Rank: Forum user 
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Hi,
I work in food manufacturing industry. Our equipment is constantly in wet environments due to the process and constant cleaning. The plugs, etc are IP rated and suitably constructed however I thought that in this environment all electrical panels feeding these pieces of equipment should be fitted with an RCD device for additonal protection. Plugs and cables do get damaged and even the IP rated equipment is prone to attack over time from salt/water/chemicals.
I have asked the Maintenance dept if we have these fitted and if not can we start a programme for it but the manager does not believe it necessary due to the IP rated equipment.
Does anyone else in food or other industry have a stance on this and a best practice they could share with me?
Thanks
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Rank: Forum user
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I think what are proposing is sensible specially in a wet environment, you can get IP rated sockets with RCD protection and you are not proposing to replace all of them immediately but start facing them out. So I don't see why he would not back you up on this. It is certainly best practise. IMO
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Rank: Super forum user 
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safetyman,
There should be NO need for RCD's on fixed control panel type equipment, and should they be fitted then there is the chance that the equipment will malfunction.
The RCD is NOT designed to protect large fixed items of plant and equipment.
IF I am understanding your comments correctly.
However, IF you are talking about portable, transportable or other "movable" equipment, there is still no requirement under "wiring regulations" for this protection.
If it is to be fitted it should be provided on a socket by socket basis, NOT across several circuits / machines / panels / sockets as this WOULD be in contravention of the wiring regulations if it were to be implemented.
There are differing levels of quality with respect to the types of plugs and sockets that I suspect you utilise, yellow (110), blue (230) & red (400) Volts I am guessing.
There are also differing levels of IP rating available in these ranges of equipment, perhaps you are utilising the "wrong" type?
There is no requirement for RCD protection under wiring regulations in commercial premises except under a certain set of conditions which if met would apply, I don't fully know your emvironment & I don't have my regs books to hand.
HTH, if you want any more please PM, but I am quite busy at the moment!
Paul
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Nuisance trips caused by "usual" RCD settings would probably be unacceptable in a production line environment. Time delay requirements to cater for motor in-rush imbalances and potential leakage currents to be catered for would tend to significantly negate the usual human protection factors of these devices.
IP ratings, armour, maintenance and routine testing of earth paths and earth leakage would be key considerations.
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