Electrical systems and installations in the work and office environment must comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations, failure to comply may lead to prosecution.
British Standard BS6396 - provides the specification covering installation and use of electrical systems on or in office furniture connected to the mains power via a 13Amp plug. Where connection to the supply is direct or via an underfloor track connector then BS7671 – The IEE Wiring Regulations apply.
Electrical systems used in office furniture installations must be manufactured to relevant electrical standards and installed and tested in compliance with BS6396 and the Electricity at Work Regulations, to ensure safety before being handed over for use.
Section 7 of BS6396:2002 covers the compliance procedure.
The 2002 revision of BS6396 require all sockets to be individually fused, and the maximum fuse rating allowed by BS6396:2008 is 5A. However, most office electrical equipment will run within the 5A maximum; this does not include kettles, fan heaters or vacuum cleaners.
Below are some examples of office equipment and their typical current running requirements:
- Computer CPU >2.0 Amp
- Monitor CRT type >1.5 Amp
- Lap-top Computer >1.0 Amp
- Desk Lamp 0.25 Amp
- Printer or Fax Machine >2.0 Amp
The number of sockets and their fuse ratings connected to a single 13Amp mains plug fed from the building supply allowable is:
- Up to 6 x 3.15A fused desk power sockets, (3 x 2-way, 2 x 3-way etc.)
- Up to 4 x 5A fused desk power sockets, (1 x 4-way, 2 x 2-way etc.)
