brain freeze

[binky]

have been asked to wire 7 emergency lights to an exisiting lighting circuit in a HMO so:-

1/ would i need to RCD circuit to complete works legally?

2/ do emergency lights cause problems with RCDs?

I am trying to persuade the owner to have proper inspection and test cos quite frankly its a bit of a mess, but he's not willing, and I can't think how far I can go before breaking new regs.

 

[Andy™]

cable may not need RCD if its not buried in wall etc. and i doubt there will be any 13A sockets on the circuit....

im not aware of em lights causing problems with RCD's. there not much different from connecting a fluorescent light

 

[Evans Electric]

What is a HMO ? Binky

 

[Andy™]

House in multiple occupation

 

[Evans Electric]

Oh yes, thanks Andy , I remember now . If the wiring is flush Binky, you need an RCD , or use FP200, I know its stupid but we didn't make the rules. Personally I think its wrong to feed stuff like Emgy Lts , Smoke detectors etc through RCD s just do it and move on.

Oh don't forget the test key switches !!

Deke

 

[Andy™]

Oh yes, thanks Andy , I remember now . If the wiring is flush Binky, you need an RCD , or use FP200, I know its stupid but we didn't make the rules. Personally I think its wrong to feed stuff like Emgy Lts , Smoke detectors etc through RCD s just do it and move on.Oh don't forget the test key switches !!

Deke

FP cant be used to get around RCD's

 

[batty]

Binky

Can you not put switch wires in mini trunking

 

[Andy™]

why would you need switch wires (stick the test switch high level) your adding to an existing circuit, you dont need to make the existing to 17th, just what you install

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

And remember this is domestic so a Part P notification will be needed as some sort of officials will want to see paperwork regarding the lights

 

[Andy™]

unless he's adding a light in a special location, then part p wont be needed.

but they will most likely want a em lighting installation or something

 

[bassman]

unless he's adding a light in a special location, then part p wont be needed.but they will most likely want a em lighting installation or something

As above who is asking for it to be done proof of testing at time of commisioning.

Should suffice hand over to a competent person demonstrate test keys, leave log book.

get paid, try to get them to agree for you to carry out the annual 3 hr test, let them do the 15 mins test.

All wiring in trunking at high level.

 

[binky]

Thanks for the replies. Cable is well buried firk knows where, but if it complies with the 50mm rule I'll eat my boots . So its RCD the circuit or surface installation, but owner needs fire system anyway, though he was hoping to use wireless, so I think I will point him towards complete surface installation without touching existing circuitry.

 

[Evans Electric]

FP cant be used to get around RCD's

Why not Andy ? It has a metalic , earthed sheath !! :O

Although I must agree that surface mini-trunk is far simpler .

Deke

 

[Andy™]

But the metallic sheath is designed to stop interference, not to take a fault current of phase to sheath. the main earthing comes from conductor.

BS8436 has been proved to be able to withstand a short from phase-sheath (i.e nail). IIRC, FP200 hasnt, so would be regarded the same as T&E for RCD's

and if FP200 could be used, it would probably be more widely used than BS8436, which almost no-one had heard of before 17th

 

[Evans Electric]

OK then , so what is BS 8436 ? MICC ?

Deke

 

[Andy™]

8436 is similar in design to FP, but has been proved to open a 32A breaker if hit by a nail. FP hasnt, and the screen of FP may melt away from nail before a breaker can open, meaning power remains on

http://tpwcc.com/flexishield.html

 

[Evans Electric]

Interesting , I havn't come across that stuff, cheers Andy Guiness Drink

 

[Andy™]

never used the stuff myself. not really had a need to, just use RCD and be done with it

 

[Janice]

OK then , so what is BS 8436 ? MICC ? Deke

Google for flexishield. Similar to FP200, fairly easy to use, max core size 6mm, unless there is any new stuff on the market. Helluva expensive last time I used it but probably cheaper now.

 

[binky]

how easy is it to terminate the earth shield?