Hey guys. Just a quick wee query.
The company I work for have Hoover's all over the place for the cleaners. Now they are very insistent off replacing the plugs with RCD plugs.
They keep telling me it's a safety reason, and being new to this I look suspicious and walk away. They do train the users to inspect the cable for breaks or damage before each use and I have seen users do this check. I noticed one of the RCDs got warm while it was being used. Do you guys agree with this practice? I think they maybe voiding the warranty in the Hoover and if anything went wrong that's were they'll (manufacturers) will point the name.
RCD
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bernicarey
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Re: RCD
There's a number of issues in the question and the answer from Essex.
Working backwards, I'm not 100% sure of response from Essex, just in the way he's said it.
I think what Essex is stating is that if your building wiring is up to scratch with regulations over the past 30 odd years, then your sockets will already have RCD protection, so why introduce another one into the circuit?
Which is not really a good idea to do.
If an RCD is getting warm, I'd be worried because It shouldn't do!
I would not advise fitting after-market RCDs to vacuum cleaners. What next, floor polishers, kettles, microwave oven? Where would it stop?
First thing to do is check the building installation and probably discover the sockets are already protected. If they're not, then get RCDs fitted to the rings mains and protect everything you plug in at far less cost!
Working backwards, I'm not 100% sure of response from Essex, just in the way he's said it.
I think what Essex is stating is that if your building wiring is up to scratch with regulations over the past 30 odd years, then your sockets will already have RCD protection, so why introduce another one into the circuit?
Which is not really a good idea to do.
If an RCD is getting warm, I'd be worried because It shouldn't do!
I would not advise fitting after-market RCDs to vacuum cleaners. What next, floor polishers, kettles, microwave oven? Where would it stop?
First thing to do is check the building installation and probably discover the sockets are already protected. If they're not, then get RCDs fitted to the rings mains and protect everything you plug in at far less cost!
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Kennymac
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Re: RCD
Cheers for the feedback. Some of the wall sockets have been changed to RCD types. And i know our electrical boards are being upgraded. Had a wee fall out over PAT testing with our maintenance teams. I do think its overkill they do keep our systems up to scratch, i know all the users check the cables and look over before switching on. I am up against guys who have been doing they're work for a while so they don't really like me poking around asking questions..
Re: RCD
I am completely against the RCD everything electrical brigade but when it comes to general purpose sockets you really must have RCD protection.
I suppose the angle the employer is looking at is if these appliances end up being used in a building or a floor with no RCD protection installed then how would they know? The sensible way to control this risk is to install RCD plug tops. The user will just need to make sure the RCD is in working order as part of their checks by pressing the ‘Test’ button before use.
To be honest I think this is good practice by the employer.
I suppose the angle the employer is looking at is if these appliances end up being used in a building or a floor with no RCD protection installed then how would they know? The sensible way to control this risk is to install RCD plug tops. The user will just need to make sure the RCD is in working order as part of their checks by pressing the ‘Test’ button before use.
To be honest I think this is good practice by the employer.
Education is the key. A manager should always stand by their team. They employed them.
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stephen1974
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Re: RCD
I got the impression for the OP that he was on about an RCD plug, not a socket and not at the distibution board.
I wouldn't recommend RCD plugs, just because of cost and practicality. (They will get lost and stolen and broken and not used)
Your distribution board should have RCD protection, so it's a question of the sockets being changed out. I dont think its necessary, but if a company wants to spend the money, this is the way to go.
I wouldn't recommend RCD plugs, just because of cost and practicality. (They will get lost and stolen and broken and not used)
Your distribution board should have RCD protection, so it's a question of the sockets being changed out. I dont think its necessary, but if a company wants to spend the money, this is the way to go.
