Our ECA expert answers a question from a Voltimum user regarding the necessity of RCD protection.
Question:
My client wishes me to provide a new circuit to support a socket which shall be used solely for a freezer.
The socket will be situated in a cellar approx 2 metres from the split board consumer unit and surface-mounted throughout.
Can the circuit be placed on the non-protected side of the consumer unit?
Answer:
Regualtion 411.3.3 has the information you need. It essentially requires 30 mA RCD protection for all sockets not exceeding 32 A.
An exception is permitted in non-dwellings providing you have a risk assessment to go with it.
So if this installation is in a dwelling, you will need to provide RCD protection for all sockets. If it is in an installation other than a dwelling then RCDs can be omitted providing the client has a suitable risk assessment.
- Gary Parker, ECA