Advice for Mobile Caterers using electricity

Advice for users of up to 6kVA (around 6000W)

The following advice is for people taking power from a 13A, 15A 16A sockets and not more than 6kVA in total and fed from a single source (i.e. one 32A ring main).

This may include the activities of small camera and news crews, photographers, bands and musical acts, cabaret performers, stage acts, mobile discos, small entertainment based promotional activity, radio carry in or presenter appearances, small AV setups VJ's etc.

Advice on working procedures is given in section 5 of 7909:2008.

This page does not detail the content of section 5

All work activities should be risk assessed and the equipment used should be safe

A single person should be responsible for the electrical equipment and it's use.

The activity should be planned in advance

On site sockets should be tested before use

• Electrical Socket Testers
• http://www.martindale-electric.co.uk/sockets.htm#ez150

Equipment should be "off" before being moved or changed

Equipment should not be left "on" unattended

• SELECT & HSE guide on safe isolation procedures [500kb]
• Electrical Safety Council guide on safe isolation procedures for low voltage installations

In the event of problems, equipment should be switched off and skilled electrical professionals should be consulted before equipment is reused.

If problems are found with the Installed sockets power is to be taken from the owners of the Installation should be notified and the outlet should not be used.

• HMSO The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
• HMSO Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992
• HMSO Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
• HMSO Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994
• HMSO Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

• HSE 5 steps to risk assessment [650kb]
• HSE Electrical safety and you
• HSE Electrical safety for entertainers [150kb]
• FIREKILLS Electrical Safety Leaflet - Fire risks

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