Rob Webb asks whether a 16th Edition lighting installation should, following light fitting changes, be RCBO protected as per the 17th Edition. His question is answered by the NICEIC (Theme - Installation Tips):
Question: We have a client that had its lighting installation installed to BS7671 (16th Edition) Wiring Regulations in 2006/2007. This client is unhappy with the performance of the installation and is having it changed. The contractor has proposed that he changes only the lighting fittings and nothing else. Then he proposes to re-test the circuits to the 16th Edition.
We (as consultants to the client) are advising that any circuit being altered after 1st July 2008 i.e. - changing the light fittings and that hence requires a re-test - should be installed to meet the requirements of the BS7671:2008 17th Edition of the Wiring Regulations. Therefore, in this particular case, the lighting circuit requires the installation of RCBOs.
Could you please offer some clarity as to whether the circuits having lighting fittings changed should be installed to 17th Edition requirements, or remain to the 16th Edition?
Answer: Changing of fittings is generally seen as maintenance and not specifically within the scope of BS7671. New fittings will still need to be suitable for environment and not create excessive load.
It may also be the case that lighting circuits in a commercial setting with adequate supervision do not require RCDs for cables in walls.
I’ve attached a similar question on socket-outlet replacement from the Electrical Safety Council (ESC) industry forum Q8:
Question: If an existing socket-outlet not having additional protection by RCD needs to be replaced, does such additional protection need to be provided for the replacement socket?
Answer: No. Such maintenance or repair work would not be classified as an alteration or addition - Regulation number(s) 411.3.3.
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