What would you do?

[polo1]

Just had an interesting "discussion" with a fellow spark. Job was/is to replace a single lighting pendant in a first floor bathroom (loft above) with five IPX5 downlighters. Cables clipped to top side of 50mm roof trusses. Board only has RCD covering three ring mains and no spare way on this side of the board. Switch drop is between two sheets of plasterboard with a two inch gap and is not being modified.

RCBO or not for the amended lighting circuit?????

Regards

 

[Paul.M]

Like for like replacement of an accessory even in a special zone does not mean you have to install rcd protection but in an ideal world the customer would not mind paying for it.

 

[Top Cat]

I would say, what about the rest of the wiring?

I think i would put in a RCBO. Peace of mind, helps to sleep at night! But maybe i am paranoid!

 

[Top Cat]

Like for like replacement of an accessory even in a special zone does not mean you have to install rcd protection but in an ideal world the customer would not mind paying for it.

"Like for like"?

 

[polo1]

Not a "like for like" replacement tho', is it? ;>)

Regards

Ooops, TC beat me to it!

 

[telectrix]

agree, for £20 fit RCBO. (£3 MCB into stock for future use)

 

[Guest55]

Are you asking is it recommended to fit rcbo or do the regs require one to be fitted ?

Regs do not require it as no new cabling is being installed within wall at depth of less than 50mm.
If new lights are I.P. rated or ceiling is higher than say 2.5 mtr I probably wouldn't recommend rcbo anyway.

 

[polo1]

Sorry, should have been clearer - what I'm really asking is in relation to complying with the Regs...RCBO or not?

Regards

 

[telectrix]

all depends if you can call it like for like, then no need for RCD. if circuit altered, then RCD needs to be fitted. IMO, the latter applies as 5 downlighters is NOT like a pendant. at the very least, you are extending the length of the circuit so, IM), it's a modified circuit requiring RCD and MWC.

 

[Octopus]

Just had an interesting "discussion" with a fellow spark. Job was/is to replace a single lighting pendant in a first floor bathroom (loft above) with five IPX5 downlighters. Cables clipped to top side of 50mm roof trusses. Board only has RCD covering three ring mains and no spare way on this side of the board. Switch drop is between two sheets of plasterboard with a two inch gap and is not being modified.

RCBO or not for the amended lighting circuit?????

Regards

5 downlights instead of 1 pendent fitting is not "like for like" so RCBO it is.

 

[Paul.M]

"Like for like"?

"Job was/is to replace a single lighting pendant in a first floor bathroom"

Like for like imho.

 

[telectrix]

not in mine, though. circuit impedance is changed. load is changed, altered circuit. so MWC and RCD.

 

[Paul.M]

SSorry I've just re-read the op.

Replacing one pendant for 5 down lights is a MWC and must be to 17th standards. As long as your new cables are beyond 50mm etc etc you don't need to supply rcd protection.

Sorry for any confusion before.

 

[Guest55]

Ignore earlier post , regs say yes , rcd/rcbo needed.

 

[Paul.M]

Telectrix, your very fast on that keyboard .