rcd protection on sockets

[deanmac]

hi guys if a bank of 20 sockets wired in surface trunking on a radial circuit,these sockets would be used for computers gameboys and music equipment,my question is would they need to be rcd protected ? i know normally they would not,it's just that my mate said if protecting computers they should, i cannot find anything on this

 

[Andy78]

i am not trying to avoid i thought because they will be for stereos and computers and not outdoor equipment then they would not need it, also to prevent tripping and knocking half the house out,although a rcbo would sort this

The regulations intend RCD protection for all sockets for general use. This is why the exceptions keep getting scaled back in every amendment, because people use them as loopholes to wriggle out of following the intention of the regs.

 

[telectrix]

if he has designed the circuit before jan 1st 2019, then the 17th applies.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

The regulations intend RCD protection for all sockets for general use. This is why the exceptions keep getting scaled back in every amendment, because people use them as loopholes to wriggle out of following the intention of the regs.

I think they’ve gone a little too far this time.

 

[telectrix]

the whole industry has gone too far. next will be writing out a RA to go for a dump.

 

[Deleted account]

Hi deanmac,

I would like to know why you wouldn't want to rcd protect the circuit?

Also what reason would you put on the risk assessment for not using an rcd?

 

[Andy78]

I think they’ve gone a little too far this time.

Totally agree. The specific item clause was very useful for things like roller shutter doors where the units can just be plugged in on install, and other permanently sited items like FLT chargers.
The move to 32A will have quite an affect too, but nothing that can't be overcome without too much hassle.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Hi deanmac,

I would like to know why you wouldn't want to rcd protect the circuit?

Also what reason would you put on the risk assessment for not using an rcd?

From way back in the 16th edition, I have been providing separate non-RCD circuits for cookers and Freezers.

 

[westward10]

I think in the OPs case he cannot label them for specific use as they could be used for any purpose. If he feels the accumulative loads are likely to result in nuisance tripping he needs to go back to the drawing board or fit individual rcd sockets.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I think in the OPs case he cannot label them for specific use as they could be used for any purpose. If he feels the accumulative loads are likely to result in nuisance tripping he needs to go back to the drawing board or fit individual rcd sockets.

Yes a socket for computers doesn’t suggest a specific item.

 

[Octopus]

17th still applies now

 

[deanmac]

I have just spoken to nappit who have confirmed sockets wired in surface trunking and are going to be used for computers do not have to be RCD protected, but have to be labelled, this will change come January 1st

 

[westward10]

Why are you avoiding additional rcd protection. Did you explain it was domestic.

 

[Dillb]

I have just spoken to nappit who have confirmed sockets wired in surface trunking and are going to be used for computers do not have to be RCD protected, but have to be labelled, this will change come January 1st

Why didnt you just look it up in your copy of the regs?

 

[westward10]

I have just spoken to nappit who have confirmed sockets wired in surface trunking and are going to be used for computers do not have to be RCD protected, but have to be labelled, this will change come January 1st

How are you guaranteeing they will only be used for computers, you still haven't stated the need to avoid rcd protection.

 

[deanmac]

How are you guaranteeing they will only be used for computers, you still haven't stated the need to avoid rcd protection.

I did say they are for a friend who assures me they are for his computers only