Shed submain SWA RCD protection

[TomSparkman]

Hi all,

Went to a house on friday due to sub-main to shed not energising. This was simply due to the MCB playing up. I flicked it on and off a few times and it works fine now.

However im not happy with the way the submain has been installed poorly.

The sub-main is in the form of a 3 core SWA. It isnt buried properly as i can see it in some places and the armour isnt earthed. Only the end at the shed D.B is made off using a gland and the supply end in the house is just coming through the wall in to a 4x4 box and in to the C.U on top.
The SWA is rcd protected in the house but the small 2 way D.B in the shed is not.
The shed has a few sockets and lights and i believe the customer intends to plug in a jacuzzi which will be inside the shed.

1. Does the SWA that runs outside have to be RCD protected?

2. Is it ok to have the RCD in the house, protecting both the sub-main and the circuits in the shed?

I advised the customer that the submain was potentially dangerous due to installation methods.
I also advised to fit IP sockets in the shed due to being in close proximity to the jacuzzi

 

[davesparks]

There is no jacuzzi yet, but he said he wants to put one in there. Its 3.5 metres from the edge of the jacuzzi as it is above ground level, also must me 30ma rcd protected

From your description RCD protection is already in place, so that's not a problem.

Why 3.5m?

 

[westward10]

As it stands everything is rcd protected, have you confirmed earth continuity to the armour.

 

[ED17]

What load is the Jacuzzi he's thinking of putting in?

 

[TomSparkman]

What load is the Jacuzzi he's thinking of putting in?

Its about 8 amp. (On a plug top)
Reading the regs, would you class it as a swimming pool, an basin above ground, or a bath? As there is nothing specific to a jacuzzi

 

[telectrix]

bath

 

[TomSparkman]

bath

In that case, 3 metres from the edge of the jacuzzi.
What would be the options for him then as the shed in its entirety is at most 4x4metres?

 

[telectrix]

cut plug off and hard wire into a FCU. IP rated if deemed necessary.

 

[DPG]

If anybody is now tempted to write 'but you will void the warranty' please don't

 

[telectrix]

a jaccuzzi warranty may state the if you don't put water in it, it's guaranteed not to leak.

 

[Wilko]

If anybody is now tempted to write 'but you will void the warranty' please don't

I want to ask what earthing arrangement is used at the shed, but it might be in the same bath ?

 

[Toneyz]

a jaccuzzi warranty may state the if you don't put water in it, it's guaranteed not to leak.

Nice one Tel.

 

[streamer]

cut plug off and hard wire into a FCU. IP rated if deemed necessary.

If you cut the plug off how will it hold water?
Oh, that plug.......

 

[lumenmachine]

Wiska supply a twin earthing plate for their boxes....much easier than effing about with a banjo.

Well I know what I'll be asking for next time i use Wiska boxes and SWAs. Spent many a time mucking about bending banjos and thinking 'Surely there's a better way!'

 

[Dave OCD]

There is as previously mentioned - earthing nuts aka Piranha nuts.