periodic codes

[ColJack]

do I have to spell it out?

ok..

The default is that all BS 1363 sockets are required to have RCD protection, even those in flats 100 floors up.

411.3.3 Additional protection

In a.c. systems, additional protection by means of an RCD in accordance with Regulation 415.1 shall be provided for:

(i) socket-outlets with a rated current not exceeding 20A that are for use by ordinary persons and are intended for general use, and
(ii) mobile equipment with a current rating not exceeding 32A for use outdoors.

An exception to (i) is permitted for:
(a) socket-outlets for use under the supervision of skilled or instructed persons, e.g. in some commercial or industrial locations, or
(b) a specific labeled or otherwise suitably identified socket-outlet provided for connection of a particular item of equipment.

so again, not ALL sockets, but I get what you were getting at..

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Do I have to spell it out?

OK..

The default is that all BS 1363 sockets are required to have RCD protection, even those in flats 100 floors up.

411.3.3 Additional protection

In a.c. systems, additional protection by means of an RCD in accordance with Regulation 415.1 shall be provided for:

(i) socket-outlets with a rated current not exceeding 20A that are for use by ordinary persons and are intended for general use, and
(ii) mobile equipment with a current rating not exceeding 32A for use outdoors.

An exception to (i) is permitted for:
(a) socket-outlets for use under the supervision of skilled or instructed persons, e.g. in some commercial or industrial locations, or
(b) a specific labeled or otherwise suitably identified socket-outlet provided for connection of a particular item of equipment.

 

[SparkyNinja]

The "outside appliances" factor is now completely irrelevant - that's no longer in the regulations.

If it has a socket it's a Code 4.

If the cable is less then 50mm from the surface, and isn't mechanically protected etc, it's a Code 4.

How can it be said to "require improvement" when there is no requirement to update existing installations to the latest version of the Wiring Regulations?

Well untill the IET publish a book on codes I will take my references from wherever I consider to be the best alternative..

Unless anyone has good reference I consider BPG4 to be the best option. It is contributed by numerous organisations (not just the NICEIC).

It states that it has taken into account the 2008 BS7671 publication, and at the sametime uses the exact words:

''Absence of RCD protection for protable or mobile equipment that may reasonably be expected to be used outdoors'' Code 2


I understand your point that it should appear irrelevant wether it's for general use or external use.

 

[Paul_C]

Before we even get to subjective assessments, I wouldn't exactly cite the ESC's Best Practice Guide as being of much practical help, considering the number of times it contradicts itself.

For example, it suggests code 1 for "circuits with ineffective overcurrent proctection," but then goes on to suggest only a code 2 for "a 30/32A ring final circuit discontinuous or cross-connected with another circuit."

 

[SparkyNinja]

Before we even get to subjective assessments, I wouldn't exactly cite the ESC's Best Practice Guide as being of much practical help, considering the number of times it contradicts itself.

For example, it suggests code 1 for "circuits with ineffective overcurrent proctection," but then goes on to suggest only a code 2 for "a 30/32A ring final circuit discontinuous or cross-connected with another circuit."

Contradictory it may sound, but it is a simple illustrative example of how code 1's should be acted upon when carrying out the inspection. If the observation can be remedied at the time of inspection then it should be. In this case, a simple fuse wire - hence the code 1.
Whilst having to find an open circuit or cross connection may not be approachable at the time, hence the code 2 - which is still unsatisfactory.

 

[Paul_C]

Are you inspecting what's there, or are you inspecting and correcting as you go?

I'm not saying that in a large number of cases faults which are easily rectified won't be on an rectify-as-you-go basis, but that's not always the case. If all code 1 items should be fixed then and there, you could never end up with a code 1 on the report.

But either way, a discontinuous ring results in conductors which do not have adequate overcurrent protection, so to say that's only code 2 when another part of the guide clearly states that such a condition is code 1 makes no sense.

 

[mfarrow]

But either way, a discontinuous ring results in conductors which do not have adequate overcurrent protection

Not all the time though:

- It could have been run in 4mm² or higher for volt drop
- It could have been run in 4mm² or higher for EFLI

In which case you could have a compliant radial circuit.

 

[Paul_C]

In which case you could have a compliant radial circuit.

Agreed, it could result in such a situation. But if you're left with a fully compliant radial circuit, how could it then be a code 2 on the report?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

- It could have been run in 4mm² or higher for volt drop
- It could have been run in 4mm² or higher for EFLI

In which case you could have a compliant radial circuit.

If you needed 4mm² to make a ring final compliant for VD & EFLI then it's pretty unlikely that it would remain compliant as a radial on the same breaker.