Rcd sockets

[eco-tech]

The job im about to do is a extension and im going to extend the ring main and the lighting radial etc.

The client does not want me to chase his walls to the 50mm that regs states and he will not pay for a CU change and a full part P test as his board is not a split RCD Cu.

So i would like to know if i can use RCD Sockets on the ring main in the extension and bury the lighting cable in conduit to meet regs etc ?

Please Advise if i can do this ?

This way i can issue a Minor-Works Cert !

 

[JulianC]

Hi

The requirement for RCD's is to protect the cables in the installation as well as whatever is plugged in to the sockets. RCD sockets offer no protection of your wiring between CU/ring and the new socket outlet so won't allow compliance with 17th edition. Running in conduit is fine if the conduit is earthed.

Can you fit RCBOs in place of the circuit MCBs or would the customer accept surface mounting of the cables in trunking?

 

[David.]

using RCD sockets does not protect the cabling that is not buried more than 50mm. However, if you spur off the ring main using an RCD fused spur, this may comply for your extension.

And doing you lighting circuit in conduit would mean doing the switch drops in conduit and would have to be chased anyway and will make a major mess. Im pretty sure it will have to be earth metallic to??? unless you surface mount in mini-trunking on switch drops

cheers

D.

beat me to it

 

[eco-tech]

RCBOs look the best option on both lighting and Sockets if i can fit them in the board !

Would i still be able to cover the install with a Minor Works cert ?

Spur off the ring main Hmmm is this within the regs ?

 

[JulianC]

Yup, you're extending existing circuits, not adding new ones so Minor Works Cert. is OK

RCD protected fused spur is OK off the ring

 

[eco-tech]

Thought so but needed to check it out.

Thanks for that.

Hmmm one more thing, im told they may want a extractor replacing in the bathroom so as its not a new circuit i could get away with the part p too yes ?

 

[JulianC]

If you are doing a like for like swap of the extractor then no need to notify under Part P. No need to raise a cert. either if it is just a simple swap.

 

[eco-tech]

Yes its a swap. Great, problems solved.

Thanks for your help chaps