In Europe, the installation codes differ by country. Because the UK uses
different wiring techniques (ring-mains) and different wall-sockets (13
A, three rectangular pins) and plugs with in-built fuses, the UK Code,
BS 7671, differs more than some of the others do. BS 7671 requires some
wall-sockets to include RCDs, and an RCD at the distribution panel. I
don't know of any requirement in any British Standard for an RCD inside
load equipment.
John Woodgate OOO-Own Opinions Only
J M Woodgate and Associates www.woodjohn.uk
Rayleigh, Essex UK
On 2018-01-31 17:06, Kunde, Brian wrote:
Where Pete stated, “The Euro systems use of RCDs require this
protection in many installations (but I’m not familiar with the
installation code details)”. This “Code” is probably what I am seeking.
Has anyone run across a Code rule that requires the Product to employ
a RCCB within the product? If the local electrical code requires a
RCCB, cannot this protection be provided as part of the site
protection? Why burden the cost of a product where such a requirement
may only be necessary in a small percentage of installations?
The main purpose of my question on this topic is cost. Here in the
USA, a GFCI receptacle is very inexpensive; costing around $10 at most
home stores. But a 3-phase RCD Circuit Breaker can cost $300-$400.
On some products, such as a tile saw that uses water, this can more
than double the cost of the entire product. So knowing when and where
they are required is very important.
Thanks again to everyone for your consideration. From what I have
read so far on this topic, it is a moving target as electric codes
from different states and countries are always evolving and the code
governing the requirements of RCDs and GFCIs are common to change.
Thanks,
Brian
*From:*John Woodgate [mailto:[email protected]]
*Sent:* Wednesday, January 31, 2018 11:13 AM
*To:* Kunde, Brian; [email protected]
*Subject:* Re: [PSES] GFCI vs GFPE
You can rely on the recent post in this thread by Pete Perkins.
John Woodgate OOO-Own Opinions Only
J M Woodgate and Associateswww.woodjohn.uk <http://www.woodjohn.uk>
Rayleigh, Essex UK
On 2018-01-31 15:52, Kunde, Brian wrote:
Thanks for the input everyone.
I know that GFCI protectors in North America will trip between
4-6mA. Do other countries, such as Europe, have the same
requirements?
Or are 30mA protectors used in Europe? If so, does Europe use 30mA
ground fault protectors because of nuisance tripping even though
the studies have shown that 30mA can be fatal?
These 3-phase cut-off saws that I’m evaluating comes with a power
cord, but no plug. They can be field wired or a plug could be
added and plugged it into a receptacle. The choice is left up to
the customer.
The saw uses water but the work environment would not normally be
considered a “wet location”. It would not be used in a
construction location.
So again, I’m trying to figure out why the saw manufacturer used
the expensive 30mA ground fault breakers in their product.
Thanks,
The Other Brian
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