What code? No RCD, outside lights

[Pretty Mouth]

Outdoor lighting circuit (domestic) without 30mA RCD additional protection, what code would you give it?

I'm leaning toward C2 as (A) outside lights have a habit of filling up with water, and (B) anyone touching it may be in contact with the bare ground.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Flanders]

I would code 3 the no RCD protection on outside lights but if you think the lights will fill with water I would code 2 the lights as they do not have the correct IP ratting

 

[Wilko]

Yes it’s an improvement to have an RCD but it may be potentially dangerous if the IP rating is wrong or the fitting is ‘showing signs’ on inspection.

 

[pc1966]

Is the R1+R2 low enough to trip OK?
Is the light in easy touching distance?

 

[Dartlec]

This is probably one of those 2.5s that crop up regularly.

If it's a plastic light, or well outside touching distance I'd almost certainly C3. If it was metal in good condition and with suitable fault protection then I'd C3 too, but if it is looking old or like it was poorly maintained, then that might push it to C2.

BPG4 does say C2 for inadequate IP rating, though doesn't specifically mention anything about outside lights.

 

[Ian1981]

It would be a C3 for me based on the lack of additional protection alone. The IP rating is a separate issue entirely.

 

[Strima]

As above, C3 only. IP rating is another question on the schedule of many questions...

 

[Pretty Mouth]

Thanks for all your comments.

I often see outdoor lighting in poor shape, mainly due to weathering rather than poor installation, and it's often the cause of RCD tripping, so I consider it 'risky'. Personally, I like to see an RCD protecting it, but I don't write the regs. C3 it is then!