Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Requirements in Electrical Installations According to BS 7671
Regulation 560.6.12 outlines the specific requirements for Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) sources to ensure operational and safety standards in electrical installations.
OW London Electrician and Home Automation Engineers Team
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Requirements in Electrical Installations According to BS 7671
Regulation 560.6.12 states:
"Where an uninterruptible power supply is used, it shall:
- be able to operate distribution circuit protective devices, and
- be able to start the safety devices when it is operating in the emergency condition from the inverter supplied by the battery, and
- comply with the requirements of Regulation 560.6.10, and
- comply with BS EN 62040-1 and BS EN 62040-3, as applicable."
This regulation ensures that when a UPS is utilized in an electrical installation, it meets specific operational and safety standards. Let's break down each part:
Operate Distribution Circuit Protective Devices:
The UPS must have the capability to operate the protective devices that are part of the distribution circuit. This means that the UPS should ensure the circuit breakers or fuses within the distribution board can function correctly to protect the circuit from faults, even when the power is being supplied by the UPS.
Start Safety Devices in Emergency Conditions:
When the UPS is in emergency mode (powered by the battery and inverter), it must be able to start and run all safety devices. This ensures that crucial safety systems remain operational even during a power outage.
Compliance with Regulation 560.6.10:
Regulation 560.6.10 includes additional requirements for the installation and operation of safety services. By referring to this regulation, 560.6.12 ensures that all relevant safety and operational guidelines are followed.
Compliance with BS EN 62040-1 and BS EN 62040-3:
These are specific British Standards that relate to the performance and safety of UPS systems. BS EN 62040-1 covers general and safety requirements for UPS systems, while BS EN 62040-3 covers performance and test requirements. Compliance with these standards ensures that the UPS system is reliable and safe to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a UPS and why is it important?
A: An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a device that provides emergency power to a load when the input power source fails. It is essential for preventing power interruptions that can cause data loss, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Q: How do I ensure my UPS meets the required standards?
A: Ensure that your UPS is certified to comply with BS EN 62040-1 and BS EN 62040-3. Additionally, it should be capable of operating distribution circuit protective devices and starting safety devices in emergency conditions as specified in Regulation 560.6.12.
Q: Can any UPS be used for critical safety services?
A: No, the UPS must specifically comply with the requirements of Regulation 560.6.10 and the relevant BS EN standards. It must be capable of ensuring the operation of protective and safety devices even during emergency conditions.
Q: What is the significance of BS EN 62040-1 and BS EN 62040-3 standards?
A: BS EN 62040-1 sets out the general and safety requirements for UPS systems, ensuring they are safe to use. BS EN 62040-3 covers the performance and test methods for UPS systems, ensuring they perform reliably under various conditions.
Q: Why is it important for a UPS to start safety devices in emergency conditions?
A: It is crucial because safety devices must remain operational during power outages to protect occupants and equipment. The UPS ensures these devices can start and function properly even when the main power supply is unavailable.
Understanding and adhering to Regulation 560.6.12 is crucial for maintaining safety and reliability in electrical installations that use UPS systems.
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