Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This one, concerning Edinburgh flats and the possibility of conduit being used as the main earth, is answered by SELECT:
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| Can conduit be used as the main earth? |
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Question: I'm asking the following question because of the number of enquiries I'm getting about upgrading a fuseboard in Edinburgh flats. The lighting circuits are run in conduit that is 'electrically & mechanically sound' (14th Edition).
The problem is that to run a separate circuit protective conductor (CPC) in the conduit means getting access to the flat above for junction boxes - and this is where we would hit the laminated floor situation. We would obviously rather not have to lift the floor, so can the conduit be used as the main earth via fitting earth terminals to the boxes and switches?
I would appreciate advice on this, as it is becoming a major headache for me!
Answer: It is still acceptable to use metal conduit, trunking etc as a CPC.
Earth fault loop values will, of course, need to be verified as acceptable, and any exposed metal parts of equipment would need to be securely connected to earth via the conduit.
I would also recommend consultation with the client prior to pricing the works.
To see many more Q & A in Voltimum UK's Experts Area, please click on the link: www.voltimum.co.uk/consult.php?universe=consult.index.questions
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