Discuss RCD being used as a main switch in the Electrical Wiring, Theories and Regulations area at ElectriciansForums.net

Welcome to ElectriciansForums.net - The American Electrical Advice Forum
Head straight to the main forums to chat by click here:   American Electrical Advice Forum

Reaction score
0
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
Last edited:
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
 
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 ?
 
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.
 
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
 
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 ;)
 
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.
 

Reply to RCD being used as a main switch in the Electrical Wiring, Theories and Regulations area at ElectriciansForums.net

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Electrician Courses Green Electrical Goods PCB Way Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Pushfit Wire Connectors Electric Underfloor Heating Electrician Courses
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc
This website was designed, optimised and is hosted by Untold Media. Operating under the name Untold Media since 2001.
Back
Top
AdBlock Detected

We get it, advertisements are annoying!

Sure, ad-blocking software does a great job at blocking ads, but it also blocks useful features of our website. For the best site experience please disable your AdBlocker.

I've Disabled AdBlock