RCD for hand dryers

[keefy]

I've had a few recommendations from other contractors from recent EICR's stating that there should be RCD protection to hand dryers and water heaters in toilet areas of commercial buildings. There are no showers in these areas, the wiring is mostly surface (plastic conduit) and its not domestic so I can't see any regulation that would cover this. Any pointers would help as I get the feeling this might be one of those recommendations that have mistakenly caught on.

 

[Des 56]

The conditions needed for Rcd , TT installations and for additional protection is well documented and may not apply to your situation

quote
the wiring is mostly surface (plastic conduit)

That line from your post may be why they have stated there "should be RCD protection to hand dryers and water heaters" rather than it is recomended

 

[Engineer54]

From what i can make out you have been given ''Recommendations'' by other spark's!! Personally i agree with them if this is a toilet used by the general Public. Think tiled floors and walls in the event of any water leakage, and wet hands!!. lol!!

 

[keefy]

Thanks for responses, no they are not public toilets, just staff toilets.

 

[crawf]

Ask for rcbo if u can get them in ur db no nonsense and no unwanted tripping to other circuits

 

[spark 68]

Double check the Drier, as most of the ones I have seen are class II, even the metal covered ones, and don't require an RCD in themselves (some don't require a CPC), although sometimes the wiring does for other reasons.

 

[MDJ]

I like des's comment, however if the dryers were wired in tube all the way and fixed more than 300mm2 (no less than) from the sinks then RCD protection for that fixed equipment providing the ZS readings were satisfactory on the circuit would not be a requirement, even if a better option and more acceptable for most sparks, not required IMO, however as des mentioned you said the word mostly and that has bearing here, more info on installation please.

 

[Guest55]

the reason an rcd was selected by the designer has nothing to do with electrical requirements , it has everything to do with risk / responsibilty mitigation.
i.e. , hes covering his arse.
just fit the rcd / rcbo and keep gob shut.
;-)

 

[Guest55]

p.s. i selected rcbo's for the hand driers in my 2396 design project and theres nooooooo waaaaaaaaay i could be wrong.
:-D

 

[Doomed]

Check the manufacturers instructions, as they are gospel.
If they ask for one fit one.