RCD protection for an outside light

[bonn1ett]

Hi, i have been asked to install an outside light to a property, the customer just wants to plug it into a socket inside house - cable from socket to light will go straight through wall.

The fuse board is the old re-wireable semi enclosed (BS3036). Does the outside light need rcd protection to comply?

any help would be appreciated!

Mark

 

[malcolmsanford]

Quite agree SS but the question was does the outside light need RCD protection and the answer is no.

There maybe a case of RCD protection for cable, and in your case where because of the TT earth your unable to meet disconnection times, but I took the OPs question to be "do lights outside need to be RCD protected" and in this case the answer is no.

Agree an RCD will give you added protection, over a rewireable fuse but is that protection required in this case, IMO not really.

 

[Octopus]

Thanks for your help, most appreciated!

Bottom left in brown line is the "thanks" button - this is a good way to show your appreciation!

 

[Smart Sparks]

I agree with the answer, was just making the point that RCD protection / CU change is well worth the consideration of the customer. I only mentioned RCD as I couldn't see earthing arrangement mentioned in earlier posts. But either way I will bare this in mind for later down the line. Thanks

 

[ayjay]

don,t forget to fit the correct cartrige fuse in the plug top(grins)

 

[telectrix]

no matter how the cable is installed, it's plugged into a socket outlet , so is not part of the fixed wiring , and so BS7671 does not apply.

 

[HandySparks]

no matter how the cable is installed, it's plugged into a socket outlet , so is not part of the fixed wiring , and so BS7671 does not apply.

Hmmm. Bit of a sweeping statement there, Tel. How would you classify a complete central heating control system that gets its supply via a plug and socket?

Anyway, even if you argue that it doesn't come under BS7671, you still have a responsibility to ensure a safe installation so, in the absence of any other standard to follow, BS7671 is probably worth sticking to.

 

[MDJ]

Personally I think adding a plug top to a flex for an exterior light which is Fixed securely to the outside wall is just crap end of, do the Job right and install a spur fed from a socket via 2.5mm2 flat T&E and add a 3 amp fuse to protect the cable running to it, at this rate we may as well all become DIYers, not only that who would want a flex running down a wall to a socket? pretty crappy and "ess haytch one tee" IMO

When I say do the Job right I mean from the option the OP mentioned, even better is a supply from the lighting circuit, it is getting very DIY now unfortunately, lets hope the socket isn't in the kitchen???????????????