Where several consumers or types of load are supplied from the one switchboard, each having its own set
of switches, meters, fuses, etc., as required, these should be grouped, marked, or otherwise defined, to show
clearly the limits of each group or set.

6.2 Position of main switchboard. The main switchboard controlling an installation shall be readily
accessible to the consumer, and both switchboard and meters shall be located to the satisfaction of the Chief
Electrical Inspector. The following are the essential considerations in the location of a switch-board:

(a) There should be adequate space in which to install, maintain, and operate the
switchboard. A clear space of not less than 0.8 m should be available in front of any
switchboard. Where access to the wiring is not available from either the front or the rear, at
least 0.5 m clear wall space should be provided all around the board.

(b) There should be adequate space for drawing in all cables. Service-main cables
particularly are frequently heavy and stiff and require to be taken round bends of large
radius. Considerable space can be required in large installations for the assembly of the
necessary equipment and personnel to facilitate the drawing in of such cables. Adequate
height is also required to enable cables to be terminated and run in a direct manner into the
switch-board.

(c) The location of meters must be to the satisfaction of the supply authority and meter
readers should be provided with reasonably direct access from the street to the meters. In
cases where it is expedient to locate the switch-board remote from the street entrance, for
example, where it is desirable for it to be associated with auxiliary generating plant,
provision may possibly be made in collaboration with the supply authority for remote
metering, the meter being located in a messenger's office or the like. It is essential that the
location of meters be discussed with the supply authority at as early a date as possible.
(d) In public buildings it is generally considered undesirable to locate the main switch where
it would be readily accessible to the public, but in such cases the main switch should be
readily accessible to staff and capable of being easily identified.

(e) The practice of locking switchboards and switchboard rooms is considered to be not in
the best interests of safety to life, except in special circumstances. In such cases provision
should be made for providing staff with a master key for access to switchboards, or for the
location of a key readily visible and protected by a break glass enclosure or comparable
means.

NOTE. Switchboards for private generating plants are further dealt with in appendix A.

24
 JS 21: 1992

6.3 Position of switchboards.

6.3.1 Every switchboard shall be installed and maintained in an accessible position and (where possible) in
dry, well ventilated situations where flammable or explosive dust, vapour, or gas cannot accumulate, and shall
be arranged to prevent the access of corrosive fumes.

6.3.2 Every switchboard in a damp situation or in a situation where flammable or explosive dust, vapour,
or gas is likely to be present, shall be of the enclosed type or of the flameproof type, as may be necessitated by
the particular circumstances.

6.3.3 No switchboard shall be erected above a stove, laundry, copper, tub, washboiler, or the like, nor in a
bathroom, life well, freezing chamber, or cooling chamber.

6.3.4 No switchboard shall be erected in a lavatory, on or under a stairway, unless the switchboard is
totally enclosed in metal except that any switchboard may be erected beneath a stairway built of fireproof
materials.

NOTE. (1) The term "above" in 6.3.3 of this clause means directly above and within the confines of imaginary lines
perpendicular to the outside edges of the stove, tub, etc.

(2) Where the permanent switchboard for a building is installed at an early stage in the construction of the
building, it is essential that the switchboard be protected during subsequent building operations to minimise
the accumulation of dust, dirt, or grit that can cause later damage to the switchboard or its components.
Cleaning of the interior of the switchboard may be necessary before final commissioning.

6.4 Isolation. Provision shall be made for the isolating of all conductors of the installation from the
supply for the purpose of tests. To avoid risk of interruption of a neutral conductor when any other conductor
is energised, any link used in a neutral conductor shall be arranged so that either it is in contact before the
switches in the other conductors can be closed or it shall be securely fixed by bolts or screws.

6.5 Access to switchboard wiring.

6.5.1 Where it is necessary to have access to the back of a fixed switchboard for wiring purposes, the
switchboard shall be placed so that reasonable and adequate access can be obtained either from each side, or
from one side and the top and bottom, or from the back.

6.5.2 Where there is any live metal, at a voltage in excess of extra-low voltage, exposed at the back of a
switchboard, the board shall be placed so that there will be a space of not less than 0.305 m (12 in) between
the metal and any object (not being part of the switchboard) which is not readily movable. The live metal shall
be made inaccessible by screening or otherwise. Where a door is provided for entry to the back of the
switch-board, it shall be provided with a spring or other device which shall ensure that the door remains wide
open when not properly shut and locked.

25
 JS 21: 1992

6.5.3 Where an access passageway is provided behind a switchboard, all stays and conductors shall be
arranged so as to allow a clearance above floor level over the space behind the switchboard of not less than
1.75 m for stays and insulated conductors and not less than 2 m for bare conductors. The minimum width of
the passage shall be 0.6 m.

NOTE. (1) For the purpose of 6.5.1 reasonable and adequate access is considered to require a space between the back of the
switchboard panel and any object which is not readily removable of not less than:

(a) 0.1 m where either the width or height of the board does not exceed 0.6 m;

(b) 0.15 m where each such measurement exceeds 0.6 m but does not exceed 1 m;

(c) 0.225 m where each such measurement exceeds 1 m but does not exceed 1.25 m;

(d) 0.3 m where each such measurement exceeds 1.25 m but does not exceed 1.5 m;

(e) 0.6 m where each such measurement exceeds 1.5 m with hinged switchboard panels the space should not
be less than half that for fixed panels.

(2) It is recommended that the working space adjacent to the side, top, or bottom access to a fixed switchboard
be not less than 0.5 m wide or deep as applicable.

(3) It is very necessary that steps be taken to exclude rodents from the back of a switchboard. This is a
favourite place for them to build nests and has been the cause of many fires.

(4) Containing-cases for switchboards should be either easily removable to allow access to the wiring or of
ample dimensions to allow such access. Removable cases should be securely fixed in position.

(5) Glass panels are useful for inspection purposes, but if these are too large they can become a danger.

(6) It is recommended that where there is excessive exposure of live metal in a cabinet-enclosed switchboard
there should be an adequate warning notice on the outside of the cabinet door and also inside the cabinet other
than on the inside of the door. Similarly where the removal of an exterior enclosing panel of such a
switchboard exposes live metal warning notices should also be provided. It should also be standard procedure
that under normal circumstances the doors of such cabinets be locked shut and the key placed in the charge of
some responsible person.

(7) See note 3 of 5.3.

26
 JS 21: 1992

6.6 Busbars for neutral and earth-continuity conductors.

6.6.1 Where the neutral conductor of the supply is earthed, there shall be fitted to each switchboard a
busbar which shall be insulated from any earthed metal associated with the switchboard and to which neutral
conductors shall be connected, and a separate busbar or lug to which earth-continuity conductors shall be
connected.

6.6.2 The neutral busbar and the earth-continuity-conductor busbar shall both be of adequate dimensions
and shall be effectively connected together in such a manner that they may be readily separated for the
purpose of testing.

6.6.3 The neutral conductors shall be connected to the busbars in such a manner that the conductors may
be readily removed.

6.6.4 In the case of a multiple-earthed-neutral system , the service-main neutral shall terminate in a
separate permanently attached cable socket which, together with the main earthing-lead cable socket, shall be
securely and effectively connected to the neutral busbar on the main switchboard by means of a nut and a
locknut in a manner which will readily permit separation of each cable socket from the busbar for the purpose
of testing.

6.6.5 Notwithstanding anything in 6.6.4, any potential wire required for the purpose of metering may be
connected in the service-main-neutral cable socket.

NOTE. (1) The requirements of 10.8 stipulate that the earthing lead for a multiple -earthed-neutral system of supply shall be
connected to the neutral busbar of the main switchboard along with the service-main neutral. In no
circumstances is it to be connected to the earth-continuity-conductor busbar. With distribution boards
(sub-boards) it is not required that the neutral bar be directly earthed. In most such cases the requirements of
the specification will be met by the connection of the submain neutral to the neutral busbar and the
earth-continuity conductor associated with the submain connected to the earth -continuity-conductor busbar.
Both these busbars are to be connected together in accordance with 6.6.2. Where, because of some special
circumstances, e.g., in a detached building, it is considered desirable to provide an additional direct earthing
lead for the distribution board such earthing lead should be connected to the neutral busbar in the same
manner as for the main switchboard. This matter is also dealt with in appendix E Reference to clause 2 will
show the difference between an earth-continuity conductor and an earthing lead.

(2) The service-main neutral extends from the service line to the main switchboard (see definition of service
main in clause 2. In some cases e.g., where supply is by underground cable to a master switch or where
outdoor metering is employed, the service main may consist of more than one run of cable, but the termination
of the service main neutral is considered still to be at the main switchboard.

(3) Not more than two 1 mm² or 1.5 mm², neutral conductors should be terminated at a normal 5 mm diameter
screw and flat washer. Each conductor 2.5 mm² or larger should terminate under a separate binding screw and
flat washer.

27
 JS 21: 1992

(4) Conductors terminating at any neutral busbar should, to facilitate removal for testing purposes, not be
twisted together.

(5) The screws that hold a busbar to a switchboard should not be used as conductor-terminal screws.
(6) The neutral busbar is to be insulated from earthed metal associated with the switchboard to facilitate
testing.

(7) Where the source of supply has no conductor connected to earth, each circuit neutral conductor must be
connected to a terminal of a fuse (see tables 11 and 12).

(8) Where the Electrical Supply Undertaking expressly permits and in no other cases the permanently attached
cable socket required by 6.6.4 may be of the bolted or similar type. In such cases a means of securing the
meter-potential cables, such as a stud which can be sealed, shall be provided as required by the Electrical
Supply Undertaking.

(9) It would be desirable to allow spare ways on both neutral and earth busbars for future extensions or
additions which are most likely to occur.

(10) The size of earthing tails used with M.I.M.S. cable should be equal to the size of the related conductors.

(11) There is no objection to the neutral busbar and earth-continuity-conductor busbar being fitted to the back
of a fixed or hinged switchboard, or within the recess behind a hinged switchboard, but in such cases it is
essential that they be so located that the requirements of 6.6.3 are satisfied.

28
 JS 21: 1992

Fig 2. Diagram showing assembly and connection of neutral and earth-continuity-conductor busbars.
(Alternatively, the neutral and earth continuity conductor busbars may be placed parallel, either vertically or
horizontally, and the link fitted to suit).

6.7 Protection against spread of fire. Every switchboard shall be of such design and construction as to
minimise the risk of fire on the switchboard itself or in its associated wiring, and also to minimise the risk of
any fire, arcing, or sparking on the switchboard causing ignition of adjacent ignitable material, including
wooden walls and ceilings. The ends of all cable ducts shall be made draughtproof.

NOTE. (1) The necessity to provide protection against spread of fire at a switchboard is very real, as experience has shown the
switchboard to be a common source of electrical fires.

(2) With recessed-type switchboards, i.e., those with the panel substantially flush with the wall and the wiring
within the width of the wall, the recess should be lined, with material that is not -readily combustible. The type
of recessed switchboard in which the whole of the wiring, switches and fuses are enclosed in a metal box is a

29
 JS 21: 1992
good example of protection against spread of fire, provided openings for cables are reasonably well sealed off.

(3) Scrim-and paper-lined walls around a switchboard present a high fire risk and special care is needed to
ensure that the switchboard surround is really close fitting and that holes in the wall at the back of the
switchboard are properly sealed against draughts and rodents.

(4) No combustible material should be placed, stored, or allowed to accumulate within 1.25m of any part of
any switchboard. This applies particularly to cleaners' materials and the like which are frequently very
flammable. With some rewirable fuses molten globules of copper hot enough to start a fire are ejected in all
directions when such a fuse blows on short circuit.

(5) It is essential that terminal screws on switchboards remain properly tightened and that they are not affected
by vibration likely to take place under normal circumstances. Loose terminal screws on switchboards are a
common cause of fire.

30
 JS 21: 1992

(6) Many semi-enclosed rewirable fuses of 5 A to 30 A, 250 V rating now in use and not marked with their
category of duty require to be spaced apart where the prospective short-circuit current exceeds about 500 A at
230 V. Experience has shown that where connected to the same phase these fuses should be placed not less
than 6mm from each other or from any earthed metal.

(7) Semi-enclosed rewirable fuses marked with their category of duty and for use on 230 V circuits will most
likely have been tested for that duty with a spacing of 3 mm (1/8 in) between the test fuses. It is recommended
that such fuses be mounted with a minimum clearance of 3 mm between the sides of adjacent fuse bases.

6.8 Construction of switchboards. Switchboards shall be constructed wholly of durable materials

having adequate mechanical strength and, where insulating panels are used, these shall have non-ignitable or
self-extinguishing properties and, if intended to be in direct contact with live metal, shall be of permanently
high dielectric strength and insulation resistance.

6.9 Fuses, switches and others at rear of switchboards. Except where full rear access is provided, no
fuse, circuit breaker, or switch (other than an insulating switch or link) shall be fixed on the back of any
switchboard, if it is necessary to replace a fuse link, or operate the circuit breaker or switch, from behind the
panel.

6.10 Identification. All control and protective apparatus on every switchboard shall be clearly and
permanently labelled for the purpose of identification.

6.11 Common submain. Where there is more than one distribution board connected to a common
submain, isolating switches or fuses shall be mounted on or adjacent to the point of tap-off for the purpose of
isolating each distribution board from the submain.

NOTE. (1) The omission of fuse for the protection of the cables connecting a distribution board to a common submain under
certain conditions, is dealt with in 6.14.2(f)

(2) Fuses for isolating at the point of tap-off do not dispense with the need to use a control switch on or
adjacent to the distribution board, as required by 6.1.2

(3) If a distribution board is mounted on or adjacent to the common submain to feed two or more subcircuits,
such board must be controlled by a switch, whether isolating fuses are used or not (see 6.1.2).

(4) The term common submain includes rising mains, ring mains, busbar systems, or other types of wiring
systems, from which two or more submains or subcircuits may be taken.

6.12 Breaking capacity of protective devices. Throughout an installation, the breaking capacity of any
fuse or circuit breaker shall be adequately related to the maximum short-circuit current attainable at the point
of installation.

NOTE. (1) The characteristics and setting, and the arrangement of the distribution system, should be such that proper
discrimination in operation of the protective gear is ensured.

31
 JS 21: 1992

(2) Where adopted, cartridge fuses should be used throughout the installation.

(3) For further information regarding short-circuit currents see appendix H.

(4) Where a circuit breaker or fuse of insufficient breaking capacity for short circuit faults is installed a
back-up fuse of adequate breaking capacity will be required in addition. The design of the whole installation
must ensure that any back-up fuse, wherever installed, interrupts any fault current in excess of the rating of
any inadequately rated circuit breaker or fuse before such circuit breaker or fuse operates to open the circuit.
Where, under these conditions, the only fuses protecting an installation are the supply authority's fuses it is
always advisable to provide additional fuse protection of adequate breaking capacity on the live side of the
circuit breaker. Appendix H provides information on short-circuit current values.

6.13 Position of switches and protective devices.

6.13.1 In a two-wire installation with one conductor earthed, single-pole switches, circuit breakers, fuses, or
thermostats shall be fitted in the phase or outer (non-earthed) conductor only. In any two-wire installation in
which neither conductor is earthed, double pole switches shall be fitted throughout.

6.13.2 Where switches or circuit breakers are required to control more than one live conductor or a circuit,
they shall be arranged to operate simultaneously in all live conductors.

6.13.3 Any linked or multi-pole switch or circuit breaker inserted in a neutral, middle or earthed conductor
shall be so arranged that the contacts to which the neutral, middle, or earthed conductor are connected cannot
be opened before or closed after the contacts to which the live conductors are connected.

6.14 Relative ratings of conductor and protective devices.

6.14.1 Every conductor in an installation, unless exempted under the provisions of 6.13.1, shall be protected
against excess current by a fuse or circuit breaker fitted at the origin of the circuit of which it forms part. The
current rating of every fuse used for this purpose shall not exceed that of the lowest-rated conductor
(appropriate to the class of fuse) in the circuit protected. Every circuit breaker used for this purpose shall
operate when the circuit protected is subjected to a sustained excess current of 1.25 times the rating
(appropriate to this form of protection) of the lowest-rated conductor in the circuit (see also 6.12).

6.14.2 The exemptions referred to in 6.14.1 are the following:

(a) ring circuits installed in accordance with 6.16;

(b) motor circuits installed in accordance with 8.20;

(c) wiring of pilot-lamp circuits enclosed in earthed metal or non-ignitable insulating material
and auxiliary circuits of apparatus contained within the enclosure of that apparatus;

32
 JS 21: 1992

(d) flexible cords connected to portable appliances;

(e) circuits in which the omission of a fuse is necessary for technical reasons;

(f) cables not exceeding 2 m in length used for connecting switchgear, if the rating of the
cable is not less than half that provided under this clause, except that, where the cables are
used for connections in a fire-resistant enclosure behind a switch-board, the rating of the
cable may be not less than one-fifth of that provided under this clause but in no case less
than 2.5 mm²;

(g) busbars supplied at the mid-point of their length and protected by a fuse of not more than
twice the current rating of the busbars;

(h) service mains where protection against excess current and energy is provided by the
Electrical Supply Undertaking.

NOTE. (1) The exemption in 6.14.2 (f) is intended to cover interconnections within switchboards, between busbars and
individual control units, and the like. The exemption is also applicable to single core cables used in wiring
switchboards generally; in such cases the factors of one-half and one-fifth will become multiplying factors of 2
and 5 respectively according to the circumstances of a particular installation when used with the current ratings
for twin or two single cables in the relevant table.

(2) In the case of switchboards comprised of individual fuses mounted on composition panels and wired behind
the panel, the requirements of this clause can best be met by taking a supply lead from the main fuse, main
switch, or meter, as applicable, to a protected busbar or busbars mounted on the front of a fixed panel without
rear access, or behind a panel if hinged or provided with rear access. From this bar, or bars, separate cables of
rating not less than one-half or one-fifth (as applicable) that of the protecting main fuse or fuses, and not
exceeding 2 m in length, should be taken to each of the fuses mounted on the board. Where practicable (and
without cutting strands) cables may be looped to two or more fuse bases, though looping to more than two fuse
bases is considered not to be good practice.

(3) Table 1 shows the number of conductors, twisted together normally, that can be readily inserted into
terminal holes of various sizes:

33
 JS 21: 1992

Table 1: Number and size of conductor for insertion into differing sizes of terminal holes.
Size of terminal
holes No. & Size of conductor

mm 1 mm² 1.25 mm² 1.5 mm² 2.5 mm² 4 mm² 6 mm²

3.2 4 3 2 1 1 -
3.6 6 4 2 2 1 -
4.0 - 5 3 2 1 1
4.4 - 6 4 2 1 1
4.8 - - 5 3 2 1
5.2 - - 5 3 2 1
5.6 - - 6 4 2 2
6.0 - - - 5 3 2
6.4 - - - 6 3 2

(4) A busbar supplied at its mid-point may be supplied by a cable having a current rating
twice that of the busbar.

(5) The size of the neutral conductor in subcircuits of three-phase four-wire a.c. or
three-wire a.c. or d.c. wiring should preferably be the same as that of the phase conductors to
ensure adequate conductance for fault current.

(6) Where conductors of small size are to be connected to busbars for potential circuits,
indicating lamps, etc., an enclosed fuse, such as a cartridge fuse of suitable rating and
category of duty, should be mounted either directly on the busbar or in very close proximity
thereto. Appropriate safety measures, such as shields or barriers, may be necessary when
repairs or alterations are being made. The exemption provided for in 6.14.2 (c) applies more
particularly to motor starters, etc., and should in no case be abused. Short circuits or faults
to earth, even with small conductors, can cause considerable damage if proper and adequate
protection is not given, such conductors and the appliances they supply.

(7) An example of the exemption provided for in 6.14.2 (e) would be the shunt coil circuit of
a contactor where the circuit wiring is wholly contained within the case of the contactor.

34
 JS 21: 1992

(8) See note (2) of 5.4. When several consumers are being supplied from one service box,
and the consumer's main switchboard is controlled by a main fuse, this fuse can be
considered as providing protection against excess current in the consumer's mains.

(9) For various reasons it is sometimes necessary to use a fuse designed and marked by the
manufacturer for a larger rated current than the actual current rating of the circuit
conductors to be protected. In such cases the fuse element should be changed to the correct
size appropriate to the current rating of the circuit conductors and, in addition, the current
rating of the circuit should be permanently and legibly marked:

(a) on an exposed non-detachable portion of the fuse, or of its enclosing case (if any), or on
the switchboard immediately adjacent to or readily identifiable with the fuse;

(b) with rewirable fuses, on the fuse carrier also. Good quality transfers are acceptable for
the above marking. Attention is drawn to the special provisions in 8.20.8 for the excess
current protection of motor circuits.

6.15 Service mains and submains.

6.15.1 Service mains and submains shall have a current-carrying capacity not less than the maximum
demand of the installation connected thereto, save that:

(a) the neutral of a service main or submain need be capable of carrying only the maximum
current which may be imposed on it; provided that at no time shall it have a less
cross-sectional area than its corresponding earth conductor, or be less than half the
cross-sectional area of the related service main or submain phase conductors;

(b) the cross-sectional area of any service main conductor shall be not less than 2.5 mm².

6.15.2 The maximum demand of an installation for the purpose of 6.15.1 shall be determined by one or
other of the following methods (unless evidence acceptable to the Electrical Supply Authority is produced to
justify a lower maximum demand being adopted):

(a) by a maximum-demand indicator or recorder installed to the satisfaction of the CEI;

(b) by the current rating of a circuit breaker having fixed non-adjustable time/current
characteristics and so connected as to limit the current in a service main or submain;

(c) by the load setting of the over-current release on a circuit breaker having adjustable
time/current characteristics if the release is so connected as to limit the current in a service
main or submain and is calibrated, adjusted, enclosed, and sealed to the satisfaction of the
CEI;

(d) by estimation as specified in table 13.

35