Rcd protection office sockets

[Simlec]

There's not Spin, but my point was regarding plugging a server into a general socket with RCD protection.
There seems to be a switch in people's heads that as soon as the word "server" is mentioned they run around like headless chickens and the world as we know it will end.

 

[davesparks]

There's not Spin, but my point was regarding plugging a server into a general socket with RCD protection.
There seems to be a switch in people's heads that as soon as the word "server" is mentioned they run around like headless chickens and the world as we know it will end.

No switch, just an obvious case of poor installation design

 

[Pete999]

Yes servers and printers will be on non rcd sockets and circuits

Pete999 yes the earth leakage is the reason I am asking what people think is the best/halfway solution to avoid tripping

not my regs with me (in hospital) but there are a design for rings and radials,where leakage is an issue, sorry I can't point you in the right direction but it's in there somewhere

 

[ses]

I did have a look but couldnt see anything other than circuits should be designed to limit tripping on rcds and about high earth leakage having dual earth path

 

[Leesparkykent]

Not aware that there has been a change in the requirements which now require sockets intended for a specific item of equipment to be provided with RCD protection?
Perhaps someone can quote the Regulation which now requires all sockets to be provided with RCD protection?

There isn't.....

 

[Andy78]

I did have a look but couldnt see anything other than circuits should be designed to limit tripping on rcds and about high earth leakage having dual earth path

I think the accepted maximum earth leakage associated with a PC is 3.5mA for design purposes. In reality it will be lower than that, but also factor in that in reality a lot of RCDs will trip a good bit lower than 30mA.

 

[Leesparkykent]

I remember reading that equipment that is designed to be on a plug top the maximum permitted earth leakage is 3.5mA. Any equipment that produces more than 3.5mA should be hard wired. Ill try find it.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I'm not anti RCDs, all my 240V cutting tools have had RCD plugs on them for years.
However there does seem now to be this belief that nothing is safe now without one.
The fact is, the Regulations deem them to be just another form of additional protection.
One I might add,that is not acceptable for cables concealed above ceilings or below floors.
One of the problems, is that they require the test button to be operated every 3 months, and I don't know of anywhere where that happens.
Another, is that the 30mA required by the Regulations, is only really suitable for persons of average build and height, with good health. Even then they will not safeguard against other effects which an electric shock can cause, such as falling from a ladder or chair.
Their primary use is for mobile equipment where damage may occur to flexes.
They are not really necessary for fixed appliances such as washing machines, fridge freezers or even servers, which is why there is an exception for such in the Regulations.
They are not ideal for any item of equipment where the intention is to leave it constantly energised, as the test button needs to be operated every 3 months.
I am very anti this new requirement for a documented Risk Assessment.
We have Statutory Legislation, requiring employees to be either safeguarded against dangers electricity may present, or provided with training or supervision to safeguard against such dangers.
This new requirement is effectively calling our clients liars and criminals, requiring them to furnish us with a document stating that they will comply with statutory requirements.

 

[Spoon]

I remember reading that equipment that is designed to be on a plug top the maximum permitted earth leakage is 3.5mA. Any equipment that produces more than 3.5mA should be hard wired. Ill try find it.

543.7.1.201 Equipment having a protective conductor current exceeding 3.5 mA but not exceeding 10 mA, shall

be either permanently connected to the fixed wiring of the installation without the use of a plug and socket-outlet or

connected by means of a plug and socket-outlet complying with BS EN 60309-2.

 

[malcolmsanford]

543.7.1.201 Equipment having a protective conductor current exceeding 3.5 mA but not exceeding 10 mA, shall

be either permanently connected to the fixed wiring of the installation without the use of a plug and socket-outlet or

connected by means of a plug and socket-outlet complying with BS EN 60309-2.

That is the one.

Not sure what size these servers are, but every rack/server we install is on a 32 amp commando plug/socket because I prefer not to use RCD protection for these.

 

[GEOFF S]

Hi

Server leakage may be around 3.5 mA, so a rack containing mulitple servers on a 30 mA rcd is not a good idea.

Cheers

 

[davesparks]

Hi

Server leakage may be around 3.5 mA, so a rack containing mulitple servers on a 30 mA rcd is not a good idea.

Cheers

Which raises a good point that what is often referred to as a server is often multiple actual servers making up a complete rack of servers.