RCD Advice

[colin H]

Hi Folks

Im considering one of these to power my outdoor lights and pond pump .

http://www.allaboutkoi.co.uk/p-s-uk-weatherproof-4-way-switch-box-p-29747.html


I`ll be running a spur from the house ring main and housing the unit in the garrage .

What is the best way to incorporate an RCD . Could I place it inline on the mains cable , or would each appliance need a seperate RCD .

Thanks , Colin.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Does your existing house consumer unit already contain RCD protection, if so is the circuit that you/your electrician intending to spur from already protected by an RCD?
If not what type of board is it, will the board carry RCBOs?
What will the total output of this unit be and how are you routing cable, what type of cable and what method of mechanical and environmental protection will the cable have? and the distance it will run?
Is this a DIY job or is a competent person involved?
Are you aware of the legal requirements?

 

[colin H]

No , the electrics are 30 years old and there is no RCD built into the C.U.
And , yes , a competent person will be involved .

 

[riveralt]

No , the electrics are 30 years old and there is no RCD built into the C.U.
And , yes , a competent person will be involved .

In which case you should speak to them because only they can design, install and test the new circuit/extension and inform the Local Authority Building Control.

 

[colin H]

O.K. Had a quick chat with a lekky , and he reckons my best bet is to fit an outdoor socket with an RCD , and the get a switch unit which I can plug into the socket .

He`ll then check all my connections and wire it up for me and issue the certificate

Happy days

 

[chivers67]

Have a look at this link

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...tactum_Index/Sockets_RCD_Protected/index.html

 

[ericmark]

I don't know why but RCD plugs are cheaper than RCD sockets which are cheaper than RCBO's in an enclosure.

If you are considering at some point in fitting 30mA RCD's to all then using 10mA RCD's may better latter integrate with upgraded system.

There are many types of RCD for personally protection 30mA or less is required. Even then there are many types but the two main types are passive and active.

To work the RCD needs some voltage so where a fault could result in a volt drop large enough to reduce the voltage below the point where they are sure to work then an active type is used. This means after a power cut you will need to re-set them. In the main RCD sockets and plugs are of the active type.

Where there is unlikely even with a major fault of reducing the voltage below the point where the RCD will work we use a passive type. These are normally found in consumer units.

There are also types which give a warning see X-Pole and also auto resetting but at £350 each not likely you will use one of these. Also type A, AC etc.

So talk to guy who is overseeing the work and talk to him about which type.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Have a look at this link

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...tactum_Index/Sockets_RCD_Protected/index.html

Not sure if the IP ratings would be okay for outside socket
This would be more suitable.
http://www.screwfix.com/p/nexus-2g-13a-rcd-switched-socket/91095
Put personally I would run SWA cable to garage and have small RCD unit there.