UK AC RCD’s C2? Absolutely!

[J Sparks]

Given the advancement in technology and the high amount of potential DC in electrical systems. An AC RCD that won’t work, invokes so many further regulations for circuits that need RCD protection that no longer do! 100% C2 in my opinion

 

[nicebutdim]

You might be able to make such a case for specific installations, but as a blanket statement I'd imagine it would be dificult to back up.

How would you justify coding every Type AC RCD as "Potentially dangerou’. Urgent
remedial action required"?

What potential danger exists in the average home with Type AC protection?

 

[J Sparks]

You might be able to make such a case for specific installations, but as a blanket statement I'd imagine it would be dificult to back up.

How would you justify coding every Type AC RCD as "Potentially dangerou’. Urgent
remedial action required"?

What potential danger exists in the average home with Type AC protection?

The AC RCD is essentially rendered useless due to DC current. So off the top of my head circuits within a bathroom, sockets supplying external equipment, electric showers, cables in walls less than 50mm from the surface…all require RCD protection in a standard home, however if the RCD doesn’t work, how is that not potentially dangerous? I wouldn’t like to be the one justifying my case to the man in the wig over this one!

 

[nicebutdim]

The AC RCD is essentially rendered useless due to DC current. So off the top of my head circuits within a bathroom, sockets supplying external equipment, electric showers, cables in walls less than 50mm from the surface…all require RCD protection in a standard home, however if the RCD doesn’t work, how is that not potentially dangerous? I wouldn’t like to be the one justifying my case to the man in the wig over this one!

Can you clarify if you mean an RCD that won't work as it has failed or an RCD that won't work due to DC current injected by a downstream appliance?

I may have grasped the wrong end of this particular stick, but in my defence your OP is open to misinterpretation and thread title suggests blanket C2 for Type AC protection.

 

[J Sparks]

Can you clarify if you mean an RCD that won't work as it has failed or an RCD that won't work due to DC current injected by a downstream appliance?

I may have grasped the wrong end of this particular stick, but in my defence your OP is open to misinterpretation and thread title suggests blanket C2 for Type AC protection.

An RCD that won’t work due to DC current injected downstream! Apologies, I wouldn’t say a blanket C2 but certainly more common than not in my opinion

 

[nicebutdim]

An RCD that won’t work due to DC current injected downstream! Apologies, I wouldn’t say a blanket C2 but certainly more common than not in my opinion

Wouldn't you generally code any RCD that failed to work, for any reason, as C2?

 

[SJD]

If you read the Best Practice guide #4 for EICR coding (Nov 2022) from Electrical Safety FIrst, it states for "A Type AC RCD installed where a Type A RCD required" to be coded as C3.

 

[nicebutdim]

If you read the Best Practice guide #4 for EICR coding (Nov 2022) from Electrical Safety FIrst, it states for "A Type AC RCD installed where a Type A RCD required" to be coded as C3.

OP has clarified they're referring to an RCD that fails to operate.

 

[J Sparks]

Wouldn't you generally code any RCD that failed to work, for any reason, as C2?

Yes, that’s essentially my point. I’m seeing a lot of people pass over this issue with AC rcds and not even bother coding it. It’s a major issue that’s being ignored by too many!

 

[nicebutdim]

Yes, that’s essentially my point. I’m seeing a lot of people pass over this issue with AC rcds and not even bother coding it. It’s a major issue that’s being ignored by too many!

A failed RCD needs to be replaced, regardless of type of protection provided. I've never encountered anyone who would ignore failed RCD protection.

 

[J Sparks]

If you read the Best Practice guide #4 for EICR coding (Nov 2022) from Electrical Safety FIrst, it states for "A Type AC RCD installed where a Type A RCD required" to be coded as C3.

It also says that coding is entirely at the discretion of the inspector and the document is merely a guide. I would rather be fussy and improve a system than be lazy and have someone’s death on my conscience. Honest question, if you know an AC rcd may not work in a fault situation, explain why you would code it as a C3 and negate the need for someone to fix it. Imagine a child sticks their finger in a lamp holder? But the rcd fails…

 

[westward10]

Someone sticking their fingers into a lampholder may well not bother an RCD.

 

[J Sparks]

Someone sticking their fingers into a lampholder may well not bother an RCD.

An AC rcd*

 

[westward10]

An AC rcd*

Any RCD.

 

[J Sparks]

Any RCD.

Sure…