Advice on regs please

[Shock Doctor]

Hi all,

Ive been asked to look at a job to extend a lighting circuit. The customer wants to keep the existing pendant in the centre of the room and add 4 downlights in each corner controlled off a seperate switch. The room is a living room. My problem is the cu has no rcd protection. If I chase the wall to get my switch line down and put the cable in metal conduit would this satisfy the regs, I know anything buried in wall with no mechanical protection will need and rcd.

I know a board change is not an option after speaking to the customer on the phone. I have pre warned them that the job must be done by the book. I would just like to be able to offer the options available whilst stilll meeting the regs.

If not I simply wont do it as Im too new at this to be cutting corners and doing dodgeys. My aim is to be one of the good guys!

Thank you in advance for any advise.

 

[ezzzekiel]

why not rcbo the lighting circuit

 

[Shock Doctor]

The existing board is an old wylex with plug in mcb's. I know this as on the phone they said its the same board as next doors (which is my mother in laws, no jokes please I know its tempting).

 

[sparkylad]

How about an RCD fused spur mounted adjacent to the consumer unit, with the lighting circuit routed through it ?

 

[JUD]

If I chase the wall to get my switch line down and put the cable in metal conduit would this satisfy the regs, I know anything buried in wall with no mechanical protection will need and rcd..

Yes, as long as the conduit is earthed.

 

[jase]

remote switch?

 

[SirKit Breaker]

How about an RCD fused spur mounted adjacent to the consumer unit, with the lighting circuit routed through it ?

That what i would do, nice cheap and easy fix.

 

[Shock Doctor]

Thank you everyone for your advice this site is priceless for newbies like myself. I like the idea of the rcd fused spur by the CU. Better protection than my original idea. Sorry if I seem like I need it spelling out sometimes but I just want to do a proffesional and safe job. I will run from the 10A Mcb at the fuse board to a RCD fused spur and connect the enitre downstairs lighting circuit to it, so protecting not only the alterations but the whole circuit.

Simple and cost effective. Genius! Thank you again I really do appreciate your time.

 

[sparkylad]

Lovely Jubbly Mate !------One word of caution though. do a LN/E insulation resistance test first and make sure there are no borrowed neutrals either======life is never easy is it ?

 

[Shock Doctor]

Will do! If it was easy it wouldnt be as much fun ( be nice to have something straight forward once in a while though).

Thanks again