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RCD socket outlet.

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
Hi all,
Any comments on this one most welcome!
A customer wants me to replace an existing one gang 13 amp socket outlet with a double.
The problem is that there's no rcd protection there, so i'm thinking that as I am in effect adding a socket outlet I should fit an rcd protected one?
If I were replacing like for like it wouldn't bother me at all but the fact it's going to be a double makes me think an rcd protected one is the thing to do, just seems a bit ott to fit one rcd protected socket when there are probably 20 others that aren't rcd'd!
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    I can hardly believe the amount of interest that this post has generated, many thanks to all that have replied.

    What I have done is used the converta socket as I consider I've just changed an existing socket but the client does want an extra socket fitting so I have explained to her that I will need to install a stand-alone rcd to cover the whole circuit next to the consumer unit when I do that work.

    Thanks again to all,

    Dave.
  • 0

    Alcomax:

    Look what I found in the Autumn Edition  of Connections page 37.


    Especially for those of you that do not get this Club Mag.




    Well spotted. Many thanks.

  • 0
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    bca0b2f53bc7553831dae15026faf1d6-huge-nic-bs7288-007--tosend.jpg

    Look what I found in the Autumn Edition  of Connections page 37.


    Especially for those of you that do not get this Club Mag.
  • 0

    kfh:

    The vast majority of RCDs I have tested that were in spec have tripped at less than 30mS at 30mA and at 150mA. 


    I will keep on installing RCD protected SFCUs and sockets where the customer is not prepared to pay for or cannot afford the work to provide additional protection on a circuit. I recently put an IP rated RCD double socket in an old unused milking parlour to replace a damaged double socket. It is used to supply equipment outside, the supply is PME and the parlour is full of nice earthy metalwork not to mention the damp walls. I am happy I left it safer than before. I know the farmer would not pay to have his various old TP distribution boards TTd and RCD protection put in if I were to try and comply with 7671.




    Isn't that the fundamental point? Work need only comply with BS 7671 if the customer will pay for it. Otherwise, do the best that you can and certainly don't leave things worse than they were.


    I might add that it is wise to keep a record of any discussion concerning non-compliance.

  • 0
    This may be of interest..........

    https://professional-electrician.com/features/rcd-protection-is-it-fit-for-purpose/


    Z.
  • 0

    kfh:







    Anyone else concour or disagree (mine is only a limited sample)?






    The vast majority of RCDs I have tested that were in spec have tripped at less than 30mS at 30mA and at 150mA. 


    I will keep on installing RCD protected SFCUs and sockets where the customer is not prepared to pay for or cannot afford the work to provide additional protection on a circuit. I recently put an IP rated RCD double socket in an old unused milking parlour to replace a damaged double socket. It is used to supply equipment outside, the supply is PME and the parlour is full of nice earthy metalwork not to mention the damp walls. I am happy I left it safer than before. I know the farmer would not pay to have his various old TP distribution boards TTd and RCD protection put in if I were to try and comply with 7671.


     




    I too have used the weatherproof R.C.D. protected 13 Amp sockets for outdoor use. I have also used them in addition to an internal 30mA R.C.D. to provide belt and braces' protection to garden equipment such as pond pumps and lights on a T.T. system. I feel better having more than one R.C.D. protecting outdoor equipment in many cases, especially as the outdoor R.C.D. is subjected to heat, cold and possible insect invasion or corrosion due to damp, which may adversely affect its operation when needed.


    Z.

  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Andy J, thanks very much for the well put summary, it is a bit of a mess, sadly not that unusual!


  • 0




    Anyone else concour or disagree (mine is only a limited sample)?






    The vast majority of RCDs I have tested that were in spec have tripped at less than 30mS at 30mA and at 150mA. 


    I will keep on installing RCD protected SFCUs and sockets where the customer is not prepared to pay for or cannot afford the work to provide additional protection on a circuit. I recently put an IP rated RCD double socket in an old unused milking parlour to replace a damaged double socket. It is used to supply equipment outside, the supply is PME and the parlour is full of nice earthy metalwork not to mention the damp walls. I am happy I left it safer than before. I know the farmer would not pay to have his various old TP distribution boards TTd and RCD protection put in if I were to try and comply with 7671.

  • 0
    These are very good. I would not hesitate to install them.

    https://www.bgelectrical.uk/wiring-devices/moulded/rcd-protection


    Z.
  • 0

    ebee:

    "Aren’t the SRCD trip times faster?


    Andy B. I`m not sure that this is the case.


    Our old BS for RCDs was within 200ms at x1 wheras the EN we now all use is within 300ms at x1, which in itself makes our old standard appear superior.

    However I find that in practice all of the functioning RCDs I`ve tested trip well within those times of both standards. In fact if I found one that approached say 90ms area I would be very alarmed as I once was when a pal of mine tested two RCDs on a connected circuit. We soon established the number of fridges/freezers running to be skewing the results.


    Anyone else concour or disagree (mine is only a limited sample)?




    I have double 13 Amp socket R.C.D.s in my kitchen. I have just tested one and it trips off at 8mS on both half cycles, at a 30mA test. I am perfectly happy to use them. I believe that they are the B.G. make.


    Z.

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