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The Regulations have introduced new requirements regarding socket
outlets, particularly where used by ordinary persons e.g. Home
owners.
Sockets Outlets
The definitions for persons are important to consider when we look at
the requirements for protection of circuits supplying socket outlets.
Regulation 411.3.3 requires that an RCD of not exceeding 30mA be
provided for:
i. Socket outlets up to 20A that for general use by “ordinary
persons”.
ii. Mobile equipment up to 32A that is for use outdoors.
Exceptions to 411.3.3 are permitted where:
iii. Use of socket outlets is under the supervision of someone
“skilled” or “instructed”.
iv. Specifically labelled or otherwise suitably identified socket outlets
provided for a particular item of equipment.
This is a change from the 16
th
Edition that required only socket outlets
‘reasonably expected’ to supply equipment used outside the
equipotential zone to have RCD protection e.g. used for an Electric
lawn mower. Now under the requirements of the 17
th
edition it is likely
that every socket outlet in a domestic installation will require RCD
protection not exceeding 30mA.
This may also apply to some commercial installations, like small
offices or shops etc where there is no control on the use of those
socket outlets. Consideration should also be given to areas where
free access to socket outlets is available to the general public e.g.
airport lounges.
Socket outlets for general use in a domestic installation
require RCD protection not exceeding 30mA
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