Existing external lighting circuit.

[sparks72]

I want to add a light fitting to an existing circuit (installed around 5 years ago).
has one fitting on the circuit at present with an switch in the garage on a 6 amp MCB, tested out fine,
do I have to put an RCBO on the circuitif I add on to it ?


Thanks in advance

 

[Yooj]

I would say that you will need to put in an RCBO or an RCD just for the light that you have installed.

My rationale for this is that if you were just replacing the existing light then you would not need to do anything...however, because you are altering/ammending the existing circuit and thus altering the characteristics, then you need to make sure that these changes adhere to the current Part P regulations, which means BS7671 or an equivalent.

Yooj

 

[Phil Mumford]

Special location jumps out at me !

I believe RCD protection would be specifically required if the light is in a special location or the wiring to it is concealed in a wall to a depth of 50mm or less blah blah blah.

As you mention a garage the circuit should be RCD protected anyway. If it isn't, you cannot add to the circuit unless you protect the entire circuit, as you would be adding to a potentially dangerous circuit.

You need to check the bonding and earthing arrangements are up to scratch before you can even unpack your tools.

 

[Had8Lives]

A garage is not classed as a special location. Sockets within it that maybe used to supply portable equipment for use outdoors must be RCD protected. Lights, unless they have exposed outdoor connections don't need to be RCD protected.

 

[Phil Mumford]

I stand corrected.

In my defence I was was thinking of a garage not adjoined to the house and therefore outside the equipotential zone.

 

[sparks72]

Thanks chaps,

I installed a new lighting circuit instead, 6amp RCBO etc, etc.

 

[Mark.W]

As it's a new light circuit, it would be notifiable!

 

[sparks72]

As it's a new light circuit, it would be notifiable!

Approved contractor, thanks ....................was having a "blonde" day
I will punish myself by writing out 1000 lines of "every circuit must be RCD protected"