EICR code, commercial socket protection

[Welchyboy]

what code?

3036 fuses

Protecting double sockets in offices and workshop areas

not used for outside purposes ze/zs bonding etc fine!


C3?

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Unless the installation is a special location such as Horticultural/Agricultural, then no code at all.
If the socket-outlets are for unsupervised general use by ordinary persons, then those socket-outlets will require RCD protection, not the circuit as a whole.
As such the code would be C3, and the observation would be perhaps: 'Lack of 30mA RCD protection to socket-outlets intended for unsupervised general use by ordinary persons, as per Regulation BS7671 411.3.3.'

 

[Welchyboy]

its a small glazing company, 1x dso staff in work shop making windows
3x dso owners office for it equiptment

i have coded a c3 - to current regs yes would require but retrospectivly no they wouldnt

 

[Guest123]

I'd agree with a C3 in this instance.

One other thing to consider with the 3036 re-wireables is the problem that arises when a 30A one is used to protect a RFC wired in 2.5/1.0mm T&E cable.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

its a small glazing company, 1x dso staff in work shop making windows
3x dso owners office for it equiptment

i have coded a c3 - to current regs yes would require but retrospectivly no they wouldnt

I'm assuming that you have issued a code C3 due to lack of RCD protection.
As yet, you haven't indicated any reason why the current Regs. would require RCD protection.
Socket-outlets only require RCD protection if they are used to supply mobile equipment outdoors, are in a special location or are intended for unsupervised general use by ordinary persons.
You've already indicated that there are no socket-outlets used to supply mobile equipment outdoors.
You've not mentioned a special location.
It's an office with a workshop, so I doubt that the socket-outlets are intended for unsupervised general use by ordinary persons.
Do they allow members of the public to wander in and start plugging in equipment?

 

[Welchyboy]

Well my interpretation of 411.3.3 would be that an office worker or glass worker would be an ordinary person and the sockets would be for general use really, they would not be under supervision or instruction by any one with electrical knowledge or skill so yes a socket outlet under 20a would require it, I know people have different views on this reg and what is required but that's how I see it.

Under the definition section of the regs a skilled or instructed person is one with sufficient electrical knowledge to avoid danger, which I don't believe the above to definitely posses, so erring on the side of caution If it was a new install I would fit rcd protection to the sockets

Is this correct? I realise these people should be instructed/supervised in their general work activities, is this what is meant?

Some clarity on this situation would be grateful as it a bit unclear I think

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Regulation 16 of the EAWR: "No person shall be engaged in any work activity where technical knowledge or experience is necessary to prevent danger or, where appropriate, injury, unless he possesses such knowledge or experience, or is under such degree of supervision as may be appropriate having regard to the nature of the work."
The EAWR are a statutory requirement.
As such anyone using a socket-outket as part of their work duties would have to by law, meet the requirements to be considered skilled or instructed as per BS7671.

 

[johnboy6083]

I would say that the equipment plugged into the sockets in a workshop is much more likely to be damaged than anywhere else, and as such would require RCD protection. I would certainly specify RCD sockets if a client insisted on 230v for a workshop.

 

[CrazyScozzese]

What about cleaners, etc? And does skilled refer to skilled in their job, or does it include skilled in use of electrical outlets?

It is a bit of a double edged sword, do you risk the pain and suffering of coding as unsatisfactory, or risk the danger of comebacks in the perhaps unlikely event of a related incident?

I have debated the RCD point with Spin before, and it is not really black and white, but rather open to interpretation. I would go with the interpretation your support organisations adhere to.

 

[ipf]

Cleaners are employed and can be instructed on safe use of socket outlets without RCD protection (in my opinion).

 

[Strima]

Had it before, wanted to borrow a vacuum from the cleaner for a two minute job whilst she cleaned the bogs, apparently I'm not qualified!!!

 

[ipf]

What, to clean the bogs ?

 

[Strima]

Could have done a better job than her...

 

[ipf]

She probably did a 5 week course.lol. (sorry, couldn't help myself)

 

[ipf]

Back to thread before............