Electrician Advice Needed

Wig

YorkshireBoy wrote:

That's because you're not an electrician.

BS7671 (The Regs) states that any socket "intended" to be used for supplying equipment to be used outside the equipotential zone (ie, your house) must be provided with RCD protection.

Note my emphasis of the word socket. This precludes the use of plug-in adaptors.

But it can't be retrospective, only applies to new builds, and new works. The point I gave was that if the plug is weatherproof then there is no problem.

YorkshireBoy

Wig wrote:

But it can't be retrospective, only applies to new builds, and new works. The point I gave was that if the plug is weatherproof then there is no problem.

Well this particular regulation (471-16-01) in BS7671 has been around since 1991. From memory, I believe the issue was also covered in the '15th Edition' (1981). So I suppose it depends on your definition of 'retrospective'.

BTW, are you an electrician?

Wig

No, I'm not. Retrospective means to apply to all installations existing before the new legislation takes effect. Most houses are built before 1991 and even before 1981, most houses do not have RCD sockets and they are not required to upgrade.

Also although it may have been as you say there since 1991, I'm not sure it was mandatory for domestic premises, and may still not be but soon will be, but this is only something based on what I read just now
"This is now more important than ever as proposed changes to the Building Regulations in 2005 are likely to become mandatory for domestic premises." so I could have that point wrong.

Anyways

ollyk

Wig wrote:

"This is now more important than ever as proposed changes to the Building Regulations in 2005 are likely to become mandatory for domestic premises." so I could have that point wrong.

Anyways

You are refering to the new building regs otherwise known as Part 'P', which basically makes it illegal for anyone to attempt any electrical work in a 'special area' without being personally registered under one of the Part 'P' schemes, or at least by submitting planning permision to the council at leat 48 hours before commencing work. It seems being a fully qualified spark and having 40 years under your belt isn't enough these days :rotfl:
Anyway, 'special area' means you can't touch bathroom, kitchen or any electrics outside. They even timed cable harmonsiation (changed colours) along with this one so you would have to explain why you now have brown / blue T+E wiring when the new cooker was 'really' installed before 2005!
There is a lot more to Part P all on the net.