RCD on bathroom lighting

[Andy78]

But the part we are talking about is outside the zones

You're either trying to make a joke or you really need to read 701 again.

 

[dingledong]

When I read 701.32.1 'General' it says that "When applying this section, the zones specified in 701.32.2 to 4 shall be taken into account...."

So.... if the ceiling is above 2.25m or outside the zones, then that means that things like downlighters are not in the location containing the bath or shower and therefore the requirements for additional protection by RCD (701.411.3.3) are not needed?

Have I read this right? Or am I getting the wrong end of the stick?!

In this instance I needed the RCD for other reasons anyway, but had I just been doing the lights, would it have been okay to simply replace the old fitting with the new downlights?

Thanks for your advice guys/gals.[/QUOTE]
The 2nd paragraph says they are outside the zone surely

 

[HappyHippyDad]

That was kinda what got me thinking ;-)
Technically, the downlighters and all electrical connections are actually in the loft.......

I think we can always play around with words General to suit our arguments. I suppose we could say that you could have a push light switch on the wall of the bathroom as the actual electrics will be in the wall, not in the bathroom.

I think sometimes you have to just think about what is the right way to do it.... A bathroom is full of steam, we are soaking wet... we need an RCD.

 

[dingledong]

"When applying this section the zones shall be taken into account" means that the specific requirements for equipment in zones shall be applied where necessary.

701.411.3.3 should be read to mean what it says. RCD protection for all final circuits in a location containing a bath or a shower.

If the lights were outside of the zone, you could fit lights that were not IP rated to IPX4, but they would still have to be RCD protected. I would fit bathroom suitable downlights above a bath or a shower in all occasions though regardless of height.

701.411.3.3 should, why should ,
The fittings are outside of the zone
So it the ceiling was 4 metres high you would still think.it's in the zone

 

[HappyHippyDad]

When I read 701.32.1 'General' it says that "When applying this section, the zones specified in 701.32.2 to 4 shall be taken into account...."

So.... if the ceiling is above 2.25m or outside the zones, then that means that things like downlighters arenot in the location containing the bath or shower and therefore the requirements for additional protection by RCD (701.411.3.3) are not needed?

Have I read this right? Or am I getting the wrong end of the stick?!

In this instance I needed the RCD for other reasons anyway, but had I just been doing the lights, would it have been okay to simply replace the old fitting with the new downlights?

Thanks for your advice guys/gals.
The 2nd paragraph says they are outside the zone surely

Dingle, you've said they are not in the 'location'. They are in the 'location' but they are not in the 'zones'. The 'location' is the whole room so IMO 701.411.3.3 applies as it states RCD protection for the 'location', not for equipment in the 'zones'.

 

[dingledong]

I am not disagreeing with you happy I am just saying the regs say ,that's
All
And even if they are in the location they are outside the zones

 

[Andy78]

701.411.3.3 should, why should ,
The fittings are outside of the zone
So it the ceiling was 4 metres high you would still think.it's in the zone

I have no idea why you are wittering on about zones any more. Section 701 is perfectly clear to me regarding RCD protection of circuits. Tell me what are confused about and I will try and help you.

 

[Octopus]

I think he's getting his location and zones muddled

 

[Silly Sausage]

The zones dictate what kind of of gear you can use within them.
The location is the bathroom, to which is what the RCD requirement relates to.

They've got differnt regs in the Wild West. :smilielol5:

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I like the way you ask questions though Dingle, it's better than not giving a damn. But I have a feeling that once you've made your mind up its difficult to change it. I think I was like that in my 20's and 30's and then I realised how little I actually knew/know and started really trying to listen to what everyone was saying.

Keep asking your questions chap :smiley2:

 

[Silly Sausage]

I like the way you ask questions though Dingle, ...............

Don't succumb to that horse whispering HHD!

 

[telectrix]

never mind , dingle. one day essex will have the privilege of horseless carriages.

 

[The General]

I think we can always play around with words General to suit our arguments. I suppose we could say that you could have a push light switch on the wall of the bathroom as the actual electrics will be in the wall, not in the bathroom.

I think sometimes you have to just think about what is the right way to do it.... A bathroom is full of steam, we are soaking wet... we need an RCD.

Not disagreeing! I did put an RCD, but I was just reflecting about it afterwards and wanted to sound it out for some other opinions.
thanks for all comments and advice!

 

[telectrix]

you did well, young skywalker.

 

[telectrix]

becoming a good spark you will be.