Socket outlets for use with computers

**Ted** · 24th August 2009, 07:40 PM

Hi, I've been asked to provide up to 40 13amp twin sockets in a single office for use with up to 20 computers,I will probably use 2 or 3 compartment trunking for ease of installation but it's a long time since i've done this kind of work.Querie's are; would it be best to wire say 8 seperate circuits each with 5 sockets to minimise disruption in the event of a breaker tripping. Given its a supervised environment should I omitt any RCD protection given cabling will be surface mounted,however should it be concealed wiring then RCD protection will have to be provided.
Also can I install the sockets with the load equally balenced across 3 phases given there is a possibilty that sockets on different phases may be in close proximity to each other.
Finally are there any other considerations I've missed?

Thankyou
Ted.

**Central Scrutinizer** · 25th August 2009, 08:31 AM

well yes you can share the load accross phases, just as long as you label them to indicate that 400V will be present

reg 314.1 springs to mind, and you will have that covered by splitting the circuits up

The other issue to consider is reg 543.7, hearting arrangements for high protecive conductor currents - you know, connecting the ring CPC to seperate earth points on the 1363 socket outlets, and to seperate points on the MET, all that malarkey - with that many terminals it is certainly something to consider, so it might be worth finding out what the individual PC leakage through the filter is

**sparks1234** · 31st August 2009, 11:52 AM

I have been told by ECA that generally in offices that RCD protection should not be used as it is a supervised area so no need to worry about earth leakage, as previous post said, warning notices for 400 volts as well

**Central Scrutinizer** · 2nd September 2009, 12:49 PM

well no RCD would be REQUIRED if it was under the supervision of skilled/instructed person, but that is not the same as saying an rcd should NOT be used

the earth leakage was from two perspectives, under 314.1, cumalitive earth leakages causing indiscriminate RCD tripping, which is what i think you referring to, but i am also mentioning cumalative earth leakge currents classifying the circuit as one with 'high protecive conductor current', that is irrelevent to whether or not an RCD is fitted, and precautions, as per the regs, would still be taken regardless

**Ohmslaw** · 2nd September 2009, 08:39 PM

Hi.

A possible solution would be to use the 'T' type earth socket outlets by MK electric.

This would stop anyone plugging anything but IT equipment into the socket outlet and if they are clearly labled for use then criteria for negating the use of an RCD would be met.