bathrooms rcd

[s.keech]

Hi can some one help. Just starting out and have passed level 3 guilds have been asked to fit a fan and downights in a bathroom. I know it is notifiable but can any one tell me how to r.c.d everything. Is the cheapest way to fit r.c.d fused connection unit outside bathroom or do i have to run new circuit from c.u. If i can use R.c.d outside bathroom do ileave the 13 amp fuse in it or change it.
Cheers for any help
Steve

 

[nickblake]

depends on what board you have old rewireable Split load dual RCD etc etc you wouldnt use a 13amp fuse on fans or lights it would be a 3 amp , and bonding must be installed to incomming services water gas oil etc its not just adding a few lights some more information would be good ,IE board type fuses or mcb's with RCD protection then i may be able to help further

 

[Deleted member 26818]

The Regulations require that the circuit be protected.
That means the whole circuit, not just a part of it.
As such the RCD protection would have to be at or very near to the origin of the circuit which is at the DB/CU.
It has also recently come to my attention, that the manufacturer's do not consider RCD FCUs as being suitable for fixed wiring.

 

[s.keech]

so that would mean running a new circuit just for the bathroom then. is there not an easier way

 

[s.keech]

I will know more when i see it and give more info

 

[nickblake]

No not at all RCD the whole circuit seperate board with an RCD on it , but like i have said what is the current protection , fuses mcb's etc

 

[Octopus]

The Regulations require that the circuit be protected.
That means the whole circuit, not just a part of it.
As such the RCD protection would have to be at or very near to the origin of the circuit which is at the DB/CU.
It has also recently come to my attention, that the manufacturer's do not consider RCD FCUs as being suitable for fixed wiring.

Spin, out of interest why do the RCD FCU's get sold then?

I have to admit to using RCD FCU's - there are times when its the only way to get near to the regs.

 

[s.keech]

do r.c.d sockets not just protect what is plugged into them

 

[Octopus]

do r.c.d sockets not just protect what is plugged into them

Yes, correct.

 

[smu_diddly]

You do not have to rcd the whole circuit, just the part you are altering and anything down river from it. My niceic inspector confirmed that for me. I always use this method when the cu is too old for a rcbo and the customer too tight to have the cu changed

 

[HandySparks]

It has also recently come to my attention, that the manufacturer's do not consider RCD FCUs as being suitable for fixed wiring.

Got a reference for this, spin?

 

[smu_diddly]

??? Plug in or fixed what difference would it make?!!

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Spin, out of interest why do the RCD FCU's get sold then?

I have to admit to using RCD FCU's - there are times when its the only way to get near to the regs.

Not really sure.
Yes Handysparks, here's a link to the Beama RCD handbook: RCD Handbook updated - BEAMA | News.
There's a little chart on page 26.

 

[SPARTYKUS]

The Regulations require that the circuit be protected.
That means the whole circuit, not just a part of it.
As such the RCD protection would have to be at or very near to the origin of the circuit which is at the DB/CU.
It has also recently come to my attention, that the manufacturer's do not consider RCD FCUs as being suitable for fixed wiring.

He not installing the whole circuit, just adding to it....? I'd be interested to see the black & white on that one, in this case common sense ( my common sense) is telling me that protecting the addition with a 30mA Rcd means, well, what I have done, is protected. And not some cobblers someone else may well have done and Im not being paid to look into?

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Spartykus.
Do you agree that the Regulations require RCD protection for circuits of locations containing baths and showers?
If not, no worries.
If you do, can you explain how only protecting part of the circuit complies?

Something else, that it appears many are not aware of.
Is that if only part of the circuit is protected, then current from an earth fault on the unprotected part of the circuit will by pass the RCD and enter the location.

 

[Octopus]

Not really sure.
Yes Handysparks, here's a link to the Beama RCD handbook: RCD Handbook updated - BEAMA | News.
There's a little chart on page 26.

Call me cynical but the members are principally manufacturers who would prefer you to buy more expensive kit like consumer units.

(P26 table)

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Not really sure.
Yes Handysparks, here's a link to the Beama RCD handbook: RCD Handbook updated - BEAMA | News.
There's a little chart on page 26.

Great guide link there Spin thank you. Some lovely equations at the back

 

[Octopus]

Spartykus.
Do you agree that the Regulations require RCD protection for circuits of locations containing baths and showers?
If not, no worries.
If you do, can you explain how only protecting part of the circuit complies?

Something else, that it appears many are not aware of.
Is that if only part of the circuit is protected, then current from an earth fault on the unprotected part of the circuit will by pass the RCD and enter the location.

A point has been made before BUT I'd say that adding a RCD FCU is better than no protection, and also it can help when complying with fan manufacturers requirements to fuse down to 3A.

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Spartykus.
Do you agree that the Regulations require RCD protection for circuits of locations containing baths and showers?
If not, no worries.
If you do, can you explain how only protecting part of the circuit complies?

Something else, that it appears many are not aware of.
Is that if only part of the circuit is protected, then current from an earth fault on the unprotected part of the circuit will by pass the RCD and enter the location.

Hmm.

I don't disagree with you, but...!

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I guess at the end of the day, it's down to the individual to make their own choice.
I would not be able to justify installing an RCD in such a manner that it did not offer as much protection as possible.