Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This one, concerning a distribution board, and whether RCD protection is required for related existing 16th Edition circuits, is answered by the NICEIC:
Answer: The description of the works given falls under the category of alterations and additions and, as such, Regulation 610.4 applies. Basically, alterations and additions are to comply with BS7671 : 2008. Assuming that the reason for any RCD protection is to satisfy Regulation 522.6.7 (cables located in wall or partitions at < 50mm depth), then there may be other options.
Firstly, the designer should consider whether the installation is under the supervision of a 'skilled' or 'instructed' person as per Regulation 522.6.7. Installations in most places of work can be expected to be under the supervision of such a person to meet health and safety legislation. If this is the case, then RCD protection would not be required. Neither would it be required if the cables were mechanically protected as noted under Regulation 522.6.6.
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