Under the Electricity Regulations 1947 (the Regulations) all residential premises to be sold, rented or hired must have at least two RCDs protecting the final sub-circuits to socket outlets and lighting.
Do all circuits have to be RCD protected?
Separate RCD protection is not necessarily required for each circuit of an installation but, in order to minimize the likelihood and consequences of tripping, a single (‘front end’) RCD should not be used to protect all the circuits. Regulation number(s):
Is RCD protection a legal requirement UK?
This is a legal requirement. In domestic properties, situations requiring mandatory RCD protection include: Properties supplied by a TT earthing arrangement (one with a local earth terminal, as opposed to an earth being provided by the distributor).
When did RCDs become mandatory UK?
The UK standard for safety – Since July 2008 virtually all circuits in new or rewired homes have been required to include an RCD under the latest edition of BS 7671.
What electrical circuits need RCD protection?
RCD protection is required for socket outlets which could be presumed used for outside of the equipotential zones (i.e. outside, providing there is equipotential bonding within the home) this could include an extension lead used for a vacuum cleaner or pressure washer or any outside cables feeding sheds etc.
When can RCD be omitted?
For sockets not in 2-12 above and, not in a dwelling, RCD protection may be omitted if there is a documented formal Risk Assessment that determines RCD protection is not necessary.
Does my house need an RCD?
There is literally no excuse not to have this lifesaving device installed in your home. RCD’s are so essential, especially when anyone is conducting any electrical work in your home. There are three main types of RCD’s; fixed RCD’s, Socket-Outlet RCD’s and Portable RCD’s.
Can I still use a plastic consumer unit?
Are plastic consumer units legal? Yes. You can buy a brand new plastic consumer unit, so long as it’s housed in a non-combustible casing. Any old plastic consumer units are still legal too, they’ll just need new casing to make them meet regulations.
Can I fitting an RCD to old fuse box?
Whilst it is possible to fit a separate RCD to the circuit or multiple RCD’s, if more than one circuit is being altered, by far and away the best and most cost effective solution is to have a new Dual RCD and MCB fuseboard fitted.
Does fixed equipment need RCD protection?
The default answer is yes, unless there is a documented risk assessment stating no such protection is necessary.
Do meter tails need RCD protection?
Do Buried Meter Tails Need RCD protection? It may sound odd, but the answer is yes, meter tails buried in walls, less than 50mm from the surface will require additional protection by 30mA RCD.
Do electric showers need RCD protection?
For new installations, a 30 mA Residual Current Device (RCD) must be incorporated into the electrical supply to the shower in accordance with the current wiring regulations. When replacing an existing electric shower, we recommend that a 30 mA RCD is fitted if not already provided.
How many RCDs do I need UK?
In domestic premises the use of 30 mA RCDs is required for the protection of all socket outlets rated at not more than 20 A, for all circuits in a bath or shower room and for cables embedded in walls and partitions at a depth less than 50 mm.
Do outside sockets need RCD protection?
If you use any portable electrical appliances outdoors, they must be protected by a 30mA RCD. The latest IEE Wiring Regulations also state that a new socket – indoors or out – can only be wired into an RCD-protected circuit.
Does a cooker circuit need RCD protection?
Only need to RCD-protect the cooker circuit if the cooker unit is a cooker switch of the type which incorporates a 13A socket. Otherwise there’s no need.
Does my consumer unit need an RCD?
As of July 2008, the Wiring Regulations states that all new or rewired homes must have RCD’s fitted. Fixed RCD’s are the most common and are the ones in your consumer unit and give you protection over a group of circuits.
What is the difference between a circuit breaker and an RCD?
The difference between a circuit breaker and an RCD switch is the purpose of a circuit breaker is to protect the electrical systems and wiring in a home while the purpose of an RCD switch is to protect people from electrocution.
Do rental properties need to be RCD protected?
In short No. Although its strongly advisable to have RCD protection fitted in a rental property as it could save the tenant from a fatal electric shock as well as prevent a fire. Your legal duty of care is to provide a safe and habitable property.
What does no RCD protection mean?
An RCD, or residual current device, is a life-saving device which is designed to prevent you from getting a fatal electric shock if you come into contact with a live wire or current. RCDs offer a level of personal protection that ordinary fuses and circuit-breakers cannot provide.
Will a plastic consumer unit fail an EICR?
In short, No. The electrical regulations are not law. However, some instances they are enforced as law. Such as the landlord regulations.
Can I fit a new consumer unit myself?
Unless you are a qualified electrician, then you should not try to replace your own consumer unit. It is a legal requirement that this type of electrical work is carried out by a certified professional. Beyond that, if done incorrectly, you could injure yourself or put both your family and home at risk.
Can you replace fuse box without rewiring?
Yes, if the old installation has been tested and it’s up to the current regulations, there is no problem.
Do old consumer units need to be replaced?
There is no need to replace EXISTING consumer units unless defective or otherwise unsuitable for continued use. You do not need a metal consumers unit unless you are replacing the entire old one for some reason e.g full rewire. You can still make alterations to the existing wiring and leave the old board alone.
How do I install RCD protection?
Connect the phase (brown) and neutral (blue) wires to the RCD input in a single-phase circuit. The protective conductor is connected with e.g. a terminal strip. The phase wire at the RCD output should be connected to the overcurrent circuit breaker, while the neutral wire can be connected directly to the installation.
Can a power cut trip an RCD?
Yes they can. Everything is coming back on line at the same moment. Motors starting, filters and suppressors being energised – lots of little bits of leakage to earth and they all add up.
Is it illegal to do electrical work without a license UK?
A ‘non-qualified’ person can still carry out notifiable electrical work as long as Building Control are informed – but if you fail to do this and the work is found to be unsafe, it can lead to a hefty fine.
What’s new in the 18th edition wiring regs?
The new Chapter 46 of the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations discusses non-automatic local and remote isolation and switching when these measures are used to prevent or remove dangers associated with electrical installations and equipment.
Can you still use 16mm meter tails?
If you have a cut-out fuse rated at 80A or less you are OK using 16mm² tails.
How many amps can 25mm tails carry?
If the cut-out fuse is 100 amps then tails should be 25mm.
See Also:
| Technical discussion forums | |
|---|---|
| · | Other and general engineering discussions |
| Archived categories |
Should a bathroom be on its own circuit?
A The main rule of Section 210-11(c)(3) requires a 20A circuit that is dedicated to bathroom receptacle outlets. It does not require a separate circuit for each bathroom. One circuit may supply multiple bathrooms as long as only bathroom receptacles are supplied.
Is electrical work in a bathroom notifiable?
Generally, any work carried out to the circuit within a specific zone close to the bath or shower unit is considered notifiable. A straightforward way of meeting the requirements is to use a contractor who is registered with a Competent Person Scheme such as NICEIC or ELECSA.
How many amps does a 10.5 kW shower use?
The Trician New Member. As I previously stated – a 10.5KW-rated shower will drag 45.652A or call it 47A if it is 230V-rated. If the shower is rated at 240v the current will be 43.75A.
What breaker do I need for an electric shower?
Normally for a shower it woul be a 40 or 45amp fuse/circuit breaker. 9000watts divided by 230volts = just over 39 amps. Its also worth checking that you have an RCD (redisual current device) fitted, as all showers must now be RCD protected.
Can you fail an EICR for no RCD protection?
Answered by Sarah, Electrical Safety Expert
If the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is Satisfactory then you do not need to replace the consumer unit, even if it does not have RCD protection. RCDs are only required by law in new builds, additions/alterations or rewires.
When can RCD be omitted?
For sockets not in 2-12 above and, not in a dwelling, RCD protection may be omitted if there is a documented formal Risk Assessment that determines RCD protection is not necessary.
Do meter tails need RCD protection?
Do Buried Meter Tails Need RCD protection? It may sound odd, but the answer is yes, meter tails buried in walls, less than 50mm from the surface will require additional protection by 30mA RCD.
Can you plug a cooker into a normal socket?
Cookers Rated Under 3kW
For cookers under 3kW, it is perfectly acceptable to power them using a regular 13-amp plug and socket. In most cases (but not all, every home is different), this should mean any plug socket is fair game.
What does BR mean on a circuit breaker?
The BR Replacement Circuit Breaker protects house wires from short-circuiting.
What kind of wiring do old houses have?
Cloth Wire
Cloth wiring is in old houses and is the predecessor to modern house wiring (Romex). There are essentially two types. One type has a ground conductor in it.
Does a fuse box need an RCD?
This is because an RCD is a very important part of a fusebox. Its purpose is to protect you from electric shocks and your property from electrical fires. It does this by constantly monitoring the electric circuits in your property for leaking current caused by earth faults.
What causes an RCD to trip?
RCD tripping occurs when the device switches off its own power when it detects an electrical circuit fault. If the RCD is constantly tripping it is most commonly due to a damaged electrical appliance.
What is the EICR code for no RCD?
BPG4 recommends that the EICR code for no RCD in this instance would be a C3 – IMPROVEMENT RECOMMENDED. Be aware that a lot of electricians will code this as a C2 – POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS if there is no supplementary bonding.
Does my consumer unit need an RCD?
As of July 2008, the Wiring Regulations states that all new or rewired homes must have RCD’s fitted. Fixed RCD’s are the most common and are the ones in your consumer unit and give you protection over a group of circuits.
Do bathroom lights need to be RCD protected?
Electric showers require their own electrical circuit, which in general will have the highest electrical demand out of your household appliances. All circuits in a bathroom must be protected by a RCD (Residual Current Device).
Is a plastic consumer unit a fail?
If you have an electrical report carried out and you have a plastic consumer unit it is still not a requirement to have an upgrade. Plastic Consumer units are still in use, and will be for many years without issues.
Do I have to replace my consumer unit?
There is no need to replace EXISTING consumer units unless defective or otherwise unsuitable for continued use. You do not need a metal consumers unit unless you are replacing the entire old one for some reason e.g full rewire. You can still make alterations to the existing wiring and leave the old board alone.