Extra S/O

[New2Game]

If you went to add an extra s/o to a ring but the ring was supplied with only fuse protection and no RCD, would you say that you could not install a s/o without 1st adding an RCD to s\o's on that ring you were altering? Because that is was NIC have told me, but i was always under the impression that any alteration had to not impair the safety anymore than before you made the alteration, so if it didn't have an RCD then altough recommended i would not have to fit 1.

 

[comms]

I tend to go down the route of informing customers that it may be advisable to install an rcd to the socket circuit in this situation, 9 out of 10 will say ok if you show the regulation requiring this course of action.
Rather than changing the board if they want to keep costs down I've installed stand alone rcd/enclosure's for the circuit that is to be modified.
But if push comes to shove & they don't want extra costs put a srcd in (socket rcd) will get round the reg but not really in the spirit of the regs.

 

[New2Game]

So is installing a RCD unit to a ring main notifable?

 

[Taylortwocities]

My understanding of Part P you would not need to notify unless the extra socket was in a special location (bathroom, kitchen or outside).

Part P does not mention adding RCDs. You will, of course, test and issue a MWC.

 

[New2Game]

So when you install the RCD unit do you run two 2.5mm from MCB in CU into RCD Unit then Ring from there?

 

[Taylortwocities]

If your consumer unit has MCBs then buy a 30mA RCBO at the required current rating and swap them over - test it - job done!

 

[RF Lighting]

If the CU is a wylex type then I would run a 6.0mm² from the fuse way in the wylex board to the RCD unit, and then the ring from there

 

[Taylortwocities]

But he did say

...... MCB in CU .....

 

[RF Lighting]

 

[BigJon]

Ive actually got a similar dilemma, installing a new ring main to a conservatory and will need to put in a wee enclosure so the sockets are RCD protected,
Whats the best way to supply this enclosure, Its rather tight to fit double insulated tails to a service connector then to old DB and loop to enclosure as there is only really space for the enclosure.
Would some 10mm T+E doubled up in the existing Main Switch be acceptable?
Sorry to "hi-Jack" post but I feel the OP is in the same boat as me.

Thanks

 

[Steve]

bigjon perhaps you should think about updating the consumer unit if it currently has no provision for RCD protection.

 

[BigJon]

I did recommend it Crafty it but the wee lady unfortunately thinks its too much expense so all I can do is just do it as cheaply and safely as possible to enable RCD protection for the new sockets, as no doubt there will be a lawnmore or appliance that will be used outside.

Cheers

 

[comms]

Would some 10mm T+E doubled up in the existing Main Switch be acceptable?

Not a good idea. You will then have 10mm with only the mainservice cutout fuse as protection.

Is there a spare way on the cu ?
If so use 6mm from 32amp mcb into new enclosure containing rcd then run ring from there.

Does cu have mcb's ?
If so use rcbo.

Cant you extend existing ringmain ?

Use srcd's in conservatory.

 

[Steve]

£25 each.

 

[BigJon]

the boards full up , its the old MEM rewireable fuse CU,
The 1st fix is done and ring main cables back coiled up at the board.
Extending the existing circuit wasnt really possible as the sockets are on the opposite wall an it would have been too much upheavel as it was recently all tiled.
The Alarm is on a seperate circuit, would doubling that up with the lights then replace the spare way with a 32A fuse & carrier be a better option?
I know its not a great remedy but may have to do under the circumstances.

Thanks for your input.