- Reaction score
- 10,253
It's been a legal requirement where I am for several years already that RCD's are fitted to protect all socket circuits and certain equipment in bathroom zones. Old properties without RCD's aren't illegal but if they ever want extra socket circuits or alterations to existing ones then an RCD would then need to be fitted protecting all socket circuits so a certificate of compliance (EICR) could be issued. Also if a property changes hands it needs certifying so again an RCD would need to be fitted.
The issue is that portable appliances by their nature are responsible for a high percentage of shocks received by the user of an electrical installation. Appliances are prone to trailing cable damage, impact damage and water ingress making a higher likelyhood of broken cpc's or exposed conductors/live parts etc .
I always assumed the reason the UK hasn't adopted a blanket requirement for RCD's on circuits supplying plug-in appliances is because you have rigorous portable appliance testing instead but from what I've read about this in real life I can't help thinking that tighter RCD requirements might not be a bad thing.
The issue is that portable appliances by their nature are responsible for a high percentage of shocks received by the user of an electrical installation. Appliances are prone to trailing cable damage, impact damage and water ingress making a higher likelyhood of broken cpc's or exposed conductors/live parts etc .
I always assumed the reason the UK hasn't adopted a blanket requirement for RCD's on circuits supplying plug-in appliances is because you have rigorous portable appliance testing instead but from what I've read about this in real life I can't help thinking that tighter RCD requirements might not be a bad thing.