Temporary Electrical Systems

What is a Temporary Electrical System?

A temporary electrical system is generally defined as a temporary electrical system that is only intended to be in place for a very short period of time for entertainment or related purposes.

BS 7909 does not cover temporary electrical installations for construction sites, construction sites are covered in BS 7671 section 704. BS 7909 covers temporary electrical systems for entertainment and related purposes.

An example of a temporary electrical system could be for a TV outside broadcast, film set or an event.

What is a Temporary Electrical Installation?

A temporary electrical installation is generally defined as a temporary electrical installation that is only intended to be in place for a short period of time. A typical temporary electrical installation could be the temporary site power on a construction site.

From what we can gather it appears BS 7909 refers to TEMPORARY ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS and BS 7671 refers to TEMPORARY ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS.

Definitions:

• System noun (SET): A set of connected things or devices that operate together. source
• Installation noun (EQUIPMENT/FURNITURE): An occasion when equipment, furniture, or a computer program is put into position or made ready to use. source

Testing, Inspecting and Certification of Temporary Electrical Systems

The testing, inspecting and certification of temporary electrical systems (which are covered in the scope of BS 7909) require the producing and issuing of three different electrical certificates which consist of a Completion Certificate (G1 form), Schedule of Test Results (G2 form) and a Confirmation of Electrical Completion (G3 form).

The temporary electrical system for example a large event, may include several electrical systems, each system is recorded on a G1 form with an associated G2 form which is used to record the test results for that system. The G3 form is used to list/schedule all of the systems covered by the Confirmation of Electrical Completion certificate / form.

The confirmation of completion certificate must be signed off by the Senior Person Responsible (SPR), As the senior person responsible (SPR), I confirm that the temporary electrical system, as outlined in the schedule above, are safe and suitable for the purposes required by this event.

Temporary Electrical Installation Regulations

The relevant British Standards and regulations that apply to temporary electrical installations depends on the type and use of that particular temporary electrical installation.

Temporary electrical installations regulations may include BS 7671 and BS 7909 depending on the type and nature of the electrical installation or system. Note: There maybe an overlap where many different regulations, requirements and standards apply to a single temporary electrical installation and or system, also see  Electrical safety at places of Entertainment.

Temporary Electrical System/Installation Regulations & Guides:

BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations.
BS 7909 – Code of practice for temporary electrical systems for entertainment and related purposes.
HSE – Electricity at Work Regulations.
IET – A guide to the application of BS7671 and BS7909 for temporary events.

BS 7671 contains information on temporary electrical installations and special locations such as construction sites (section 704), exhibitions, shows and stands (section 711), outdoor lighting installations (section 714) or temporary electrical installations for structures, amusement devices and booths at fairgrounds, amusement parks and circuses (section 740).

Temporary Electrical Systems in the Events and Entertainment Industry

Further information relating to temporary electrical systems in the events and entertainment industry can be found in the links below. Temporary Electrical Systems for Events are covered in BS7909.

• AEV – Association of Event Venues
• ALD – Association of Lighting Designers
• ABTT – Association of British Theatre Technicians
• James Eade – Power Consultants for the Events Industry
• Bectu – The Application of BS7909 to Temporary Power Systems (3 day course)
• PLASA – Technical Articles