Call center sockets

[tlangdon12]

If you do go down the standard breaker route, make sure you select a curve that will allow all the IT equipment to be powered up at once.

I was responsible for the electrical installation at 1000 seat contact centre. We had a power cut and when the power came back on, all the breakers tripped because the inrush current to all the IT equipment. We had to run around unplugging about half the equipment before we could turn the breakers on without them immediately tripping.

 

[James]

Would be good to get clarification on 531.3.4 in the 18th which now seems to exclude the use of RCD sockets to BS7288

It’s a bit of a bugger really, when regs contradict each other.

Think because it’s a first floor office and not domestic, we can probably risk assess our way out of that, even if it is non compliant it can still be done.
The regs do not prevent using other methods it’s just a bigger paperwork trail to prove it has been done as safely as possible.
After all, this has got to work and be safe.
Otherwise a very large online estate agent is going to be pee ing a lot of customers off.

 

[Toneyz]

Have you measured the leakage current? As for the RCD socket does anyone know why it is not in the 18th (I presume that it trips out in the prescribed times) Could this be put down as a deviation?

 

[Leesparkykent]

Have you measured the leakage current? As for the RCD socket does anyone know why it is not in the 18th (I presume that it trips out in the prescribed times) Could this be put down as a deviation?

I think it would be a justifiable deviation. After all a deviation is something that isn’t strictly to regs but gives the same level of safety as compliance.

 

[Koipin]

I'd suggest a ramp test on the RCDs. It certainly sounds like the issue is leakage rather than overload. Have you done a count on the number of sockets on each ring?

 

[Lister1987]

Stupid question from a non-spark; Have you taken into account contractors using the sockets; Cleaners running buffers, Builders running on-site transformers for tools or what have you? In case they have a higher draw than the workstations? Would increase the load no and they may be left permanently plugged in (charging battery if cordless etc)

 

[littlespark]

Op mentions everything in the office was PAT tested?
I bet something has sneaked past the tester, if it’s one of those price per test companies.
Looks ok, just sticker it and hope for the best

 

[Pete999]

Op mentions everything in the office was PAT tested?
I bet something has sneaked past the tester, if it’s one of those price per test companies.
Looks ok, just sticker it and hope for the best

Surprising how many office staff bring their own appliances in from home, heaters, fans, coffee makers, kettles seen it all in my time, even found Sex toys spirited away in desks, and before you ask, we, all of us have a quick squint if the place is empty don't we??

 

[GBDamo]

ooh, RCD sockets again, whoopie.:bananas: