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[The Truth]

Initially I was puttign code 4 on the no RCD installations but an now putting code 2 on the basis that this says it is not meeting current safety standards, which are higher than the standards that were required a few years ago. I explain to the customer the reasoning behind whay I say this as well and they generally accept it as sensible even if they choose to do nothing about it.

good answer. the old school can debate this all day but as you say its a sensible recomendation of improvement ( code 2 ) and in this particular case of the 30mA RCD there is nothing wrong with pushing it. if the regs had specified a 100mA RCD for purely cable protection purposes and not life protection for example then there would be no arguement it would be a code 4.

 

[Des 56]

good answer. the old school can debate this all day but as you say its a sensible recomendation of improvement ( code 2 ) and in this particular case of the 30mA RCD there is nothing wrong with pushing it. if the regs had specified a 100mA RCD for purely cable protection purposes and not life protection for example then there would be no arguement it would be a code 4.

Try not to put too much reliance on accessories that have a very high percenage of known "failure to function" statistics
RCDs have an 8% failure rate
For secondary protection they are useful items
For primary protection the earthing ,bonding and adequacy of the protective device to disconnect in the recomended time is by far the safest and most reliable safety feature of an installation

The problem with the reliance on RCD s to cover your arse with regard all situations,is that the primary protection is fast becoming something that is thrown to one side
Lets just remember that the RCD mania,is to protect the system from the inadequcy of the DIYer to provide that primary protection by poor and ignorant installation methods
The RCd does not become a superior tool in installation just because it is the poor mans fail safe for unsafe installations
It is a welcome addition,but should not be regarded as the solution to everything because it provides a low level fit all item that may be to the detriment of safer installations

 

[The Truth]

Try not to put too much reliance on accessories that have a very high percenage of known "failure to function" statistics
RCDs have an 8% failure rate
For secondary protection they are useful items
For primary protection the earthing ,bonding and adequacy of the protective device to disconnect in the recomended time is by far the safest and most reliable safety feature of an installation

The problem with the reliance on RCD s to cover your arse with regard all situations,is that the primary protection is fast becoming something that is thrown to one side
Lets just remember that the RCD mania,is to protect the system from the inadequcy of the DIYer to provide that primary protection by poor and ignorant installation methods
The RCd does not become a superior tool in installation just because it is the poor mans fail safe for unsafe installations
It is a welcome addition,but should not be regarded as the solution to everything because it provides a low level fit all item that may be to the detriment of safer installations

I don't think anyone actually has the attitude to RCD's you just describe. Every qualified person here knows there stuff and to get their quals they fully understand electrical installations and protection thereof. This knee jerk reaction to RCD's is typical of changes to the 'tried and tested' methods of this country, jsut look at when cable colours changed! now who cares?! we are professionals and we work with what we are given.

Failure rate or not. RCD's ARE a superior tool in fact the only tool that can save you from electrocution. If the primary protection you describe was up to the job...there would be no need for them.

You mention 'RCD mania,is to protect the system from the inadequcy of the DIYer' not so. 30mA RCD's in homes are to protect the PEOPLE IN THE HOME not the system. Hence 30mA and not 100mA

'low level fit all item that may be to the detriment of safer installations' your going to have to explain to everyone how an RCD may be detremental to an installation?! thats absrb.

No professional here or anywhere is going to be throwing in RCD's into an installation willy nilly with the ametuer qualities you describe. And even if they did??? the installation would still be safer than it was previously because it has one! even if it fails.....the install is just as good as it was before it was fitted!!