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Posted By paul debney
What protection would an RCD adapter that plugs into an extension lead socket (an appliance's 3 pin plug would go into this which is in turn plugged into the extension lead)offer as regards electric shock and fire?
The RCD would trip at 30MA, would this trip at the socket on the wall or at the extension lead?
Would it be better to place the RCD at the wall socket or in the extension lead?
Sorry but electricity is not my subject, I just know the dangers.
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Posted By Jeffrey Watt
Paul
I'd stick it at the socket if this is all we had.
If you are working outside I would say go for at least IP44 fittings (big round blue socket and plug where the shroud overlaps the plug pins). 110volt centre tapped to Earth would be equally useful outside but an RCD arguably gives better protection as there should be no shock at all.
Tell the group a bit more about what you are doing and we can comment further.
Jeff
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Posted By paul debney
We are a major supplier of power tools to large chains (B&Q) etc.
In the returns area employees test machines to find faults.
Due to the lack of sockets in this area extension leads are used, I have a risk assessment compiled that says that additional plug sockets be installed by August so I am looking to make the exisitng arrangement as safe as possible until then.
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Posted By Jeffrey Watt
Paul
I would also ensure that any roll cables are fully unwound to prevent heat build up through induction. Now you have metres of cable on the floor to trip on so you need to assess that risk too.
You are going to get trunking fitted, when the guys are doing this they can also fit an RCD in the consumer unit so all plugs fed from it are protected. The downside from that is if one guy tests a dodgy drill everyone else in the room will think it is their tool that tripped the RCD. So probably a bad idea for the purposes of fault finding
I think you need to also look at some fundamentals i.e. you are recieving back goods suspected of being defective, are the guys doing the testing competent to fault find safely? Your best placed to make that decision. Possibly time to contact an electrical engineer?
Jeff
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Posted By Jim Walker
HSE have some guidance notes on this subject.
Also test facility requirements. I'm a bit out of the field now so cannot be more precise.
On the face of it, I think you are sailing a bit close to the wind here.
You really need to consult a competent person and as a minimum comply with the IEE ACOP
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Posted By John Murgatroyd
I think you all need to talk to a qualified electrical engineer.
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