RCD on lighting circuit?

[GPack]

Hello to all,
I am off to see a bungalow built in the 1970s. It has not recevied a rewire but the consumer unit was changed with RCDs protecting sockets and the lighting circuits unprotected by RCDs.
If I were to alter the lighting circuit in the kitchen to accomodate LV downlights (currently just a fluorescent) would I have to make sure the circuit was then RCD protected?

Thank you for your help

 

[cegsdj]

there isnt a requirement for an rcd unless its an area of special location then yes and i would probably go down the route of rcbo to prevent nusance tripping

 

[JUD]

there isnt a requirement for an rcd unless its an area of special location

Don't forget the requirement for an RCD for cables buried in the walls <50mm (unless they are mechanically protected by earthed steel conduit etc).

 

[GPack]

So could it be that if I run any new cabling down the wall <50mm for the switch I must RCD protect it. If I use an existing switch that is <50mm would I still need to protect it for the regulations?

 

[JUD]

So could it be that if I run any new cabling down the wall <50mm for the switch I must RCD protect it. If I use an existing switch that is <50mm would I still need to protect it for the regulations?

Yes. Any circuit or part of a circuit you work on must comply with the current regulations.

 

[GStueyXR]

So could it be that if I run any new cabling down the wall <50mm for the switch I must RCD protect it. If I use an existing switch that is <50mm would I still need to protect it for the regulations?

There is another option, recruit the owner of the bungalow as an apprentice and then you can claim he is skilled or instructed

 

[GPack]

That's really helpful and very much appreciated.

Thanks for the help again.

 

[liam b]

Yes. Any circuit or part of a circuit you work on must comply with the current regulations.

not according to my elecsa assessor. i asked him about adding spots he says aslong as you havnt renewed the cable goin to the switch minor works and you dont need to rcd it. if you move the switch and its <50mm then obv you have to rcd it.

id rcd it myself but just what he thinks...

 

[Deleted member 9648]

not according to my elecsa assessor. i asked him about adding spots he says aslong as you havnt renewed the cable goin to the switch minor works and you dont need to rcd it. if you move the switch and its <50mm then obv you have to rcd it.

id rcd it myself but just what he thinks...

What he said.....if the alteration or addition to an existing circuit requires RCD protection under the 17th edition you must RCD it,if it doesnt you dont have to regardless of whether other parts of that circuit would be RCD'd if installed to the 17th..

 

[caddy]

You only have to ensure the wiring you do conforms to the current requirements not necessarily the whole circuit you are working on.

 

[Risteard]

There is another option, recruit the owner of the bungalow as an apprentice and then you can claim he is skilled or instructed

That clause cannot apply to a domestic situation, so it wouldn't help you anyway.

 

[GStueyXR]

That clause cannot apply to a domestic situation, so it wouldn't help you anyway.

Unless he also opens a small chippy from his kitchen..... Solved

 

[Des 56]

So could it be that if I run any new cabling down the wall <50mm for the switch I must RCD protect it. If I use an existing switch that is <50mm would I still need to protect it for the regulations?

You could use a suitable cable or mechancally protect a cable

 

[GPack]

Thanks for all your help. The customer has also requested if a few power points could be moved. He needs a new cooker circuit as well and is looking at doing a few other bits in the future. I took a look at his board and found that it wasn't RCD protected at all (I thought half of it was). I explained the need for RCDs and he has agreed to a new board being put in which is good sense.
Thanks again.

 

[mag8485]

So if the work on the circiuit requires a minor works certificate and the circuit does not conform to the 17th edition. Does it not need to brought up to the 17th?