extra socket

[Peter Woodford]

guys

been asked to install an extra socket in a house. does this need to be rcd protected if isn't already. Fuse board has rewire-able fuses its also only a short run

cheers

 

[Amp David]

Depends what use the socket-outlet is intended for.
If it's for general use by ordinary persons, then yes it has to be RCD protected (allthough the amendment due out later this year may make an exception for this).
If it's intended for a specific item of equipment (which could be a TV and Video) then no it doesn't have to be RCD protected.
The RCD protection if required can be provided by using an RCD socket-outlet, allthough protecting the whole circuit with an RCBO may be preferable.

A domestic property is always going classed as under use by ordinary persons. RCDs are always going to be needed in a domestic dwelling, mainly as the cable depths are never goiing to met the requirements for not needing the RCD.

Bring on the amendment

 

[Deleted member 26818]

A domestic property is always going classed as under use by ordinary persons. RCDs are always going to be needed in a domestic dwelling, mainly as the cable depths are never goiing to met the requirements for not needing the RCD.

Bring on the amendment

Don't quite get your point?
The OP is asking whether the socket-outlet requires RCD protection, not the cables.
If the socket-outlet is not intended for general use, in a special location or for use by mobile equipment outdoors, then RCD protection is not required.
This is irrespective of whether it is under use by ordinary persons.

 

[john25]

Eh ?? If a socket is for use of mobile equipment out doors or in a Special Location then RCD protection IS required.

As for it needing an RCD for general use indoors I think that as long as the cable install meets the requirements for Chase depth i.e Mechanical protection then RCD protection is NOT required.

 

[tony mc]

You can see where the confusion comes into the interpretation of the regs.

I take it what you part (b) 411.3.3. Specific labelled suitably identified socket outletetc.

Personally until the new ammendements come out I still only go down the RCD route erring on safety.

Everyone will have there own interpretation on the red book and regs and that whats good about this forum .

 

[Amp David]

What I was getting at is if hes adding a new socket then regardless of what its used for, the cable supplying it is going to be the deciding factor on if the circuit now requires RCD protection, that is unless it meets the criteria set out not to need protection.

Just sticking an RCD socket in aint going to satisfy the requirement for addition protection required by cable installation method

 

[j.mawer]

Surely the socket needs protection because its domestic and therefore not under use of a trained person (411.3.3 point i) UNLESS it is for a specific use and labeled as such (411.3.3 point b)

The cable needs to have RCD protection UNLESS it is surface mounted or buried by more than 5cm or enclosed in earthed conduit etc as specified in 522.6.6

 

[Amp David]

Surely the socket needs protection because its domestic and therefore not under use of a trained person (411.3.3 point i) UNLESS it is for a specific use and labeled as such (411.3.3 point b)

The cable needs to have RCD protection UNLESS it is surface mounted or buried by more than 5cm or enclosed in earthed conduit etc as specified in 522.6.6

Exactly.

 

[j.mawer]

That was a busy minute!

 

[tony mc]

I take it that its the cable supplying the new socket that is being discussed not the existing cable on the cct in the propery or am I reading the post wrong.

 

[j.mawer]

I was indeed talking about the new cable, sorry that wasn't very clear

 

[telectrix]

exactly why, in my last post, i advocated the use of a RCD FCU. protecting the new cable as well as the new socket.

 

[Wiredspark]

Im with Amp David etc on this but, never mind any the confusion bulldung on this matter, if you really don't know, stay safe, keep the customer safe and protect new cct in it's entirety. They sleep safe, you sleep safe and all is well in the world.

 

[Wiredspark]

I really can't help feel that sometimes folk are far far far too lazy. I'm definitely not of the mind set of "What is the absolute minimum I can get away with?" and I think that some others could learn from this thinking also.

 

[telectrix]

I really can't help feel that sometimes folk are far far far too lazy. I'm definitely not of the mind set of "What is the absolute minimum I can get away with?" and I think that some others could learn from this thinking also.

but nwe have to educate joe public from that same mind set " what is the minimum cost i can get away with" today i had a call-out, 2 5' fluorescent tubes and 2 starters in a fitting. as it was only a mile away , when he asked me how much, i said £40 all-in. he said " that's steep, can't you do it cheaper?". i said OK< call it £35. he then got his cheque book out. needless to say, next time he' s got a fault, ********* ( the stars are my own, not a mod's)

 

[Deleted member 26818]

There appears to be some confusion over what I have stated in my previous posts, and as to the requirements in BS7671 for 30mA RCD protection.
To clarify:
Only socket-outlets intended for unsupervised general use by ordinary persons, and those used for mobile equipment used outdoors require 30mA RCD protection.
If the socket-outlet is not for equipment used outdoors, and is not intended for general use, there is no requirement for RCD protection.
I did not refer to the cable requiring 30mA RCD protection, as the OP did not specify whether the cable is conceled in a wall, or surface run.