new builds with no rcd protection?!?

[michaelw6]

i have recently been into a couple of property's which are apartments with no rcd protection. there are about 40 of these apartments in this block all of which i assume are the same.
i have checked the main incomer which just goes through an isolator and 80a mcb to the apartment with two supplies, these go into a quickline 2 board with two main isolators either side split peak and off peak.
with 17th edition i did not think this would be aloud.

Im requesting they change the mcbs for rcbos what are your views in case ive missed something here!

 

[spark 68]

you say apartments.

Skilled person present?

Janitor/care taker with relevant qualifications?

You cannot use the skilled/instructed person rules in a domestic installation.

 

[AndyL]

It's not an absolute requirement circuits are rcd protected.

Rcd's are often the most cost efficient way of satisfying bs7671 but not the only way.

Check the wiring systems.

Surely they would have a few sockets in the apartments though, which would need RCD however they are wired

 

[StuSpiers]

Yup I agree I've been reading and I cant really see any valid loop holes as to why they wouldn't put them in.

either designed to 16th or not designed to bs7671 (not law don't forget) don't ask me how they got signed off though.

 

[michaelw6]

Yup I agree I've been reading and I cant really see any valid loop holes as to why they wouldn't put them in.

either designed to 16th or not designed to bs7671 (not law don't forget) don't ask me how they got signed off though.

yes 16th edition design i reckon.
but i dont thing there should be no rcd protection at all even 16 required some protection.
although both apartments i checked were not on ground floor...

 

[Guest55]

You cannot use the skilled/instructed person rules in a domestic installation.

With one exception - an electricians home.
Seriously.
Think about it.

 

[jdd]

If it was designed to the 16th edition, you could get away with no rcd protection in flats above ground floor where sockets would not be expected to be used outside and supplementary bonding was across all bathroom circuits.

 

[Jimmy Boy]

Yea but only if you live on your own and the GF or the significant other is 17th compliant lol

 

[Risteard]

With one exception - an electricians home.
Seriously.
Think about it.

No, you can't, because you can't control who else comes into the home. No domestic dwelling can be considered to be under the control of anything other than an ordinary person under any circumstances. The guidance will confirm this.

 

[pjcomp]

Wiring in steel conduit? Unlikely in this day and age but would make it 17th compliant - RCD needed where no other protection, and all that. An RCD isn't a 17th must-have, it's just the easiest way to meet the requirements.

PJ

 

[jumpin jax]

Yup I agree I've been reading and I cant really see any valid loop holes as to why they wouldn't put them in.

either designed to 16th or not designed to bs7671 (not law don't forget) don't ask me how they got signed off though.

They probably got signed off because , as usual, the building inspector doesn't know what he is looking at and just sees a certificate. The blame at the end of the day lies with the person who signs the certificate.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Wiring in steel conduit? Unlikely in this day and age but would make it 17th compliant - RCD needed where no other protection, and all that. An RCD isn't a 17th must-have, it's just the easiest way to meet the requirements.

PJ

With few exceptions it is a requirement for sockets though.

 

[malcolmsanford]

Wiring in steel conduit? Unlikely in this day and age but would make it 17th compliant - RCD needed where no other protection, and all that. An RCD isn't a 17th must-have, it's just the easiest way to meet the requirements.

PJ

It is if you want a bathroom in the property that utilizes 230volts circuits and sockets outlets to BS 1363

 

[Guitarist]

With one exception - an electricians home.
Seriously.
Think about it.

Unless the electrician has family living there who are unskilled.

 

[Des 56]

Unless the electrician has family living there who are unskilled.

It could sometimes be applied to the electrician living there as well :shame: :smiley2:

 

[Dave 85]

If its not ground floor, there's no need for RCD under 16th if you ask me.