rcd protection for power circuits

[ample current]

When did it become a reg to have rcd's on socket outlet circuit, was it the 17th or was it the 16th?
Also if you were altering a single power circuit by adding a couple of outlets and moving a couple on the same circiut, do you have to RCD protect the circuit you altered even though there are 4 other power circiuts in the property or is it a case of "no worse than before"

 

[kingeri]

Hiya, it became a requirement in the 17th to RCD protect socket outlets for general use by ordinary folk. To bring us in line with EU! If you add to a circuit then you must ensure it is up to the current regs, including RCD.

 

[RogertheBodger]

If I remember rightly it was a requirement of the 16th. to RCD sockets that were capable of supplying equipment for use outdoors, or words to that effect

 

[Barry Rathbone]

But this brings in other thoughts surely.

You install a new ring radial which HAS to be RCD protected old board can't get RCD's for ..hmm new board or do like they used to do and fit "another box with an rcd in" then another then another.
£40-60 job to £200-400 job, cant you just do the £40,yes of course but you have no room!

Ok i'll leave, then tom,dick or harry steps in for £25 and adds them anyway... sad but true..

 

[Octopus]

If you read the installation instructions for most showers they say install with RCD protection so I'd say installing it and moving it both requires an RCD and notification too.

 

[Guitarist]

Unfortunately Barry, there will always be people who come in and offer a cheaper job. Some will take it and some will go with the "proper, safe" way of doing it. Up to you to make sure you make the customer aware that what you propose is a regs requirement and that someone may come in with a cheaper quote which may not be to the same standard as your install.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

When did it become a reg to have rcd's on socket outlet circuit, was it the 17th or was it the 16th?
Also if you were altering a single power circuit by adding a couple of outlets and moving a couple on the same circiut, do you have to RCD protect the circuit you altered even though there are 4 other power circiuts in the property or is it a case of "no worse than before"

Never.
No.
There has never been, nor is there now a requirement to protect socket-outlet circuits with an RCD, unless the circuit is in or part of a special location.
You are required to provide RCD protection for the new socket-outlets, if they are for general use by ordinary persons.
If they were for instance to be used for a washing machine and tumble dryer, they would not require RCD protection.

 

[Guitarist]

Never.
No.
There has never been, nor is there now a requirement to protect socket-outlet circuits with an RCD, unless the circuit is in or part of a special location.
You are required to provide RCD protection for the new socket-outlets, if they are for general use by ordinary persons.
If they were for instance to be used for a washing machine and tumble dryer, they would not require RCD protection.

I think you are sending out the wrong signal here. Be very careful what you advise on a public forum...

 

[Barry Rathbone]

So a "17th" edition CU contains split circuits across 2 RCD's for what reason?

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Cheapness.

 

[Amp David]

Never.

If they were for instance to be used for a washing machine and tumble dryer, they would not require RCD protection.

Even if the cable supplying the circuit was <50mm in a wall?

 

[Barry Rathbone]

Cheapness.

The point was why are they in in the first place.... cheapness inplies that you think they should be there !

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Even if the cable supplying the circuit was <50mm in a wall?

Yes, even if the cable is <50mm in a wall.
The Regulations require additional protection by means of a 30mA RCD for socket-outlets intended for general use by ordinary persons.
No mention of the circuit being protected.
The Regulations also require cables concealled in walls be provided by additional protecion, on of the aceptable methods, involves using 30mA RCD protection.
The only time the Regulations refer to circuits being provided with 30mA RCD protection, is in relation to special locations.
Locations containing baths or showers, Agricultural/Horticultural, etc.

 

[Barry Rathbone]

Lawnmower users beware.... your garden ain't a "special location" so feel free to tear your mains cable apart and die..

Shoot me now...

 

[Deleted member 26818]

The point was why are they in in the first place.... cheapness inplies that you think they should be there !

It is cheaper to install one RCD to protect a number of circuits, rather than to install individual RCBOs.
Just the same as it's cheaper to protect all of a socket-outlet circuit, than to install individual RCD sockets, where required.
If there are cables concealled in walls, that would also require additional protection, then two birds are killed with one stone.
However the fact that it may be easier and cheaper to protect the circuit, does not mean that there is any requirement to do so.
As such in the OP's case, there is no requirement to protect all of the circuit when adding socket-outlets, RCD protection (if required) only has to be provided for the additinal socket-outlets.
Of course additinal protection will also be required for the associated wiring if it is concealled in walls.