In-depth safety video about neutral current diversion

SELECT releases new in-depth safety video about neutral current diversion as it continues to spearhead awareness campaign as part of 125^th anniversary

Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT, has continued its awareness campaign on the issue of neutral current diversion (NCD) by releasing an in-depth guidance video to help keep electricians and their customers safe.

Produced in partnership with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Safety Checks for Neutral Current Diversion delivers a step-by-step guide to the potential dangers of NCD, how to test for it and how to deal with it if discovered.

The 20-minute resource is now available to view on the SELECT YouTube channel and is the latest step in the trade body’s campaign to raise awareness of the issue as it celebrates its 125^th anniversary as the world’s oldest electrical trade association.

Bob Cairney, Director of Technical Services at SELECT, said:

“NCD constitutes an unknown risk that has huge safety implications, so we are keen to equip electrical contractors with the necessary knowledge to identify it and take action where necessary.

“This video is designed to give an easy-to-follow overview of the issue, combined with practical steps to dealing with it safely and swiftly.

“We are grateful to the IET for their assistance in making this resource and hope it will be shared widely to help raise awareness further throughout the industry.”

Presented by Steven Devine and Darren Sweeney, the video explains how NCD occurs when protective measures fail and current is diverted via exposed metal fixings such as gas, water and oil pipes. Identified as a particular issue in multiple occupancy buildings, the duo explain how this can lead to a build-up of heat that could result in fire or explosion.

Steven and Darren then demonstrate a range of tests for NCD, highlighting the many factors that contractors should be aware of, before the video ends with an animated testing walkthrough, adapted from SELECT’s original flowchart.

Mr Cairney added:

“As well as our colleagues at the IET, we would also like to thank all the other senior figures from across the industry who have contributed feedback and technical insights during the video’s creation.

“As Scotland’s largest construction trade body, we are committed to the safety of electricians and their customers and will continue to lead the way with further resources and information to raise awareness about the issue of NCD.”

The video follows a suite of practical NCD resources produced by SELECT for members, apprentices and trainees, including posters for workshops and training centres, a digital flowchart and a pocket-sized foldout designed to be kept in toolboxes.

NCD was also one of the key topics at the association’s Toolbox Talks in 2024, with briefings delivered to hundreds of contractors across Scotland.

The activity also inspired West Lothian College lecturers Thomas Barlow and Scott Cavanagh to devise and build their own interactive fault board that gives young learners the chance to learn how to test for NCD.