Downstairs Sockets - RCD or not ?

[BotchItYourself]

I recollect reading something in the forum regarding all downstairs sockets being RCD protected. I understand the logic as to why this is an issue but is it a regulation or a recommendation ?

 

[Adam_151]

Its a regulation that all socket outlets of 32A or less that might reasonably be expected to supply eqipment outdoors should be protected by 30ma rcd.

its open to interpretation though, if you installed a rcd protected circuit of masterseals around the outside of the building, then you could quite reasonably get away with no rcd on downstairs sockets imho, if there were no materseals, I'd at least epect the ones nearest the doors to be rcd protected.

Personally I'd put them on RCD if it were me, except one tucked behing the freezer labeled as for the freezer only, I'd probably also put the upstairs sockets on rcd as well, if someone is going to run an extension lead into the bathroom, I'd prefer it if the outlet it was plugged into was rd protected, but this isn't a regulation

but remember its the regualtion is 'reasonably expected to suply equipment outdoors', so I'd be quite happy fitting a non rcd protected outlet in the attic for example to power a tv amp, or in a cupboard to power a server or networking equipment

 

[BotchItYourself]

Thanks Adam.

I've seen individual face plates with built-in RCDs. Can these be used on particular sockets to satisfy regulations ?

 

[Adam_151]

Thanks Adam.

I've seen individual face plates with built-in RCDs. Can these be used on particular sockets to satisfy regulations ?

Yes, but if you have too many sockets that may reasonably expected to supply stuff outdoors, then the cost adds up quickly, then there is the question of which ones to change to rcd ones, the ones nearest the doors, certainly, what about where there is a patch of garden outside, no door, but the room has a window? You have got to make a decision on how reasonable it is someone might want to use that outlet outdoors, what you'll find is a few definatly need rcd protection (the one near the back door), some definatly don't (the one at the back of the built in warddrobe for the cordless phone base station), but most will be difficult to make a decision on.

if you don't want the downstairs sockets on rcd (though I'd prefer at least if the kitchen sockets were on rcd - no regulation says this though), then fit a few masterseals around the outside of the house, fed from an RCBO in their own way in the cu. Perosnally though I'd just swap the breakers for the downstairs and kitchen rings out for RCBOs

 

[BotchItYourself]

Thanks again. Looks like I need to put a bit more thought into my layout.

 

[ebee]

I RCD all sockets.
It`s the only way to be sure,
How often do people do the most unexpected thing?
Always expect them to because they often do.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Thanks again. Looks like I need to put a bit more thought into my layout.

Why do you not want them RCD protected, or only some of them?

Give us a clue as to what you're trying to achieve, or avoid, and peeps might have useful ideas....

 

[Adam_151]

I RCD all sockets.
It`s the only way to be sure,
How often do people do the most unexpected thing?
Always expect them to because they often do.

I agree, and would also put most sockets on rcd, but the regulations do say reasonably expected to supply stuff outdoors, so I wouldn't be adverse to fitting a few sockets round the place for specilist purposes and having them non rcd

for example things like, freezer, networking equipment, etc, etc, of course these would be clearly marked and I'd make sure that no reasonable person would use those outlets for outdoor stuff

 

[BotchItYourself]

Ban,

As Adam mentions, it is mainly the freezer (and perhaps boiler ?) that I do not want RCD protected. I was planning to have these on the kitchen ring main but the location of the sockets is close to an external door and so could reasonably be expected to power an outdoor appliance. I could of course put the freezer on its own radial but that means another long length of cable. However, since the general consensus amongst you guys is that all sockets should be RCD'd, this might be the only option.

 

[Adam_151]

It is not a regulation to have rcd on kitchen sockets, but it is a very good idea IMHO, it is the only room where there is quite a risk of contact between portable appliances and water.

I'd personnaly go the separate circuit route, the ring goes on 32A breaker on RCD side, and a separate circuit, (a 2.5mm² radial, 16A radial) goes on the non rcd side and has sockets for the fridge, freezer and an FCU for the CH. Or this could be two separate radials, one for freezer, one for boiler.

 

[ebee]

It is not a regulation to have rcd on kitchen sockets, but it is a very good idea IMHO, it is the only room where there is quite a risk of contact between portable appliances and water.

I'd personnaly go the separate circuit route, the ring goes on 32A breaker on RCD side, and a separate circuit, (a 2.5mm² radial, 16A radial) goes on the non rcd side and has sockets for the fridge, freezer and an FCU for the CH. Or this could be two separate radials, one for freezer, one for boiler.

Personally speaking, if going down the non RCD route for fridges/freezers etc I would run a seperate radial/ring and use SFCU then no chance of sockets being used for power tools outside etc, it`s the only way (you know what folk are like - thwart yer best endevors at every opporutunity - I`m sure they see it as a challenge sometimes LOL) or better still RCBO several circuits - after all RCD protection, if functioning correctly can make THE difference when it comes to "Goodbye Vienna" scenario. Anyway that`s just me I know some will disagree

 

[Hallsy]

I take it the reason for not RCD'ing say a Freezer is so that you don't loose all your food if it trips and you don;t realise?

Or is it because freezers cause nuisance tripping?

 

[slippyr4]

The former.