By: Bhutan Electricity Authority Secretariat Thimphu

1. Presentation on Internal House Wiring Regulations 2016 for 8th Engineers, Architects and Planners’ Conference June 5, 2017 By: Bhutan Electricity Authority Secretariat Thimphu

2. Content • Who We are • Introduction – BEA • Functions & Responsibilities • Internal House Wiring Regulations 2016

3. Introduction • As per Section 7 of the Electricity Act of Bhutan, 2001 for: • To restructure and regulate the electricity supply industry • To allow private sector participation in the electricity supply industry based on the Policy approved by the Royal Government of Bhutan • To empower the Royal Government to create companies for carrying out all or any of the purpose of the Act Granted full autonomy by the Royal Government from January 2010.

4. Function of the Authority • Performance Standard • Technical and safety requirements for construction, O&M of generation, transmission, distribution, etc. 2. Tariff – setting 3. Issuance of licenses 4. Monitor the performance of licensees 5. Impose fines, sanction or penalties Based on Regulation, Codes, Principles and Procedures

5. Internal House wiring Regulations 2016 • Section No. 87 of Electricity Act of Bhutan • Stakeholders meeting - Representing from various agencies including MoWHS • Approved during 53rd Commission Meeting • Uploaded in BEA website on 25th December 2015 & announced in medias (Kuensel & BBSC)

6. Outline • Objective • Application • Technical Standard, Material & Workmanship • Requirement for safety • Application for electricity supply • Protection • Installation Requirements • Inspection & Testing of Installation • Fines & Penalty

7. Objective • To facilitate the safe installations, operation and maintenance of internal house wiring & • To ensure that these do not endanger life, health and property, whilst fulfilling the intended functions

8. Application • The owner of the buildings and public premises • Person involved in the installation, maintenance or operation of electrical installations • All electrical installations including alterations and modifications to existing installations which are constructed after commencement of this regulation

9. Technical Standard, Material & Workmanship • Principles contained in the Bhutan Building Rules 2002 and amendment thereof • All materials, equipment and installations -relevant standards/codes, relevant agency & instructions provided by the manufacturer • Only electricians - certified by the competent authority • Earthing - Standards prescribed by relevant agency • Color coding – Bus bar connection and Wiring

10. Requirement for safety The owner and person engaged shall ensure: • Safety of all general public and property against dangers and damage • Dangers arising from contacts with live wire or exposed-conductive-parts of the installation are prevented • Prevent the risk of damage or ignition of flammable materials due to high temperature, electric arc or mechanical stress during the installations and operation • Prevent the risk of damage or ignition of flammable materials • Due to high temperature, electric arc or mechanical stress during the installations and operation • Cautionary signs shall be placed on main distribution box and wherever necessary

11. Application for electricity supply The owner and person shall • Seek approval of the relevant agency on the proposed design of the installation before commencement of the construction • Provide an estimate of the expected maximum electricity demand and/or connected load at the premises • Submit application to the electricity supplier for new supply connections or alteration to an existing supply • Not undertake any extension or alteration to an electrical installation without prior approval of the relevant agency

12. Protection • The owner and person shall design, install and maintain all electrical installation to provide protection against overload, short circuits and associated electrical hazards: • Protection against over current and short circuit • Protection against over voltage and earth faults • Electric Shock Protection • Direct Contact • Indirect Contact • Earthing • Lightning Protection

13. Installation Requirements • Lighting • Cables • Switch Board • Socket Outlets • Conduits and Trunking

14. Inspection & Testing of Installation • Every new installation, alteration, extension or modification shall, on completion and before being energized, be inspected, tested and certified by the electricity supplier • Routine inspection and testing • Insulation Resistance Test; • Polarity Test of Switch; • Earth Continuity Test; and • Earth Electrode Resistance Test. • Insulation Resistance Test & Polarity Test of Switch-10 Years • Earth Continuity Test and Earth Electrode Resistance Test – 4 years • The electricity supplier may inspect and enforce provisions of this Regulation or otherwise, assign a relevant agency for the purpose

15. Fines & Penalty • Failure to comply with these regulations, or any part thereof, shall result in action in line with Guidelines for Fines (Punitive and Correctional) of Bhutan Electricity Authority

16. THANK YOU

17. Any Questions/suggestions Write us: Bhutan Electricity Authority Changangkha, Below Changangkha Lhakhang Post box No. 1557 Thimphu: Bhutan Contact : PBAX: 02-327317 Visit us: www.bea.gov.bt Email: mon@bea.gov.bt

18. Tashi Delek & Thank You