Non-RCD Radial Socket Feed

[TheScullster]

Hi Electric Gurus

Reading through a post today about using an immersion heater socket for other loads got me thinking....

Previously, I have seen it suggested (and was considering myself) that a separate radial 2.5mm feed - with 20A MCB at the CU - could be run to the kitchen to cover fridge/freezer, boiler and possibly alarm circuit. The idea being that this radial would non-rcd protected side of a split CU. The responder to the previous post seems to imply that a socket "may" require RCD protection to satisfy Part P (or the latest IEE regs).

So, the question is:

Can a radial feed by supplied to a kitchen (special location) without RCD protection for supplying the above utilities and still satisfy all regs? As this work is part covered by a building notice, the option to disregard Part P does not apply (not that I would consider anything unsafe).

TIA

Phil

[John Rumm]

Assuming that you are not on a TT installation (where some level of RCD protection will be required for all circuits), then it just comes down to the likelihood of a socket being used to power equipment that may be used outside. So if you fit a single socket for the fridge, and the other stuff is hard-wired into FCUs etc then there is little chance that someone is going to unplug the fridge to run their lawn mower.

[Mogweed.]

Yep, no problem. I've got a 2.5mm radial (should have been a ring but the numpty who did the job dropped a bollock) on a 20A MCB that feeds the boiler, the oven (max load 2.3kW) and the fridge/freezer, all passed by the local BCO Part P police.

Mogweed.

[Owain]

Indeedy.

And if it is desirable to have the fridge socket RCD'd, it can be done with a socket having an integral RCD, that way the fridge has local RCD protection but is not subjected to nuisance tripping of the CU RCD.

Owain

[TheScullster]

"Owain" wrote

Nice (obvious but not to me) idea! Thanks Owain

Phil