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
  • Replies 5 replies
  • Subscribers 30 subscribers
  • Views 766 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
You may also be interested in

Garden radial 4mm - various accessories

vantech

Hi,

I am planning a garden installation where there is already a 4mm SWA available outside. My plan would be as follows: 

4mm radial from DB between 3 double sockets and 3-4 FCUs for lighting/pond/heaters. The accessories can accept 2x 4mm cables. The circuit will be protected by a 25A SP RCBO 30mA Type A. The total distance of cable from start to finish circa 30 metres and will be buried in various locations and run surface elsewhere. 

Electrically I can’t see anything wrong, and I don’t see any benefit in using RCD sockets as there is an RCBO at the start of the circuit. 

One of the sockets may be used for one of these blow up hot tops, which come with in-line RCDs. The supply is TN-C-S so this will be exported. 

Am I missing anything? Would I be better off TT’ing the potential socket that’s going to be used for the portable hot tub? I’ve seen lots of mixed opinions on this subject, some export PME, others don’t.

Thanks. 

Parents Reply Children
  • 0 in reply to Simon Barker

    So the only real issue with this setup, is the fact a socket may be used for a hot tub. The other description using a 4mm radial is fine. 

    These portable devices are generally installed by consumers, so any outdoor socket (or god forbid, extension lead) could be used.

    Is there a specific regulation that prohibits using PME for a hot tub installation?

    I would imagine the garden lights and electrical heaters will also be class 1 devices, so how far does this topic go? 

  • 0 in reply to vantech
    vantech said:
    Is there a specific regulation that prohibits using PME for a hot tub installation?

    Not specifically. In fact, PME is not prohibited for swimming pools either, although there is a NOTE in BS 7671 regarding earthing arrangements where PME is used for swimming pools (Regulation 702.410.3.4).

    This article from July 2021 Wiring Matters discusses hot tub installations: electrical.theiet.org/.../

    The considerations are unlikely to be too different for the inflatable or pop-up type hot tubs and heated swimming pools. However, accepted, anyone and everyone could just purchase and use one of those.

    Yes, we've had inflatable pool (with filter, no heater) in our garden at home (PME) ... but I always made sure to unplug when the pool was in use, even with an SELV transformer for the filter pump ... the instructions said to do that without discussion of earthing systems anyway.

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