Shower Swap require RCD install?

[platty05]

Hi everyone.
Hoping to clear something up.
A maintenance person has asked me this question and I've heard a different views on the matter.

A block of flats have Electrical Showers in them, if he was to change one (like for like) is he by rights supposed to upgrade that circuit he has just worked on to have an RCD?

Thanks in Advance.
AP.

 

[Darkwood]

Welcome to the Forum

Last time I checked any showers 'installation intructions' I noted they all specify RCD protection or specify they must meet current regulations, as it is in regulations that manufacturers instructions are taken into account then IMHO if you want to cover your --- then I would say yes.

 

[telectrix]

agreed. always cover your arse. better overkill than customer kill.

 

[Risteard]

I wouldn't entertain installing an electric shower without RCD protection.

 

[telectrix]

you shouldnot be entertaining. I'm the entertainment round here ( alongwith geordie).

 

[andyb]

Why would you ever fit an electric shower without an rcd? who would benefit?

 

[Andy78]

Why would you ever fit an electric shower without an rcd? who would benefit?

The lazy installer who can gallop off to another job with the time saved not fitting the RCD if it's not already present. Or the maintenance man or plumber who doesn't know or have the competence for the electrical side but can screw three wires in to make it work like the last one did.

 

[snowhead]

Why would you ever fit an electric shower without an rcd? who would benefit?

The Landlord's pocket.

 

[andyb]

The lazy installer who can gallop off to another job with the time saved not fitting the RCD if it's not already present. Or the maintenance man or plumber who doesn't know or have the competence for the electrical side but can screw three wires in to make it work like the last one did.

The Landlord's pocket.

Exactly my point, you take the risk they take the profit.

 

[ruston]

The regs are a minimum standard, even if you don't have to doesn't mean you shouldn't .
Just my opinion of course.

 

[tomspark93]

I wouldn't feel comfortable installing an electric shower without an rcd. In fact I'd walkway if it was asked of me.

 

[LVSparks]

You should also make surs all main protective bonding is adequate.

 

[Midwest]

What if its not up to current regs?

 

[Leesparkykent]

Up untill about a week ago my 1st year apprentices mums house had the 7.5kw shower spurred off the upstairs 32A RFC but at least it was on a rcd lol.

 

[LVSparks]

What if its not up to current regs?

If its not complient with current standards then work should not begin until it is. The client should be consulted.

 

[Midwest]

Just saying e.g. scenario, if supply is PME (can't be arsed with modern descriptive) 16mm tails and 6mm bonding, no sign of thermal damage etc, nice shiny RCD in CU, 'customer you need to upgrade your bonding'; 'how much, your having a laugh, I just want my shower replaced, cos the smell's putting the dog off'.

What do you do?

 

[LVSparks]

Just saying e.g. scenario, if supply is PME (can't be arsed with modern descriptive) 16mm tails and 6mm bonding, no sign of thermal damage etc, nice shiny RCD in CU, 'customer you need to upgrade your bonding'; 'how much, your having a laugh, I just want my shower replaced, cos the smell's putting the dog off'.

What do you do?

That would only be considered a C3, so would be complient.

 

[davesparks]

That would only be considered a C3, so would be complient.

Apart from the fact that this thread is not discussing EICRs, if an observation warrants a C3 code then it is not compliant.
C3 is the code given when an observation is not immediately nor potentially dangerous, but does not comply with the regulations and if it was changed to meet the regulations it would improve the safety of the installation.

 

[LVSparks]

Apart from the fact that this thread is not discussing EICRs, if an observation warrants a C3 code then it is not compliant.
C3 is the code given when an observation is not immediately nor potentially dangerous, but does not comply with the regulations and if it was changed to meet the regulations it would improve the safety of the installation.

Yes thats right, i didnt quite word that right. However work could still proceed.