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Add RCD to lighting circut

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  • 03-09-2016 7:05pm
    #1
    BunkMoreland
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 820 ✭✭✭


    I'm redoing a bathroom and will have IP65 down-lights in the shower area (and in a niche in the shower), replacing an existing light fitting.

    The down-lights require RCD protection which the CU / fuse box currently does not have on the lighting circuits.

    Is it possible to retrofit RCD for light circuits on the existing CU? (CU from 1995) Or is it a whole board change?


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    #2
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,595 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    BunkMoreland wrote: »
    I'm redoing a bathroom and will have IP65 down-lights in the shower area (and in a niche in the shower), replacing an existing light fitting.

    The down-lights require RCD protection which the CU / fuse box currently does not have on the lighting circuits.

    Is it possible to retrofit RCD for light circuits on the existing CU? (CU from 1995) Or is it a whole board change?

    Assuming that there is enough space in the board it s possible to fit additional RCD's / MCB's / RCBO's etc. However legally this work must be carried out by a Registered Electrical Contractor. Apart from this it would be inadvisable for anyone other than an electrician to do this work from a safety perspective.


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    #3
    BunkMoreland
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 820 ✭✭✭BunkMoreland


    2011 wrote: »
    Assuming that there is enough space in the board it s possible to fit additional RCD's / MCB's / RCBO's etc. However legally this work must be carried out by a Registered Electrical Contractor. Apart from this it would be inadvisable for anyone other than an electrician to do this work from a safety perspective.

    Indeed, not considering doing it myself.

    Trying to foresee the work required / cost involved. I assume an MBC can be swapped out for an RCBO while keeping the same wiring?


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    #4
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,595 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    BunkMoreland wrote: »
    Trying to foresee the work required / cost involved. I assume an MBC can be swapped out for an RCBO while keeping the same wiring?

    Depends on how it is wired, but generally this is possible.


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    #5
    solargain
    Registered Users Posts: 330 ✭✭solargain


    If the neutrals are looped ( the wiring done in singles pvc, pvc) you may have to rewire the bathroom lights completely and fit an rcd


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    #6
    Risteard81
    Registered Users Posts: 2,567 ✭✭✭Risteard81


    solargain wrote: »
    If the neutrals are looped ( the wiring done in singles pvc, pvc) you may have to rewire the bathroom lights completely and fit an rcd

    That would be the best option as the 4th Edition requires the bathroom lights to have a dedicated RCD - i.e. an RCBO or RCCB only serving one MCB and with non-bathroom lights not on that circuit.


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