RCBO or not?

[alexander jackson]

Folks.
I need to install a defib unit outside on a wall.
Does this require an RCBO or not, just wondering as the unit has a small heater within and should it trip out for any reason other than under fault conditions (it is in a dampish environment, a harbour) it will get damp.
So MCB or RCBO.
Many thanks
AJ.

 

[bill01803]

What do the manufactures instructions say?

 

[alexander jackson]

What do the manufactures instructions say?

Nothing in the instructions about the mains end.

 

[James]

just found installation instructions for one.
it recomends a 4A fused spur on an rcd.

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defibwarehouse.co.uk

although it is probably a different make / model.
they pretty much all do the same job.

 

[davesparks]

All the same regulations apply as they do to any other circuit.

Go through the list of reasons why RCD protection may be required and if none of them apply then it is not required.

 

[alexander jackson]

just found installation instructions for one.
it recomends a 4A fused spur on an rcd.

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defibwarehouse.co.uk

although it is probably a different make / model.
they pretty much all do the same job.

Thanks for that, strange there is no mention of the protection in the manual.

 

[davesparks]

Thanks for that, strange there is no mention of the protection in the manual.

Not really strange, equipment manuals generally only tell you the load current of the equipment, they can't possibly know the details of your installation to be able to tell you what protection is needed

 

[littlespark]

The link mentions RCD protection at note 10...

But the 4A (time-lag) fuse spur seems a bit strange. Why not a regular 3A?

 

[mainline]

The link mentions RCD protection at note 10...

But the 4A (time-lag) fuse spur seems a bit strange. Why not a regular 3A?

Probably because there is a possibility of a short overload.

 

[James]

Just a thought and probably not relevant but there are some exceptions in the regs regarding medical equipment,
cant remember exactly what they are but on occasions protection may be omitted or reduced to ensure the device remains functional.
or am I thinking of lifting magnets? its been a long day but there are a few things to look up in the bible if any one is interested.

 

[littlespark]

The power required is not for medical equipment… it’s for a light and a heater.

The defib itself is self contained battery powered.

 

[James]

agreed, however, it may be considered an essential supply as without it the medical equipment may not work?
playing devils advocate here!

 

[alexander jackson]

I think to cover my --- I will put it on an RCBO, if it trips out I will then consider an MCB.

 

[westward10]

Me thinks this is being over thought. As @davesparks suggests in #5 this is the correct method to follow. Something which may get damp needs to be installed to prevent this and not compensate by fitting an RCD which is not a solution.

 

[suffolkspark]

I'm aware of 3 defibs local to me that have been vandalised over the years, doors kicked off etc, leaving the heaters and guts exposed, so whenever i do them i have an rcd.

 

[littlespark]

Most instructions, including the one linked to earlier, ask for rcd protection… so that’s the answer in this particular instance.

Whether regs demand it or not, we must take manufacturers instructions into considoration.