rcd protection on sockets

[deanmac]

hi guys if a bank of 20 sockets wired in surface trunking on a radial circuit,these sockets would be used for computers gameboys and music equipment,my question is would they need to be rcd protected ? i know normally they would not,it's just that my mate said if protecting computers they should, i cannot find anything on this

 

[Pete999]

hi guys if a bank of 20 sockets wired in surface trunking on a radial circuit,these sockets would be used for computers gameboys and music equipment,my question is would they need to be rcd protected ? i know normally they would not,it's just that my mate said if protecting computers they should, i cannot find anything on this

If the said socket outlet circuit is subject to high earth leakage current then the circuit needs to be wired differently than a normal Ring FC or Radial FC as per Regulation 543.7.1.201 information can be found on page 81 OSG and Figures 7.5.3 (1) and 7.5.3 (11) Page 82 OSG

 

[deanmac]

If the said socket outlet circuit is subject to high earth leakage current then the circuit needs to be wired differently than a normal Ring FC or Radial FC as per Regulation 543.7.1.201 information can be found on page 81 OSG and Figures 7.5.3 (1) and 7.5.3 (11) Page 82 OSG

i would be running a separate earth along with dual earth terminals just cannot see anything regarding rcd

 

[telectrix]

to omit RCD protection for these sockets, you would have to do a written risk assessment justifying a reason why. what's to stop someone plugging in a faulty appliance?

 

[Wilko]

Hi - As Pete has said.
For RCD see Reg 411.3.3

 

[deanmac]

to omit RCD protection for these sockets, you would have to do a written risk assessment justifying a reason why. what's to stop someone plugging in a faulty appliance?

these sockets are for my friend and will be solely for computer and stereo equipment and not for outdoor purposes etc

 

[Midwest]

Isn't the risk assessment, not for residential (apologies for my grammar) and no longer current in the 18th?

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Unless the sockets are intended for specific items of equipment, they will need RCD protection.
Haven’t gotten round to checking whether the 18th has changed this.

 

[deanmac]

Unless the sockets are intended for specific items of equipment, they will need RCD protection.
Haven’t gotten round to checking whether the 18th has changed this.

just for the items mentioned

 

[Octopus]

I thought that the 18th made rcd's mandatory on sockets and lighting circuits ...

 

[deanmac]

I thought that the 18th made rcd's mandatory on sockets and lighting circuits ...

i thought not for sockets if a risk assessment has been done

 

[Deleted member 26818]

i thought not for sockets if a risk assessment has been done

Risk assessments do not apply to domestic installations with regards to omitting RCD protection.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

just for the items mentioned

Are these items likely to be unplugged and perhaps taken to other locations?

 

[deanmac]

Risk assessments do not apply to domestic installations with regards to omitting RCD protection.

so even though these sockets will be wired surface and only used for computers they will need rcd protection ?

 

[westward10]

Unless the sockets are intended for specific items of equipment, they will need RCD protection.
Haven’t gotten round to checking whether the 18th has changed this.

It is still in the 18th Ed.

 

[westward10]

so even though these sockets will be wired surface and only used for computers they will need rcd protection ?

Is this a domestic installation.

 

[The Ghost]

Also you need to choose the right type of RCD especially for computers in that kind of quantity.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

411.3.3 Additional protection requirements for socket-outlets and for the supply of mobile equipment for use outdoors
In AC systems, additional protection by means of an RCD with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30mA shall be provided for:
(i)socket-outlets with a rated current not exceeding 32A, and
(ii)mobile equipment with a current rating not exceeding 32A for use outdoors.
An exception to (i) is permitted where, other than for an installation in a dwelling, a documented risk assessment determines that RCD protection is not necessary.

 

[deanmac]

Is this a domestic installation.

yes

 

[Deleted member 26818]

so even though these sockets will be wired surface and only used for computers they will need rcd protection ?

If the sockets are intended for specific items, then no, RCD protection is not required.