RCDs and Industry

[eckersecker]

I understand that in an industrial setting if cables are surface mounted , SWA or in conduit then no RCD needed. If sockets are controlled by an on site electrician the no RCD. What happens if there are toilets on site with shower cubicles do all circuits, lighting , handriers etc have to be RCD protected? Also some offices in the factory have suspended ceilings and a lot of ordinary twin and earth has been used for sockets and lights. If installing new circuits here do RCDs need to be fitted?

 

[Knobhead]

In an industrial situation you have more scope to use your judgement.
An office may be located in the plant, the plant in general will not be RCD protected, but common sense says protect the office area. If it’s a separate office block go with BS7671.
Once you’re inside the plant you have to work with the relevant regs. I’ve always worked under M&Q or foundries regs where areas could be declared outside the scope of the regs and therefore have to comply with BS7671.

You have to take each situation as you find it, but keep The Electricity at Work Regulations in the back of your mind.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Whilst there are exceptions for skilled/instructed persons to the requirements to provide 30mA RCD protection to socket-outlets and cables concealed in walls, there are none for circuits of locations containing a bath or shower, or for mobile equipment used outdoors.
The only exception, is for if a shower is intended for emergency use only.