Frustratingly crammed

In my view, the requirement for RCD protection of socket outlets in offices IS reasonable.

A lot of my work has been maintaining existing installations in offices, and I have observed the many stupid things that are done.

Damaged extension leads, overloaded extension leads.

Two pin europlugs forced into UK socket outlets, no earth and potential damage to plug and to socket outlets.

Travel adaptors in general use, unfused.

Imported equipment that is unsafe in various ways.


It has been argued that 13 amp socket outlets incorporating RCD protection are not compliant. This in my view should be altered, and such outlets should become the norm in offices. Faults are thereby localised, usually to a single user.

In MOST office installs it is reasonable to omit RCD protection of the fixed wiring if this is SWA or underfloor busbar trunking. But the outlets do need RCD protection.

In my view, the requirement for RCD protection of socket outlets in offices IS reasonable.

A lot of my work has been maintaining existing installations in offices, and I have observed the many stupid things that are done.

Damaged extension leads, overloaded extension leads.

Two pin europlugs forced into UK socket outlets, no earth and potential damage to plug and to socket outlets.

Travel adaptors in general use, unfused.

Imported equipment that is unsafe in various ways.


It has been argued that 13 amp socket outlets incorporating RCD protection are not compliant. This in my view should be altered, and such outlets should become the norm in offices. Faults are thereby localised, usually to a single user.

In MOST office installs it is reasonable to omit RCD protection of the fixed wiring if this is SWA or underfloor busbar trunking. But the outlets do need RCD protection.