Plug for fridge freezer

[ajsdoc]

Just moved house and have a socket in garage labelled "Not RCD protected for fridge/freezer use only". Have traced the wire back and sure enough it does not lead back to the main consumer unit but a seperate "trip switch" next to it.

Is this common, wiring seems quite modern? Why would this have been done?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

So that you don't lose the supply to the F/F if something trips the RCD, particularly when you're out or away.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

In domestic properties a RCDs may be omitted for specific labelled sockets, the circuit must comply to certain requirements of BS7671:2008, so this can be done.
It's a relatively new addition to the regulations, being brought about by the additional protective requirements of RCDs in the 17th edition.
But it is to avoid nuisance tripping of equipment such as fridge freezers. The last thing you want to do when returning from a two week holiday, is to find that all the frozen food has perished because the RCD has tripped, whilst you were away. Also useful for boiler circuits.

 

[EFLImpudence]

.
Don't use that socket for tools.

 

[ajsdoc]

Makes complete sense, thanks for the replies.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Useful tip, as even with non-RCD circuits power cuts can happen.

Before you go on holiday, take an ice cube out of it's tray and leave it in the freezer.

If when you get back it has vanished that means that at some time everything thawed out and needs to be thrown out.

How likely is it?

Very unlikely.

How serious could the consequences be if it had happened?

Very serious.

How much does it cost and how long does it take to set up the detection system?

Absolutely nothing and about 5 seconds.

 

[xr4x4]

So how are these non rcd protected circuits/cables protected?

Buried 50mm deep, or swa?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Maybe not buried at all.

 

[Diyisfun]

Useful tip, as even with non-RCD circuits power cuts can happen.

Before you go on holiday, take an ice cube out of it's tray and leave it in the freezer.

If when you get back it has vanished that means that at some time everything thawed out and needs to be thrown out.

How likely is it?

Very unlikely.

How serious could the consequences be if it had happened?

Very serious.

How much does it cost and how long does it take to set up the detection system?

Absolutely nothing and about 5 seconds.

One of your better posts..... very good tip

 

[ajsdoc]

The cable runs along the garage wall, I followed it all the way along the wall to the circuit breaker next to the consumer unit. Not buried at any point Is this wrong??

 

[echoes]

The cable runs along the garage wall, I followed it all the way along the wall to the circuit breaker next to the consumer unit. Not buried at any point Is this wrong??

That's fine: surface mounted cables (or cables in surface trunking) are not required to have RCD protection per se. The label on the socket means that it is not for general use nor for outdoor equipment.
If the cable was buried <50mm without mechanical protection, or the label was absent, then it would require RCD protection.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Useful tip, as even with non-RCD circuits power cuts can happen.

Before you go on holiday, take an ice cube out of it's tray and leave it in the freezer.

If when you get back it has vanished that means that at some time everything thawed out and needs to be thrown out.

How likely is it?

Very unlikely.

How serious could the consequences be if it had happened?

Very serious.

How much does it cost and how long does it take to set up the detection system?

Absolutely nothing and about 5 seconds.

One of your better posts..... very good tip

What if someone's been on the Jack Daniels and required the extra ice cube?

 

[EFLImpudence]

What if someone's been on the Jack Daniels and required the extra ice cube?

They won't - they're on holiday with all the electricians.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

What if someone's been on the Jack Daniels and required the extra ice cube?

They won't - they're on holiday with all the electricians.

no wonder firk all's getting done then!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

What if someone's been on the Jack Daniels and required the extra ice cube?

Ice in Bourbon?



Even JD deserves better than that.

My current tipple:

Put ice in that and I'll give you the rest of the bottle to take home, not that you'd find walking very easy...