I'd guess it's a reference to 522.6.8 which states
Irrespective of the depth of the cable from a surface of the wall or partition, in an installation not intended to be under the supervision of a skilled or instructed person, a cable concealed in a wall or partition the internal construction of which includes metallic parts, other than metallic fixings such as nails, screws and the like, shall:
(i)-(iv) all deal with mechanical protection
(v) be provided with additional protection by means of an RCD...

