RCD Protection

[Power Ball]

Can you help please..

I went to look at a job today and the customer would like some extra sockets put in every room ... no problem with that except the board has 1x6 way rewired Wylex and 1x4 way rewired Wylex both covered by one RCD my question is as he does not want to upgrade to 17th CU should recommend fitting another RCD so both boxes are on their own RCD cover

Thanks

Chas

 

[Theorysparky]

it would make sense

how many rings has he got ???

you may end up testing 2/3 rings ,,,,,cost wise it may be prudent to put a 17th board in

whats the main bonding like ????

 

[NozSpark]

For the job that you are doing, having 1 front end RCD (so long as it's 30mA) is OK.

I used a job similar to this for my annual assessment (it had a Contactum CU with RCD main switch), I just noted it in the "Comments on existing installation" box and all was well...

All I did was extend the socket ring into a conservatory.

Just make sure your earthing and bonding is OK!!

EDIT...

However I would recommend a second RCD as you have said, but I wouldn't insist on it!!

I would never do a new installation this way though!

 

[ianmacd]

You don't need to make the installation 17th compliant but only the parts that affect the work you are doing so in this case the RCD(s). If you are doing work that requires an RCD (e.g. sockets) then you have one so assuming it passes testing that should be enough to comply.

Maybe you should explain why we use 17th ed boards now tot he customer and see if they want to upgrade.

Ian.

 

[Power Ball]

it would make sensehow many rings has he got ???

you may end up testing 2/3 rings ,,,,,cost wise it may be prudent to put a 17th board in

whats the main bonding like ????

He only has 1 ring as this is a three bedroom terrace with only 1 single socket in all the rooms. the main bonding is ok so may just end up putting in another ring down stairs and open and extend upstairs one as only 2 extra sockets need up there.

Thanks for your quick replies..

Chas

 

[Theorysparky]

out of interest

if he has only one ring what is filling up the 2 boards ??

a lot of spare ways ????

 

[Evans Electric]

As I always say, Powerball, if the customer does not want it you can't make him, we are not The Electric Police. There is an RCD so he is safe enough. We are not here to force the 17th edition upon people other than new work of course.

Suggest you fit a plug-in Wylex MCB to the ring .

Jobs done to the 16th were quite safe last year , they are still safe this year.

 

[Power Ball]

out of interestif he has only one ring what is filling up the 2 boards ??

a lot of spare ways ????

Over the years it has had 2 small extensions added and they have put seperate lighting and so mainly all 5a plus ring plus shower and cooker.

Chas

 

[ianmacd]

He only has 1 ring as this is a three bedroom terrace with only 1 single socket in all the rooms. the main bonding is ok so may just end up putting in another ring down stairs and open and extend upstairs one as only 2 extra sockets need up there.Thanks for your quick replies..

Chas

If you can get another way, what about splitting the ring (dropping the mcb if ness) and having 2 radials?

 

[Power Ball]

If you can get another way, what about splitting the ring (dropping the mcb if ness) and having 2 radials?

Nice one I had thought about that as an alternative, I will have a look at what will be the best way if i get the work.

Thanks again for all your help and advice.

Chas

 

[green-hornet]

If you can get another way, what about splitting the ring (dropping the mcb if ness) and having 2 radials?

I would have tried this as well given the amount of sockets in use.

What you would have to think about is that from the description this installation would appear to be pre 16th edition.

I would do an insulation test on the circuits, and check the lighting circuit for that ever elusive earth so often found.

Personally I would try to seperate the socket circuits preferably on seperate rcd,s, but would try to advise the customer to update to a new board, just means an extra bit of work without going to a full rewire.

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

I would recommend sticking another RCD in the installation somewhere..

a) Allow say

 

[Power Ball]

Thank you all for your ideas/advice it has been very usefull

Cheers

Chas