MSSL explains importance of safety standards in latest industry magazine

Managing Director Sean Smith features in the latest issue of Panel Building and System Integration (PBSI) magazine, where he addresses the risks associated with internal arc faults in low voltage assemblies.

Writing as Chair of the BEAMA Low Voltage Switchboard and Busbar Systems Group, he explains why internal arc‑fault risks must be taken more seriously.

He argues that most faults are avoidable when the industry takes compliance seriously. 

The BEAMA article explains that responses to arc-fault risks do not need to be complicated; when LV switchboards are manufactured fully compliant to BS EN IEC 61439-2, maintained and operated correctly risk is eliminated.

Sean states: “The standard’s design verification requirements can't be seen as a ‘nice to have’. 

“BS EN IEC 61439-2 underpins temperature rise performance, short-circuit withstand, insulation integrity and protective circuits.”

All of which are placed under their greatest demands during operational, fault and overload conditions.

Failure to comply can cause premature ageing, insulation breakdown, nuisance tripping or in the worst case, catastrophic failure - causing safety implications and reduced uptime.

The article highlights BEAMA’s Guide to Arc Fault Mitigation in Low-Voltage Assemblies. 

The guide provides engineers with a structured process to assess applications, fault sources and consequences against BS EN IEC 61439-2 standard. 

In the article Sean explains the recent Consequence of Non-Compliance campaign, aimed at increasing awareness of the dangers of non-compliant switchboards.

MSSL is built on high quality and safety standards, which is why Sean has taken a leading role in driving policy and raising awareness around an issue that is central to the business. 

MSSL LV switchboards are engineered to full BS EN IEC 61439-2 design verification, clear documentation and lifecycle support to ensure clients receive the best standard of safe operations and uptime. 

Sean adds: “If a switchboard cannot demonstrate genuine conformity to BS EN IEC 61439-2, then arc-fault risk and operational risk are both higher than they need to be. 

“For critical sites, that is not an acceptable trade-off.”

See full article here https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=468d8f98-cf5f-4d31-be42-a8bbd1d4d752&pnum=26