socket outlets

[grae]

Hi just a silly question but I have to ask this . On socket outlets which are for general use it says that they have to now be 20amp and rcd protected. Does that mean that 32amp socket outlets for general use have to be down graded ?

 

[malcolmsanford]

grae they are talking about the rating of the socket outlet not the circuit that supplies the socket outlet. The BS 1363 socket for instance is rated 13amps so the sockets in your home need RCD protection.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Thanks for you help Malcom
I was just getting confused as I have a house where they have sockets fed by 32amp mcb. So in this case They would have to be changed?

Standard socket-outlets as used in the majority of domestic installations are individually rated at 14A, irrspective of the rating of the Circuit Protective Device.
The Regulations require that any socket-outlets rated up to 20A, and intended for general use by ordinary persons shall be provided with 30mA RCD protection.
If the socket-outlet is rated at more than 20A, is not intended for general use, is not intended to be used by ordinary persons or is not used to supply mobile equipment outdoors, there is no requirement to provide 30mA RCD protection.
You most certainly do not have to change the Circuit Protective Device to 20A.