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RCD protection in an IT run office

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
Jolly good morning all,


I am currently carrying out an EICR for an IT based company in their head offices.

Looking at the 12way  3-phase distribution board, I can see there are multiple ‘Office Sockets’ circuits labelled up on 32amp MCB’s and not a single RCD in sight. 

To my knowledge, the use of RCD’s is perhaps not required in this type of environment, but just wanted to check your opinions.


Many thanks you’s and I hope everyone is having a splendid dayV?
  • 0
    John Peckham:

    This forum is a really good source of CPD as you can connect with a wide range of industry experts.


    Absolutely! Good fun too. ?


  • 0
    Alcomax:

    A particular cheeky one is the certificate software that "calculates" R1+R2 after they have measured Zs with their multifunction, low current/ no trip test, then magically "fails" the circuit on "higher than expected R1+R2 reading" and a Brucy Bonus of further investigation remedial work.. Why someone is "claiming" they have measured R1+R2 during periodic inspection when they have measured a healthy Zs, is beyond me, but is perhaps an indicator that they should not be doing this type of work in the first place.


    As appeared in another thread. I wondered where it had come from.


  • 0
    broadgage:

    If computer operation is important, and RCD/RCBO trips have serious consequences, than as a minimum, one RCD per workstation should be fitted.


    In extreme cases were ANY trip would be unacceptable, consider either a reduced low voltage supply, or ELV supply, or high specification laptops with internal batteries.


    Why does a computer need an R.C.D. anyway? It seems overkill. Just earth the metal potentially tingly bits if the are exposed conductive parts. My laptop is all plastic supplied through a plastic cased power supply. Perhaps the O.P's I.T. suites have lots of 007 type 80s big metal boxes.

    Vintage PC TOWER CELERON 433MHZ 32MB 2GB HDD WINDOWS ME COMPUTER PC WORKING UK | eBay


    Z.


  • 0
    A computer does not in itself need an RCD, an earthed or double insulated case would suffice.

    However most computers in an office are supplied via plugs and socket outlets. These socket outlets PROBABLY DO need RCD protection. This is not an absolute requirement, it may be possible to justify ommiting RCD protection by a suitable risk assesment.


    In my view, RCD protection is in practice required for most installations. I have worked as a maintenance engineer in a number of offices and observed at first hand the stupid things that are used by office staff from socket outlets, despite claims about competant supervision.


    Examples include 

    Almost anything with a 2 pin "euro plug" forced into a 13 amp socket. No fuse, no earth.

    Home made extension leads with twisted joints covered with sellotape.

    In cup water heaters that consist of two bare wires on a stick, a miniature electrode boiler in effect.

    Electric blankets.

    Portable heaters with exposed heating elements due to either damage or poor design.

    Various suspect gadgets claimed to have health benifits.


    In premises without RCD protection on office socket outlets due to being "under competant control"
  • 0
    davezawadi (David Stone):

    ....The easiest way (which I have not seen anywhere!) would be to have a garage size CU by every desk with an RCD/MCB/RCBO feeding a number of local sockets. The feed to all these could be a high current ring, providing the high integrity Earth and power of whatever is needed. Fairly easy to install, even for island desks with a floor trap, and very fault resistant on any plugged-in equipment. I wonder if anyone else has seen this or any other ideas?


    Something like Mike's link in the first reply to this thread? Electrak Floor Box with RCD & 2 x Low Noise Twin Switched Sockets JP2532 Tap Off (CR4413) | CEF he cunningly embedded the link, which i haven't worked out how to do on this forum, so people might have missed it.


  • 0
    Joe-not-exotic:

    I think rather than make this a personal attack, be gentleman and point me in the right direction instead of wasting people’s time with your belittling comments. I am a fully qualified electrician and have been for a number of years. Shock horror! If you read through my last post where I practically called myself a muppet, there’s no need for you to jump on that wagon. We learn every day, we make mistakes and we deal with them the best way we can. Rather than send me a negative comment, turn it around and offer good, decent advice, change your attitude, jump down from your high horses and help others out! We are all in this trade together, and if we can all chip in, be respectful on these forums, we can all help those in need of guidance. Come on guys...!


    Joe,

    Clint Eastwood said "Each man should know his limitations" .

    We must all follow that to attain competence .

    No shame in not knowing things but to attempt things out of our competence is a no no.

    JP & DZ are giving you good advice


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