Housebuilders and Amendment 2
With Amendment 2 becoming mandatory from 28th September 2022, it is important housebuilders take the time now to make sure they are aware of the new regulations, which apply to new build properties. From September, housebuilders must work alongside installation teams to ensure that Amendment 2 modifications are followed, and installations comply.
The main highlights include:
AFDDs
The main change outlined in Amendment 2 reinforces the important role of Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) and states where, going forward, they need to be installed. As a result, arc fault detection is now mandatory on all socket circuits up to and including 32 Amps within higher risk residential buildings, such as buildings containing several floors, houses of multiple occupation, purpose-built student accommodation, and care homes.
Housebuilders involved in the construction of such structures are now mandated to include an AFDD solution. For housebuilders concentrating on single dwelling house construction, the rule changes recommend AFDD installation in such instances.
To further support housebuilders and electrical professionals, ahead of what will be a new era for the electrical marketplace, here at Hager we are currently investing R&D resources into the development and extensive testing of a new and improved AFDD solution, which will be available to coincide with the mandatory introduction of Amendment 2 later this year.
Surge Protection
Another key change outlined in Amendment 2 is the area of surge protection, which sees a further layer of safety protection added in. In essence, overvoltage protection through a surge protection device is now a requirement for all installations. There are no exceptions permitted where an overvoltage incident can cause serious injury, loss of life, or cause the failure of a safety service (such as a smoke alarm). As a result, surge protection will need to be included within consumer units from the Amendment 2 introduction date in September.
Aesthetics
For many housebuilders, creating homes which combine functionality and style is a top priority, so the changes to certificate documentation, identification labelling, and testing schedules will be welcomed.
Here, Amendment 2 has outlined the removal of the requirement to apply identification labelling notices to the exterior of domestic consumer units once installation is complete. For housebuilders, this change is particularly important, especially as consumer units are now often prominently displayed in visible areas of the home to comply with accessibility rules, especially in new builds. This change will enable housebuilders to deliver high-quality installations that don’t compromise on the overall aesthetics of the property.
Sustainability
With housebuilders increasingly conscious of consumer sustainability expectations, creating low carbon, energy efficient housing sits at the heart of the Future Homes Standard. Amendment 2 acknowledges this fact and alludes to a range of home sustainability technologies such as EV charging, battery storage, and solar PV that housebuilders will be paying attention to, to satisfy market demands and differentiate themselves.
Working together
At Hager, our market-leading Tailored Solutions Team works alongside housebuilders with the joint objective of generating an effective and added value product solution. Considering the requirements of Amendment 2, we’re able to offer greater choice and supply pre-configured bespoke consumer units that house a myriad of intelligence-led products.