Electrical Safety Notice re Whiteboards/Projectors Installations

All schools are advised that as consequence of the recent electrical safety incident concerning electronic whiteboards supplied by a third party supplier, Sandwell Building Services, Electrical Section have revised the advice given regarding all electronic whiteboard projector installations.

Previously, a projector unit was considered to be a portable appliance. Schools are now advised that this is not the case if the projector is ceiling mounted and/or located in a security cage. Therefore, as a ‘fixed electrical appliance’, it becomes subject to different electrical safety regulations. These regulations require that a ceiling mounted power socket be fitted to supply the projector and this circuit should be fused and capable of being isolated.

All schools should review all installations from all suppliers (including all TOF KS2 whiteboards) and if necessary, make arrangements to ensure that there is an isolated ceiling mounted power socket to provide electricity to the projector. The full technical specification is set out below and should be given to your school’s appointed electrical contractor.

Sandwell Building Services, Electrical Section have advised that all schools as soon as possible and within twelve months should complete this work. Installations that are not upgraded are in breach of current electrical safety regulations.

Schools should note that the principle potential risk arises from the possibility of the ‘kettle lead’ power cord being left exposed if the ceiling mounted projector is ever removed. There is a possibility of electrocution if the electrical contacts within the ‘kettle lead’ plug are touched or come into contact with liquid etc. Please note that this potential risk also exists with many other portable electrical appliances if the ‘kettle lead’ remains connected to the power supply after the appliance has been removed. Schools should be vigilant and ensure that whenever portable electrical equipment is moved (including computers and printers), power leads are not left behind and plugged into a mains supply.

Electrical Supply Requirements for Overhead Projectors

(This specification should be provided by the school to electrical contactors)
Provide and install a ceiling mounted 13A single socket outlet to BS1363 within 300mm of proposed projector position. The socket outlet shall be controlled via a 13A switched fused connection unit mounted adjacent to the interactive whiteboard.

Wiring to the socket shall be carried out in 2.5mm2 LSF/PVC insulated cables enclosed in steel/PVC/conduit/minitrunking*. The electrical supply shall be derived via the local ring main system. If the ring main is not suitable, the supply shall be derived from a local distribution board via a 15A rated fuse/MCB and 30mA rated Residual Current Device.

Provide and install suitable sized containment for data and signal cabling from the overhead projector to the interactive whiteboard position.