BS7909 Temporary Electrical Systems
Design, Installation & Sign-off
BS7909 is the Code of Practice for temporary electrical systems in the entertainment industry. It sets out the standards for designing, installing, testing, and certifying temporary electrical power distribution for events, film and TV productions, and other applications that require a temporary electrical infrastructure rather than a permanent installation.
If you are responsible for an outdoor event, a film location, a festival, a sports event, or any other temporary gathering that requires power distribution, understanding your obligations under BS7909 is essential.
So does working with someone who can take responsibility for the electrical installation on your behalf.
What BS7909 Covers
BS7909 applies to temporary electrical installations where the supply comes from a generator, a temporary mains connection, or a combination of both. It covers:
- Design of the temporary electrical system - load schedules, cable sizing, protection devices
- Installation and connection of all distribution equipment
- Inspection and testing of the completed installation
- Issue of a BS7909 certificate confirming the installation meets the standard
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act and associated regulations, the person responsible for an event or production has a legal obligation to ensure the electrical installation is safe. A BS7909 certificate from a competent engineer is the standard way of demonstrating that the obligation has been met.
The Midas Advantage - Design, Supply and Install From One Company
Many event power suppliers will deliver a generator and cables, and leave the design and certification to someone else. This creates a gap in responsibility: the generator company says the distribution is not their problem, and the electrician says the generator specification is not theirs.
Midas closes that gap. We design the temporary electrical system, supply the generator and all distribution equipment from our own fleet, install and connect it, and provide the BS7909 certificate at the end. One company. One point of contact. One responsible party.
- Liability is clear - if something is not right, there is no argument about whose responsibility it is
- Specification is consistent - the generator output matches the distribution design from the start
- On-site changes are managed - if the load changes during installation, we adapt the design, not just the kit
- Documentation is complete - design drawings, installation records and test certificates in one package
When BS7909 Applies
- Outdoor events - music festivals, sporting events, public gatherings, food and drink festivals
- Film and TV productions - location filming, outdoor studio setups, broadcast events
- Corporate events - outdoor brand activations, product launches, hospitality events
- Theatre and touring productions - temporary venue power and stage installations
- Construction welfare - temporary site offices and welfare facilities requiring compliant distribution
The Process
- Site survey - we visit the site or review venue drawings to understand the layout and load requirements
- Load schedule - we establish what loads are being connected, where they are located and how much power they require
- System design - cable sizes, distribution boards, protection devices and generator specification are all confirmed in writing
- Installation - our engineers install and connect all distribution equipment
- Test and inspect - completed installation is tested to BS 7671 requirements
- Certificate issued - BS7909 certificate provided on completion
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BS7909 a legal requirement?
BS7909 is a Code of Practice rather than a statute, but it is the recognised standard for temporary electrical systems in the entertainment industry and is referenced in HSE guidance. Event organisers and production companies are expected to comply. A BS7909 certificate is routinely required by venues, councils and insurers.
Can you provide BS7909 certification for an installation someone else has designed?
We can inspect and test third-party installations, but we will only certify work we have designed and installed ourselves. This protects both parties.
How far in advance do I need to book?
For large events with complex distribution, we prefer at least four weeks’ notice to allow time for a site visit and design. Simpler installations can often be accommodated with shorter lead times – contact us to discuss.
Do you cover events outside Suffolk?
Yes. Our engineers cover East Anglia as standard and can travel further for larger events. Contact us to discuss your location and timeline.
Talk to our team today
We'll help you find the right power solution for your project.
- Independently owned and operated Based near Ipswich since 2000, no call centres, no account management layers
- ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certified Quality, environmental and health & safety management
- HAE member and Safehire certified Industry accreditation independently verified
- Own transport fleet HGV and 4x4 vehicles with HIAB crane capability
- 25 years of generator experience We have seen most situations and know how to handle them