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Hi folks,

We are looking at a new property and noticed there was an outside Socket, which is great.

However, the cable that powers it has a 3-pin plug on the end and is plugged into a socket in the living room. (See pics). To turn the outside Socket on, you need to turn the socket in the living room on.

I'm not familiar with electrical regs, but is this acceptable? Or should we be looking to have it done properly.


Outside Socket Question {filename} | ElectriciansForums.net
Outside Socket Question {filename} | ElectriciansForums.net
 
See 10 of these very single month

B&Q sell 'kits' for DIYers to wire up their own outdoor sockets etc

Even if it was dangerous you can just unplug it from the house and not use it
 
The fuse box isn't RCD protected. We've been calling around getting quotes to replace it today.
Some of these kits came with an RCD socket in the outside part.
Unfortunately, the RCD sockets no longer appear to be acceptable in the current Regulations.
There is still the option to use an RCD plug or RCD adaptor.
 
A lash up STP simple job to do it correctly
 
Some of these kits came with an RCD socket in the outside part.
Unfortunately, the RCD sockets no longer appear to be acceptable in the current Regulations.
There is still the option to use an RCD plug or RCD adaptor.

Is this definitely the case that external RCD sockets are no longer compliant with the regs?
 
Possibly. I wondered if he was referring to the change in the regs as far as what RCD types can be used to protect circuits?
 
531.3.6 RCDs for additional protection
The use of RCDs with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA is recognized as additional protection in compliance with Regulation 415.1. These RCDs shall be provided to comply with the requirements of Regulation 411.3.3.
RCDs for additional protection in AC installations shall comply with:
- BS EN 61008 series, or
- BS EN 61009 series, or
- BS EN 62423.
Where installed at the origin of a final circuit or a group of final circuits, an RCD with a rated residual current not exceeding 30 mA may provide fault protection and additional protection simultaneously.
NOTE: Consideration shall be given to the division of the installation (see Regulations 531.3.2 and 314.2).

This applies to RCDs used for additional protection, not fault protection or fire protection.
Additional protection would be for socket-outlets, cables concealed in walls, circuits of a location containing a bath or shower or those used to supply mobile equipment outdoors.
 
There has been a lot of posting of late regarding RCD sockets and spurs not being recognised by BS7671 I have read a few posts (some from SC) where using an RCD spur for additional works to comply with the regs as not to have to change the P.D. does anyone know the reasoning behind this.
 
Probably more a buerocratic decision based on harmonised standards. That said...aren't those spurs 'active' not 'passive' rcds or something like that? So maybe there is a technical reason? Do they fall under the same standard as rcd plugs for use with flymos etc?
 

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