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 30 replies
  • Subscribers 26 subscribers
  • Views 11851 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

Use of RCD protection in industrial and commercial installations

Andy
Hello All

We all know the benefits of RCD protection and how the regulations are changing regarding domestics. I am constantly being asked if RCDs are required for normal switched socket circuits in industrial installations apart from the obvious use of RCDs for areas likely to cause a reduction in resistance (sockets that could conceivably be used out side). So are RCDs required for general office circuits, for dedicated IT equipment (computers etc), work areas such as clean dry packing areas and so on.


Given RCDs require testing regularly and the results recorded which causes disruption to production equipment, IT equipment, Data centers etc are RCDs really required especially if they are installed within steel conduit or steel trunking on walls or under floors?


Any advice welcome


Andy
Parents
  • 0
    I understand exactly where you are coming from Andy.  I used to look after maintenance in a large factory and know what disruption can be caused.  However, we mustn't forget how amazing these things are and how many lives they must have saved so far.


    How about an RCD assembly incorporating a switchable parallel feed (by a special key?) which could be put in circuit whilst the RCD is tested?  Straight away I can see that for the duration of the test the circuit may not conform to regs, but maybe with a Risk Assessment and suitable control measures in place this could be overcome.    Just an idea.....
Reply
  • 0
    I understand exactly where you are coming from Andy.  I used to look after maintenance in a large factory and know what disruption can be caused.  However, we mustn't forget how amazing these things are and how many lives they must have saved so far.


    How about an RCD assembly incorporating a switchable parallel feed (by a special key?) which could be put in circuit whilst the RCD is tested?  Straight away I can see that for the duration of the test the circuit may not conform to regs, but maybe with a Risk Assessment and suitable control measures in place this could be overcome.    Just an idea.....
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