RCD FCU in bathroom

bonn1ett · Nov 8, 2012

Hi,
i have been asked to install a towel rail in bathroom. Looks like there was already a towel rail there before as there is a blanking plate low level which has a feed in it from a fcu outside the bathroom. There is no RCD protection on the circuit (old fuse board).

I was thinking of removing the blanking plate in the bathroom and installing an RCD fused connection unit to supply the towel rail? Or should the RCD fcu replace the switched fcu outside the bathroom and a blanking plate with cable outlet used in the bathroom?

any thoughts?

ta

loop3 · Nov 8, 2012

I would go outside. Is it in any zones?

loop3 · Nov 8, 2012

The blanking plate that is.

bonn1ett · Nov 8, 2012

The plate is more than 600mm from the edge of the bath and shower so outside the zones.

Billythekid · Nov 8, 2012

I would install the RCD as close to the consumer unit as possible.

Regards

Billy

bonn1ett · Nov 8, 2012

ok thanks for your help.

martinh287 · Nov 8, 2012

Billythekid said:
I would install the RCD as close to the consumer unit as possible.

Regards

Billy

Best advice you are goin to get

SirKit Breaker · Nov 8, 2012

I would RCD the circuit at its origin. If it outside the zones, then it would be acceptable to use an RCD FCU, but not ideal. But then again, some people have normal light switches in bathrooms, so the same would apply to this as well.

Cheers...........Howard

Octopus · Nov 8, 2012

Easy way out would be to replace the FCU outside the bathroom with a RCD FCU. Some here say its doesn't comply with regs but some would argue it would. Ideally you'd place the RCD at the "source" of the circuit but often this isn't feasible or financially viable with the client.

bonn1ett · Nov 8, 2012

I don't think the customer would be willing to pay the extra for RCD installation at source although i will strongly recommend it! Was thinking to put the RCD fcu outside in place of the switched fuse spur as suggested but if i do and just put a blanking plate with cable outlet next to the rad how will they switch the towel rad on/off? I know they could use the RCD unit but thats not ideal is it?