Tank Electrical Safety

[andyj]

Hi guys,

I'm moving house next week, and have been considering installing RCD sockets for all of my tanks. I Currently use an RCD adaptor that plugs straight into a mains socket, but was thinking of upgrading this to an actual RCD socket.

The other option for my 4'6" tank is to install a small Consumer unit with an in built RCD, inside the cabinet, and run normal sockets off this consumer unit.

Has anyone got any thoughts/comments about these ideas?

Cheers,
Andy

 

[The-Wolf]

all modern houses with have RCD or RCB at the fuse box now
if the house is not modern and hasn't been re-wired within the
last 8 years then it won't have this type of fuse box

before you buy/rent a new place check out the fuse box and see what type it is
if it's the new style then you don't have to worry about buying RCB/RCDs

btw
RCD= Residual current device
RCB= Residual circuit breaker
both do exactly the same thing

 

[ncjharris]

Note if you need to, or plan to add one you need to be a qualified spark to do anything to a houses wiring now.

Although how 'they' would find out I never know....................

 

[andyj]

Cheers for the comments guys, I'll check the CU out when I get the keys on Friday !!

I had the electrics checked before we exchanged contracts, to ensure that they were safe and up to standard. The sparky said that the house didn't need rewiring etc.

I think that you are allowed to 'maintain' the electrics with your home, on a DIY basis, but you are not allowed to 'install'..... so chaging the face plate of a socket to an RCD one, would fall under maintenance as far as I can see But adding extra sockets and wiring etc would be classed as installation, and a qualified electrician would be required.

I've found a good forum for discussing all things 'electrical' etc www.screwfix.co.uk have got a forum

Andy

 

[littleimp]

Snap!!

I had an electrician wire a cooker style socket to the main ring main which this attaches to. I have a socket wire to each RCB. Not really neccessary now as load now a lot lower than when tank was saltwater but better safe than sorry.

 

[andyj]

Littleimp, your set-up is the one that gave me the idea in the first place !!! I knew I'd seen a set-up on here somewhere, but couldn't think who's it was !!!

Will keep you guys posted how I get on with it all.

Andy

 

[andyj]

Have got some very good feedback from the guys on the Screwfix forum

They've said that if I've got a 32mA RCD unit fitted to the Consumer Unit in the house, then I don't need to install another RCD socket just for the fish tanks

Bonus! Saves me a bob or two

Next step is to hardwire a few double sockets inside the cabinet, and wire them up to a single socket.

Will keep you all posted with pics etc over the next couple of weeks.

Andy