RCD - C2 and C3 EICR CODES and TESTING Type AC and Type A devices - THE DIFFERENCES
This video is in response to some recent questions and is intended to offer useful guidance about how to code RCD observations and issues when completing an Electrical Installation Condition Report and also about performing the correct tests on the different Types of RCD - in particular Type AC and type A devices
We are sometimes asked - what is the correct observation code for having no RCD installed?
Or, why are some RCD issues given a code C2 and others a code C3, is there a rule to follow?
And should type AC RCDs always be given a code C2?
We will begin with a reminder about the different EICR observation codes as you must understand how these are structured to be able to select the correct codes. We will show you different examples and how to code them.
We will move on to RCD testing and explain what the Wiring Regulations expect and how to complete the testing on different types of RCD.
To view all of our videos type in LearnElectrics all one word into the KZhead search bar.
This is video No.151 on our KZhead channel where we have videos on a wide range of electrical topics.
You really are an excellent teacher. Very clear. No waffle. Thanks for your efforts.
Wow, thank you, great comment. Dave.
Currently doing a £1800 electrical course, to then find your channel where all the info is free. I learn more from these videos than the course. So thank you for the help. Top man.
Thanks for the great feedback. Tell others about the channel, it all helps. Lots more to come. Dave.
@@learnelectrics4402 I certainly will 👍
Most invaluable information thanks for posting.
Glad it was helpful and thanks for watching.
Love all of yours videos Dave.massive thank you for investing your time and educating/refreshing knowledge of new generation of electricians.
Very welcome and thanks for the great comment. If we don't teach the new generation to be better than us then who will take over. Thanks for watching. Dave.
This is far the best educational videos I have come across… please don’t stop 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
No intention of stopping, lots more to come. Thanks for watching. Dave.
Thank you so much! your explanation is clear an precise you make learning easier. I'm looking forward to more of your videos daily, keep them coming you're doing a wonderful job.👍👍
Glad it was helpful. Not sure about daily, I publish a new video every Monday, and sometimes also on a Thursday. But there are more that 150 videos for you to watch, perhaps one a day. Thanks for your support, appreciated. Dave.
Brilliant, very useful
Glad you think so. Thank you. Dave.
The code classification of C1 for 1 thing and C2 for 2 things is a good way to remember the coding . Thanks
Thanks Dennis. It needs to be easy for me to remember it. Thanks for watching. Dave.
Hi David just a small point . we are no longer required to test RCDs at 1/2 x 1x or 5x, we can if we choose to but we are not required to ,also there is no ware on the test certificate to record the 1/2x and 5x test . In my opinion this is a stupid idea what was the IET thinking when the made this change? But I for one will continue to test At 1/2x 1x and 5x I have no intention of just trusting the manufacturers when they say the device works correctly. Fantastic video as always 👍👍👍
Exactly my thoughts too Sean. The Regs have a minimum requirement but most of us still do all 5 tests. I've had a couple of Type AC RCDs pass the x5 tests but fail the x1 test. If I hadn't done all 5 tests I would never have known and the customer may have been in danger. I write the x half and times 5 result in the comments boxes so anybody else knows I've done them. Dave.
@@learnelectrics4402 yes I couldn’t agree more . In my opinion the new regs on Testing RCDS is stupid.
Thank you very much, as always, amazing teacher
Thank you Iqbal, your support is appreciated. Dave.
Thank you, for sharing your knowledge with us. I have learned too much from you and did pass my BS 7671 and 2391-52 in just two months. I would like if you could make some videos about PV system and EV charger. It would help many of us. Thank you once again and wish you happy life./ Safi
Thanks Ahmed. They are on the list. Thanks for watching. Dave.
Great explanation as ever dave, one question though, if an older tt installation has only 1 AC Rcd at the head of the board, covering everything. So the Rcd is providing fault protection, would you c2 this on an eicr?
If it was a 100mA device yes. Thanks for your support. Dave.
Po
excellent Video Dave however I have a question as you mentioned if only sockets are suspected to feed outdoor then C2 otherwise C3 with no RCD but you didnt mention anything about Luminairs? I read somwhere Luminairs should be RCD protected how would you tackle this? Thanks
It's mentioned in the video. All Class 1 light fittings must have a 30mA RCD, code 2 Hope this helps. Dave.
@@learnelectrics4402 Thanks for the reply Dave so if luminairs have class 2 fittings then RCD is not required?
Thanks for this very useful
Glad it was helpful, appreciated. Dave.
@@learnelectrics4402 have since had the exam and passed after watching your video they were so useful especially with me being dyslexic. God sent 🙏🏿
Another really useful video, thank you. The additional testing required for type A RCDs was really useful info, and I’m now thinking that my old Megger 1552 MFT isn’t really up to the job of adequately testing type A RCDs - it only has 100 mA and 300 mA ranges on the mA dial, not the 50 mA and 250 mA suggested in the video. Thoughts, anyone??
A good idea to keep your equipment up to latest standards. Sometimes you just have to do it. However, the 250mA test is, according to the test requirements, AT LEAST 250mA, so 300mA would do that and if your 100mA range has a times half setting, there is your 50mA. The megger I mention in the video will do all this, shop around for a deal. Dave.
@@learnelectrics4402 , thank you for the help and advice.
Perhaps you have taken the plunge now and bought a new meter but my MFT 1553 has a number of current settings and will do the specified currents if you use the x 1/2 setting. I thought the MFT 1553 was identical to the 1552 but for the Bluetooth feature on mine. Maybe I'm wrong. If a meter works and gets through calibration year after year then why change it.
Hi Learn electrics your videos have literally been brilliant helping me out during my First year starting out, they're so easy to understand. I have got a question if you can give advice please. Lets say a customer wants power to outdoor sockets and power to an outbuilding and everything is fine like bonding, RCD protected etc etc. Would you need to retrofit an SPD in this instance ? Or does SPD installations only be required when fitting a new CU. Thank you so much.
At the moment, for domestic circuits they are optional. It is recommended that we tell the customer about SPDs and let them decide about installing one. But not compulsory. We have a video on this called SPD INSTALLATION IN A CONSUMER UNIT, click on the link below to see it. kzhead.info/sun/o8uihcmJaoxtdq8/bejne.html Dave
@@learnelectrics4402 Thank you so much
David can you tell me why the big push for RCDs for sockets particularly for portable equipment use outside would a 30ma plug type RCD be an easier option and better as if it goes it’s not going to take the main ring circuit with it ? All my garden tools have 30ma three pin plug RCDs and they do work just as well , I test them at least once a month so I know they are working as intended. You’re thought’s would be much appreciated. Many thanks 👍
Sean, no problems with what you are doing. The Building Regulations do actually suggest an RCD on an extension lead or a plug top RCD if none is fitted. When I was on site I always ran all my tools off my own RCD extension lead because I knew they were tested by me every month. Thanks for the comments and the support. Dave.
@@learnelectrics4402 thank you I just wanted you to be sure . I also have an extension lead with a plug top type RCD in my toolbox . But it was a friend who asked me to replace the plugs on his lawnmower and hedge trimmer . And want to be sure the is acceptable option as he doesn’t have RCD protection in hie CU as it is a rewireble . I said he might think about an upgrade but that fell on death ears . Thank you for your reply
@@Dog-whisperer7494 fit one rcd socket where he plugs them in , this covers every appliance used in that outlet. Years ago when I was doing Periodic tests ( now EICR ) we would swap the socket nearest the front and back doors for equipment used outdoors to rcd sockets. This then complied . The reason we fit a rcd at the consumer unit is because it's cheaper and covers all sockets. We have to assume all homeowners are idiots and protect them the best we can .
Thanks 👍
Thank you to you too. Dave
Slightly off topic, but I have a question regarding rcd protection. I was doing a job a couple of weeks in which I had to add 2 lights to an existing circuit "commercial " the lighting circuit in question was protected by an mcb but does have switch drops etc. Now as I was the last person to work on the circuit I was under the assumption that I would now need to protect it by an rcd. My mate thinks differently. Any info would be welcomed. Thanks.
If you make additions to a DOMESTIC lighting circuit you must bring it up to current standards which includes 30mA RCD protection. Hope this helps.
@@learnelectrics4402 hi dude thanks for your reply. So would it be only domestic or domestic and commercial? I only ask because the job I had done was commercial and the existing wiring contains switch drops etc. Thanks again.
Your videos are brilliant, just a question , isn’t medical location in Brown book is 710 ? In video says 701
Thanks for the feedback, appreciated. Yes, 710 is correct. I must have had a dyslexic moment, thanks for the info.
If installing a socket outlet to a existing installation for a 13amp single oven on its own circuit will this now need to be type A rcd protected or is the type ac in place sufficient. Was looking at 531 3.3 would this be classed as cookers
I'm guessing that this is a new, modern oven with timers and bells and things so it probably will have DC components in it. And a new circuit? with new circuit breaker and new cables? I would go for a type A RCBO for this circuit. If its an older board there might be some difficulty in relocating or fitting in an RCBO. You could always fit an external RCBO in an enclosure.
@@learnelectrics4402 hi thanks for reply yes all these modern ovens have timers and maby led light. What it is a local shop to me wants me to install a socket behind all the single ovens they go to and for some reason they can't install them. So say its a 13 amp oven that's been wired direct to the 32 amp cooker circuit. So they then want me to pop in add a socket so they can go and just install it. These new regs with type a rcds are a bit of a pain. People don't want to pay. So trying to find the best way to keep price low Was maby thinking of them type A rcd fronted sockets or fuse spur devices if they comply to regs. It's hard to tell someone they need all this work doing just to plug there oven in. When they already have a type ac rcd in place thanks
Sir, I have a question with regards to testing of the RCD. Should the SPD or AFDD should be disconnected prior to carry out RCD testing? To avoid damaged to the devise. Is this correct?
Not necessarily. The RCD test just puts a few milliamps at 230 volts across the RCD. Insulation Resistance tests are different, you definitely need to be disconnecting devices or taking precautions before putting 500 volts down the wires. Dave.
Thank you very much sir, for your advise.😊
nice one
Thanks for watching. Dave.
Hello, I would like to replace my two 30mA type AC RCD in my split load consumer unit which is downstream of a 100mA type AC RCD. From a selectivity standpoint, would 30mA type A RCD upstream of 100mA type AC RCD be ok? Thanks.
Wrong way round. The bigger rating 100mA RCD should be upstream of the 30 mA devices. Hope this helps.
@@learnelectrics4402 Thank you! Yes, 100mA should be upstream and the 30mA should be closer to the MCBs. All I'm doing is replacing my two 30mA type AC with type A. The 100mA type AC remains as is. So it looks ok from a selectivity standpoint. Thanks again.
Please can you make a video for a three and single phase motor test ( steps of test on them) thanks
Its now on the list. Thanks for asking.
@@learnelectrics4402 thanks god bless u
Hello sir, Should the outdoor service switch be greater or smaller than the main breaker in the consumer unit? I'll be so grateful if you would send me back. Thank you, Khalid
See previous answer
Great video, so on an EICR in a school type AC RCDs are fine to be left in?
If there is only pure AC equipment, appliances, yes. If there is equipment with DC components in the waveform then this needs to be brought to the users attention as a C3 as in the video. Dave.
I'm here again
Thanks for watching.
@@learnelectrics4402 you are welcome
This is really poor outdated advice. Having spoken with actual members of the JPEL 64 board I can advise that there is absolutely no requirement to test Type A RCD’s on the type A settings within the 18th edition 2nd amendment. The only test now required is that all types of RCD’s should be tested on the 1x setting on either 0 or 180. If in doubt refer to the NICEIC who will advise in accordance with the new IET regulations.
This is exactly what I say in the video Martin. The Regs only require the most basic test but if you want to do more, then this is what to do. Thanks for watching. Dave.