Talk:House Wiring for Beginners
RCD
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
Well, to be honest I dont agree. This isnt an article to discuss in depth stuff like regulations, rather its an overview that introduces the beginner to the various parts of the system and what they do. Putting a lot of RCD regulations in here would only confuse the picture. May I suggest putting it in the RCD article.
I also am not clear why it would warrant a big warning. NT 22:36, 11 May 2009 (BST)
Spurs
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)
How about building a cabinet for the washing machine? I've lived in at least two flats in London with the boiler located in a cabinet right next to the sink (and not far from the shower). One had a "proper" door, and one didn't. Are cabinets located within bathrooms not considered within any zone? (I've since moved home and don't have this situation any longer, but I've always wondered about it.)
Also, is the UK the most restrictive jurisdiction, in terms of bathroom electrical, in the world? Other countries in Europe and elsewhere don't seem to prohibit electrical switches or sockets in the bathroom, so are their inhabitants getting electricuted at significantly higher rates than Brits? Try finding a single home in Germany or Italy that DOESN'T have the washer in the bathroom! One could argue that by prohibiting "safe" permanent installations, these types of regulations in the UK actually tend to force people to run temporary cabling (like my wife and her hair dryer...) and otherwise bodge the electrics--resulting in a much less safe environment overall.
--Curious George