What is BS 6396 – Electrical systems in furniture about ?
Furniture is adapting to changing needs, and we now have electrical systems in office and educational furniture. BS 6396 specifies requirements for the safe provision and assembly of electrical power, data and telecommunications distribution systems in office furniture, educational furniture and office screens.
BS 6396 applies to single-phase electrical power distribution systems operating at rated voltages up to 250 V a.c. that are connected to the fixed wiring of the permanent installation of the building by a 13 A fused plug and socket-outlet arrangement conforming to BS 1363. BS 6396 makes provision for the routing of cables through the furniture.
Note 1: BS 6396 does not apply to electrical appliances used with or within an article of office furniture or educational furniture, for which appropriate standards are available.
Note 2: BS 6396 does not apply to power distribution systems that are permanently connected to the building installation.
Note 3: BS 6396 also does not apply to special purpose workstations in laboratories or workshops.
Who is BS 6396 - Electrical systems in furniture for ?
BS 6396 guidelines on the specification for the electrical systems in furniture is useful for:
- Office furniture manufacturers
- Educational furniture manufacturers
- Product development teams/innovation teams
- Quality control personnel
Why should you use BS 6396 - Electrical systems in furniture ?
The office furniture or educational furniture to which cable management and power distribution system is to be applied shall be fit for that purpose and shall be structurally sound and stable.
Requirements are specified for furniture for general use and for furniture for use with specific equipment, parts of which may be built-in during manufacture.
In addition to general requirements, design requirements have been described in detail in BS 6396. Luminaries along with appropriate electrical tests are described in BS 6396 for the installed power distribution system in the furniture. In addition, marking has also been discussed. Use BS 6396 guidelines to understand the specifications of electrical systems in furniture and provide your customers with high quality office and educational furniture.
