Metal Capping - earthing it?

[LukeScotty]

Wondering whether anyone has come across the needs of earthing the metal capping in the new regulations, and if capping has become a regulation, or is still just good practice?

 

[DadofTwo]

AFAIK, capping isn't a regulation in the 17th edition although if you want to avoid having to protect a circuit with an RCD or RCBO then ALL cabling on that circuit MUST be buried at least 50mm into a wall (as long as that doesnt take it to within 50mm of the other side of course!) OR must be capped with earthed metal capping.

hat's how I understand it anyway or have I mis-understood your question.

Oh, and as for earthing the capping, it's so that if you nail through the capping and into the live without making contact with the cpc then the fault is grounded by the capping.

 

[LukeScotty]

many minds think alike

 

[EasyFox]

Nope it's just good practice, saying that I never bother with it if the walls are to be drylined.
Have seen capping earthed by a kitchen fitter, he cut a thin slice on the edge of the capping and used a spade terminal crimped to a length of 1.5mm green/yellow single which he took to the backbox earth terminal, looked good but pointless seen as there was no continuity between the lengths of capping.

 

[wayne]

chapter 52 new regs (i think) gives the info on this way i read it unless you earth capping its got to be on a rcd

 

[deano]

Capping cables is still the same good practice. There is no need to earth capping as it does not meet the requirements as a earthed metallic covering suitable for service as the circuit CPC and it is not mechanically protected against damage from penetration by nails ect. Capping is more for your plaster than you..

 

[Cirrus]

Just use plastic capping like me and no need to worry

 

[LukeScotty]

do you still need to put circuits on an rcd if they are surface mounted, but within the safety zones. for the new regulations..?

 

[deano]

No need for RCD on surface mounted, but must be suitable for the application. There are no safety zones for surface mounted cables.

 

[Cirrus]

Surely it depends what circuits Luke?

 

[deano]

I think we are just looking at circuits that require RCD due to installation methods,
I know what you mean thou sockets and bathrooms RCD standard.