RCD being used as a main switch

[Paul Hamill]

Is it against the regs to use and RCD as a main switch ? I have been told it is but Im struggling to see anything that confirms so. Im looking at 314.1 in the regs book but that doesn't say anything about an RCD being used as a main.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Midwest]

That's going to make some domestic CU's with TT supplies problematic.

 

[Paul Hamill]

Im not installing one personally but I am inspecting a lot of facilities and there has been RCDs used as main switches. Thats why I ask.

 

[Midwest]

Sorry, as its a Bank Holiday being a bit flippant. You could use an S Type RCD as main switch on TT supply, as it negates issue of internal single insulated manufacturers tails on dual RCD's, shorting on metal enclosure. You could use a 30mA RCD as main switch on small garage CU etc. But if you used a 30 mA on larger installs, it would (not) provide very good division of services, would it?

Edit

 

[Leesparkykent]

The regs aren't going to explicitly state about using an RCD as a main switch etc. Its about division to minimise disruption.

 

[Flanders]

As lee says its about avoiding disruption from nucence tripping i think there is a reg number for that , so try looking in the regs book for that

 

[Octopus]

In some cases its unavoidable ....

 

[Paul Hamill]

I know its going to cause nuisance tripping and not ideal but I am was looking for a reg to back up that its not correct. We are doing inspections and have been told to pull it as being a Life health safety issue. Thats the term they use out here for a C1. Would any of you back home write it up as a C1 ?

 

[Octopus]

I know its going to cause nuisance tripping and not ideal but I am was looking for a reg to back up that its not correct. We are doing inspections and have been told to pull it as being a Life health safety issue. Thats the term they use out here for a C1. Would any of you back home write it up as a C1 ?

Absolutely NOT

C3 maybe but I think you would struggle to justify that.

 

[Leesparkykent]

I know its going to cause nuisance tripping and not ideal but I am was looking for a reg to back up that its not correct. We are doing inspections and have been told to pull it as being a Life health safety issue. Thats the term they use out here for a C1. Would any of you back home write it up as a C1 ?

no

 

[Flanders]

I know its going to cause nuisance tripping and not ideal but I am was looking for a reg to back up that its not correct. We are doing inspections and have been told to pull it as being a Life health safety issue. Thats the term they use out here for a C1. Would any of you back home write it up as a C1 ?

How can there be a danger to life or property due to the main switch being an rcd, remember as others have said some installations have to have an rcd as a main switch , the most it would get is a code 3 or just info

 

[Paul Hamill]

Thats my argument, to me its not unsafe to be used as a main, just bad practice in certain situations. Thanks for the replies.

 

[Midwest]

Unless the property had essential medical equipment reliant on electrical supply.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

For many this is not just bad practice, it's a non-compliance which would in some cases warrant a code C2.

 

[Midwest]

Reminds me of another from our American cousins;

 

[Des 56]

I know its going to cause nuisance tripping and not ideal but I am was looking for a reg to back up that its not correct. We are doing inspections and have been told to pull it as being a Life health safety issue. Thats the term they use out here for a C1. Would any of you back home write it up as a C1 ?

Whilst trying to justify some sort of reason for a perfectly healthy electrical system,it was suggested that Granny could tumble down the stairs in the dark and meet her maker ( her faulty Teasmade failed to make the late night cuppa)

The moral of the tale is that Granny should not rely on a single Rcd or she may be safer drinking squash

When one Rcd was the norm,the terrible danger should have been made known to the 100% who managed to survive

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Not aware that one RCD has ever been the norm?

 

[Flanders]

Not aware that one RCD has ever been the norm?

Ive seen a lot of house on tncs supplys with one main rcd , some i know were built in the early 90s when the 16th addition had just com out.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

One RCD covering everything, or just one for down stairs sockets?

 

[Ian1981]

Coding is down to the inspector of the installation.
If you feel strongly that a rcd main switch gives potential danger then code it.
If you think it's inconvenient at best but isn't a safety issue note it on the eicr.
An rcd tripping causing loss of power to the upstairs lighting can still occur with a dual rcd db yes hopefully the upstairs sockets aren't effected and a bedside lamp can be used for lighting.