Two electricians telling me different things, confused and a bit concerned

[JohnW2]

Where exactly in the regs does it say a domestic dwelling needs an AFDD?

There is no such regulatory requirement for normal domestic dwellings.

The original version of BS7671:2018 contained a general recommendation that (by implication all) final circuits be protected by AFDDs, but the list of 'examples' of situations in which this might be done included few, if any, applicable to normal domestic dwellings.

In Amd 2 of BS7671:2018, there is again a general recommendation for AFDD protection, but now only for sockets circuits. However there is now also a requirement for AFDDs, again only for sockets circuits, in four specific types of property, namely:

Higher Risk Residential Buildings (defined as residential buildings >18m high and/or >6 storeys, unless over-ridden by local regulations)​

Houses in Multiple Occupation​

Purpose-build student accommodation​

Care homes​

​

... none of which are normal residential properties.

Kind Regards, John

 

[Murdochcat]

Where exactly in the regs does it say a domestic dwelling needs an AFDD?

There are sparks who think incorrectly this is a reg for all domestic

 

[ebee]

There are sparks who think incorrectly this is a reg for all domestic

Where exactly in the regs does it state that all domestic consumer units must be metal?

 

[Murdochcat]

Where exactly in the regs does it state that all domestic consumer units must be metal?

It doesn't but what has this got to do with AFDD's

 

[ebee]

It doesn't but what has this got to do with AFDD's

its just another myth like the AFDD is

 

[chivers67]

Where exactly in the regs does it say a domestic dwelling needs an AFDD?

*Sorry didn't see John's post above before I posted*

To answer your question it doesn't

At this point in time it is a pure recommendation in a domestic dwelling supplying sockets. I can't help thinking it will become *Edited* mandatory at some point in the near future (just like RCDs being fitted) In realistic terms I feel I'd fit one if I was installing one in someone's home or at the very least sit down with a client and explain in non technical terms and give them the option. I think I'd rather have this than surge protection unless a home was served via a Pole.

( For the sake of £80 vs a normal Contactum RCBO think it's worth the investment)

What it does say though:

BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 Regulation 421.1.7 now requires arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) conforming to BS EN 62606 to be provided for single-phase AC circuits supplying socket-outlets with a rating not exceeding 32 A in the following installations:

● Higher Risk Residential Buildings (HRRB)

● Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

● Purpose-built student accommodation

● Care homes

 

[EFLImpudence]

You can't have mandatory guidance.

 

[chivers67]

o sorry

 

[EFLImpudence]

o sorry

You have found a mistake in an official document.

 

[EFLImpudence]

I see it also mentions "authoritative guidance".

 

[chivers67]

I was being sarcastic but you're quite right

 

[EFLImpudence]

Ah. There was only the "o sorry" link in your post when I replied.

 

[Murdochcat]

I don’t understand why the phrase “should be” Is used rather than “is / are” used

 

[EFLImpudence]

Where?

 

[TONY1966]

Arc detection wasnt mentioned -i didnt even know it was an option until mentioned here.
The guy did come very highly recommended and came across as very competent. Perhaps he knew budget was a factor for me.

I am pretty sure you cant retrofit arc detection+rcbo so i will have to make do with rcbo + spd for the next few years.
Given we previously had a bakelite box with 5 fuses on it, its a big upgrade for us.