I have a Client that will not provide a Risk Assessment to omit an RCD Commando Socket for a Data Cabinet. He wishes to employ a local isolator for the Cabinet, however he is concerned that the PDU Strip that arrived on site from the factory and pre-fitted within the data cabinet would still need an RCD. It is my opinion that the Factory built Data Rack is classed as a piece of equipment and as such does not form part of the Contractor's installation. If the Rack had arrived on site without the PDU strip fitted and it was installed by the Contractor then this would form part of the installation and therefore would require an RCD. Any advice/assistance would be appreciated.
and the supplementary bonding must be in place and tested (notice) before the equipment is energised.
I feel the need to reinforce the fact that, for the assumption that risks are controlled to be true, ALL of the supplementary bonding must be in place, including the connection between the rack earth bar and the PE of the power distribution strips, though. Whilst this is now clearly stated in the latest version of BS EN 50310, I can't tell you how many racks I've seen, and continue to see see without these connections made.
It's also worth noting the following:
if you go back to BS EN 61140, there should be no reason RCDs can't be used for individual socket-outlets (except the discussion we've had in the Forums already about the 18th Edition that SRCD standards aren't listed in the relevant Regs in Chapter 5 of BS 7671 ?)
the design decision to connect a "rack" using plug and socket-outlet rather than a fixed wiring connection point is really a preference. The often-used statement that "it makes it easier to install and remove racks as we need them" doesn't hold water, as to comply with BS EN 50310, you need to make fixed wiring connections for the CBN bonding to each rack, and execute relevant electrical tests stated in that standard.
and the supplementary bonding must be in place and tested (notice) before the equipment is energised.
I feel the need to reinforce the fact that, for the assumption that risks are controlled to be true, ALL of the supplementary bonding must be in place, including the connection between the rack earth bar and the PE of the power distribution strips, though. Whilst this is now clearly stated in the latest version of BS EN 50310, I can't tell you how many racks I've seen, and continue to see see without these connections made.
It's also worth noting the following:
if you go back to BS EN 61140, there should be no reason RCDs can't be used for individual socket-outlets (except the discussion we've had in the Forums already about the 18th Edition that SRCD standards aren't listed in the relevant Regs in Chapter 5 of BS 7671 ?)
the design decision to connect a "rack" using plug and socket-outlet rather than a fixed wiring connection point is really a preference. The often-used statement that "it makes it easier to install and remove racks as we need them" doesn't hold water, as to comply with BS EN 50310, you need to make fixed wiring connections for the CBN bonding to each rack, and execute relevant electrical tests stated in that standard.
