RCD requirments

[Gardner]

When were RCDs mandated in the regs? Im thinking mid to early 90s?

 

[telectrix]

originally in the 16th. RCD protection for sockets likely to be used outdoors. 1991.

 

[Gardner]

originally in the 16th. RCD protection for sockets likely to be used outdoors. 1991.

This to protect against direct contact I take it? Indirect contact would be taken care of by the CPC?

 

[telectrix]

yes, indirect contact would be eliminated by the operation of the OCPD in the event of a fault.

 

[Gardner]

Guess people were damaging cords.

What was required after 1991? Kitchen sockets?

 

[telectrix]

later amendments to 16th stipulated RCD protection for sockets for general use. can't remember exactly when. mid to late 90's? then on the issue of 17th , RCDs were stipulated for the benefit of kitchen fitters, picture hangers, and general Destroy it Yourself merchants. ( cables buried in walls )

 

[Gardner]

later amendments to 16th stipulated RCD protection for sockets for general use. can't remember exactly when. mid to late 90's? then on the issue of 17th , RCDs were stipulated for the benefit of kitchen fitters, picture hangers, and general Destroy it Yourself merchants. ( cables buried in walls )

Dont MCBs offer protection against picture hangers?

 

[telectrix]

not if the nail just contacts with the L. if a cable is enclosed in earthed metallic conduit/sheath, that would trip a mcb.

 

[Gardner]

Hopefully what ever is in contact with the nail can pass 30ma. If its just wood Id think no trip.

 

[Gardner]

Question, curiosity has me. What convinced the IET to add RCDs to the code?

 

[happysteve]

Hopefully what ever is in contact with the nail can pass 30ma. If its just wood Id think no trip.

You'd be right. But the moment a person touched the nail, then 30mA might pass through them and be very quickly turned off.

Without the RCD a few amps would have to flow (by which time they'd be dead).

Of course, nothing at all to stop that person thinking, "Huh!" and resetting the RCD again.

 

[Deleted member 72666]

When were RCDs mandated in the regs? Im thinking mid to early 90s?

Early 80's (15th edition) This was for socket outlets that were specifically intended to supply equipment outdoors and I presume came about with the intention of reducing the number of fatalities when people were simply trimming their hedges and mowing their lawns.

 

[Gardner]

Early 80's (15th edition) This was for socket outlets that were specifically intended to supply equipment outdoors and I presume came about with the intention of reducing the number of fatalities when people were simply trimming their hedges and mowing their lawns.

What was behind those fatalities? Damaged cords or missing CPC?

 

[Gardner]

You'd be right. But the moment a person touched the nail, then 30mA might pass through them and be very quickly turned off.

Without the RCD a few amps would have to flow (by which time they'd be dead).

Of course, nothing at all to stop that person thinking, "Huh!" and resetting the RCD again.

You have a point here. Though I can still see current trickling into a wood stud turning it into charcoal.

 

[Deleted member 72666]

What was behind those fatalities? Damaged cords or missing CPC?

Damaged cords usually caused by the appliance in use and then the unsuspecting operator coming into contact with the exposed live core.

 

[Blademan_98]

It's funny, I have owned a house for 29 years but never had an RCD
My current house does have MCBs but sadly no RCD!
Perhaps I should upgrade my CU to a nice shiney metal one

 

[telectrix]

It's funny, I have owned a house for 29 years but never had an RCD
My current house does have MCBs but sadly no RCD!
Perhaps I should upgrade my CU to a nice shiney metal one

and while you're at it, fabricate a non-combustible, i.e. ferrous metal cabinet for your chip pan. according to statistics, 50 x more house fires are caused by chip pans igniting than by plastic CUs.

 

[Risteard]

later amendments to 16th stipulated RCD protection for sockets for general use.

I don't think that's right. I think it remained as socket outlets likely to be used to supply equipment outdoors.

I could easily check my blue copy of the 16th (the same as the brown one except it doesn't contain the harmonised colours change), but unfortunately I'm too lazy at the minute!

 

[Blademan_98]

and while you're at it, fabricate a non-combustible, i.e. ferrous metal cabinet for your chip pan. according to statistics, 50 x more house fires are caused by chip pans igniting than by plastic CUs.

Think I will stay in bed, unless this is now deemed unsafe?

 

[telectrix]

all depends if you smoke in bed. i once asked a bird if she smoked in bed. she said "don't know, I've never looked"