Rules and Guidelines
Want to participate in the discussions? Please read our Community Rules and Guidelines. Need some help? Visit Support and Answers.

  • State Not Answered
  • Locked Locked
  • Replies 38 replies
  • Subscribers 32 subscribers
  • Views 6230 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
You may also be interested in
This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

The last remaining domestic circuits without RCD protection.

Sparkingchip
I prepared an EICR this morning for a two bed flat.


The peak installation has a 30 mA RCD main switch, which surprisingly despite being more than ten years old is a type A, so no RCD issues there.


The off-peak supplies two storage heater circuits run in surface mounted plastic mini trunking without RCD protection, so again no RCD issues. If I were installing the storage heaters with new circuits I would install RCD protection, but there’s no reason to condemn an existing installation.


I am just pondering exactly what can be installed in a domestic installation now without any RCD protection with the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations making them a requirement on lighting circuits there cannot be much left on the list.


 Andy B.
Parents
  • 0
    Good points Andy,

    Agreed - however new work needs to comply - and sometimes upgrading (some of) the existing installation may be the most practical way of achieving that.





    In respect of the above, it's worth pointing out that either the electrical installation as a whole complies with the 18th Edition, or it does not, but that couldn't necessarily be said for a circuit.


    This is a good case in point, i.e. providing an RCD for a lighting circuit might bring the lighting circuit up to 18th Edition, but on the other hand, it is highly unlikely for at least some lighting circuits in existing housing stock, case in point being junction boxes under floorboards, which, all tests being fine, you wouldn't be rectifying to put in a new fitting or extending an existing circuit.


    So at this point, we are "cherry picking" what's to be brought up to 18th or not, and I guess the simplest approach is based on what Code you'd give it on an EICR.

Reply
  • 0
    Good points Andy,

    Agreed - however new work needs to comply - and sometimes upgrading (some of) the existing installation may be the most practical way of achieving that.





    In respect of the above, it's worth pointing out that either the electrical installation as a whole complies with the 18th Edition, or it does not, but that couldn't necessarily be said for a circuit.


    This is a good case in point, i.e. providing an RCD for a lighting circuit might bring the lighting circuit up to 18th Edition, but on the other hand, it is highly unlikely for at least some lighting circuits in existing housing stock, case in point being junction boxes under floorboards, which, all tests being fine, you wouldn't be rectifying to put in a new fitting or extending an existing circuit.


    So at this point, we are "cherry picking" what's to be brought up to 18th or not, and I guess the simplest approach is based on what Code you'd give it on an EICR.

Children
No Data

Join us to get the best from IET EngX.

Joining EngX lets you personalise your experience so you stay up to date on the topics that interest you, plus you’ll be able to make connections who are looking to collaborate, exchange ideas and more.

Join us Not now

Community Rules & Guidelines