Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations - 2009 Edition

than the product of the total steady current which it is required to
carry and a multiplying factor of 1.8.
(2) Means of isolation
One or more of the following means should be provided inside the
building for the isolation from all live conductors of the supply to selfcontained
luminaires or every circuit supplying high voltage luminaires,
and such means should comply with requirements of Code 8B(2):
(a) an interlock on the self-contained luminaire, so arranged that before
access can be made to live parts, the supply is automatically
disconnected, such means being additional to the switch normally
used for controlling the circuit, or
(b) a switch having a lock or removable handle, or a distribution board
which can be locked, and with such arrangements to prevent the
restoration of the supply by unauthorised persons. Where an
installation comprises more than one such switch or distribution
board, all keys and removable handles should be noninterchangeable.
(3) Fireman’s emergency switch
A fireman’s emergency switch complying with requirements of Code
8B(4), should be provided for every exterior or interior high voltage
lighting installation which is operated unattended. Such firemen’s
emergency switch should:
(a) be arranged to isolate the installation from all live conductors of the
supply, except that it need not isolate the neutral conductor of a
3-phase 4-wire supply;
(b) be fixed in a conspicuous position, reasonably accessible to firemen
at not less than 2.7 metres and not more than 3.0 metres above the
floor or the ground;
(c) be clearly marked to indicate the installation or part of the
installation which they control, where more than one fireman’s
switch is installed in any one building;
(d ) preferably be provided with a catch so designed as to prevent the
switch being inadvertently or accidentally returned to the ‘ON’
position;
(e) for exterior installation, be outside the building and as near as
possible vertically below the electrical discharge lamp(s). Alternatively
a notice indicating the position of the switch shall be placed directly
below the electrical discharge lamp(s) and a nameplate should be
fixed near the switch so as to render it clearly distinguishable. An
installation in a closed market or in an arcade is deemed to be an
180