Adding socket on to kitchen ring-no rcd

[Chris]

Hi all,

I was asked today to add 2 extra sockets on to an existing kitchen ring, however the board is an old wylex with the push in MCBs so no rcd protection. To add the extra sockets would it require A board change/rcd isolater?

Thanks

 

[buzzlightyear]

two rcd sockets, just do that with out the headache.

 

[Toneyz]

two rcd sockets, just do that with out the headache.

would comply depending upon the installation method.

 

[Andy78]

You need to add RCD protection where it is required for sockets and possibly buried cables. How you achieve this is up to you and your customer's wishes/budget.
A separate RCD next to the board is a cost saving favourite.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

You need to add RCD protection where it is required for sockets and possibly buried cables. How you achieve this is up to you and your customer's wishes/budget.
A separate RCD next to the board is a cost saving favourite.

did just that last week, £3 plastic enclosure, used a rcd left from a board upgrade where i installed rcbos. so no cost for the rcd. routed circuit via new enclosure next to board. can still use plastic enclosure for a rcd on its own so no need to spend the cash on a metal enclosure.

 

[Fitzy]

did just that last week, £3 plastic enclosure, used a rcd left from a board upgrade where i installed rcbos. so no cost for the rcd. routed circuit via new enclosure next to board. can still use plastic enclosure for a rcd on its own so no need to spend the cash on a metal enclosure.

So to do this, would you insert the RCD enclosure between the circuits mcb and 1 of the ring finals legs?

 

[buzzlightyear]

bang one of them in enclosure .

 

[bigspark17]

did just that last week, £3 plastic enclosure, used a rcd left from a board upgrade where i installed rcbos. so no cost for the rcd. routed circuit via new enclosure next to board. can still use plastic enclosure for a rcd on its own so no need to spend the cash on a metal enclosure.

You dont class an rcd as switchgear then? I dont agree with that you are complying with current regs in that scenario!

 

[kropaske]

So to do this, would you insert the RCD enclosure between the circuits mcb and 1 of the ring finals legs?

With RFC you can come out with 6mm2 from mcb to incoming rcd terminals then from outgoing terminals back to your circuit

 

[Fitzy]

With RFC you can come out with 6mm2 from mcb to incoming rcd terminals then from outgoing terminals back to your circuit
View attachment 47341

So 6mm2 to RCD, then both rfc legs from RCD to sockets?

 

[Toneyz]

did just that last week, £3 plastic enclosure, used a rcd left from a board upgrade where i installed rcbos. so no cost for the rcd. routed circuit via new enclosure next to board. can still use plastic enclosure for a rcd on its own so no need to spend the cash on a metal enclosure.

Not for one minute putting any dispersion on your installation but doesn't it make a mockery of the regs when the enclosure can be plastic when you are installing the same switchgear?

 

[kropaske]

So 6mm2 to RCD, then both rfc legs from RCD to sockets?

Yes, and if your cables are concealed in the wall then you can come out from rcd with another 6mm2 back to CU and join on to the the both legs of the ring

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

You dont class an rcd as switchgear then? I dont agree with that you are complying with current regs in that scenario!

NICEIC tell me I can use plastic enclosure, i queried this in light of the 18th ed, response i got from the NICEIC tech support below

Although we would recommend it, generally any enclosure used solely for an RCD would not fall under BS EN 61439-3 and would therefore not require a non-combustible enclosure.
It is permissible to carry-out additions or alterations to an existing plastic enclosure consumer unit where the designer considers it adequate for the altered circumstances, there are no signs of thermal damage, product recalls and complies with the version of the regulations it was designed and installed to. Any planned change of the consumer unit would require a non-combustible enclosure.

We trust this answers your questions.

Hence why i have used a small plastic enclosure and put a RCD in and had no concerns. it was the most cost effective and simple option of adding RCD protection the the circuit i was working on. Otherwise it would have meant a board change. i was also quite limited in terms of space by the board so a small enclosure did the trick.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

Not for one minute putting any dispersion on your installation but doesn't it make a mockery of the regs when the enclosure can be plastic when you are installing the same switchgear?

As above ^ The regulations are an enigma at times. It does seem strange that you can circumvent them in this way. Ultimately though the issue is one of attention to detail and workmanship, If you install the cables correctly and ensure they are terminated right then you should not get loose connections or thermal damage that cause issues of worse case a fire. the vast majority of the Cu fires that led to the changes to metal/non combustible were due to poor workman ship and people not checking screws, terminations etc...

 

[Toneyz]

100% agree with your statement Gavin by reading your post I think you thought it should have been metal.