Would you energise a modified circuit without RCD protection

[Octopus]

Pretty much what the title is.

Asked to do a job, don't have time to do the board change but could make the changes to the kitchen socket circuit...

So testing of sockets would be done, but no RCD protection (very old board so no upgrade path) until CU is changed in Jan

Tin hat on!

Pop corn at the ready.

 

[Octopus]

Domestic.

 

[PEG]

I suppose the over-riding factor would be some testing,which could guarantee one,or rule out the other

Whatever you decide,i'm certain it will out-rank the recently fitted DB i viewed yesterday. Put in by a schemed dude,who put a 14 way board in,10 MCB's fitted,only 3 circuits,sockets upstairs and downstairs on only RCD side,and all lights on other,non-protected side.

£400,no certs,and not even a merry Christmas,for the elderly recipients...i will be releasing the dogs,shortly...

 

[dmxtothemax]

I would say that this is where your years of experience as an electrician come into play, Not every single job fits neatly into the electrical codes, some times you have to judge for your self, If the instalation looks in reasonable shape, and some quick tests back that up, then taking a chance is not so scary.

 

[David M]

I would say that this is where your years of experience as an electrician come into play, Not every single job fits neatly into the electrical codes, some times you have to judge for your self, If the instalation looks in reasonable shape, and some quick tests back that up, then taking a chance is not so scary.

It is unlikely something serious would happen before the new c.u was fitted, and the installation has probably been fine for the last 30 years.

But taking a chance, regardless how good the odds are is not worth it when we are dealing with something that is potentially lethal, or rather you are liable for in the event of an accident.

Now that last statement, I grant you sounds rather o.t.t. But in this day and age with all the "where there's a blame there's a claim" attitude it would be sods law something happens and you end up in court.
Personally I would do what Lee mentioned, fit a temporary R.C.D. At least then in the extremely unlikely situation where the judge asks you if you did everything you could to make the installation safe and to current regs...?

 

[Toneyz]

What you've got to be careful of Murdoch of being accused of being hypocritical with comments on the forum regarding others when you are not complying with the regulations yourself.

 

[sevuk]

Just to throw this in the mix,

To paraphrase a building regulation, an installation should be left in no worse condition than it was. Adding a socket if done well, leaves the installation in no better or no worse condition?

Ultimately it would come down to EWR wouldn't it? To what is "reasonably practical"?

The best practice guide on changing a CCU doesn't require all the circuits to be up to regulation, as long as all reported items are C3. Depending on the use wouldn't no RCD protection be a C3? There's only a potential risk if someone wants to go outside with the hedge cutters..

I may be wrong from the point of compliance with current BS7671, but the point I'm trying to make is better a competent electrician does it, otherwise the homeowners is just going to ask the painter.

Difficult though as we're moving further and further into the blame game culture.

 

[Octopus]

What you've got to be careful of Murdoch of being accused of being hypocritical with comments on the forum regarding others when you are not complying with the regulations yourself.

Hum ............... the changes are complete when the cert is issued is what I suggested..

Now if I was suggesting a "cash" bodge / no certs etc, then you may have a point.

 

[Toneyz]

Hum ............... the changes are complete when the cert is issued is what I suggested..

Now if I was suggesting a "cash" bodge / no certs etc, then you may have a point.

Sometimes it is difficult to be practical and comply with the regs at the same time. I understand the point that the installation was not left in any worst state than before, but to fit a temporary RCD would be a way of complying with Bs7671. I didn't mean anything by my post it just seemed out of character from your usual advice on here.

 

[buzzlightyear]

The best practice guide on changing a CCU doesn't require all the circuits to be up to regulation, as long as all reported items are C3. Depending on the use wouldn't no RCD protection be a C3? There's only a potential risk if someone wants to go outside with the hedge cutters..

and you put a socket in no rcd protection they get fried and crisp dried
you cop for it. protection better no protection .the big hitters are HSE. and him. or unless you got get out jail card.

 

[sevuk]

Next we won't be able to add a socket because the fuse board is plastic...

 

[ruston]

So will the socket be likely . Unless the industrial look catches on for us too.

 

[7029 dave]

Next we won't be able to add a socket because the fuse board is plastic...

No, plastic rcd board good to go.

 

[Midwest]

Hang on, didn't we have thread recently about putting in a socket without rcd protection, whereby we had suggestions of red & black cable, no worse than original install or nominated appliance with socket labelled etc

 

[sevuk]

No, plastic rcd board good to go.

And said rcd is housed in a combustible material! It's all gotta go!!

But seriously, if it's a board with breakers in it, easy, rcbo, but if it is bs3036, what do you do? Din rail mount an rcbo in an adaptable box beneath the ccu?

 

[Andy78]

And said rcd is housed in a combustible material! It's all gotta go!!

But seriously, if it's a board with breakers in it, easy, rcbo, but if it is bs3036, what do you do? Din rail mount an rcbo in an adaptable box beneath the ccu?

Yes, an RCD in an enclosure close to the CU is a fairly standard way to provide RCD protection for a single circuit. Not an adaptable box though, user access to the RCD is preferable of course.