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What does BS7671 mean by an "installation coupler" 411.3.3 Note 5?

JHFE

What does BS7671 mean by an "installation coupler"  411.3.3 Note 5?

Is this a proprietary connector or standard connector used in a singular and specific way purely for a particular installation application?

I will be providing a new circuit in a domestic setting which supplies power to a yet-to-be-installed garden office pod.

 

The Pod supplier/builder has specified a 32amp 230v BS EN 60309-2 Commando socket at the end of the circuit.  They then deliver and build their pod and connect a flexible lead from the back of the pod to the socket/circuit I provide.  This in turn powers a 40A 30ma 2-way consumer unit, pre-wired at the pod building factory. In other words, outlets and lighting in the pod are RCD protected.

 

My circuit will come from CU (DB2) which I will fit and SWA will run from DB2 all the way to the outlet near the garden pod. (15-18 metres on 6mm2 SWA)

 

My question relates to RCD requirements.

 

In the interests of Selectivity, I could run the SWA from just an MCB, as the SWA negates RCD protection for the cable itself.  However, if the 32amp commando I fit is classed as a "socket outlet", I could be failing to provide RCD protection where BS7671 requires it.

 

411.3.3 Note 5 pg65 A2:2022 - states that an "installation coupler" "is not regarded as a socket outlet for the purposes of this regulation"

 

Would it be fair to class this connection between pod and circuit as an installation coupler?  It is unlikely to be accessed by lay persons to, let's say, power a lawn mower and will be behind the pod and not readily accessible to lay persons, once the pod is installed.  It will more than likely be connected once and stay permanently connected for many many years without interference.

 

Or

 

The 32amp outlet used to connect the pod to power is without question a socket outlet and therefore 411.3.3 must be obeyed and the cable run from DB2 to the outlet must be RCD protected?  Even if I sacrifice selectivity as the lesser of 2 evils and have 30ma upstream and downstream?  (or fit time delay upstream)

 

Any advice is much appreciated. Thumbsup tone1

 

Cheers

James

 

Other info.  single phase, domestic setting, TNCS, 8-year-old property, "17th edition" dual RCD (AC wave) split board for the main house, no existing SPD.

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  • 0

    But following your own logic, it is a fixed building and therefore it can! Now explain why you think there is a difference, there are probably no services or extraneous conductive parts, although these are easily dealt with if present. Your problem seems to me in deciding what is "inside" and what is "outside", and perhaps you should consider an electric vehicle and a 13A plug lead. These must be contra BS7671, but widely available and used. SY provides a useful degree of extra mechanical protection, and its UV ability affects many air-con installations without any problem, because the sheath (outside the wire) is only rust and scrape protection. Failed pieces are very unusual.

  • 0 in reply to David Stone
    David Stone said:
    and its UV ability affects many air-con installations without any problem

    But if the manufacturer specifically states in their product information 'These cables are not used for outdoor or underground installation.' then they are not suitable for that purpose?

  • 0 in reply to gkenyon

    Problem is a lack of agreement 'SY' on its own is a bit of a broad category-  some say  it is OK, some are a bit on the fence- this make of SY is OK for 'protected outdoors'  for example- so presumably not exposed to storms on a seafront but perhaps clipped to the eaves of a building or the side facing the fence, and the parts of a fairground ride less open to the elements. The lack of agreement is the issue here. Better perhaps to specify the maker, or at least the required UV and general weather resistance.


    In sunnier climes you will find a similar cable to CY but with dark UV blocking outer jacket in place of a clear one, and a silver coloured  braid that is actually a tinned copper rather than steels. . cy-jz-0.6-1kv

    Mike.

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  • 0 in reply to gkenyon

    Problem is a lack of agreement 'SY' on its own is a bit of a broad category-  some say  it is OK, some are a bit on the fence- this make of SY is OK for 'protected outdoors'  for example- so presumably not exposed to storms on a seafront but perhaps clipped to the eaves of a building or the side facing the fence, and the parts of a fairground ride less open to the elements. The lack of agreement is the issue here. Better perhaps to specify the maker, or at least the required UV and general weather resistance.


    In sunnier climes you will find a similar cable to CY but with dark UV blocking outer jacket in place of a clear one, and a silver coloured  braid that is actually a tinned copper rather than steels. . cy-jz-0.6-1kv

    Mike.

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