Inspection & Testing - Special Locations
Temporary Power for Entertainment Events
Events
Temporary electrical supplies are required for many different types of events. For example, television and film sets, theatre productions and concerts, both indoor and outdoor, have power requirements ranging from a few kilowatts to many megawatts.
Due to the nature of the work, tight schedules, inclement weather, ever changing plans, etc., the installation will need to be quickly assembled and quickly disassembled, particularly with a touring production.
Overview
When a performance takes place in a small venue, an example of this could be a band in local pub, the electrical equipment will be supplied from local, strategically-positioned, socket-outlets. It is quite likely that extension leads will be used to provide more socket outlets in places where required.
The method of electrical distribution in a large concert venue follows the same principle; socket-outlets will be provided to cover certain areas, distribution units and extension leads will then be used to distribute power to the point of utilisation. In effect, beyond the fixed electrical installation, the temporary element is purely a kit-of-parts assembled to suit the situation or event.
The Law
The law requires that electrical installations are maintained and kept in a safe condition. The fact that an electrical installation is of a temporary nature does not permit a lower standard of installation work; the standards of installation and maintenance need to be higher as the operating conditions are more onerous. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, places duties on employers, designers and installers to insure all systems are safe.
The particular risks associated with temporary installations are those of electric shock and fire. These arise from:
- the temporary nature of the installation
- lack of permanent structures
- severe mechanical stresses
- access to the general public
Particular attention should be paid to:
- suitability of the equipment for the environment
- earthing and bonding requirements
- connection to the supply
- use of accessories of the appropriate Degree of Protection (IP code) to suit the particular external influences
Testing, inspection & certification
The fixed installation
In compliance with Chapter 73 of BS 7671, Periodic Inspection and Testing, the fixed installation will be tested and inspected at regular intervals to determine whether the installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service.
A periodic inspection report will be made available by the venue to contractors who may be working on behalf of the production.
Portable equipment
The Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment recommends that all electrical equipment is inspected and tested at regular intervals. The frequency of inspection and testing will be established and frequently evaluated by the competent person responsible for the equipment.
Where practicable, cables and connectors should be assembled offsite and tested and certified as safe and satisfactory before delivery to site.
Installers and users are encouraged to inspect all cables and couplers prior to energising.
ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections Limited, have a team of specialist inspection engineers who are experienced in the inspection of temporary power installations, and PAT Testing of equipment for use in entertainment events.
We are able to offer full NICEIC Certification and Periodic Inspection Reporting of Installations for temporary events and for entertainment licenses.