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.
I'm not sure that the definition of "socket-outlet" in BS 7671 fully covers couplers, particularly as:
They are defined as "couplers" in BS EN 60320, and again in Reg 553.2.1.
BS EN 60320 appliance-outlets are not suitable for direct connection to the fixed wiring, they are part of equipment. Equipment should be selected in accordance with BS 7671 (i.e. meets relevant standards, suitable rating etc.)
BS EN 60320 is not listed in Table 55.1, as required by 553.1.3 unless 553.1.5 applies, and the use you are alluding to for data cabinets doesn't really come under any of the exceptions listed in 553.1.5 - so if you want to specify them, they cannot be "socket-outlets".
I'm not sure that the definition of "socket-outlet" in BS 7671 fully covers couplers, particularly as:
They are defined as "couplers" in BS EN 60320, and again in Reg 553.2.1.
BS EN 60320 appliance-outlets are not suitable for direct connection to the fixed wiring, they are part of equipment. Equipment should be selected in accordance with BS 7671 (i.e. meets relevant standards, suitable rating etc.)
BS EN 60320 is not listed in Table 55.1, as required by 553.1.3 unless 553.1.5 applies, and the use you are alluding to for data cabinets doesn't really come under any of the exceptions listed in 553.1.5 - so if you want to specify them, they cannot be "socket-outlets".
