Chapter 7: Special Installations or Locations

BS 7671 provides additional requirements for electrical installations in environments with unique risks, ensuring safety and compliance.

Overview of Chapter 7 – Key Special Locations

7.1 Locations Containing a Bath or Shower

• Requires **additional protection by RCDs** for circuits in bathrooms.
• Defines **zones** for electrical equipment placement to prevent water-related hazards.
• Ensures **proper earthing and bonding** to reduce electric shock risks.

7.2 Swimming Pools and Saunas

• Mandates **strict IP ratings** for electrical equipment to prevent water ingress.
• Requires **low-voltage systems** in wet areas to minimize risks.
• Ensures **proper isolation and circuit protection** for poolside installations.

7.3 Agricultural and Horticultural Locations

• Addresses **electrical safety in farms, greenhouses, and livestock areas**.
• Requires **protection against mechanical damage and environmental influences**.
• Ensures **proper bonding and earthing for metallic structures**.

7.4 Construction Sites

• Defines **temporary electrical installations** for construction environments.
• Requires **high-impact protection** for cables and equipment.
• Mandates **RCD protection** for portable tools and site power distribution.

7.5 Caravan Parks and Camping Sites

• Ensures **safe electrical supply to caravans and mobile homes**.
• Requires **weatherproof enclosures** for outdoor electrical points.
• Mandates **earthing arrangements** for temporary installations.

7.6 Medical Locations

• Defines **electrical safety requirements for hospitals and clinics**.
• Ensures **continuous power supply for life-support equipment**.
• Mandates **isolated power systems** to prevent electrical interference.

7.7 Marinas

• Requires **special earthing arrangements** for floating structures.
• Ensures **corrosion-resistant electrical components** for marine environments.
• Mandates **RCD protection** for dockside power supplies.

7.8 Electric Vehicle Charging Installations

• Provides **guidelines for safe EV charging station installations**.
• Ensures **proper earthing and surge protection** for charging points.
• Mandates **dedicated circuits and load management** for EV chargers.

Why Chapter 7 Matters

• Ensures **electrical safety in high-risk environments**.
• Provides **specific guidelines for unique installation challenges**.
• Helps electricians and engineers **design compliant installations** for special locations.