Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Electricity Supply Regulations 1988 (“the 1988 Regulations”), which by virtue of paragraph 3(a) of Schedule 17 to the Electricity Act 1989 (“the Act”) have effect as if made under section 29 of the Act.

The Regulations make amendments to definitions in the 1988 Regulations to align them as far as possible with, or to distinguish them from, definitions in the Act, make textual changes consequent upon the Act, and make minor and drafting amendments. They make the following additional changes of substance.

The prohibition as to fuses and automatic switching devices in regulation 4(2) (earthing connections) is extended to apply to all low voltage earthing connections.

The requirements in regulation 7 (protective multiple earthing) are restated to make clear the circumstances in which the supply neutral conductor of a distributing main is to be connected with earth. Previously the last 40 metres of a distributing main, to which no more than four consumers were connected, required an earthing connection at the junction with the service line of the consumer’s installation which had or was intended to have protective multiple earthing and which was nearest to the source of voltage. This requirement has now been removed. Removal of any earthing connection made prior to those provided for by the new regulation 7(1)(a) will not be required, and the new provisions will not apply to works brought into use before 30th March 1990. More specific requirements are made for consumers' earthing connections. Regulation 16 (insulators in stay wires) is amended to exclude stay wires connected to earthed metal supports.

The obligation on a supplier in regulation 25 (supplier’s works on consumer’s premises) to mark the phase rotation of conductors, and in regulation 30 (declaration of phases, frequency and voltage at supply terminals) to declare the phase rotation to a consumer, is removed. Regulation 34(5) of the 1988 Regulations (notification of specified events) required a supplier to give immediate notice to the Secretary of State of a reportable death. The amendment to this regulation requires a supplier to give similar notice of serious injury, as defined in regulation 34(6).

The amendments to Schedule 1 (safety signs) allow for larger sizes of text on safety signs, and require any additional text to appear no higher than the base of the triangle forming part of the sign. Schedule 2 (minimum height above ground of overhead lines) is amended to specify nominal in place of specific voltages.