Regulation 411.3.3.
States that additional protection by means of a 30mA RCD is to be provided for all socket outlets with a rated current not exceeding 20A for use by ordinary persons. The only exceptions allowed are for socket outlets for use under the supervision of “skilled” or “instructed persons” e.g. some commercial / industrial locations, or a specific labelled socket provided for connection of a particular item of equipment, e.g. a freezer circuit.
Regulation 701.411.3.3
In specific locations such as those containing a bath or shower there is a requirement now to provide RCD protection on all circuits, including the lighting and shower circuits.
Regulation 314.1 & 2
Requires that every installation shall be divided into circuits as necessary to avoid danger and minimise inconvenience, in the event of a fault. Also reducing the possibility of unwanted RCD tripping, due to excessive protective conductor currents but not due to an Earth fault.
Separate circuits may be required for parts of the installation, which need to be separately controlled in such a way that they are not affected by the failure of other circuits. The appropriate subdivision should take account of any danger arising from the failure of a single circuit e.g. An RCD trip on a socket outlet causing the unwanted failure of a lighting circuit and its associated hazards.
Regulation 522.6.7
Now requires a much greater use of RCD’s to protect the wiring concealed in walls or partitions even where installed in previously defined “Safe Zones”.
These regulations effectively mean that all concealed wiring at a depth of less than 50mm from the surface now requires protection by a 30mA RCD unless provided with earthed mechanical protection |
