Comms room

[eddielarge]

Hi i am half way through a periodic inspection on a commercial property and the comms room is wired into a 10 way wylex DB with a main RCD , the problem as you know is nuisance tripping on the circuits .just a quick one is this a code 2 as it requires improvement or just simply a code 4 as it does not comply with BS7671.

the instalation is a recent install that the sparks did not certify ///

 

[Notsosmart]

Depends on what the circuits supply, is the lighting also on the Distribution board or just the servers.
If it is only the data equipment, servers etc then technically the tripping would be more an inconvienience and not a safety issue; as long as the site is maintained/supervised by a qualified person then I would say no code required. I would however put an advisory that the circuits are fed from RCBO's as opposed to one RCD.

Otherwise Yes code 2

 

[eddielarge]

Depends on what the circuits supply, is the lighting also on the Distribution board or just the servers.
If it is only the data equipment, servers etc then technically the tripping would be more an inconvienience and not a safety issue; as long as the site is maintained/supervised by a qualified person then I would say no code required. I would however put an advisory that the circuits are fed from RCBO's as opposed to one RCD.

Otherwise Yes code 2

Its a 10 way DB that supplys 4 ring mains 2 heaters and 2 handryers and a water heater and the comms panel.

so a code 2 would fail cert , would a code 4 not do , with a detailed note

there is no safety issue just the inconvience of tripping

 

[pevvers]

I would say a code 4, as in the event of a fault on any circuit will take the rest of the board out.

But I do have to say, who would put a front end RCD, hand dryers and a water heater on a comms room board? They must be crazy...

 

[Notsosmart]

As no lighting then I agree code 4. As for highly inductive hand driers on with comms then mr spikey will reign supreme.

 

[Graeme Harrold]

Its a 10 way DB that supplys 4 ring mains 2 heaters and 2 handryers and a water heater and the comms panel.

so a code 2 would fail cert , would a code 4 not do , with a detailed note

there is no safety issue just the inconvience of tripping

Remember you are not producing a pass/fail certificate, its a report on the condition of the installation at the time you conduct your inspection. All you can do is pass on recommendations as to its safety for continued use and any remedial action to bring any areas of concern back to current or design standards.

 

[bugsy]

When you comms panel, what dies it actually do - comms equipment should not be on this board

 

[pevvers]

When you comms panel, what dies it actually do

???

 

[peteludman]

have they got comms on a ups

 

[eddielarge]

When you comms panel, what dies it actually do - comms equipment should not be on this board

yes i know this but it is , i was just wondering is it just a code 4 or is there a bigger risk other than the anger on their faces when a woman in the office plugs her hair straighteners in and bang the lot goes

 

[Notsosmart]

If the wiring is protected by conduit (etc) It probably isn't actully contravening any reg within BS7671, so thinking about it even a code 4 would be pushing it.
However I would put on a strongly worded advisory notice so they are in no doubt that at best it is dubious practice.

 

[pevvers]

It probably isn't actully contravening any reg within BS7671

Surely 314.1 (i) - minimising inconvenience in the event of a fault - would come into play, no?

I would say that if there was a problem with your water heater, and it took out the front end RCD - and therefore your comms room - you would be pretty inconvenienced!

 

[eddielarge]

Surely 314.1 (i) - minimising inconvenience in the event of a fault - would come into play, no?

I would say that if there was a problem with your water heater, and it took out the front end RCD - and therefore your comms room - you would be pretty inconvenienced!

so will a code 4 cover it...

 

[pevvers]

In my opinion, yes. It's not dangerous, but does not comply with the latest edition of BS7671.

 

[Notsosmart]

Surely 314.1 (i) - minimising inconvenience in the event of a fault - would come into play, no?

I would say that if there was a problem with your water heater, and it took out the front end RCD - and therefore your comms room - you would be pretty inconvenienced!

By your interpretation of the regs twin RCD CU's are not compliant with 17th edition and only RCBO's will suffice.