rcd protection for sockets

Gaz Towle · Nov 23, 2011

question thats getting various answers

we have sockets in a school that are wired on surface do these have to be rcd protected if not under supervision by skilled person?

i was under the impression sockets in domestic = rcd protection(unless surface and designated)
sockets in public properties surface = not rcd protected (with or without supervision and not for use external)
sockets in public properties not surface, not protected = rcd protected without supervision not rcd with supervision

all help appreciated

as this has caused many different answers from several different electrical testers

WDMDL · Nov 23, 2011

The date of installation plays a part here, as the regs are not retrospective.

You don't get teachers knocking nails in walls - all that stopped in the 70s
I doubt you get pupils knocking nails in school walls either

Now whether there's a different standard that wants better than BS7671's minimums, I'm not aware.
Maybe someone else on here has experience of what's mandated in schools etc

Simon.

alanl · Nov 23, 2011

No RCD protection is required in my view as it is a commercial installation.
However, it is always prudent to have RCD protection on 'general use' sockets, so I always fit them if fitting an addition to a school circuit, either by putting in a RCD socket, or a RCD spur. If possible, a RCBO could be suitable for some installs.
Alan.

IQ Electrical · Nov 23, 2011

scousergaz said:
question thats getting various answers

we have sockets in a school that are wired on surface do these have to be rcd protected if not under supervision by skilled person?

i was under the impression sockets in domestic = rcd protection(unless surface and designated)
sockets in public properties surface = not rcd protected (with or without supervision and not for use external)
sockets in public properties not surface, not protected = rcd protected without supervision not rcd with supervision

all help appreciated

as this has caused many different answers from several different electrical testers

If this is for a PIR then the installation date is irrelevant, you're comparing the installation to the current edition of BS7671:2008.

Commercial installations covered by the Electricity At Work Regulations 1989 can be considered to have a safe system of working and control however sockets in an area of the building that the general public can use (cafe etc.) fall outside of the ideal scenario.

I would apply the same logic to schools and indeed, our local authority demand RCD protection to every socket outlet in schools and have issued instructions to inspectors that sockets without 30mA protection must be recorded as a code 2 on a PIR.

Mega-amps · Nov 23, 2011

Hi Scousergaz. i believe you are correct in your break down of 'where and why' for RCD's but if its of any sway i do a lot of work in Schools and Teachers aren't always the ideal person to leave supervising electrical sockets do you agree?
I very recently added a couple of sockets to a ring in a classroom. All run in surface mini trunking. I lost count after 40 how many staples had been banged into the lid to hold up drawings etc. Some had peirced the Twin and CPC outer insulation and one had hit the Neutral!!!!! Lucky Teacher! So in my opinion if altering an old circuit Try and add an RCD or RCBO or if new then Definitely fit one!

SirKit Breaker · Nov 23, 2011

All general purpose socket outlets must be RCD protected. Dont know the reg number off the top my my head. The regs are not retrospective, but just be aware of them in the event that you do any additions.

Cheers.........Howard