Rcd Protection.

[soulman]

I'll cut a long story short, I installed an in-line fan for a customer of mine about 6 months ago, i took a supply from the lighting circuit into a cupboard within the bathroom, where the customer wanted the isolator installed. The cable was clipped direct within the loft, then to a small length of surface trunking to and from isolator, then onto fan all clipped within the loft area. One of the customers relations is a plumber and has told my customer that the fan should have had a rcd fitted as the fan was installed within a bathroom, i explained that this is a TN installation, eli reading are well within limits, the fan is not in the bathroom, the fan is in the loft area which is not a special location and the cable is surface mounted. The grill within the bathroom is made of plastic. I then explained if it was a surface mounted fan or downlights an rcd would have been installed. The customer still wants me to come around an install an rcd.

 

[Guitarist]

We had this debate a few days ago, and there are mixed opinions. Imo, you don't need an RCD for the reasons you give, and I'll put money on it that your scheme provider will agree with us. What you will probably have needed, however, is a 3 amp fuse protecting the fan if manufacturers instructions say so.
Whether you are right or wrong is irrelevant now, as the customer is scared due to the plumber, and your only action now is to stress that although an RCD is not required, if it gives them peace of mind you will fit one. It will of course cost x amount to do so.
Did you put a note on the MWC pointing out that an RCD was recommended at the time?

 

[markc123]

The customer wants you to go around an install an RCD...fine, but make sure you charge them for it.

 

[soulman]

Is there such a thing as fan isolator with a 3amp fuse holder.

 

[Heisenberg]

I would thank the plumber for getting you some extra work :greedy:

 

[Guitarist]

Is there such a thing as fan isolator with a 3amp fuse holder.

There are, but not sure how they protect both switched and perm live. Normal way is to protect the leg of the lighting circuit which the bathroom light is on, therefore giving 3 amp protection to both switched and perm live.

 

[telectrix]

was a thread some time ago on this 3A fusing. somebody said it was only the perm. L that needed fusing. if the manufacturers instructions only call for the perm. L to be fused, then i can't see a requirement to fuse the S/L.

 

[babylonsBurning]

Hi guitarist
Checked an installation manual the other day, this particular manufacturer only required fuse in perm live.
(from their diagram).

 

[babylonsBurning]

sorry, tele beat me to it!

 

[Octopus]

I think somebody said the other day that Vent Axia fans have the fuse inside them now! lol

 

[telectrix]

wouldn't be very efficient with the fan outside.

 

[Guitarist]

I'm assuming Murdoch meant fuse inside
That is common sense really, but what do manufacturers care about the poor sods who have to fit them?

 

[telectrix]

yeah. them farty little terminal blocks on the end of the pcb. yuk.

 

[Engineer54]

Hi guitarist
Checked an installation manual the other day, this particular manufacturer only required fuse in perm live.
(from their diagram).

Only if the fan comes with a factory fitted cord or lead. Otherwise the 3A fuse wont be protecting anything!!! lol!!