EICR question, OLD AC RCD- code 3 or no code?

[littlespark]

I came across an old wylex one not long ago, and was also surprised that it was an A, and not AC

 

[westward10]

Most of the old Memshield 2 pods are type A.

 

[baldelectrician]

We found a old MK LN range RCBO which has a Type A trip and a BS 3871 trip curve

 

[Jelade Elect.]

@Julie.

My thinking, the capacity of which is limited, is that potential for issue exists due to the way in which this protective device operates and the fact that one new appliance has the potential to change that operation.

I take the above points, but believe old wiring colours aren't a good comparison as they will have no impact on a householder who doesn't tinker with fixed wiring in their home. Replacement of an old or failed appliance doesn't generally require consultation. Given that a significant number of domestic EICRs are carried out for the sole reason of complying with rental legislation, I feel this adds another layer to the issue as no one can look around the property and assume risk on the basis of appliances present at time of inspection.

Similarly, the issue of premature collapse doesn't generally involve variables - risk exists or it does not and remedial work is quite simple.

Furthermore, most inspectors who carry out EICRs won't have any means of detecting DC leakage, much less any interest in attempting to do so.

What I have taken away from this discussion is that a number of opinions in favour of not coding type AC RCDs are based on customer reaction. While I understand that position, I don't consider customer sensibilities to be a factor of testing and inspecting. It's an interesting discussion about what, on the surface, appears to be a simple issue.

Had My Napit inspection last week and the assessor of the bat within 10 mins of meeting he asked me how I code Type AC RCD's which I replied Code 2 & I swap them out or replace circuit breakers with Type A RCBO's wit clients consent, which he replied Good answers as it is now a Code 2 on EICR's with Napit and in their latest edition of their codebreaking Handbook...Phew! as I thought he was going to try catch me out lol

 

[cliffed]

Had My Napit inspection last week and the assessor of the bat within 10 mins of meeting he asked me how I code Type AC RCD's which I replied Code 2 & I swap them out or replace circuit breakers with Type A RCBO's wit clients consent, which he replied Good answers as it is now a Code 2 on EICR's with Napit and in their latest edition of their codebreaking Handbook...Phew! as I thought he was going to try catch me out lol

Really there would be circumstances where you might code it C2, but C3 is recommended especially if electronic equipment was sparse.
It will soon be C2 for all new amendments soon & the installation of New DB’s, scrapping perfectly correct DB’s

 

[DefyG]

As Type AC RCD's are still compliant and permitted in Reg (531.3.3) and without knowing the value of the DC component (if any) I will C3 it.

 

[westward10]

Codebreakers DIY Guide has a lot to answer for and is certainly aiding the confusion for non competent persons carrying out EICRs.

 

[cliffed]

I came across an old wylex one not long ago, and was also surprised that it was an A, and not AC

Amazing these Regs just keep on changing, I wonder to suit other’s, those making a Mint from all these requirements.
Obviously times change & regulations need to be updated, but you’ve got to read between the pages & see what’s required.
Experience & Know How more important now, especially in existing installations

 

[newfutile]

It's not the regs changing it's how the severity is coded, napit seem to be different to electrical safety first,at the end of the day the inspector does the coding,though they should be able to justify why the code was assigned.