Extension of lighting circuit!

[hoppy]

Hi,

I have been to look at a job, basically lady wants two lights in loft and a switch, no problem coming off existing upstairs lighting circuit via a bedroom pendant below.

Just after a bit of advice, existing db is 16th ed, so lighting circuits not rcd protected.

Would you insist on installing an RCBO on lighting circuit or just note it as a departure on MW cert, all cables are going to be clipped on inside of joists, nothing buried (only by insulation), so my thinking is my addition to the circuit is all surface and does not require RCD protection, oh and all fittings and switch are class 2.

Thanks guys all views appreciated!

 

[Benjamiin]

I would come off existing lighting circuit into an rcd fused spur, then wire your new lights. This way you rcd protect your work, and a fused spur only protects its load, therefore saving you potencial trouble if you installed an rcbo on said circuit and had an eart neutral fault, hope this helps Ben

 

[FAA Greenie]

Hmmmnnnn, If the switch is in the loft too, then none of the wiring is buried and is all surface run. I would say that so long as all the testing checks out, your addition to the circuit would not require RCD protection...

Tin hat.......

 

[Guitarist]

No need for RCD if all surface mounted. Note on MWC.

 

[telectrix]

as above. if it's no cables buried in walls, then RCD is not required. some might split hairs and say that because you have worked on the circuit, and that circuit has cables buried in walls from previous installation, then you should bring that circuit up to 17 Ed. regs,, but i wouldn't bother.

 

[Farmelectrics]

as above if all cables are clipped on surface no nead for rcd add lights test circut issue test sheet and take your money lol

 

[Outspoken]

Agree with all points, because all are very valid, but also because I HATE the very idea of RCD's on internal lighting circuits...how would some poor sod get out of a lit loft if the RCD trips...more likely the hard way via the ceiling!!

 

[Badged01]

Think the point is you're only responsible for the work you do. If your adding to a lighting circuit then its the work that you add that needs to meet the current regs. RCD protection therefore depends on how you install the wiring runs ....

 

[telectrix]

Agree with all points, because all are very valid, but also because I HATE the very idea of RCD's on internal lighting circuits...how would some poor sod get out of a lit loft if the RCD trips...more likely the hard way via the ceiling!!

hope that would be a plumber fell through the ceiling.

 

[Farmelectrics]

or install emergency light in loft

 

[driverman]

Re loft lights...Doing 2395.. i was told there that you can not fix electrical accessories directly onto timber / joist. Apparently now you have to install a blue type disc behind each fitting. This blue disc will expand if a fire should occur. Bit like the seal in a fire door. Anyone know of any info about this? Similarly.. told that dry line boxes for stud walls etc, now can not be used on new builds. Dry line boxes with some sought of fire / heat expanding material has to be used.

 

[Outspoken]

Re loft lights...Doing 2395.. i was told there that you can not fix electrical accessories directly onto timber / joist. Apparently now you have to install a blue type disc behind each fitting. This blue disc will expand if a fire should occur. Bit like the seal in a fire door. Anyone know of any info about this? Similarly.. told that dry line boxes for stud walls etc, now can not be used on new builds. Dry line boxes with some sought of fire / heat expanding material has to be used.

I stand to be corrected but that sounds like total nonsense to me because it certainly is not in BS7671 or the Building Regs as amended.

 

[Tim]

Re loft lights...Doing 2395.. i was told there that you can not fix electrical accessories directly onto timber / joist. Apparently now you have to install a blue type disc behind each fitting. This blue disc will expand if a fire should occur. Bit like the seal in a fire door. Anyone know of any info about this? Similarly.. told that dry line boxes for stud walls etc, now can not be used on new builds. Dry line boxes with some sought of fire / heat expanding material has to be used.

I have used the drylining boxes with the fire seal, they are a right pain to use. I have not heard of the blue disk for lights on timber. I do hope you are mistaken as i really dont fancy fitting the fire rated drylining boxes everywhere!

 

[Guitarist]

Only needed where stipulated, such as multi-occupancy dwellings. Most fittings state "can be installed on normally flammable surfaces", and as such you would be following manufacturers instructions.

 

[driverman]

It's surprising what you get told isn't it!. As I said earlier it was whilst I was on a 2395 course.