Adding spotlights in bathroom (no RCD) options

[robo83]

Hi,

Ive gone to look at a job where the customer wants two spotlights added into the bathroom.

The board being 3036 spec and no rcd.

What options do i have other than change the board or provide rcd protection via a seperate rcd isolator.

It feels a lot of work and i want to ensure no other options are available as im planning on pricing either of the above.

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

 

[Dave OCD]

One way or the other as a minimum you'd have to provide 30ma RCD protection for the new lights which by definition are in a 'special location'. I'd explain the benefits of a new CU to the customer as it seems mad to have an RCD just for the tiny new job.

 

[Andy78]

It's not really a lot of work add a RCD in a small enclosure next to the board. An alternative is always a RCD FCU positioned at the point in circuit of your choice.

Don't forget to check the earthing and bonding.

 

[robo83]

Hi Andy,

The option of an RCD FCU sounds ideal and most cost effective. This will be by first option with the prefered being a board change.

Am i understanding correct, that i add the rcd fcu to the bathroom lighting (located outside bathroom door) and when i test as long as max ZS is within range for the entire circuit (circuit feeding all upstairs) im within regs, even if the circuit was feeding another (special location)? Of course writting what work i completed on the test sheet?

Earthing is there but undersized. I can upgrade easily enough as located in same area to water/gas services.

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

 

[Wonderwall]

Surely buying an rcd outlet and then fitting it , can't be much less than even supplying a rcd unit , fed surface from and local to existing DB.
Check bonding and your covered.
This is where supplying certificates actually covers you.

 

[Andy78]

Hi Andy,

The option of an RCD FCU sounds ideal and most cost effective. This will be by first option with the prefered being a board change.

Am i understanding correct, that i add the rcd fcu to the bathroom lighting (located outside bathroom door) and when i test as long as max ZS is within range for the entire circuit (circuit feeding all upstairs) im within regs, even if the circuit was feeding another (special location)? Of course writting what work i completed on the test sheet?

Earthing is there but undersized. I can upgrade easily enough as located in same area to water/gas services.

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

The testing you do should pertain to the work you are carrying out. What do you mean by the earthing is undersized ? Do you mean the bonding conductors ?

 

[dave274]

The rcd has to cover the whole circuit not just the bit in the bathroom.

 

[Midwest]

The rcd has to cover the whole circuit not just the bit in the bathroom.

The current regulations only apply to the work you are carrying out, not with standing earthing and bonding, and the suitability for the existing circuit your are adding to or altering.
Therefore, removing the existing bathroom wiring and placing after the FCU RCD, i.e. new spot lights and associated wiring in the bathroom would comply. The new FCU would have to placed outside the bathroom and surface of course to comply. It could also be argued that replacing a luminaire with a similar, could be construed as maintenance.

PS Not withstanding the owner may wish to consider the attributes of a new CU.

 

[dave274]

But the regs state the circuit serving the location not the bit of the circuit entering the location. regardless of all that surely putting an fcu next to the consumer unit would be easier and more aesthetically pleasing.

 

[robo83]

The testing you do should pertain to the work you are carrying out. What do you mean by the earthing is undersized ? Do you mean the bonding conductors ?

I do indeed mean bonding conductors, my apologise.

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

 

[Midwest]

But the regs state the circuit serving the location not the bit of the circuit entering the location. regardless of all that surely putting an fcu next to the consumer unit would be easier and more aesthetically pleasing.

Protecting the whole of the circuit perhaps would be more beneficial. You right, reg 701.411.3.3 (additional protection by RCD's), additional protection......shall be provided for low voltage circuits; (i) serving the location, (ii) passing through zones 1 & 2 (not serving).
IMO (and agreed by my scheme) (i) serving the location, would be the part of the circuit supplying the current using equipment in the location? Unless someone can advise me otherwise?

 

[robo83]

Ive given the customer the options and recommended the board is more cost effective in the long run.

If this not possible ill go with the rcd fcu near the CU. Ill be checking zs throught the circuit anyhow, even if i add fcu rcd outside bathroom zs throught the circuit must be checked?



Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk