rcd protection on sockets

[deanmac]

Is this a domestic installation.

yes

 

[deanmac]

If the sockets are intended for specific items, then no, RCD protection is not required.

cheers it is what i thought

 

[Deleted member 26818]

It is still in the 18th Ed.

No it seems to have been changed.

 

[westward10]

yes

They need additional rcd protection then, why are you trying to avoid it.

 

[deanmac]

They need additional rcd protection then, why are you trying to avoid it.

i am not trying to avoid i thought because they will be for stereos and computers and not outdoor equipment then they would not need it, also to prevent tripping and knocking half the house out,although a rcbo would sort this

 

[westward10]

No it seems to have been changed.

Slightly reworded but in essence it is the same.

 

[Andy78]

Slightly recorded but in essence it is the same.

So the exception for labelled sockets for specific equipment has been removed.

 

[telectrix]

personally, I'd fit a dedicated RCBO. then it can be switched off/locked off when his mate wants the kids to go to bed.

 

[Deleted account]

cheers it is what i thought

But not in domestic.

You do need rcd's protection, you cannot get out of it.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

You can get out of it at present, just by labelling up the socket with the item it is intended for.
When the 18th kicks in, you will have to either provide RCD protection, or cut off the plug and use an SFCU.

Personally, I can see some installations in the future with departures.

 

[Andy78]

i am not trying to avoid i thought because they will be for stereos and computers and not outdoor equipment then they would not need it, also to prevent tripping and knocking half the house out,although a rcbo would sort this

The regulations intend RCD protection for all sockets for general use. This is why the exceptions keep getting scaled back in every amendment, because people use them as loopholes to wriggle out of following the intention of the regs.

 

[telectrix]

if he has designed the circuit before jan 1st 2019, then the 17th applies.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

The regulations intend RCD protection for all sockets for general use. This is why the exceptions keep getting scaled back in every amendment, because people use them as loopholes to wriggle out of following the intention of the regs.

I think they’ve gone a little too far this time.

 

[telectrix]

the whole industry has gone too far. next will be writing out a RA to go for a dump.

 

[Deleted account]

Hi deanmac,

I would like to know why you wouldn't want to rcd protect the circuit?

Also what reason would you put on the risk assessment for not using an rcd?

 

[Andy78]

I think they’ve gone a little too far this time.

Totally agree. The specific item clause was very useful for things like roller shutter doors where the units can just be plugged in on install, and other permanently sited items like FLT chargers.
The move to 32A will have quite an affect too, but nothing that can't be overcome without too much hassle.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Hi deanmac,

I would like to know why you wouldn't want to rcd protect the circuit?

Also what reason would you put on the risk assessment for not using an rcd?

From way back in the 16th edition, I have been providing separate non-RCD circuits for cookers and Freezers.

 

[westward10]

I think in the OPs case he cannot label them for specific use as they could be used for any purpose. If he feels the accumulative loads are likely to result in nuisance tripping he needs to go back to the drawing board or fit individual rcd sockets.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I think in the OPs case he cannot label them for specific use as they could be used for any purpose. If he feels the accumulative loads are likely to result in nuisance tripping he needs to go back to the drawing board or fit individual rcd sockets.

Yes a socket for computers doesn’t suggest a specific item.

 

[Octopus]

17th still applies now