The company I work for has just undergone a health and safety assessment. One of the items to come up was the need to change two double sockets in the small kitchen to ones that have integrated RCD devices.
The kitchen is used for making tea, warming up the odd pasty in a microwave or, when someone really pushes the boat out, toasting a slice of bread. And there are only half a dozen or so staff.
1 There are actually three double sockets in the room. Not sure why only two were mentioned. (Plus fridge and dishwasher - but they are hidden.)2 There is a door leading out onto a small patio. So I guess you could argue that devices used outdoors could be plugged in there. But this would equally apply to the hall/entrance area.
3 The wiring isn't exactly old - maybe 12 years.I have not checked whether the circuits are protected by RCDs, and, if so, what rating. For the purposes of getting an answer, I would assume that they are protected. (I can see the argument if the circuits were not protected - but wouldn't it actually make more sense to fit whole circuit protection?) So far as I am aware, the circuits are sound and we do not get nuisance trips.
I imagine all sockets would include a 30 mA device.
And this is in England, in case that makes any difference.
So - what is the justification for providing this extra level of protection?
I really can't see everyone testing the RCD every time they plug the kettle in. Would fitting them really make any difference to safety?
Rod