Interview with an Electrical Engineer

Today, we’re introducing Lee Harrison, an electrical engineer with decades of experience in the industry. In his time at Lantei, part of the BES Group, he’s worked on thousands of projects big and small. Along with his team, he’s played an instrumental role in keeping workplaces and businesses compliant and people safe across the nation. With his expertise, he’s become Regional Supervisor, and now oversees a team of highly skilled and qualified electrical engineers.

When it comes to electrical compliance, he’s seen it all – there’s no fault too complex for him to rectify or installation too comprehensive.
Find out more about his past projects, and the work he carries out each and every day.

How long have you been an electrical engineer?
I’ve been in the electrical industry since I was 21, but I’ve been working with Lantei for almost six years.

What does a typical day look like for you?
It’s difficult to say really, no two days are the same!

As an electrical engineer, my time working on a project varies from site to site. One project can take me all week, just an hour if it’s a small site, or even months if I’m working on a large manufacturing plant.

One of my favourite things about the work I do is the scope of settings I can be working in. I get to see the inside of buildings I never thought I would. One day I could be in the cellar of a pub, and the next I’m in a huge factory or a coffee shop. There really is never a dull day!

I’m proud to say that with my expertise, there isn’t an industry that I’ve not come across before.

What kind of jobs do you carry out?
Throughout my career, I’ve developed strong technical expertise that covers a wide range of services. From Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) and Emergency Light Testing to Fire Alarm Testing, Electric Vehicle (EV) Charge Point servicing, Thermal Imaging and more, I’ve seen it all!

In the past few years, with EVs becoming more popular, I’ve been responsible for carrying out an increase in electric vehicle chargepoint servicing and testing for our customers, which is crucial for keeping chargepoints well maintained and safe for continued use.

However, EICR testing is my bread and butter and what I enjoy most about my job, there’s no better feeling than making sure our customers have safe and compliant sites and properties. Also, when I’m carrying out an EICR inspection, I can really get my teeth stuck in to rectifying a range of complex faults.

What are the most common – or uncommon – faults you see whilst on site?
Recently, the main faults I’m coming across have come about since the Amendment Two update to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations in March 2022, where previous issues in the 18th Edition regulations were rectified and updated by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).

The team and I are finding a lot of situations where the incorrect types of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) have been used, with no surge protection in place. In some older installations, I’m coming across overrated breakers because they downrated the cables while the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations were in effect. While this was the right thing to do at the time, it means they’re outdated now. With the regulations constantly evolving as new technology and kit is introduced, what’s compliant one minute can be outdated the next.

In these situations, not everything will need to be replaced – every observation we find should be rectified, but with any C3 EICR classifications, improvement is only a recommendation.

No matter what, my team and I are committed to ensuring that all the properties and sites we inspect are in line with the most up to date industry wiring standards.

What dangerous faults have you found?
In my time as an electrical engineer, I’ve come across a variety of faults, ranging from minor to potentially catastrophic. However, the most dangerous fault I’ve ever come across was located in an old Foundry. Inside, I found bare and exposed copper buzz bars coming off the top of a mains voltage transformer through a wall at the top of a mains panel. There was no protection in place whatsoever; the installation wasn’t boxed in or locked away. Had this fault not been found, the outcome could have been catastrophic.

Finding faults like this when out on site really reinforces the need for regular and thorough electrical inspections that are carried out by professionals. When things go wrong, they can really go wrong. It’s so important that you’re taking the necessary precautions to mitigate risk and keep you and your people safe.

What is your favourite thing about working as an electrical engineer?

My favourite thing about working within the BES Group, is that truly no two days are the same.

As part of my role, I get to visit a huge range of industry settings and develop my knowledge and expertise by carrying out a variety of inspections and tests.

I get to finish each and every day knowing that the work I carry out with my team helps to keep my customers’ site and properties compliant, and them and their people safe.
We’re pleased to say that at the BES Group, the experience, expertise, and dedication of our people sets us apart.

Lee Harrison, Regional Supervisor at Lantei, part of the BES Group, represents the commitment to excellence exemplified by our electrical engineers, and their role in maintaining legal compliance and safety for our customers.

Every day, no matter what, our team of electrical engineers go above and beyond when carrying out critical electrical works. Each one is committed to staying up to date with changes to the wiring regulations to make sure our customers’ properties are safe and compliant.

If you’re in need of electrical services or think that your installations might not be up to date with the latest changes to the wiring regulations, our team of skilled professionals are here to help.