Cable Sizing for 2 nos x 400W Floodlight

In England we require 30ma (RCD) Residual Current Device for outside lighting that could be accessed by the public, I take this to mean all outdoor lighting .

In England we require 30ma (RCD) Residual Current Device for outside lighting that could be accessed by the public, I take this to mean all outdoor lighting .

I'd suggest that's being  little over-enthusiastic. Anything on private property often isn't accessible to the general public (invited guests etc aren't "the public"), section 714 overall doesn't apply to lights fixed to the outside of a building and supplied from the building's internal wiring (714.1 (v)) and 714.411.3.4 has a stack of exceptions itself, including street lighting.

   - Andy.

Is this BS7671 requirement?

If so could you point out where it is?

I know domestic lighting needs RCD in all cases by regulation but I was not aware of anything like that for outdoor lighting.

Thats why I am asking

714.411.3.4 which states that outdoor lighting which is accessible to the public shall have additional protection by an earth leakage protection device with the characteristics specified in Regulation 415.1.1. which requires protection by 30mA device (RCBO or RCD)

“Lighting that is accessible to the public shall have additional protection by an RCD having the characteristics specified in Regulation 415.1.1. Examples include:

• gardens, spaces open to the public
• telephone kiosks
• bus shelters
• advertising panels and town plans.

This list is not exhaustive.

The following are excluded:

• Street lighting & traffic signage
• Illumination of monuments
• Platform lighting at rail / bus stations.

Now my reading of that is that the footballers flood lamps may need RCD protection, if not fenced off from the public, but a streetlamp illuminating the way in or out  of the grounds does not, even if accessible.

I assume but  do  not know for sure, that the thinking is that the loss of lights due to an RCD trip is less serious than the danger of unlit streets and footpaths, but for lights that are only  'nice to have' rather than traffic safety, the risk balance tips the other way. And perhaps given the sheer number of streetlamps on un-metered  supplies, it would be hard to arrange to install, and then test one RCD per lamp every six months.

Mike

“Lighting that is accessible to the public shall have additional protection by an RCD having the characteristics specified in Regulation 415.1.1. Examples include:

• gardens, spaces open to the public
• telephone kiosks
• bus shelters
• advertising panels and town plans.

This list is not exhaustive.

The following are excluded:

• Street lighting & traffic signage
• Illumination of monuments
• Platform lighting at rail / bus stations.

Now my reading of that is that the footballers flood lamps may need RCD protection, if not fenced off from the public, but a streetlamp illuminating the way in or out  of the grounds does not, even if accessible.

I assume but  do  not know for sure, that the thinking is that the loss of lights due to an RCD trip is less serious than the danger of unlit streets and footpaths, but for lights that are only  'nice to have' rather than traffic safety, the risk balance tips the other way. And perhaps given the sheer number of streetlamps on un-metered  supplies, it would be hard to arrange to install, and then test one RCD per lamp every six months.

Mike