Electrical specification for events

Testing of electrical installation

The electrical installations used in connection with the event must be inspected by a competent person and an National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) (or equivalent) inspection report provided. The certificate must be available on site for inspection by an officer of the licensing authority.

Use of residual current devices (RCDs)

Where any of the following portable equipment which relies on mains voltage is used:

• Lighting
• Video equipment
• Sound reproducing equipment
• Electrically operated musical equipment/instruments
• Hand-held electrical apparatus
• Any other portable apparatus

then one of the following protective devices must be provided at the electrical socket(s) to be used:

• Each socket outlet circuit shall be protected by a residual current device having a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 milliamp; or
• Each individual socket outlet shall be protected by a residual current device having a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 milliamp

Please note that the use of a single residual current device to protect a group of circuits or the use of a 'plug in' residual current device is not permitted. These installations must also be inspected by a competent person and an NICEIC (or equivalent) inspection report provided. The certificate must be available on site for inspection by an officer of the licensing authority.

Temporary electrics

Temporary electrical wiring and distribution systems must be inspected and certified by a competent person before they are put into use. A satisfactory and valid inspection report must be available on site for inspection by an officer of the licensing authority.

Electrics for small events

For small events as a minimum you must ensure that any electrics are safe and without danger to the public. Plus a Residual Current Device (RCD) may be required for amplified entertainment and any outdoor electrics. Further guidance should be obtained from a competent electrician.