RCD INSTALLATION

[trymybest]

I want to install an rcd into my shower circuit to bring it into line with current (PUN) regs.

I am correct to connect the positive and return wires to the RCD? ( black and red ). How am i to run the earth from the CU through the rcd enclosure?

Can I just run an earth from the shower to a copper water supply pipe. The flat was built in 1994.

Help

 

[plugwash]

rcds are not required for showers by current regs though it is strogly adviseable to fit them

get us a picture of the CU and we will advise further

 

[securespark]

Generally speaking, it is best not to break the earth conductor. Run it thro' the RCD enclosure unbroken. You can cover the bare wire with green/yellow tape.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Can I just run an earth from the shower to a copper water supply pipe.

NO!! Under no circumstances may you use your water pipes to provide an earth....
You should connect the earth of the shower into the supplementary bonding in the bathroom, but this is in addition to the earthing provided in the normal way by the supply cable, not instead of..

 

[--tom]

So one should take the bonding cable from the same earth point in the shower unit as the earth from the supply cable is connected to? A number of pics that i've seen show the bonding cable usually connected to the copper supply pipe(s)?Is this practice merely another possibility?

 

[securespark]

There are many posts on the subject of supplementary bonding - try a search and see what you come up with.

But basically you should connect any extraneous metalwork, bath, water pipes, rads, to each other AND to the earth conductors of all circuits supplying equipment within the bathroom. IE Showers, Imm Htrs, Lighting, Towel Rails, Shaver sockets, striplights etc....