Editor's Notes

In this issue of Electricity News, we look at the causes of two serious incidents that tragically resulted in the death of members of the public by electrocution. In addition, we have another update on the adoption of a new cable colour code and a feature article on recent fire incidents involving TV sets.

We received some valuable feedback about the last issue of Electricity News and we thank our readers for taking time to offer their views. In order to improve the newsletter and enrich its content, we again appeal to you to complete the feedback form on the back cover and return it to our Electricity Legislation Division as soon as possible.

Kelly Chen: No More Blackouts

Kelly Chen was born in Hong Kong and completed her Secondary 3 education here before moving to Japan to continue her high school studies and then to New York in the USA to study graphic design. After graduation, Kelly returned to Hong Kong, where she was spotted by her present agent and embarked on her stage career.

Apart from Cantonese, Kelly is also proficient in Putonghua, English and Japanese. Given her language proficiency and her outstanding performance on stage, Kelly is said to be a versatile pop star. In 2004, Kelly won the World Outstanding Youth Award in recognition of her dedication to children, world peace and human rights. She was the first female artiste from Hong Kong to receive this honour. As our readers may be aware, Kelly has not often performed in Hong Kong recently. She is now making a performance tour in Mainland China, which is her focus of work this year. Kelly has released her latest Putonghua album recently and is now busy with the promotional work.

Not long ago, Kelly read about a power interruption at a residential building in Kwai Fong. This brought back memories of her own childhood, when there were always one or two blackouts every year. To a child, these were funny occasions: with the apartment in darkness and shouts of "blackout again" from neighbours. Kelly's mother would light a candle and her family would sit together and chat until the power came back on. As an adult, Kelly has a different view of electricity blackouts. She hopes that such incidents will become a thing of the past as they not only cause inconvenience and discomfort to the public but also pose a danger (e.g. to the elderly and the physically handicapped who may fall accidentally during a blackout, and to people who rely on medical equipment at home). Moreover, if someone is injured or feels unwell and has to be hospitalized, rescue work may be hampered because lifts cannot be used when there is a power interruption.

During the interview with our reporter (an engineer from our Electricity Legislation Division), Kelly said that this was the first time she had met one of our staff. After discussing the legislation regarding the safety of electrical installations in Hong Kong and learning more about our work in this respect, Kelly encouraged building owners to arrange for registered electrical contractors ("RECs") and workers ("REWs") to periodically inspect and maintain the electrical installations of their buildings in order to ensure safety and prevent power interruption.

Kelly has visited many cities worldwide and is pleased that Hong Kong, like the metropolises in other advanced countries, now seldom experiences electricity blackouts. She believes that this can be attributed to the efforts of the government, the power companies, and our hardworking RECs and REWs. Through this issue of Electricity News, Kelly hopes to say a few words to all RECs and REWs in Hong Kong: "Keep up the good work! We all rely on you!"

Cases of Serious Electrical Incidents

A number of serious electrical incidents involving electrical installations have occurred. Two cases, in which members of the public were killed by electrocution, are described below. We urge electrical workers to take the utmost care when carrying out electrical work.

Case 1

A child was found hanging upside down on a metal ladder near a large extraction fan in a car park. He was unconscious and tragically died later.

The extraction fan was controlled by a timer inside a metal control box. There was a group of damaged cables near the door hinge of the control box. When the cover of the control box was closed, a sharp door hinge might contact the conductors of the damaged cables. The metal conduit installed between the control box and its power-supply distribution board served as the circuit protective conductor. The resistance between the two boxes was very high, thus resulting in an excessive earth fault loop impedance of the entire control circuit. On the other side, a metal conduit was installed between the control box and the extraction fan, and part of this conduit was installed on the metal supporting framework of the extraction fan. As a result, the whole supporting framework was electrically connected to the control box. There was no equipotential bonding between the extraction fan and its supporting framework, ventilation duct, access platform and the metal ladder.

Information suggests that, during the accident, the damaged cables inside the control box might have been nipped in the door hinge, causing the control-box casing and hence the supporting framework to become live. Due to the high earth fault loop impedance, the protective device did not operate automatically. It is believed that, during the accident, the deceased climbed up the metal ladder and touched the energized supporting framework, thus causing electrocution.

Case 2

A member of the public was found unconscious on the lower-level podium of a building and later died. When found, he was touching a surface-mounted metal conduit which was installed between a fire pump remote control box on the ground floor and a surface-mounted junction box at a higher level of the building. At the same location as this junction box, the control cables inside the conduit were routed to a concealed junction box and then a concealed conduit to reach the fire pump control box. No circuit protective conductor was installed between the surface-mounted junction box and the concealed junction box.

The surface-mounted and concealed conduits themselves also formed parts of the circuit protective conductor. It was found that the surface-mounted conduit on the podium had detached from the junction box there, and that the conductors of the control cables inside the conduit were exposed due to damaged insulation. Information suggests that the surface-mounted conduit was energized at the time of the accident. Since the electrical continuity of the conduits and junction boxes had not been maintained, the protective device did not operate automatically. At the material time, the deceased might have touched both the energized conduit and the adjacent fire service pipe simultaneously and thus got electrocuted.

Avoiding Similar Incidents

The common point of the above two incidents was ineffective earthing, and the protective devices could not disconnect the power supply in time. In view of this, we should pay attention to the conditions of protective conductors in the course of our work. If an electrical installation has not been maintained for a prolonged period of time or if metal conduits are used as circuit protective conductors, we should pay special attention to whether the protective conductors are rusty, loose or broken, etc. The owners of electrical installations and management companies should take appropriate measures to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to switchrooms and plant rooms, e.g. locking up the rooms and displaying warning notices, etc. To avoid similar incidents, registered electrical contractors and workers should strictly comply with the requirement set out in the Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations in inspecting, testing and maintaining electrical installations so as to ensure the proper operation of all protective devices.

An Update on the Adoption of the New Cable Colour Code

In this issue of Electricity News, we will update our readers on the work of the Working Group on the Review of Cable Colour Code in Hong Kong ( "WG") and its three Task Groups.

In July of this year, the Technical Support Task Group ("TSTG") drafted three documents and submitted them to the WG for discussion. These were a risk assessment report, a technical guide and a discussion paper on cable supply.

The risk assessment report points out that avoiding working on energized installations is the best way to reduce the chance of an accident. It quotes a medical finding that 99% of people who suffer from colour blindness and colour amblyopia have trouble distinguishing red and green as well as a mixture of the two (such as yellow). The adoption of the new colours for phase conductors (brown, black and grey) and neutral conductors (blue) will thus be helpful to them. The technical guide draws on the findings of the risk assessment report and the technical requirements stated in BS 7671. The cable supply discussion paper quotes the existing main cable suppliers in Hong Kong. Their view is that when the UK fully implements the new cable colour code, it will no longer be possible to guarantee an adequate supply of the red, yellow, blue and black cables currently used in Hong Kong, and cable prices may need to be adjusted.

Proposed amendments to the Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations ("CoP") on the adoption of the new cable colour code were also submitted to the WG in July for further discussion.

Having developed the training strategy for electrical workers, the Training Task Group ("TTG") is now preparing the necessary training documents. According to the provisional plan, three types of training will be provided for registered electrical workers ("REWs"): web-based self-learning training, large-scale training sessions and small training classes. For web-based self-learning training, the REWs can download the training materials from the EMSD website for self-learning. They are required to study the material and answer a number of questions. Also, the TTG will hold a series of large-scale training sessions, and the first session will be incorporated into the large-scale seminar to be held on 15 November this year (see News). Small training classes are intended for those REWs who have neither completed the web-based training nor attended a large-scale training session.

The Publicity Task Group ("PTG") has kept the trade informed of the latest developments in the adoption of the new cable colour code. The PTG will upload the technical guide, training materials, risk assessment report, implementation plan, and so on, to the EMSD website, and will organize publicity activities for members of the trade and the public.

A consultation paper on the change of the cable colour code was issued to the trade and other government departments in June of this year. Comments received on this paper have been forwarded to the TSTG for discussion.

The adoption of the new cable colour code has entered a new stage. The WG recommends that the new cable colour code be used from 1 July 2007, followed by a two-year grace period extending to 30 June 2009. During the grace period, cables of both new and existing colours can be used. However, for safety reasons, only cables of either new or existing colours will be permitted in new installations and in additions or alterations to existing installations. From 1 July 2009, cables of the new colours must be used. We will keep you abreast of the latest developments. Should you have any suggestions, please feel free to contact us.

Fire Incidents Involving TV Sets

This year, there were drastic changes in Hong Kong's climate. It was intensely humid in February. In June, persistent rain kept affecting the territory most of the time, resulting in very wet weather. During this period, there was a spate of fires involving cathode-ray tube ("CRT") TV sets. High-voltage cathode-ray tubes and transformers are used inside CRT TV sets to project electronic beams onto the screen to generate light spots. During the high-speed scanning process, the light spots create a moving image. Because of its high-voltage components, a CRT TV set has a higher risk of failure than other electrical appliances. When its internal insulation resistance lessens as time goes by, there may be short circuit, leading to smoking or even fire.

According to a European study of fires caused by CRT TV sets, ageing soldering points may develop contact problems. When a large current passes through a poor contact point, overheating may result. When a high voltage appears across a loose point, flashover may occur. Defective switches have similar problems. The study also points out that problems with internal components (such as inadequate voltage or current rating or poor high-temperature withstanding capability) may also cause overheating.

Since an operating CRT TV set generates electrostatic charges, its case and internal parts build up more dust than other electrical appliances. In humid weather, wet dust enters the TV set through ventilation grilles on the case and becomes a conductor, which may result in a short circuit and even cause a fire. Therefore, a TV set should not be put in a humid place. It may be necessary to use a dehumidifier or air-conditioner to lower indoor humidity levels. In addition, no aquarium should be placed near a TV set. If a TV set is not to be used for a prolonged period of time or when you go out, it should be switched off instead of switching to the standby mode with the remote controller. Ventilation grilles should be dusted regularly. In addition, regular maintenance (including cleaning of the internal parts) is highly recommended.

New Customer Services Office

Our Customer Services Office ("CSO") has moved to the ground floor of the new EMSD Headquarters at 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon Bay. The operating hours of the CSO remain unchanged at 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturdays (closed on Sundays and public holidays). Please note that the ex-CSO at 98 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay has already ceased operation.

Large-scale Technical Seminar (15 November)

EMSD organizes a large-scale technical seminar every year in collaboration with the Hong Kong and Kowloon Electrical Engineering and Appliances Trade Workers Union and the Hong Kong Electrical Contractors' Association with a view to further raising the technical standard of the trade, and maintaining close contact and strengthening communication with the trade members. The seminar for this year will be held at 7 p.m. on 15 November at the Jockey Club Auditorium of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

In planning for the seminar this year, representatives of the aforesaid Union and Association gave EMSD many valuable suggestions which enabled us to better understand the expectations of the trade members on the content of the seminar. After consultation, we decided that this year's seminar will cover several topics of concern among the trade, including the new cable colour code, a review of cases of electrical accidents, common defects found in electrical installations, as well as an introduction to energy saving products and equipment, etc., so as to enhance the knowledge of the trade members on the issues.

Those who wish to obtain admission tickets for the seminar may contact the Hong Kong and Kowloon Electrical Engineering and Appliances Trade Workers Union (Tel. No. 2626 1927) or the Hong Kong Electrical Contractors' Association (Tel. No. 2572 0843). We look forward to welcoming you at this seminar.

Online Registration and Endorsement Services

In order to provide a better service to members of the public and trade, EMSD will launch new online registration and endorsement services by the end of this year. The new services will cover registration of electrical contractors and workers (including new applications, renewal applications, applications for change of grade of electrical work by registered electrical workers, and applications for additional copies of certificate of registration by registered electrical contractors for branch offices) and the endorsement of Periodic Test Certificates (Form WR2) in respect of fixed electrical installations, etc. Apart from visiting our Customer Services Office in person during its operating hours, members of the public and trade will be able to submit their applications and pay relevant fees over our website.

Incidents Relating to Household Electrical Products

For the first half of 2005, the number of incidents relating to electrical products was a bit higher than those in the corresponding period of last year. In some cases, fires occurred as a result of improper installation of electrical products. The following is a brief description of one such case:

The Case

When a worker was relocating the indoor unit of a split-type air conditioner, he found that the original flexible cord connecting the indoor and outdoor units was too short. For the sake of convenience, he merely extended the cord instead of replacing it. At the joint of the new and existing cords inside the indoor unit, he simply twisted the conductors together and wrapped them in insulating tape. Subsequently, the poor contact at the joint caused localized overheating and hence fire on the casing of the indoor unit. The worker did not comply with the requirement set out in Code 13C (a)(i) of the Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations, which states that every connection at a cable termination should be electrically sound.

In order to prevent similar incidents, members of the trade should strictly comply with the requirements while carrying out cable connection work.

Voluntary Registration Scheme for Household Electrical Products

All household electrical products supplied in Hong Kong must comply with the safety requirements specified in the Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation and be issued with certificates of safety compliance. EMSD launched a voluntary registration scheme early this year for household electrical products with these certificates. At present, the electrical products covered by the scheme include plugs, adaptors, lamp holders, energy saving bulbs, electronic ballasts, flexible cords, extension units, electric fans, rice cookers, TV sets, washing machines, air-conditioners, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, electric water heaters and LCD monitors. More than 4,000 models have already been registered with EMSD. Members of the public can visit our website for the complete list.

"Doraemon" in Our Publications on Household Electrical Safety

The last issue of Electricity News mentioned that we would integrate the Japanese comic and cartoon character "Doraemon" into our publications to effectively promote household electrical safety. We have since published nine sets of publications (including six posters, two leaflets and one newsletter) featuring Doraemon, covering the safety of electric fans, air-conditioners, washing machines, personal computers, TV sets and electrical installations. These publications (about 270,000 copies in total) have been displayed or distributed throughout the territory, mainly in public housing estates, private buildings, government poster sites in public areas and the Public Enquiry Service Centre of each District Office.

Feedback from various channels indicates that these publications have been well received by the public. In view of this, we are planning another series that will include at least six posters, one newsletter and one mailer. These will be released within the year to cover more aspects of household electrical safety. The mailer will be sent to Hong Kong's 2.6 million electricity consumers together with their electricity bills.

"Use & Maintain Your Electrical Appliances Safely" TV Commercials

Recent electrical incidents involving TV sets and washing machines that caused fires and damage to properties have highlighted how vital the safety of household electrical appliances is to the well-being of every family.

In view of this, we have produced a new series of TV and radio commercials to promote the proper use and maintenance of household electrical appliances. Specifically, we wish to remind members of the public to: switch off their TV sets before leaving home or going to bed; remove articles from pockets before putting clothes into washing machines; avoid keeping washing machines in humid locations; and maintain household electrical appliances regularly. These commercials have been broadcast on TV and radio since June of this year.

E&M Safety Campaign 2005

Since 2001, we have organized the "E&M Safety Campaign" every year in collaboration with over 10 leading organisations and/or trade associations from the utilities, public transport, as well as housing and estate management sectors. This major annual initiative aims at raising public awareness of electrical, gas, lift and escalator safety and enhancing people's knowledge of energy saving through a series of promotional activities, including media publicity and a large outdoor carnival.

The "E&M Safety Campaign 2005" is held in the latter half of this year. The "E&M Safety Carnival 2005" will be held in the Victoria Park on 29 and 30 October. Promising again as one of the highlights of the campaign, the carnival will include nearly 20 game booths, performances by pop singers and other attractions. Admission tickets will be available free of charge from our Customer Services Office or the Public Enquiry Service Centre of each District Office from 14 October. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.

Our Electricity Legislation Division has joined with CLP Power Hong Kong Ltd., The Hongkong Electric Co. Ltd., China Inspection Co. Ltd. and Hong Kong Safety Institute to promote electrical safety in the "E&M Safety Campaign 2005". Apart from various major activities, we published a quiz with prizes in newspapers in September to promote household electrical safety among the public.

Code of Practice on Working near Electricity Supply Lines (2005 Edition)

The Code of Practice on Working near Electricity Supply Lines made under the Electricity Supply Lines (Protection) Regulation has now been in use for more than five years since its publication in June 2000. It sets out detailed working procedures and methods, to comply with the statutory requirements, with the aim of preventing electrical accidents or power interruptions caused by damage to electricity supply lines (i.e. underground electricity cables and overhead electricity lines owned by power companies). After wide consultation with the public and trades, we have amended the Code of Practice with a view to further enhancing the safety and reliability of the electricity supply and providing clearer guidelines to those concerned. The second edition (i.e. 2005 edition) of the Code of Practice was published in September this year and has been uploaded to our website.

Technical Guidelines on Grid Connection of Small-scale Renewable Energy Power Systems

We have recently published the Technical Guidelines on Grid Connection of Small-scale Renewable Energy Power Systems and uploaded it to our website. This will help members of the public to understand what these systems are and how to go about having them connected to the grid of the power companies. The guidelines cover safety, facility protection, reliability and power quality.

Seminars for Property Management Personnel

Since property management personnel play an important role in ensuring the safety of electrical installations in buildings, we have published the Guidelines for Routine Safety Check on Electrical Installations in Buildings to enhance their knowledge of electrical safety. We hope that they will pay more attention to the condition of electrical installations during their routine building inspections.

Beginning last year, we have also proactively contacted all property management companies in Hong Kong to invite their staff to participate in our seminars specially designed for them with a view to enhancing the safety of electrical installations in buildings. Between November last year and April this year, we held three seminars on this subject, reaching nearly a thousand property management personnel. Because of the favourable response to these seminars, we will organize more in the future. We do hope that all property management personnel in Hong Kong will join hands with us in enhancing the safety of electrical installations in buildings.

Third CLP Power Dragon Boat Competition

At the invitation of CLP Power Hong Kong Ltd., we participated in the "Third CLP Power Dragon Boat Competition" held at Sai Sha Wan, Sai Kung on 3 July this year. Teams from the Highways Department, Water Supplies Department and Drainage Services Department joined CLP Power and EMSD in competing for the Friendship Cup. The final results were determined based on the accumulated results of two rounds of competition. Mr. LAI Sze-hoi Roger, our Director, and Mr. K. W. Ho, our Deputy Director, led a team of more than 30 EMSD colleagues in the spirit of "Friendship First, Competition Second".

After a "god-worshipping" and "eye-dotting" ceremony, the competition began. The paddlers, with the full support of their cheerleading teams on shore, were enthusiastic competitors. Finally, the CLP Power team emerged as the winner. Though our team was not able to win the race, our dragon boat was filled with joy and happiness. The competition greatly strengthened our team spirit.

Electrical Work Safety Quiz

Feedback

We look forward to receiving your valuable feedback about this newsletter so that we may continue to improve it. Please complete the feedback form and return it to our Electricity Legislation Division by post, fax or e-mail on or before 30 November 2005 (please refer to the contact information at the bottom of this page). To show our appreciation, the first 500 respondents (see Note 1) will receive a "Doraemon" key ring by post.

Notes 1. Please excuse us for not notifying those not among the first 500 respondents.

Contact Information

Electricity Legislation Division, EMSD, 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong

1823

2895 4929

info@emsd.gov.hk