Interesting one. BS 7671 recommends biannual RCD testing (by user test button) but as far as I recall doesn't require any written records of such to be created or retained. From a wider H&S perspective it's likely to be  very good idea to keep records (if only to cover one's back with the HSE should anything nasty occur) - but I can see an argument that it's not a BS 7671 issue and therefore not something that's even within scope of an ECIR let alone codeable.

   - Andy.

Thank you for your response. We don’t keep records of the functional test, but we record the trip time at 1xI∆n currently within three years but we are looking to test every year. Just don’t agree that undocumented biannual function testing and an instrument test 18-24 months ago is coded as a C2.

AJJewsbury said:

Interesting one. BS 7671 recommends biannual RCD testing

Indeed interesting ... some RCDs have "test monthly" printed on them by the manufacturer.

If anything a C3 as you can see from table 3.5 in GN3, it would be recommended as an improvement. 

Thank you Danie, lf quote "absence of an RCD specified for additional protection" is only a C3 then how possibly can you put the absence of evidence of 6 monthly functional tests down as a C2?

We are now carrying out biannual function tests and yearly documented instrument tests at 1xI∆n. I just can't accept a C2 for lack of evidence of RCD function tests, as almost every house in the UK would get C2 due to this.

I don't agree its a C2, I'm an NICEIC qualified supervisor and I wouldn't mark it down as anything due to the fact there is no requirement from BS7671 to record the functional test. I would recommend internal documentation to record it as this will help with auditing purposes. The test should be sufficient, if it fails to trip when the test button is pushed then obviously will require replacing. BS7671 also recommends a test of every six months but this can be more frequent depending on the installation and design requirements. I would question the electrical contractor as to why they believe that is a C2 as it is not potentially dangerous in my opinion.

I don't agree its a C2, I'm an NICEIC qualified supervisor and I wouldn't mark it down as anything due to the fact there is no requirement from BS7671 to record the functional test. I would recommend internal documentation to record it as this will help with auditing purposes. The test should be sufficient, if it fails to trip when the test button is pushed then obviously will require replacing. BS7671 also recommends a test of every six months but this can be more frequent depending on the installation and design requirements. I would question the electrical contractor as to why they believe that is a C2 as it is not potentially dangerous in my opinion.

Agree, I think almost every one on here feels that the original C2 - if it all works, and the lack of test records is the only problem- is seriously overdoing it.

The discussion seems to have expanded to consider  if even giving a C3 or out of scope and just an advisory comment in the cover letter is best.

M.