Type A rcd . EICR coding ? etc

davezawadi (David Stone):

Hi Lyle


The reasonably "foreseeable test" should not apply if the appliance is manufactured in compliance with the LV directive because this gives specific requirements to prevent these kinds of faults. ............


The solution to this is to add a regulation to BS7671 which simply states that "Appliances which may leak DC currents into the Mains wiring system may not be connected to RCD protected circuits". This puts the problem back with manufacturers to ensure that their products are safe and cannot affect our safety measures.


 

I am with David on this. BS7671 is being changed to ensure that the fixed wiring can catch faults induced by poor design of plug in appliances. The messing around we have with earthing car charger supplies on PME installations because car manufacturers have tried to save a few pounds on a >£30,000 car is a typical case. 


While I am all for safety the cost in a simple installation is becoming excessive and the need to change protective devices every few years to remain compliant, especially if the property is rented, is not in my opinion the solution. 


Last week I was called out to change the fuse wire in a  blown fuse in a >£600,000 house. The kitchen fitters had managed to blow the fuse. The owners will spend over £10,000 on a new kitchen but despite many years of trying I have not convinced them to fit a new consumer unit, or even RCD protection. As the costs of a new CU increase especially if AFDDs are required my chances of convincing them decrease even further. I am sure this scenario is being repeated in many properties around the country. 

davezawadi (David Stone):

Hi Lyle


The reasonably "foreseeable test" should not apply if the appliance is manufactured in compliance with the LV directive because this gives specific requirements to prevent these kinds of faults. ............


The solution to this is to add a regulation to BS7671 which simply states that "Appliances which may leak DC currents into the Mains wiring system may not be connected to RCD protected circuits". This puts the problem back with manufacturers to ensure that their products are safe and cannot affect our safety measures.


 

I am with David on this. BS7671 is being changed to ensure that the fixed wiring can catch faults induced by poor design of plug in appliances. The messing around we have with earthing car charger supplies on PME installations because car manufacturers have tried to save a few pounds on a >£30,000 car is a typical case. 


While I am all for safety the cost in a simple installation is becoming excessive and the need to change protective devices every few years to remain compliant, especially if the property is rented, is not in my opinion the solution. 


Last week I was called out to change the fuse wire in a  blown fuse in a >£600,000 house. The kitchen fitters had managed to blow the fuse. The owners will spend over £10,000 on a new kitchen but despite many years of trying I have not convinced them to fit a new consumer unit, or even RCD protection. As the costs of a new CU increase especially if AFDDs are required my chances of convincing them decrease even further. I am sure this scenario is being repeated in many properties around the country.