RCD required?

[HappyHippyDad]

Afternoon all..

I should know the answer to this but I'm away from home where all my files are and I must admit I'm never too sure about lights and RCD protection!!

I will be changing some ELV downlights to GU10 fittings and wondered if I needed RCD protection? I cant see why as I wont be burying the cables and its not in a special location but just not 100% sure, especially with amd 3 just arriving.

I may well add it anyway as it is a Wylex board and I could add an RCBO but I'm just interested in what the regs say with regards RCD protection and this scenario.

Thanks.

 

[telectrix]

on a lighing circuit, RCD is only required to comply with 522.6.101. cables in walls < 50mm.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Cheers Tel.

 

[davesparks]

So pretty much all domestic lighting circuits where the switch cables are chased in

 

[HappyHippyDad]

So pretty much all domestic lighting circuits where the switch cables are chased in

If you're the one who is chasing them in!

Not if they are already chased in and you are adding something else to them which isn't chased in.

 

[davesparks]

If you're the one who is chasing them in!

Not if they are already chased in and you are adding something else to them which isn't chased in.

I don't recall seeing that in my copy of the regs? Whereabouts did you get that from?

 

[HappyHippyDad]

You're responsible for the work you are carrying out, not for the work that has already been carried out.

I would be changing the MR16's to GU10 holders so no chasing in with the work that I am undertaking.

Would you be adding RCD protection Dave to any alteration/addition to a lighting circuit that did not currently have RCD protection?

 

[telectrix]

if you are adding to an existing circuit, it's only your addition that needs to comply with current regs. however, i'd comment on the cert. if the existing part of the cct. was non-compliant.

 

[Octopus]

What a pointless thread.

Change of MR16's to GU10's not in a special location.

MWC with a Zs only IMHO.

As for a RCD - wtf!

EDIT: And if I was changing a pendent to a few downlights I still wouldn't add RCD protection if all the cables are in the ceiling!

 

[GMES]

Murdoch's spot on with his answer no point in making a mountain out of a molehill.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

What a pointless thread.

Change of MR16's to GU10's not in a special location.

MWC with a Zs only IMHO.

As for a RCD - wtf!

Do you mean you would only enter a Zs Murdoch, would you not add any IR results?

 

[Octopus]

Do you mean you would only enter a Zs Murdoch, would you not add any IR results?

No, not if I was simply changing one fitting for another, no. I might just put the Zs on the invoice.

Dave the DIYer wouldn't so why should we?

 

[Breeze]

No, not if I was simply changing one fitting for another, no. I might just put the Zs on the invoice.

Dave the DIYer wouldn't so why should we?

I agree no certification is necessary when changing like for like, but some would argue this scenario isn't technically like for like, an MWC may be worth while

 

[HappyHippyDad]

No, not if I was simply changing one fitting for another, no. I might just put the Zs on the invoice.

Dave the DIYer wouldn't so why should we?

Thanks for the honest answer. I would still carry out a combined L+N - E IR test but a L-N test can be a bit of a pain!

Although this is one of the few times I would disagree with you Murdoch about part of your post. Just beacause Dave the DIYer does something doesn't mean we should follow suit.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I agree do certification is necessary when changing like for like, but some would argue this scenario isn't technically like for like, an MWC may be worth while

I wouldn't class this as like for like.

I'll be changing a non-earthed ELV fitting to an earthed mains voltage fitting, so a couple of major differences really. Obviously just a MWC though!

Anyway... No RCD required, quick MWC, Bobs your Uncle :smile5: