Embracing Change: Furniture earthing requirements as per BS6396 standards

In the dynamic world of office furniture electrification, staying abreast of standards and regulations is paramount.

At ABL, we take pride in not just meeting but exceeding industry benchmarks. One such standard, BS6396, governs electrical system specifications in furniture, ensuring safety and efficiency in workplace environments. With the latest revision of BS6396: 2022 we embarked on a journey to integrate its amendments into our products.

Central to our commitment to excellence is our adherence to BS5733-certified power modules, exemplified by our BS Kitemark certificate 686563. This certification illustrates our dedication to providing top-tier electrification solutions for office desks and soft seating, guaranteeing reliability and compliance with such rigorous standards.

In light of the BS6396:2022 revision, we recognised the possibility of evolving our offer to align seamlessly with the updated requirements.

Besides the main amendments, the new revision also covers recommendations for furniture earthing requirements:

A) Power sockets mounted directly in furniture without external housing – furniture needs to be earthed.

B) Power sockets mounted in plastic insulated body – furniture does not need earthing.

C) Power sockets mounted in “earthed” metal housing – furniture does not need earthing.

Our under-desk office solution PMK previously required an external earth lead with a clip for additional grounding, to ensure electrical safety and stability. One visible manifestation of implementation BS 6396:2022 of the furniture earthing requirements is the absence of the external earth lead opening on the plastic housing. Instead, the PMK solution now features reinforced insulated bodies, which remove the need for external grounding components. Through our dedicated research and development, we have also optimised the PMK design.

Before:

The changes are that the external earth lead 250mm 1.5mm2 is no longer used. The opening on the plastic housing for external earth lead does not exist anymore.

All other conductors and electrical connections remain the same.

You may still notice a earth lead on some of our existing PMK stock products with two and/or three UK sockets.

Now:

By embracing the recommendations outlined in BS6396:2022, we have not only embraced the BSI recommendations but simplified the user experience for our distributors and their valued customers.

At ABL, our journey doesn’t end with meeting standards; it begins with exceeding them. As we continue to innovate and evolve, rest assured that our electrification solutions will always be at the forefront of safety, efficiency and reliability. Join us in embracing change and shaping the future of office environments, one desk at a time.