Bathroom work

[Gazza]

Hi all,

I have been asked to do a job in a bathroom which involves installing a bathroom mirror/shaver socket/light combo. They have a wylex fuse board (no RCD). Is it possible for me to replace the existing shaver socket with the mirror so it can be classed as an accessory replacement rather than installation. Adding an RCD sub main is not really an option.

(cable is twin and earth and all earthing is satisfactory)

Any help will be much appreciated

Gazza

[Mark C]

A little strenuous I think to say it’s a like for like swap or maintenance but I know where you are coming from. I can’t see any reason why it isn’t possible to fit a RCD of 30mA no matter what board is fitted. It may not be practical to replace the entire consumer unit however there are possibilities with stand alone RCD’s, RCBO’s or RCD spur connection units. You state Wylex board so I assume you have the “plug in” style protection devices rather than the NS or NSB range. A RCD spur could be fitted beside/above the board and the lighting circuit wired through this and still maintaining fuse protection of BS1361, 5amp fuse and RCD protection @ 30mA. Now the question is what other electrical items they have in the bathroom and if they to are protected by a RCD. If a shower is already fitted then it should be on a RCD anyhow. If the lighting is it then the RCD spur is sufficient to comply with BS7671:2008.

[Gazza]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for replying. Its not gonna be an easy job to install a sub board as it is in such of an awkward place. (no room either side of the DB). But it is one of the push fit wylex boards, Can you get RCBO's that are compatible with them? (Im not sure as not come across it before.)

The shower is an electric one although it has been in since the house was built. It has its own circuit however has no RCD protection. But as I am not touching that I am leaving well alone!