Commercial Sockets

[TEC2006]

I'm a Domestic Spark so would appreciate a little advice from a commercial spark out there...

If adding x2 extra sockets in a office kitchen, do these sockets need RCD protection?
What if they are labelled for kitchen appliances only?
If putting existing circuit on RCBO wouldnt this create a problem with tripping if they have a number of computers plugged into the circuit?

I know all sockets should be RCD protected unless for specific use - ie freezer - so wouldnt labelling up freezer only and kettle only solve problem?

Comments are appreciated!

 

[steve55]

Hi why not just fit rcd sockets

steve

 

[RF Lighting]

Are the existing kitchen sockets on the same circuit as the office sockets?

How big a premisis are we talking about here?

You need to be careful if you are working on circuits which have been designed for equipment with high protective conductor currents to ensure that all the requirements of section 543.7 of BS7671 are still complied with.

Couldn't you just provide two new sockets on their own RCBO protected radial circuit?

I certainly wouldn't be happy providing non-RCD protected sockets in that sort of environment.

 

[TEC2006]

The premises are small but it may be difficult to get feed back to DB for their own circuit as would need to go through concrete floors back to DB. The idea of RCD sockets in conduit may be only option.

 

[RF Lighting]

Are they to be flushed in or surface mounted?

 

[TEC2006]

They were wanting them to be flush but wont be able to without RCD protection to cables so they'll have to have them surface mounted i'm affriad

 

[RF Lighting]

You can use earthed steel tube and flush mount them without the need to RCD protect the wiring

Are you sure there's no route back to a local dist. board?

 

[TEC2006]

Going to have to have better look next week, looked pretty hard getting back to DB when popped head in yesterday - only doing as favour really normally only do domestic stuff. The DB MCBs are Moeller is there another brand that'll fit the DB as think may have prob getting hold of that type of RCBO?

Thanks for help!

 

[RF Lighting]

You should not use a different brand from the board.

I went on google for about 20 seconds

Clicky thingy

 

[BSBS]

Depending on what load you are intending to draw from these extra sockets you could always install an RCD fused Spur at the point you intend to break into the existing ring. This would enable you two fit flush sockets and cableing. You would however be limited to 13A supply

 

[1john]

I think contactum fit moeller, reason being in CEF about 7/8 years ago they had a moeller board and it was identical to the contactum one.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

1) 411.3.3 applies just as much to office kitchens as it does to domestic ones.

2) IMO exception (b) is to be used when it's needed for particular equipment - it doesn't mean you can stick any labels you like on any sockets you like so that you don't have to have them on an RCD.

 

[spalding1sparks2]

The previouse sparks managed to get from the DB so time to be an electrician find the route useally the DB is mounted near main Ducting between any floors to accomadate the risers
rcbo if on a seperate circuit or if a ring nearby ie existing Kitchen sockets if they are rcd protected use that circuit check prospective load ok first ie existing and proposed

 

[spalding1sparks2]

another thought if the computers are on the same circuit best to sell them on the idea of seperating the circuits to stop any faults such as faulty Kitchen appliances causing loss of computer time. turn it to your advantage sell sell and also comply with BS7671 protect your customer and their business