Talk:House Wiring for Beginners

From DIYWiki
Revision as of 19:21, 11 May 2009 by Tsoutherwood (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

We need to update the RCD stuff here in the light of the 17th Edition.

For now, I've put a small warning in the RCD section to wanr the unwary

-- User:TSoutherwood 20:21, 11 May 2009

Piccie in overview section shows a spur off a radial - you can only have spurs off ring circuits. ;-)

--John Rumm 04:52, 26 May 2007 (BST)

Do explain.... :) NT 08:25, 26 May 2007 (BST)

A branch from a radial is just that, a branch. Its not a spur since that term has a particular definition in BS7671, and spurs also have a set of limitations about how they can be used, that do not apply to radials. Radials do not have to be a linear chain of accessories, any topology is acceptable including multi branch and star.

--John Rumm 04:07, 27 May 2007 (BST)


Bathroom sockets

AIUI sockets are allowed in bathrooms if they are either

  • accessible with use of a tool
  • outside zone 3

Is this incorrect? NT 12:20, 30 May 2007 (BST)

Well, the end of [601-08-01] states:

"In zone 3:

 (i) socket-outlets shall not be installed except for:
      SELV socket-outlets complying with regulation 411-02
      Shaver supply units complying with BS EN 60742 Chapter 2, Section 1.
 (ii) there shall be no provision for connecting portable equipment except for (i) above

Except as permitted by regulation 601-08-02, outside zones 0, 1, 2, and 3 there shall be no socket-outlet other than SELV socket outlets or shaver supply units complying with BS EN 60742 Chapter 2, Section 1."

Section 601-08-02 talks about when showers are installed in bedrooms etc.

So outside of Zone 3 is verboten. Under the bath space, accessed via a screwed panel is outside the zones, but arguably still in the bathroom (although I guess there is some wiggle room here for spaces that are in the floor or ceiling voids). However you would probably want to use a FCU in preference to a socket to supply anything installed here anyway.

I don't know if the 17th edition will alter this stance...

--John Rumm 13:47, 30 May 2007 (BST)


So its ok to use a washing machine in the bathroom, but it has to be plugged in outside? NT 14:04, 30 May 2007 (BST)

If you have a big bathroom, then you can have a washing machine in Zone 3 or outside. It can be powered from a FCU in the bathroom if you want. I think all they are seeking to do is make it as hard as possible to plug in portable appliances in the bathroom. Obviously there is not much you can do about people using an extension lead to power the portable TV perched on the corner of the bath as they soak (or use curling tongs, hairdryer etc in the bath).

--John Rumm 16:33, 30 May 2007 (BST)