connecting 230V cable to old DB - requirements

[mt8383]

Hi all,
as in the picture, when connecting a 230V cable to a db like this, is there a legal requirement to install external RCD unit?
Also, if the cable was installed approx. 20 years ago, is there a legal requirement to upgrade / install external RCD unit on the cable?
Last question, looking at the close up of the removed fuse slot, is the cable fused correctly?

We're talking industrial setting here of course. Power generation.

Thanks!

 

[westward10]

RCD protection can be dictated by several things such as additional or fault protection. I assume this is an existing circuit so what does it do and why do you ask.
As for the fuse rating what size is the cable and the fuse size.

 

[mt8383]

this is an existing circuit, the cable in question supplies power to welfare facilities on a construction site. The cable is 6mm, the fuse is 32A. I was told it should be wired to a "link between live and neutral rather then just the live cable". I'm not an electrician but am wondering if this is true and if it corresponds to what's in the photo.
I ask to get independent opinion about the subject as I'm not an expert myself.

 

[westward10]

The existing circuit should not require RCD protection assuming fault protection is provided by the 32A fuse.
Not sure what a "link between live and neutral rather than just the live cable" actually means.

 

[davesparks]

The existing circuit should not require RCD protection assuming fault protection is provided by the 32A fuse.
Not sure what a "link between live and neutral rather than just the live cable" actually means.

I would guess that the link between live and neutral refers in some way to a requirement for DP protection, maybe linked to the fact it is a construction site and may require a TT system to separate it from an existing TNCS supply.

Or maybe it's just the blind leading the blind and sharing their knowledge of the big book of "regulations my mate told me in the pub"

 

[timhoward]

I think the construction site PME thing is regularly mis-stated or at least regularly only partially presented. I seem to remember that it’s fine for ‘fixed buildings’ and not fine for ‘transportable units’ and the whole thing becomes open to interpretation.

I did have same thought about isolating the neutral being what the 3rd party was trying to say.

 

[Moley]

I would guess that the link between live and neutral refers in some way to a requirement for DP protection, maybe linked to the fact it is a construction site and may require a TT system to separate it from an existing TNCS supply.

The OP says it's a power generation site, not a construction site. Looking at the photos it does look a lot like some of the LV stuff I've worked on at some of the older power stations.

 

[davesparks]

The OP says it's a power generation site, not a construction site. Looking at the photos it does look a lot like some of the LV stuff I've worked on at some of the older power stations.

In post 3 they state it is a construction site

 

[Moley]

In post 3 they state it is a construction site

Oh yes. I only noticed what was said in post 1. That gear looks too old for a construction site. Maybe combine what the OP says in post 1 with post 3 and guess it's an old site being decomissioned? West Burton maybe?

 

[mt8383]

Hi, to be precise, it is a power plant but there is a construction site on it, so it doesn't need to be either or

 

[freddo]

That's a very professional install, don't see too many of those any more...

 

[jay sean]

that looks like a national grid substation

 

[nicebutdim]

that looks like a national grid substation

connecting 230V cable to old DB - requirements

Hi all, as in the picture, when connecting a 230V cable to a db like this, is there a legal requirement to install external RCD unit? Also, if the cable was installed approx. 20 years ago, is there a legal requirement to upgrade / install external RCD unit on the cable? Last question, looking at...

www.electriciansforums.net

 

[Moley]

Doesn't look like the OP is going to tell us where it is. I thought the old West Burton site. Did think maybe Cottam but not sure how much, if any, of that site is still left.

 

[DPG]

Eggborough?

.. .. .. .. .. more words

 

[Moley]

Ah, Eggborough. That brings back memories. Mainly happy apart from working on the 'valves board' and when they accidentaly almost fried one of the guys I worked with. The Polish girl at the gatehouse was always happy and friendly.